Ananda Yoga® Welcomes All Yoga Teachers!
The Expanding Light Retreat welcomes yoga teachers of all traditions. Although Ananda Yoga follows a very specific system of yoga, our school and training programs recognize that all yoga teachers share the common interest of wanting to help others. Yoga can and should help people to feel healthier, uplifted, and ultimately happier. Thank you for choosing to serve the world in this way.
Bridge Your Skills
While some paths focus primarily on asana alignment, safety, and calisthenics, Ananda Yoga uses several techniques in addition to the asanas to raise one’s level of energy and awareness so that body, mind, and soul are harmonized. Ananda Yoga has proven itself to be a practical and effective way to grow spiritually. Ananda Yoga practices include:
Ananda Yoga Postures (Training in Level 1 & 2)
Asana affirmations
Asana modifications to suit individual needs
Energization Exercises developed by Paramhansa Yogananda
Pranayama techniques
Meditation techniques
Yoga philosophy and study
Therapeutic Yoga (Training in Level 1 & 2)
Watch this video and learn more about Ananda Yoga & Meditation
Nursing CEU Eligible: 30 hours
Transfer to Ananda Yoga
If you’re looking for something deeper in your own practice and would like to offer more than just a physical experience to your students, transferring to Ananda Yoga may be the right step for you.
Yoga teachers of other styles and paths often want to transfer into Ananda’s Level 2 Yoga Teacher Training or YTX/Yoga Therapy Training after they’ve experienced the gentle power of Ananda Yoga. If you are a Yoga Alliance RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), you may transfer into these programs once you’ve completed Bridge to Ananda Yoga, which will give you a strong foundation in the practice and teaching of Ananda Yoga.
Bridge to Ananda Yoga consists of a 4 – 5 hour online pre-class element followed by attendance at the first 8 days (7 nights) of a Level 1 Ananda Yoga Teacher Training (Sunday evening through Sunday morning), during which you will also enjoy several special classes designed specifically for Bridge students. After the in-person training you complete the course with an “at-home” distance learning assignment. The Bridge course is currently offered three times a year. See Sample Schedule & Course Requirements.
Another option that allows you more immersion time in this transformative experience is to take the first 2 weeks of the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training, plus some of the special Bridge classes. The online pre-class is optional when choosing this format, and there is no "at home" assignment. For more information on this option, contact Melody Hansen at the link to the right of her photo, below.
You may take most Level 2 YTT and Level 1 Yoga Therapy Training courses any time after completing Bridge (provided you meet any individual course prerequisites). See Details.
Certification
Please note: Your first Ananda certification comes with completing the Level 2 YTT or Level 1 Yoga Therapy Training. Bridge to Ananda Yoga does not result in certification, nor does it enable you to advertise that you are teaching Ananda Yoga.
A Continuing Education Certificate (suitable for Yoga Alliance) will be sent to you once you have satisfactorily completed all requirements.
Registration Information
Partial scholarships may be available—please contact us for an application. If you have questions, or wish to apply for Bridge to Ananda Yoga, please contact the course administrator, Melody Hansen, for more information.
Our Ideal Location
Once you’re enrolled in our Level 2 classes and/or Yoga Therapy Training, you’ll be returning to The Expanding Light several times to complete your on-going classes. Our students always rave about the idyllic setting we have at The Expanding Light because the beautiful ashram environment supports one’s personal growth, reflection, and study.
Guests often feel the uplifting vibrations of our Retreat as soon as they come onto the property. We are uniquely located in the Ananda Village spiritual community of more than 180 yogis who meditate daily. Our serene grounds are surrounded by peaceful forests filled with deer. The energy at our retreat is light-hearted, nurturing, and fun. We also host guests who come on personal retreat or for our Karma Yoga program. During your stay you’ll be sharing the grounds and Temple with other meditators and yogis.
Yoga Therapy Flow Program Chart
| Ananda Yoga® Teacher Training Ananda YTT The Ananda School of Yoga & Meditation is recognized by Yoga Alliance as a RYS. |
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Ananda Yoga® Therapy Training 
Ananda YTxT (860 hours) |
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Level 2 Ananda Yoga Teacher
Eligible for RYT 500 |
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* Starred courses may be taken before you officially enroll in the Ananda Yoga Therapy Training program if you meet their separate prerequisites. Prerequisite for Ananda Yoga Therapy Training (YTxT): one year of experience teaching Ananda Yoga after graduating from Level 1 AYTT. One year of personal practice of yoga. We also recommend that you complete as much of Level 2 YTT as possible before beginning Ananda YTxT. The yoga therapy components of these courses are based on our accreditation by IAYT, not derived from our status as an RYS with Yoga Alliance Registry. |
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Ananda Yoga Therapist
Eligible for IAYT Yoga Therapist |
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For more information, please send us a Question or Comment:
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Nayaswami Mangala
Director, Ananda Yoga®Therapy Training. Certified Yoga Therapist, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, Level 2 Ananda Yoga®Teacher, E-RYT-500
Director, Ananda Yoga Therapist Training
Nayaswami Mangala has an impressive background in yoga teacher training, Ayurvedic training and practice, and in-depth medical training and practice.
See all programs, articles, and full bio of Nayaswami Mangala.
Maitri Jones
AnandaYoga®Therapist,Certified with International Association of Yoga Therapy, C-IAYT. Level 2 Ananda Yoga®Teacher, E-RYT-500, Ananda Minister, Counselor
Maitri’s name means “Friend” in Sanskrit and well describes her extraordinarily kind and supportive nature. She directs our Ananda Yoga® Teacher Training Assistantship program, where she helps YTT grads take their teaching to the next level. She also helped pioneer our Ananda Yoga Therapy Training and is one of the primary instructors in that program. Maitri, brings great wisdom and experience to her many programs. Maitri is a certified Ananda Meditation and Yoga Teacher, as well as a registered nurse.
No dates scheduled for Bridge to Ananda Yoga® at this time.
Prices are all-inclusive and cover accommodations, meals, classes or activities, and course materials.
Bridge to Ananda Yoga® starts the afternoon of the first date listed and ends with lunch on the last date. It's ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of guided yoga postures and meditation, which begins at 4:45. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is after dinner. Please see:
You can add extra personal retreat days before and/or after your program. Check availability and costs for the days and accommodations that you require.
Bridge to Ananda Yoga® starts the afternoon of the first date listed. It’s ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of yoga and meditation, which begins at 4:45 pm. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is at 7:30 pm. If you need to arrive here after 5 pm, that’s fine, but it helps us if you let us know at 800-346-5350. We can also put aside a dinner for you if you need to arrive after 7 pm. The program ends with lunch on the last date. Please see our Daily Schedule.
See Transportation and Directions whether you are coming by plane, car, bus or train. Our Frequent Questions page answers many of the questions you might have about How to Go on Retreat.
“This was the best month of my life – truly a life-transforming experience…”
– C. S., Fresno, California
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