9-day Bhakti YTT Module

Yandara’s Bhakti & Mantra Training is an elective part of our 300hr Teacher Training Program. You are also welcome to attend just this module as a regenerative retreat or continuing education course. During these 9 days we will explore the practices and philosophy of Bhakti Yoga and the art of Mantra! This retreat-style training will be healing and nurturing for the body, mind and heart. We will prioritize the cultivation of a calmer state of being through daily regenerative practices and activities.

Bhakti Yoga

Born from a deep desire to feel and express ones relationship to the divine, Bhakti Yoga offers a way to connect the spiritual heart with everyday life experience. Together we will explore many different heartfelt practices. You will learn to share traditional as well as contemporary mantras and kirtans. You will receive personal instruction on how to play Indian Bhakti Yoga instruments, such as harmonium, sitar, tamboura, shruti box, drums, and kartals. Instruments will be provided or you can bring your own, if you enjoy playing the guitar, bring it and learn to play mantras/kirtans.

Learn how Bhakti developed in the yogic tradition, participate in study groups to discuss and apply the wisdom from ancient Yogic texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Narada’s Bhakti Sutras, and the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. Learn and share mythological stories about Gods and Goddesses, and find out about the origin and stories behind many of the mantras and asanas. Become familiar with the Bhakti Yogis of India, such as Ananda Mayi Ma, Sri Caitanya and the wandering mystic Mirabai.

Heal and unravel your heart’s radiant nature. Bhakti is a world of overflowing love, Yoga’s sweetest path to enlightenment. Through Ishvarapranidhana – love and reverence for the essence of life – we look forward to support you in your individual expression of Bhakti Yoga.

Topics Explored in the Bhakti Yoga Training:

What is Bhakti Yoga
Sanskrit Mantra and Kirtan
Sargam – Indian Musical Notation – discover your SA (voice foundation note)
Instrument Classes – harmonium, shruti box, tamboura, dotar, sitar, dilruba, kartals, drums
Sound Healing with Tibetan Bowls and Bells
Ancient Yogic Texts and Stories
The History and Development of Bhakti Yoga
The Relationship of Guru (teacher) and Shishya (student)
Mudra, Mudra Meditation Kriya, Nyasa (blessing of the physical body)
Puja (ceremony) and Arati (offering light with a traditional Indian oil lamp)
Sacred food – learn a chant to bless your food and learn to prepare prasadam – blessed food.