Yoga Teacher Training Overview
A Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School
Since its release in 1994, Deepak Chopra’s book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success has improved the lives of millions around the world. Through seven easily understood principles, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success teaches that harmony, happiness, and abundance are available to anyone willing to embrace a consciousness-based approach to life.
Chopra Center co-founders, Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon have designed a daily yoga practice to help you unite body, mind, and spirit, bringing you into alignment with the magnificent rhythms of the cosmos.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga infuses your practice with spirit while bringing the seven laws into action each day. Every class plays a crucial role in yoga’s path to enlightenment while providing you with a wealth of meditation techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and yoga poses.
"Any reason for practicing yoga is a good reason. Enhancing flexibility and releasing stress are as noble a purpose for performing yoga as the awakening of spirituality. This is the great gift of yoga – it serves and nourishes us at every level of our being and spontaneously contributes to greater well being in all domains of life. Yoga will help you discover gifts within yourself that have remained unopened since your childhood – gifts of peace, harmony, laughter, and love." The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga by Drs. Deepak Chopra & David Simon
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga integrates 5,000 year-old Vedic wisdom and the yogic interpretations of Drs. Chopra and Simon. The program blends meditation, pranayama, yoga sutras, sun salutations, and asana development.
Whether you are new on the path of yoga and self-discovery, or you are hoping to deepen your knowledge about the ancient traditions, enrollment in the Yoga Alliance-compliant Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training will take your understanding of the true principles of yoga and conscious living to the next level.
Call 888-424-6772 ext. 1639 or request more information here
Yoga Certification Process
All applicants are required to fill out an application package, submit a one page essay on why you want to enroll in the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga program, and participate in a telephone interview with a Chopra Center staff member. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels are all welcome.
Upon graduating from the certification course, instructors will be authorized to use the titles: Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Instructor and Chopra Center Yoga Instructor.
Click here to download the application package
Requirements for all applicants
- Learn Primordial Sound Meditation at the Seduction of Spirit seminar or from a local certified instructor and practice daily meditation.
- Attend the Seduction of Spirit seminar prior to attending Part A.
- Attend the Journey Into Healing workshop - an immersion in the teachings of Ayurveda and mind-body healing. You have the option to take Journey into Healing either before Part A, or in between Parts A and B. Yoga teachers-in-training are required to take Journey into Healing within 18 months of registration.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Program is taught in the following stages:
Step 1
Enroll in the Teacher Training program. Submit your completed application to the Chopra Center.
Step 2
Your next step is attending the Seduction of Spirit meditation retreat with Deepak Chopra and David Simon. In Seduction of Spirit, you will practice Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga each morning and evening, dine on Ayurvedic vegetarian lunches, and meditate with Deepak, David, & more than 400 likeminded individuals. Upon graduating from Seduction of Spirit you will receive a Home Study Kit containing several books, including The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, and Perfect Health; your instructor manual; a CD for learning Sanskrit; practice teaching CDs; and a list of the recommended books for the training.
Step 3
Teachers in training will need to pass an at-home, open book pre-test three weeks before attending Part A of the Yoga Teacher Training. The test will cover the materials in the Home Study Kit as well as the information presented at Seduction of Spirit. A grade of at least 85% is required to attend Part A.
Step 4
After attending the Part A six-days training, you'll need to participate in an at-home yoga practice, 20 hours of instruction, and ongoing study of the materials provided by the Chopra Center. The program director and other faculty members will be available during your home study period via email, telephone, and live teleconferences.
Step 5
Attend Part B, the second six-day residential training program. The focus of Part B is deepening your yoga teaching practice and taking the qualification tests for certification.
Each day of residential Part A and Part B includes light breakfast, daily lunches, course materials, yoga classes, meditation, asana practice, mantra study, yoga sutra instruction, Sanskrit study, chanting, anatomy classes, and discussions with Chopra staff members.
Additional Requirements
In order to receive your Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga completion certificate and become registered with Yoga Alliance, you must complete a local CPR program and supply a copy of the certificate.
This program is a Yoga Alliance 200 Hour compliant program.
Continuing Education
The Chopra Center requires that certified yoga teachers maintain and develop their yoga practice and teaching through continuing education. Please ask us for further details.
