DHARMA TRAINING MANUAL

Prepared by Acarya Ravi July 2011

Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Dharma Training in the Context of Other Ananda Seva Trainings Suggested Guidelines for Dharma Training Dharma Training Objectives Aspects of Dharma Training Building Leadership and Imparting Responsibility Building Spiritual Community at Dharma Trainings Holistic System of Yogic Practices Dharma Training Evening Programs Spiritual and Social Philosophy Classes Organizing Dharma Trainings

Appendices 1 2 Sample Daily Schedule Sample First Module Program

1 Dharma Training in the Context of Other Ananda Seva Trainings

To fully define the purpose of Dharma Training, Ananda Seva's various trainings should be distinguished in relation to their respective purposes. 1] Dharma Training. This is personal growth training, intended to arouse inspiration and capacity to take on dharmic work. Personal growth occurs within the context of supportive group process and through reflection on the philosophy in relation to personal life. 2] Yoga Life Training. This is a three-month residential training. It has two levels, depending on the intentions participants bring to their participation. Level 1 is for those who seek an immersion experience living in an ashramic environment, but who do not have full time engagement in the training and do not plan to become workers for the organization. Level 2 is for those who wish to engage in full-time dharmic work (LFTs). They have a more developed study program, four times daily sadhana, daily yama and niyama reflection, and more structured seva activities. 3] Tattvika Training. Tattvika Training also has two levels. Tattvika Training 1 / Yoga Wisdom Training focuses on philosophy and spiritual practices. It is for those in the general spiritual community who want to deepen their spiritual knowledge and commitment to spiritual life. It is a one week intensive, with two or three 2-3 day follow-up sessions every six months, and with home study. Tattvika Training 2 is preparation for Acarya Training. It involves study of Ananda Sutram, commited spiritual discipline, and instruction in giving diiksha. 4] Social Training. This training is primarily for those who become LFTs. It's a 4-5 day program covering basic Prout and neohumanism. It gives LFTs understanding of the significance of their work for creating a vital and harmonious human society. 5] Field Training. This training is a one week program to give LFTs basic skills for building spiritual communities: leading dharmacakra, giving classes, conducting Yoga Day programs, etc. 6] Yoga Teachers Training. This is a certification training for asana teachers. It is an optional, but recommended, training for LFTs, giving them asana class teaching skills. 7] Acarya Training. Acarya Training is for those who wish to make a lifetime commitment as yogic spiritual ministers. It is of two tracks: one for family acaryas and one for sannyasin acaryas.

2 Suggested Guidelines for Dharma Training

Dharma Training is most suited for people 18-28 years of age, but the participation of those who are older, and who fit, can enrich the collective experience. More benefit can be had if Dharma Training is given in 2 or 3 sessions, each lasting for about 5 to 7 days. Ideally there should be 2 or 3 month intervals between sessions. Dharma Training is not a professional training, but to build dharmikas. Tuition should be minimized, payment plans made available, and work scholarships offered. Participants who have an affinity for diverse spiritual paths can be included in Dharma Trainings, but then the presentation should be ideological and not sectarian. For many, Dharma Training can provide a foundation for further trainings, ie, YTT training, yoga life training, tattvika training, and acarya training. All who attend are to be fully included; none are to be neglected in any way. All should feel themselves to be equally a part of the training community. In the first session, importance should be given to building spiritual community, creating enthusiasm for spiritual practices, and developing dedication to dharma. Spiritual practices should be introduced gradually, and in a non-sectarian manner. Create the understanding that a holistic approach to yogic life is being given. Dharma Training is to empower participants to become established in dharma and to bring dharma into practical expression in personal and social spheres. Meals should be from sattvic foods, and interesting but not elaborate or expensive. Meals are an opportunity to teach cooking skills and awareness of proper diet. An understanding should be given early on that internal or interpersonal challenges can arise in the training. People dealing with clash must be collectively supported. At first, asana instruction can include exposure to a diversity of styles, as found in commercial yoga classes. Later, North Indian style asanas can be introduced. Music and appealing kiirtans are important in Dharma Training. Effort should be made to arrange good kiirtan players and to lead inspiring bhajans and chants.

