Yet, many potential Yoga students do not know the difference between Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative Yoga, or Pilates, for that matter. How could these same people make an educated judgment call on who is the "Ultimate Yoga Teacher?"
Some new students want to be physically, mentally, and verbally abused by the "Ultimate Yoga Teacher." They crave the abusive attention and search for the reincarnation of the Marquis de Sade. Sorry to say - this is true, but very rare.
Now, with that said, this clearly makes you realize that new Yoga students do not know what they really want, and some are "confused children."
So, what are the qualifications for the title of "Ultimate Yoga Teacher?" Is it teaching Yoga to the rich and famous, gaining a lot of loving students, owning a lot of profitable Yoga studios, making many Yoga videos, performing physical feats, or owning a Yoga patent?
All of these things could make you famous, but none of them seem to completely fit, with the image of a Yoga Guru. What standards set one Yoga teacher above the rest? The truth is great Yoga teachers are good examples of ethics, giving, integrity, patience, and living a holistic life.
There is so much confusion, in regard to this topic, because many times it is not the teacher, but the Yoga style, that a beginner student does or does not like. For example: If a teacher is excellent, but the room is too hot, some of those new students will never be back.
Yoga student retention often depends upon the particular Yoga training, which students seek. Do students want to meditate, sing, pray, move through postures, learn Yogic philosophy, hold Yoga postures (Asanas), work on their breathing (Pranayama), sweat in a 105 degree Fahrenheit room, or study Yoga with a Mommy and Me class? There are so many types of Yoga to choose from.
This is only the tip of the "ice berg," as new contemporary styles of Yoga are springing up all the time. So how can you guide potential Yoga students in your direction? One way is to state what makes your particular teaching method unique.
Some Yoga teachers specialize in specific areas. For example: Hot, Prenatal, Therapeutic, Restorative, Power, and Chair are contemporary prefixes to Yoga. It is fine to be a general practitioner, but having a niche, or two, will draw students into areas of Yoga, which you are enthusiastic about.
When Yoga teachers are enthusiastic, they demonstrate patience, and they "glow" with praise for their students. No two Yoga students are alike, but Yoga teachers should still be the best visible examples of ethics, giving, integrity, patience, and living a holistic life.
Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
What is Karma Yoga and what is a Karma Yogi? The word Karma can be defined as action, work, or service. Karma Yoga is often referred to as selfless service or unselfish action. This is work that you do, without any consideration of a reward. Many times, we may consider a religious leader to fit this description.
However, people who seek change for justice, and the common good, are not always religious leaders. Some may have been considered revolutionaries in their time, politicians, public servants, social workers, teachers, or something similar. There is one common thread, beside selfless service; it is the need to contribute to change for the purpose of justice.
So, how could a Hatha Yoga teacher become a Hatha Yogi? Hatha Yoga is union by physical mastery; and in some parts of the world, concern over physical appearance overrides the need to make social changes.
Consumerism, self-gratification, gluttony, and greed, would seem to be the driving forces for people who are physically self-absorbed. It may take generations before consumerism and self-absorption give way to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Unfortunately, this is another example of evolution that we have to wait for. Humankind needs time to "grow up."
However, when any Hatha Yoga teacher answered the calling to teach Yoga, it was not because of the money. If money is the prime motivating force behind teaching Yoga, this type of Yoga teacher will not last long. There is too much giving of one's self involved in teaching Yoga.
There are many Yoga teachers who give selfless service to the elderly, to the sick, and to the poor. When a Yoga studio, or an, ashram is profitable, they always give to charities or have fund raisers. All of the Yoga teachers I have met, give to those in need and do not turn their backs on the poor.
Although Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga are considered higher spiritual forms of Yoga, Hatha Yoga is a gateway to character improvement. It is not wise for us to classify "superior" forms of Yoga. The fact that a young Yogi, or Yogini, is practicing any form of Yoga is a good start in life.
When any one of us performs the work that calls to him or her, and it benefits humankind, it is a form of Karma Yoga. Your dosha calls to you in diet, exercise, activity, behavior, and in your work.
When you follow your true nature, you will find tranquility and harmony in life. A Hatha Yoga teacher should learn if he or she is pitta, vata, or kapha. Then you will understand the strengths and weaknesses of your role in this life.
Jackie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Anger Control and Yoga Practice. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.http://www.yoga-teache. Jackie's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.