Overview | Process | FAQ | Faculty | Testimonials | Dates/Tuition
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training certification is a Yoga Alliance 200-hour compliant program developed by Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon, and directed by Professor Claire Diab. This practice integrates 5,000 year-old Vedic wisdom with modern yogic interpretations, creating a daily yoga practice to help you unite body, mind, and spirit. Based on Deepak Chopra and David Simon's book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, this beautiful practice blends meditation, pranayama, yoga philosophy, sun salutations, and asana development to bring you into alignment with the magnificent rhythms of the cosmos.
This consciousness-based yoga teacher training begins with experiencing higher states of consciousness at Seduction of Spirit and mind-body healing at Journey into Healing. Your personal practice continues to deepen with regular connection through webinars and teleconferences and a powerful home study process that concludes with two interactive certification weeks at the Chopra Center (Part A and Part B).
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training certification 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 unity and wholeness, while providing you with a wealth of meditation techniques, mantras, breathing exercises, and yoga poses.
"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
Whether you are new on the path of yoga and self-discovery or you are looking to deepen your existing practice, becoming a certified yoga teacher will take your practice and your understanding of the true principles of yoga and conscious living to the next level.
As a Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga certified teacher, you will be able to set up, market, and teach classes in a manner and frequency that works with your schedule (subject to a few basic guidelines). Chopra Center University will provide ongoing training, marketing support, and business development. You will also receive guidance through teleconferences, webinars, newsletters, and access to our international referral service. In addition, certified instructors receive substantial discounts on all Chopra Center events, workshops, programs, and products.
Upon completion of this program, you will be qualified to teach Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga classes throughout the world. You will become part of the Chopra Center's global network of certified instructors.
Overview | Process | FAQ | Faculty | Testimonials | Dates/Tuition
To qualify for the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training certification, the following steps must be completed:
- Enroll: Complete, sign, and submit the application forms. A one-page essay on why you would like to become certified must accompany the application.
- Daily practice (two times a day) of Primordial Sound Meditation learned in your community or at a Chopra Center event.
- Daily practice of yoga.
- Enroll in, attend, and complete the Seduction of Spirit or Seduction of Silence meditation retreat, as a participant. The Seduction of Spirit or Seduction of Silence meditation retreat must be completed before attending Part A of the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training.
- Enroll in, attend, and complete the Journey into Healing workshop as a participant. The Journey into Healing workshop may be completed up to 18 months after Part B of scheduled training.
- Complete the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Home Study process. The Home Study Kit will be shipped to you after the required paperwork has been received and the participant has enrolled in Seduction of Spirit or Seduction of Silence and Journey into Healing.
- Complete a telephone interview with Chopra Center staff.
- Pass the at-home, online, open-book pre-tests. These tests must be completed and passed 30 days before the start of the scheduled Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training.
- Complete a local CPR program and supply a copy of the certificate to Chopra Center University.
- Participate in required Teachers Path conferences by phone or web in preparation for the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yogateacher training.
- Participants have 18 months after acceptance to the course to complete the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training.
- In order to maintain your certification, you are required to attend Seduction of Spirit or Seduction of Silence once every two years. Discounts are available.
Click here to download the application package.
Click here to download the program syllabus.
Overview | Process | FAQ | Faculty | Testimonials | Dates/Tuition
What are the steps required to attend the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training program?
There are various steps to be completed before attending the certification program. A detailed list of the required items is available on the Process section.
Are there any additional requirements?
Yes. Two more:
- 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 SSeven Spiritual Laws of Yoga certificate.
Is this program compliant with the Yoga Alliance?
Yes, we are a registered school with the Yoga Alliance. Our program is a Yoga Alliance 200-hour compliant program.
Can I become a yoga teacher if I'm not very flexible?
We like to say that the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga program is for every body. This yoga teacher training focuses on what your body and mind can do in each moment. All levels, styles, and body types are welcome.
After I have completed the requirements, when do I start the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training?
The yoga teacher training begins with Part A, a six-day preparatory residential training program. Part A includes daily lunches, course materials, yoga classes, meditation, asana practice, mantra study, Vedic philosophy, Sanskrit study, chanting, anatomy classes, and various discussions guided by Chopra Center staff members. After Part A, you begin the at-home study portion of the teacher training program.