Call 888.424.6772 ext. 1639 or request more information here
Yoga Teacher Training Program FAQs
What if I am not very flexible, can I still become a yoga teacher?
We like to say that the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga program is for every body. This Yoga Teacher Training program focuses on & what your body and mind can do in each moment. All levels, styles and body types are welcome.
What are the steps to become a certified yoga teacher?
- Regular practice (twice daily) of Primordial Sound Meditation, as taught by the Chopra Center or one of our Chopra Center Certified Primordial Sound Meditation Instructors.
- Submit an application along with a one page essay on why you want to enroll our yoga program
- Telephone interview with a SSLY Faculty member after the application is reviewed
- Completed and signed Enrollment agreement, and other required forms
- Home study. Upon payment and registration for the SSLY program you will receive a Home Study Kit that will include The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga book, The Instructor’s Manual, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success Book, Perfect Health book and a Sanskrit CD.
- Pass the SSLY pre-test and complete 30 hours of personal yoga practice before attending the first residential training course.
- Attend Seduction of Spirit
- Attend Journey Into Healing
- Complete and pass all exams
Are there any additional requirements?
Yes.
- Due to the physical nature of yoga, we ask that all of our yoga teachers become certified in CPR and provide a copy of your certificate to us.
- These requirements can be met before, during, or after the residential part of the training, but must be completed in order to receive your Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga certificate.
After I have completed the prerequisites, when do I start the Yoga Teacher Training?
Yoga Teacher Training begins with the Part A, a six-day preparatory residential training program offered several times a year. After Part A, you begin the at-home study portion of the Teacher Training program.
How long with it take to become certified?
All participants will have 18 months after receiving home study kit to complete the prerequisites and testing to become certified.
What is the home study portion of the training?
The two-month home study, review and practice are to be completed between Part A and Part B of the residential trainings. During this two-month home study, teachers in training will need to participate in at least 30 hours of yoga practice, instruction, study and research with the materials provided by the Chopra Center. The SSLY faculty members will be available during your two month at-home study period via email and live teleconferences p>
What happens during Part B of the Teacher Training?
Written and oral testing. The final six-day certification residential program is where all participants must display proficiency in all aspects of the curriculum including teaching the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga classes.
What is included in Part A and Part B of the Teacher Trainings?
Chopra Center residential teacher training programs include light breakfast, daily lunches, course materials, yoga classes, meditation, asana practice, mantra study, yoga sutra instruction, Sanskrit study, chanting, anatomy classes, testing, and various discussions Chopra staff members. Upon graduating from the certification course, instructors will be authorized to use the titles The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Instructor and Chopra Center Certified Yoga Instructor.
What is included in the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Home Study Kit?
- Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Instructor Manual
- Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D.
- Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, M.D
- Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
- Vital Energy by David Simon, M.D.
- 3 Key Points of Relaxation by Claire E. Diab
- The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga by Ray Long, M.D. FRCSC
- Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Basic Class 1 & 2 CDs
- Sanskrit Home Study CD
- Sun Salutations for Everyone - DVD with Claire E. Diab
Is this program Yoga Alliance Compliant?
We are a registered school with the Yoga Alliance. Our program is a Yoga Alliance 200-Hour compliant program.
How do I get more information?
Please contact us at any time!
Call 888.424.6772 ext. 1639, 760.494.1639 or request more information here
Yoga Certification Dates & Tuition
October 4–10, 2010 (Part B)
La Costa Resort & Spa
Registration deadline: August 1, 2010
August 8–14, 2011 (Part A)
La Costa Resort & Spa
Registration deadline: May 8, 2011
October 3–9, 2011 (Part B)
La Costa Resort & Spa
Registration deadline: September 1, 2011
Required Courses and tuition for each (if done separately)
- Primordial Sound Meditation ($375 standard price)
- Seduction of Spirit ($2,775 standard price)
- Journey into Healing ($2,375 standard price)
- Home study, Part A Preparatory training, and Part B Certification training ($4,075 standard price). Home study kit kit will be sent to you after enrolling and submitting your completed application package.
Standard Tuition Package is $9,025; Discount packages start at $6,550.
Package includes Courses 1-4 above. Accommodations and transportation are not included in the Certification Course pricing.