3 Dharma Training Objectives

The core mission of Dharma Training is to promote personal growth, in a supportive and loving collective environment, and in ways that nurture in participants a sense of commitment and empowerment to promote dharma in the world. In the context of this broad mission, Dharma Training organizers should identify the specific objectives that their Dharma Training program is to achieve. The classes and activities included in the Dharma Training will then be developed to implement these objectives. Example: Objectives of the Dharmalaya Dharma Training Here are the training objectives presented to participants at Dharmalaya's Dharma Training program: 1] establish yogic practices for holistic and integrated self development 2] provide an empowering knowledge base for promoting dharma 3] build a spirited and creative expression of spiritual community 4] Impart basic skills for teaching or sharing yoga practices 5] empower participants to identify and express their dharmic potentialities 6] inculcate the spirit of "liberation for self and service to humanity" 7] provide participants with a foundation for further trainings 8] develop and strengthen neo-humanist values and lifestyle

4 Aspects of Dharma Training

Several areas of content are included in Dharma Training to create a rich, inspiring and informative experience for participants. 1] approaches for developing leadership experience and capacity [see Section 5] 2] processes for building spiritual community [see Section 6] 3] instruction in and experience with yogic practices [see Section 7] 4] evening programs for personal and collective expression [see Section 8] 5] classes in spiritual and social philosophy [see Section 9]

6] participatory discussion of issues of collective interest [see Section 9] 7] opportunity for personal expression, reflection and visioning [see Section 6] The various facets of training should be held in balance. While personal and collective expression activities are often more engaging, they shouldn't be emphasized at the expense of yoga practices or philosophy classes. The lack of attention to giving philosophy and to instruction in practices will inhibit participants ability to grow in their commitment to and stamina for dharmic work.

5 Building Leadership and Imparting Responsibility

As a Dharma Training progresses from session to session, the scope of the role of the trainer(s) should decrease and the responsibilities assumed by the trainees for running the program should increase. An essential purpose of Dharma Training is to build empowerment, to create leadership, to develop confidence. Trainers should be ambitious about turning over more and more of the running of the program to the participants. By the last session of Dharma Training, the role of the trainer should be very limited. They maintain responsibility for setting an inspiring example, for nurturing individuals, for holding spiritual space, for most of the class instruction, and for eliciting inspiration and commitment to become active dharmikas. Beyond this, it may be possible to turn nearly everything else over to the trainees. Those who are more mature, more dedicated, or who've had more history with Ananda Seva can be given more responsible roles, as may be appropriate. When trainers give responsibility to trainees, they should see that they are supported as may be needed, and they should be steady in expressing trust and confidence. It is all right for trainees to be challenged, or to fail. Failure is not to be criticized, but to be seen as a rich learning opportunity. Here are areas of responsibility that can be increasingly turned over to the trainees: 1] planning meals, purchasing food, and organizing cooking 2] coordinating daily cleaning duties 3] facilitating morning check-ins 4] teaching asana classes

5] leading kiirtan, tandava, kaoshiki 6] collecting tuition, managing lodging, etc 7] leading evening programs 8] serving as daily schedule facilitator 9] generating topics for collective discussions 10] leading food blessing circles 11] facilitating opening and closing circles

6 Building Spiritual Community at Dharma Trainings

The most important objective for the first module of a Dharma Training program should be to build a strong sense of spiritual community amongst participants. If solid and supportive interpersonal bonds can be established, if the group can function well as a collective, if all feel included and respected, then a sense of belonging forms and participants feel they have a safe and supportive setting in which to go through their growth challenges. Creating a vibrant sense of community is essential. Here are some processes that have proven successful for building spiritual community at Dharma Trainings. 1] Opening circles and closing circles. This is a tried and true practice commonly observed at retreats and trainings. 2] Objectives and agreements. At the Dharma Training the group goes over both the objectives of the training and the agreements necessary for effective collective functioning. So much as may be possible, create a collective understanding of and commitment to these objectives and agreements. 3] Morning check-in circles. After breakfast and before morning program, at least a half hour should be devoted to a check-in process. Things typically covered in checkins include: (1) problem-solving any aspect of the collective flow that has become challenging, (2) making announcements about schedule, activities, programs, etc., (3) providing support to anyone who is experiencing clash, (4) working out interpersonal issues, and (4) giving everyone an opportunity to briefly express how they are doing. 4] Healing circles. A typical process for a healing circle is to have the person needing healing (physical or emotional) come into the center of the circle of the other trainees. Then the others come close around this person. They might start with an Om or song or bhajan. Then they all express speaking in random order their appreciations for the unique strengths, contributions, and qualities of the person