What is the home study portion of the training?
The two-month home study is 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 Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga faculty members will be available during your two-month home study period via email and live teleconferences.
What happens during Part B of the teacher training?
At the final six-day certification residential program, participants must demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of the curriculum, including teaching the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga classes. This component of the training program includes daily group meditations with practice of the sutra technique, daily yoga classes, lectures, group study, individual presentations, testing, marketing guidance, and Chopra Center instructor policies. Participants will also develop expertise in facilitating the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga classes. There will be written and oral testing.
When will I receive the Home Study Kit?
The Home Study Kit will be shipped to you after the required paperwork has been received and you have enrolled in Seduction of Spirit or Seduction of Silence and Journey into Healing.
How long will it take to become certified?
All participants will have 18 months to complete the program after receiving the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Home Study Kit. You will receive a certificate after you have completed all the requirements for graduation.
What does it mean to be a Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga certified instructor?
TheSeven Spiritual Laws of Yoga certification allows instructors to teach yoga classes throughout the world.
What is my relationship with the Chopra Center once I become certified ?
As a certified instructor, your relationship to the Chopra Center will be that of an independent contractor. You will be able to set up, market, and teach courses in a manner and frequency that suits your schedule (subject to a few basic guidelines).
What kind of support will the Chopra Center provide?
The Chopra Center will provide a representative to assist you during your certification process and after you become certified. The Chopra Center will also provide marketing materials and support you in promoting your classes in addition to listing you on the instructor referral pages on our website. In addition, the Chopra Center provides a monthly web conference and a monthly newsletter to help you stay connected.
Are any discounts available to me once I am a Certified Instructor?
Yes. You will receive discounts on certifications, programs, events, retail products, spa treatments, and other signature offerings.
Does the Chopra Center offer teacher incentives?
Certified instructors receive commissions for referring their students for enrollment in Chopra Center programs as well as an assigned representative to assist them with this process.
What is required for Continuing Education?
The Chopra Center requires that certified yoga teachers maintain and continue to develop their yoga practice and teaching. In order to maintain your certification, you are required to attend Seduction of Spirit or Seduction of Silence once every two years. Discounts are available.
Overview | Process | FAQ | Faculty | Testimonials | Dates/Tuition
The following are the core instructors for this program. In addition, a variety of certified Chopra Center instructors may present specific modules. These experts provide an array of techniques and skills adding depth and diversity to the curriculum.
Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Co-Founder of the Chopra Center
Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned authority in the field of mind-body healing, a best-selling author, and the founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. A global force in the field of human empowerment, Dr. Chopra is the prolific author of more than fifty-five books, including fourteen bestsellers on mind-body health, quantum mechanics, spirituality, and peace. His most recent books include The Happiness Prescription; Reinventing the Body,Resurrecting the Soul; and The Soul of Leadership. Read a free excerpt from The Soul of Leadership here.
Dr. Chopra will participate in the Seduction of Spirit and Journey into Healing portions of the training.
Claire Diab
Director of Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Program
Claire E. Diab is an International Yoga Therapist, Health & Wellness Expert, and Inspirational Speaker who has been teaching nationally and internationally for over 25 years. She has been teaching Yoga and Meditation with Dr. Deepak Chopra for 18 years and is the Director of The Chopra Center’s Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Program. Claire is also the founder of the American Yoga Academy, a Yoga Teacher Training School and Studio located in West Orange, New Jersey. In addition, she is a Professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University.
Claire has taught Fitness and Wellness programs to the Navy Seals as well as the Fire Fighters of New York City and New Jersey after September 11th, 2001 to provide long term support for them and their families. She continues to write a bi-monthly column about Yoga for Firelife.com which is the largest website community for Firefighters around the world. Claire has recently been awarded Executive and Professional Woman of the Year for 2012 by The National Association of Professional Women.
