Rather than requiring a specified, narrow curriculum, YR evaluation is based on the universal principles of satya (truthfulness), ahimsa (non-violence), and svadhyaya (self-study). These principles need to be shown to underpin and inform the content and structure of applicant Teacher Training Courses, and the independent training of individual applicants. Given the primarily experiential nature of Yoga of whatever type, Yoga teaching must be approached as a practical methodology, rather than an academic subject.
As well as differing in practice, different approaches to Yoga will necessarily rest on different theoretical bases, therefore both theory and practice are evaluated only in the light of these three principles, rather than being made to conform to arbitrary standards of practice, knowledge or philosophy. We stipulate no specific texts, ideologies or areas of study, leaving all schools free to demonstrate that their theoretical and practical approach is safe, honest and effective.
The three principles need to be embodied in four core aspects of Yoga teaching:
Practical Skills
It needs to be shown that trainees will be equipped with the methodological skills required of their approach to Yoga.
Safety & Care
It needs to be shown that trainees application of this methodology is necessarily careful and safe.
Practice
It needs to be shown that trainees methodological skills are based on an ongoing personal practice.
Knowledge
It needs to be shown that the trainee's practice, methodological skills and safety are based on relevant and effective theoretical knowledge.
This allows you to honour your own philosophical and practical approach to Yoga, while ensuring that they are based on the core principles upon which Yoga, of whatever kind, is and must be based.