being healed. As deep emotion is released, others can extend their physical embrace. This can all be somewhat free flow. End with a collective Om. 5] Men's and women's groups. One night of the Dharma Training should be devoted to men's and women's groups. Different approaches can be taken, but a typical process is to give each person opportunity to express fully and authentically the challenges of their life circumstance. Where appropriate, others can express their support; but there should not be effort to draw attention away from the person. Because very deep issues can get brought up in men's/women's groups, they should not be held at the beginning of training, as there is not yet developed a safe enough sense of trust. On men's/women's groups night, the regular night schedule should be suspended so that the groups can take as much time as they may need. 6] Nature outings. During each training session, a half or full day should be taken for an outing in a natural setting. This should occur about half way or two-thirds of the way through the training. Some typical activities during an outing include: picnic lunch, a collective meditation, a hike or adventure, and collective music. Also good, if it can be arranged, is to have the trainees spend a couple of hours alone, then come back together to share any new visions or inspirations that may have come up during their solo experience. 7] Collective music. Participants in the Dharmalaya Dharma Training report that a rich environment of singing and musical jamming is one of the most important factors in creating a deep collective experience. Songs or bhajans can be done before meals, before programs, and at opening and closing circles. At least one evening should be devoted to a bhajan jam or improvisational music. 8] Daily walks. During daily walks, there is much that gets shared as people spread out in small groups and get into all kinds of discussions. Walks should be about a half hour maximum. If appropriate, the pace should be brisk. 9] Gratitude circles. Gratitude circles are commonly done in a circle around the food that is to be served, though they could also happen at a morning check-in. People can either go around, or randomly express anything that they feel gratitude for. 10] Creativity night. On one night of the training, assemble a diversity of craft materials and art implements and have the trainees create some object of art. Each can share their creation at the end. In one variation of this process, people are given an assigned theme to express in their creations.

7 Holistic System of Yogic Practices

Participants in Dharma Training are introduced to a comprehensive set of practices

that is modified from the Seven Points system. While there will be variation among different Dharma Training programs as to what practices are given, the following practices would be typical. All practices given should be introduced gradually and with proper explanation. 1] Brahma Sadhana: Meditation Practices Meditation Madhuvidya Guru puja 2] Karma Yoga: Right Action Yama and niyama Seva Fifteen Shiilas [introduce in later Module] 3] Satsaunga: Spiritual Community Dharmachakra Spiritual retreat Spiritual community celebrations/seva/activities 4] Bhajan and Natana Sadhana: Spiritual Music and Dance Bhajans Kiirtan Lalita Marmika Kaoshikii Tandava 5] Jaeva Dharma: Health and Lifestyle Practices Asanas Yoga self-massage Aerobic exercise Sattvic diet Ekadashi Bath and half-bath 6] Samkalpa: Right Resolve Hold to one's spiritual goal/ideal (Ishta) Follow one's ideology of life (adarsha) Follow firmly one's spiritual path (Bhagavat dharma)

8 Dharma Training Evening Programs

The following activities have worked well at Dharma Trainings for building community feeling, for allowing active expression by participants, for expanding personal vision, and for offering unscheduled time. They are only meant to be examples of activities that are appropriate for evening programs. 1] Men's and women's groups. This is an opportunity for deep personal expression. It should only come after there has been adequate group bonding so that participants feel safe to share more fully. 2] Spiritual movie night. Featuring either fun and/or inspiring movies. 3] Chill night. Completely unstructured nights that participants can use to create their own spontaneous expression, or for interpersonal connecting. 4] Artistic expression. Creating art or other forms of personal/collective expression. 5] Healing night. Healing circles in which participants in need are given love and positive appreciations or other types of healing activity, such as massage. 6] Vision sharing circle. Best done on a night after participants have had alone time in nature in which to reflect on how they desire to promote dharma in the world. 7] Bhajan jam. Those who are musical take turns leading bhajans.

9 Spiritual and Social Philosophy Classes

Dharma Training philosophy classes should give participants a basic understanding of spiritual and social philosophy not abstract understandings, but understandings that stimulate them to evolve their values and worldview to acquire more meaning, vision, and moral/spiritual grounding. The classes are to inspire and enlighten. In planning the sequence of topics to present at Dharma Trainings, two strategies should be used: 1] Intra-module sequencing. Start a module with philosophy that pertains to the individual (eg, subtle body system or mind and samskaras), then goes to neohumanism, then to social philosophy, then to spiritual community, then ends with discussion of / planning for 'taking dharma into the world'. 2] Inter-module sequencing. Give more basic philosophy in the first module then

more advanced in later modules, and less discussion time in the first module then more in later modules. In addition to lecture presentations, up to half of class time can be devoted to group discussion of topics of interest related to spiritual practices, spiritualizing social relations, building spiritual community, and social issues. Discussion topics can be put forward by the trainer or better arise out of the interests of the participants. The more controversial or immediate the topic, the more engaged people will be in the discussion. It is generally best for the trainer to have minimal involvement in the discussion, so that the trainees feel fuller scope to express themselves. More guidance on Dharma Training classes will be provided at a later time.