She is most known for her brilliance in making Health and Wellness fun, practical, and adaptable for everyone. She is a true expert, teaching people powerful yet simple techniques to add into their daily lives. Her charisma, entertaining qualities, and vast experience in yoga allow her to reach hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Claire’s special ability to teach the many techniques of yoga, meditation, mind/body medicine, and Ayurveda helps assist people towards living healthier and more peaceful lives.
Claire has spent much time with master teachers and studied many styles of Yoga. Her most influential teachers with whom she works closely with to this day are Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon. Together they developed The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Program. Claire has also created a unique style of yoga called M.D. Yoga ® “Modern Day Yoga” for the Modern Day Yogi. She teaches how to live Yoga on and off the mat bringing ancient techniques, wisdom, and the essence of yoga philosophy into the class. Her style of teaching is for everyone whether you've been practicing yoga for many years or if it is your first time.
Claire has written yoga manuals and workbooks on Health and Wellness and has produced, directed and starred in seven yoga DVDs: Yoga for Weightloss, Yoga for Firefighters and Athletes, Zen and Yoga, Creative Yoga, Breathe Move Meditate, Sun Moon Series, and Sun Salutations for Everyone (with Chair Yoga).
Valencia Porter, M.D., M.P.H.
Lead Physician Educator and Vedic Master
Board-certified in both General Preventive Medicine and Integrative Holistic Medicine, Dr. Porter has an integrative approach that incorporates many areas of health and healing, including Ayurveda, medical acupuncture, biofield (energy) therapies, and functional medicine.
As a medical student at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, she began to explore complementary and alternative medicine. After training in pediatrics and child neurology, she completed a residency in Preventive Medicine at U.C. San Diego as well as a master's degree in public health focusing on Environmental Health at San Diego State University. Dr. Porter also completed a fellowship as a Bravewell Collaborative scholar at the renowned Program for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona with Dr. Andrew Weil. Before coming to the Chopra Center, Dr. Porter served as a physician and researcher at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in San Diego.
davidji
Dean of Chopra Center University, Lead Educator, and Vedic Master
Under the daily guidance of co-founders Deepak Chopra and David Simon, davidji became a Vedic Master, the Chopra Center's lead meditation instructor, and a guiding force helping others learn the timeless wisdom of mind body balance and spiritual transformation. He has taught tens of thousands throughout the world to meditate, understand their mind-body personality, and find greater fulfillment in their lives. He developed the powerful 21-Day Meditation Challenge and is the host of the Chopra Center's weekly Hay House Radio show, Live from the Chopra Center. Known for his light-hearted yet profound teaching style, davidji teaches at all Chopra Center events, programs, and certifications.
Teresa Long
Director of Chopra Center University, Senior Teacher Trainer, and Vedic Master
Teresa Long is the Director of Chopra Center University. She oversees all of the Chopra Center's teacher trainings and certification courses and is the worldwide liaison to our global network of more than 1,500 certified instructors. Teresa is the daily touch point along their journey to become certified instructors, and her nurturing team is their support system once they have been certified.
As a Vedic Master and certified Ayurvedic consultant who has completed every teacher training the Chopra Center offers, Teresa's wisdom, gentle spirit, and guiding support helps students on the Teachers Path successfully complete their certifications so that they can share the knowledge of yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation in their communities.
With her extensive background in holistic nutrition, Teresa loves to teach cooking classes to Chopra Center guests and students in her community. She also hosts several classes and meditation groups to parents and children in the San Diego area.
Overview | Process | FAQ | Faculty | Testimonials | Dates/Tuition
"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." –Angela, 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." –Sam, 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... 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 –Rita, Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training Participant
Overview | Process | FAQ | Faculty | Testimonials | Dates/Tuition
August 20–26, 2012 (Part A)
La Costa Resort & Spa
Registration deadline: May 20, 2012
November 12–18, 2012 (Part B)
La Costa Resort & Spa
Required programs 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 ($4,500 standard price).
The Home Study Kit will be shipped to you after the required paperwork has been received and the participant has enrolled in the required workshops.
The Standard Tuition Package is $10,025.
Package includes courses 1–4 above. Accommodations and transportation are not included in the certification program pricing.
Call 888.424.6772 x1639 or request information here.