Enrollment is limited. In addition to tuition package discounts, registrants may secure their place with a 50 percent deposit. The remainder of the payment and total tuition is due 30 days after the deposit is made.
Call 888.424.6772 x1639 or 760.494.1639 request more information here
Yoga Teacher Training Faculty
David Simon, M.D. is the co-founder and Medical Director of The Chopra Center at La Costa Resort and Spa. Since he began his association with Deepak Chopra, M.D. in the 1980's, Dr. Simon has become one of the nation's foremost authorities on yoga, meditation, and the effective and appropriate use of holistic health care practices.
His prolific program development, writing, and research have resulted in the training of thousands of yogis, nurses, health, practitioners, and educators in holistic healing approaches throughout the world. In his role as Medical Director, Dr. Simon is the driving force behind The Chopra Center's development, training and implementation of programs and seminars in yoga, meditation, mind-body medicine, emotional healing, and spirituality.
He is the co-author of the critically acclaimed book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, which he wrote with Dr. Chopra, and is the author of several wellness books including: Vital Energy: The 7 Keys to Invigorate Body, Mind and Soul; Return to Wholeness – Embracing Body, Mind and Spirit in the Face of Cancer; The Wisdom of Healing; and (co-authored with Deepak Chopra) The Chopra Center Herbal Guide; and the classic Grow Younger, Live Longer.
Claire Diab is founder of The American Yoga Academy and is an internationally renowned Yoga Therapist and Fitness Specialist with more than 18 years of experience. In addition, she is currently adjunct Professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. For more than 10 years, she has taught and designed yoga programs for Dr. Chopra at more than ten Seduction of Spirit and Journey to the Boundless seminars, including those at Oxford University, England, Geneva, Switzerland and Goa, India. She lectures nationwide on "Zen & Yoga: The Art of Living."
Claire-currently the Director of the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga program- is also a certified Chopra Center instructor in Primordial Sound Meditation, and Seven Laws of Engaging Spirit in the Workplace. Her teaching of Mind/Body Integration in the business environment has provided real-world solutions for corporations such as Dunn & Bradstreet, Honeywell, AT&T, MSNBC, CNBC and Exxon.
Call 888-424-6772 ext. 1639 or 760-494-1639 or request more information here
Yoga Teacher Training Testimonials
Our Yoga Teacher graduates from August 2008
"We designed this program with our Certified Instructors in mind…those who directly connect their individuality with their universality on a daily basis. With their help we will heal and transform the world."
—Dr. David Simon
"Like imaginal cells in a caterpillar undergoing metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly, Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga instructors are peace cells in the emergence of a powerful and sacred global humanity."
—Dr. Deepak Chopra
"This yoga instructor certification is the final step to becoming a true yogi."
—Claire Diab
"Wow,what an amazing experiential program.I learned with my body as I learned
with my mind. Each day flowed smoothly into the next, building on my new knowledge and abilities. I never thought I would be able to achieve the postures so effortlessly. My body and mind have truly transformed." —Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Participant
"This was the best planned, focused program I have even been to. The instructors were all in concert with their intentions and their desire to impact the best of what they all have to offer. The constant energy was uplifting, fun and inspiring. The knowledge of all the staff was shared in a way that was easy to receive. Starting with meditation and ending with chanting was an amazing experience." —Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Participant
"You have all helped me very much in my healing process. You all have made a point of being very supportive, loving, kind – yet disciplined and professional. Thank you from the bottom of my healing heart!" —Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Participant
"I wish to thank each and everyone who had anything to do with the work and training. It was extraordinary. I have had enough experience with yoga trainings in the several sessions I have attended to know that it takes a tremendous effort on the part of everyone involved. The organization and dedication really showed. The manual is a master piece and a tool that will make our study and work a delight. The schedule was packed and yet allowed for the human spirit to have time to soar and absorb all that was offered. I am still counting my blessings to have been so fortunate to be a part of such a grand and Divinely inspired program for yoga. The addition of the application of the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success to the practice and awareness of yoga is like adding rare and precious jewels to ancient treasures! I am practicing my new mantra "I have so little to do and so very much time in which to do it" so that I may continue to create the time and space to deepen my work with this yoga training." —Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Participant
Call 888.424.6772 ext. 1639 or request more information here