10 Organizing Dharma Trainings

The organization of Dharma Trainings is much the same as the organization of spiritual retreats. In most instances, it will involve the following areas of responsibility, for which capable people should be given charge. 1] Promotion. Ordinarily, the first aspect of organizing that is given attention is undertaking publicity and outreach to attract participation to the program. In the case of Dharma Training, word of mouth and developing personal networks can be significant to attracting participation. 2] Communications. There is often need to have multiple contacts with people interested in the training. It is important for these communications be made in a timely way, and to provide clear information where requested. It may also be helpful to send out periodic bulletins, providing updated information about the training. 3] Menu planning / food purchasing / meal preparation. Food may represent the biggest overhead cost of training; it is also important for creating in participants a feeling of being cared for and nourished. So it is important for food to be well organized. 4] Registration and lodging. It will be common in Dharma Trainings for individual arrangements needing to be made regarding training fees. So the person responsible for registration should be able to take a flexible and creative approach, and be able to communicate clearly around money matters. 5] Program development. The primary responsibility for program development lies mainly with the lead trainer(s), though there may be scope to delegate some aspects of training such as asana instruction, leading group meditation, etc.

Appendix 1: Sample Daily Schedule

Dharma Training Daily Schedule

6:00am- 7:00am 7:00am- 8:00am 8:00am- 9:00am 9:00am- 9:30am 9:30am-10:30am 10:30am-11:00am 11:00am-12:00pm 12:00pm-12:30pm 12:30pm- 1:30pm 1:30pm- 2:30pm 2:30pm- 3:00pm 3:00pm- 4:00pm 4:00pm- 5:30pm 5:30pm- 6:30pm 6:30pm- 7:30pm 7:45pm- 9:30pm 9:30pm Kiirtan and Meditation Asanas Breakfast and Clean-up Check-In Morning Program: Class Break / River Walk Morning Program: Discussion Break [meditation optional] Lunch Afternoon Program: Class Seva Duties Afternoon Program: Discussion/Activity Asanas Group Meditation Dinner Evening Program Meditation [silence until breakfast]

Appendix 2: Sample First Module Program

Dharma Training at Dharmalaya

September 13 19, 2010
Time/Date
6:00-7:00am 7:00-8:00am 8:00-9:00am 9:00-9:30am

Monday Sept 13 Meditation Asanas Breakfast Registration Opening Circle Opening / Orientation Concept of Dharma Free Time / Music Lunch Samskaras Tea The Practice of Yoga Asanas Meditation Dinner Healing Activity Meditation

Tuesday Sept 14 Meditation Asanas Breakfast Check-In

Brahmacakra

Wednesday Sept 15 Meditation Asanas Breakfast Check-In Yoga Psychology River Walk Discussion Topic Meditation Lunch Health Practices Tea Intuitional Science Asanas Group Meditation Dinner Chill Night Meditation

Thursday Sept 16 Meditation Asanas Breakfast Hobbit Beach Departure Solo vision quest Solo vision quest Solo vision quest Meditation Lunch Beach Beach Beach Return to Dharmalaya Group Meditation Dinner Spiritual Movies Meditation

Friday Sept 17 Meditation Asanas Breakfast Check-In Feminine Mysticism River Walk Discussion Topic Meditation Lunch Neohumanism Tea Six Factors of Progress Asanas Group Meditation Dinner Kiirtan Jam Meditation

Saturday Sept 18 Meditation Asanas Breakfast Check-In PROUT River Walk PROUT Meditation Lunch Building Spiritual
Community

Sunday Sept 19 Meditation Asanas Breakfast Check-In Taking Dharma into World River Walk Closing Circle Meditation Lunch Clean-up

9:30-10:30am

10:30-11am 11-12:00am 12-12:30pm 12:30-1:30pm 1:30- 2:30pm

River Walk Subtle Body Meditation Lunch Brahma Sadhana Tea Karma Yoga Asanas Group Meditation Dinner Women / Men Groups Meditation

2:30-3:00pm 3:00-4:00pm 4:00-5:30pm 5:30-6:30pm 6:30-7:30pm 7:45-9:30pm 9:30pm

Tea Discussion Topic Asanas Group Meditation Dinner Maha Slideshow Meditation