The Hardest Part of Yoga Teacher Training Isn't The Poses

THE BIGGEST teacher training challenge is to address and challenge people's philosophy on what yoga is. There is a significant difference between what modern physical yoga is and what people think it is [video below].

Often, people say to me that their teacher told them that yoga poses should be steady and comfortable, as stated in the yoga sutras of Patanjali. However, taken out of context, this interpretation misses the deeper meaning. Teachers sometimes use that sutra from Patanjali to avoid pushing beyond their comfort zones.

Understanding Yoga's True Essence

Yoga is not merely about physical postures. It is a holistic practice that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. The essence of yoga lies in its ability to transform us. To truly grasp what yoga is, we must delve deeper than surface-level interpretations.

The Sword Must Be Forged in Fire

Think of Shiva's tandava - his cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Before new worlds can be created, old ones must be destroyed. The same is true in our practice. We cannot birth our steadiest, most comfortable selves without first dancing through the flames of challenge and discomfort.

Image Credit - Akram Yoga Ltd / Zahir Akram

If you look at that line as a stand-alone quote, it is just that: yoga poses should be steady and comfortable (Sutra 2.46). But a more complete understanding of yoga and the sutras is needed to really grasp its meaning. Patanjali starts his yoga sutras with "atha yoga anushasanam" - "now the instruction in yoga." It's a curious way to start a book. When you understand the broader cultural framework, you see that Patanjali is saying that now you are ready for yoga.

There's a Zen parable about a student who came to a master seeking enlightenment. The master poured tea into the student's cup and kept pouring even as it overflowed. "Stop!" cried the student. "The cup is full!" The master replied, "Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and assumptions. How can I teach you unless you first empty your cup?"

Image Credit - Lewis Calloch. Used with licence.

Patanjali's "atha" means you have scratched and clawed your way through life. Life has challenged you and tested you. At that point of transformation, you are ready to understand yoga. You can't truly grasp the depth of Patanjali's sutras without having been tested. This context must be understood before you read that line that asana (the poses) should be steady and comfortable (Sutra 2.46).

Perhaps that means they should be steady and comfortable after you have genuinely challenged yourself to reach this point. How can you know what steady really is without experiencing unsteadiness? How can you know comfort without discomfort?

Parvati's Tapas: The Power of Disciplined Practice

Consider the story of Parvati's devotion to Shiva. To win his attention, she didn't simply sit in gentle meditation. She performed intense tapas. Standing on one leg for years, enduring scorching heat and freezing cold, she pushed through every conceivable discomfort. Only through this crucible of challenge did she transform herself and discover her true nature.

Image Credit - Akram Yoga Ltd / Zahir Akram

A teacher trainee cannot approach warrior 2 half-heartedly. This is not acceptable for someone learning the deeper aspects of yoga teacher training. You have to sweat, grimace, fall out of the pose, feel challenged, tired, and humbled. Only then do you truly understand the pose. From that point, you can find a genuine place of steadiness.

In many ways, it's understandable for a teacher trainee to practice within their comfort zone - to think yoga poses should be gentle and easy. For them, that may be fine. But what can happen once they teach is that they may unintentionally limit the potential of their students. Their own fears and limitations get projected onto others, preventing growth for both themselves and their students.

So as a teacher trainee, you don't have to perfect your handstand. But you do need to practice it to understand the physical and mental challenge. You don't have to perfect your peacock pose, but you do need to explore your edges and meet your limitations. This understanding is crucial because working through resistance is an important part of the practice.

Arjuna on the Battlefield

Remember Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, standing on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, paralysed by doubt and fear. He wanted to retreat to the comfort of inaction. But Krishna didn't tell him to find his "steady and comfortable" place on the sidelines. Krishna challenged him to fulfill his dharma, to step into the fire of his purpose, to understand that true yoga happens precisely in those moments when we must act despite our trembling hearts.

Image Credit - Akram Yoga Ltd / Zahir Akram

A teaching institute like ours does not ask for perfection. But we do ask for genuine effort and willingness to be challenged. Go beyond the limitations of your comfort zone, and you as a student will become a teacher who can help so many others do the same. Safely, mindfully, and with true understanding.

The Journey of Transformation

Transformation is a journey, not a destination. Each step we take on this path shapes us. Embrace the challenges. They are the fire that forges your spirit. As you navigate through discomfort, you will discover your true strength.

Embracing Discomfort

Discomfort is an essential part of growth. It pushes us to explore new territories within ourselves. When we face challenges head-on, we learn resilience. This resilience becomes a powerful tool in both our personal lives and our teaching.

The Role of a Teacher

As a teacher, your role is to guide others through their discomfort. You are not just imparting knowledge; you are facilitating experiences. Encourage your students to embrace the struggle. Help them understand that true growth often lies just beyond their comfort zones.

Conclusion: The Path Ahead

The path of yoga is one of continuous learning. Each practice, each challenge, and each moment of discomfort is an opportunity for growth. As you continue your journey, remember that the fire of transformation is always within you. Embrace it, and let it guide you to your true self.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/c1de07_cca1182156ed4b2a92a244b6ea43d394/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Namaskar

Zahir 👳🏾‍♂️

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