Dharma Training Manual

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DHARMA TRAINING MANUAL

Prepared by Acarya Ravi

July 2011

Contents

1 Dharma Training in the Context of Other Ananda Seva Trainings

2 Suggested Guidelines for Dharma Training

3 Dharma Training Objectives

4 Aspects of Dharma Training

5 Building Leadership and Imparting Responsibility

6 Building Spiritual Community at Dharma Trainings7 Holistic System of Yogic Practices

8 Dharma Training Evening Programs

9 Spiritual and Social Philosophy Classes

10 Organizing Dharma Trainings

Appendices

1 Sample Daily Schedule

2 Sample First Module Program


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1 Dharma Training in the Context of Other Ananda Seva Trainings

To fully define the purpose of Dharma Training, Ananda Seva's various trainings shouldbe distinguished in relation to their respective purposes.

1] Dharma Training. This is personal growth training, intended to arouse inspirationand capacity to take on dharmic work. Personal growth occurs within the context ofsupportive group process and through reflection on the philosophy in relation topersonal 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 ashramicenvironment, 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 andniyama 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 spiritualpractices. It is for those in the general spiritual community who want to deepen theirspiritual knowledge and commitment to spiritual life. It is a one week intensive, withtwo 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 ofAnanda 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 dayprogram covering basic Prout and neohumanism. It gives LFTs understanding of thesignificance 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 forbuilding spiritual communities: leading dharmacakra, giving classes, conducting YogaDay programs, etc.

6] Yoga Teachers Training. This is a certification training for asana teachers. It is anoptional, but recommended, training for LFTs, giving them asana class teaching skills.7] Acarya Training. Acarya Training is for those who wish to make a lifetimecommitment as yogic spiritual ministers. It is of two tracks: one for family acaryasand one for sannyasin acaryas.


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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 lastingfor 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. Tuitionshould be minimized, payment plans made available, and work scholarships offered.

Participants who have an affinity for diverse spiritual paths can be included inDharma Trainings, but then the presentation should be ideological and not sectarian.

For many, Dharma Training can provide a foundation for further trainings, ie, YTTtraining, yoga life training, tattvika training, and acarya training.

All who attend are to be fully included; none are to be neglected in any way. Allshould 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 tobring 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 challengescan 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 bemade to arrange good kiirtan players and to lead inspiring bhajans and chants.


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3 Dharma Training Objectives

The core mission of Dharma Training is to promote personal growth, in a supportiveand 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 thespecific objectives that their Dharma Training program is to achieve. The classes andactivities included in the Dharma Training will then be developed to implement theseobjectives.

Example: Objectives of the Dharmalaya Dharma Training

Here are the training objectives presented to participants at Dharmalaya's DharmaTraining 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, inspiringand 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]


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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 theexpense 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 thetrainer(s) should decrease and the responsibilities assumed by the trainees for runningthe program should increase.

An essential purpose of Dharma Training is to build empowerment, to createleadership, to develop confidence. Trainers should be ambitious about turning overmore 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 nurturingindividuals, for holding spiritual space, for most of the class instruction, and foreliciting inspiration and commitment to become active dharmikas. Beyond this, it maybe possible to turn nearly everything else over to the trainees.

Those who are more mature, more dedicated, or who've had more history withAnanda Seva can be given more responsible roles, as may be appropriate.

When trainers give responsibility to trainees, they should see that they are supportedas 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


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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 programshould be to build a strong sense of spiritual community amongst participants. If solidand supportive interpersonal bonds can be established, if the group can function wellas a collective, if all feel included and respected, then a sense of belonging forms andparticipants feel they have a safe and supportive setting in which to go through theirgrowth challenges. Creating a vibrant sense of community is essential.

Here are some processes that have proven successful for building spiritual communityat 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 theobjectives of the training and the agreements necessary for effective collectivefunctioning. So much as may be possible, create a collective understanding of andcommitment to these objectives and agreements.

3] Morning check-in circles. After breakfast and before morning program, at least ahalf hour should be devoted to a check-in process. Things typically covered in check-ins include: (1) problem-solving any aspect of the collective flow that has becomechallenging, (2) making announcements about schedule, activities, programs, etc., (3)

providing support to anyone who is experiencing clash, (4) working out interpersonalissues, 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 needinghealing (physical or emotional) come into the center of the circle of the othertrainees. Then the others come close around this person. They might start with an Omor song or bhajan. Then they all express speaking in random order theirappreciations for the unique strengths, contributions, and qualities of the person


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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 devotedto 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 thechallenges of their life circumstance. Where appropriate, others can express theirsupport; 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 shouldnot be held at the beginning of training, as there is not yet developed a safe enoughsense of trust. On men's/women's groups night, the regular night schedule should besuspended 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 foran outing in a natural setting. This should occur about half way or two-thirds of theway 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, thencome back together to share any new visions or inspirations that may have come upduring their solo experience.

7] Collective music. Participants in the Dharmalaya Dharma Training report that arich environment of singing and musical jamming is one of the most important factorsin 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 bedevoted to a bhajan jam or improvisational music.

8] Daily walks. During daily walks, there is much that gets shared as people spreadout in small groups and get into all kinds of discussions. Walks should be about a halfhour maximum. If appropriate, the pace should be brisk.

9] Gratitude circles. Gratitude circles are commonly done in a circle around the foodthat is to be served, though they could also happen at a morning check-in. People caneither go around, or randomly express anything that they feel gratitude for.

10] Creativity night. On one night of the training, assemble a diversity of craftmaterials and art implements and have the trainees create some object of art. Eachcan 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


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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 PracticesMeditation

Madhuvidya

Guru puja

2] Karma Yoga: Right Action

Yama and niyama

Seva

Fifteen Shiilas [introduce in later Module]

3] Satsaunga: Spiritual CommunityDharmachakra

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 ResolveHold to one's spiritual goal/ideal (Ishta)

Follow one's ideology of life (adarsha)

Follow firmly one's spiritual path (Bhagavat dharma)


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8 Dharma Training Evening Programs

The following activities have worked well at Dharma Trainings for building communityfeeling, for allowing active expression by participants, for expanding personal vision,

and for offering unscheduled time. They are only meant to be examples of activitiesthat are appropriate for evening programs.

1] Men's and women's groups. This is an opportunity for deep personal expression. Itshould only come after there has been adequate group bonding so that participantsfeel 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 createtheir 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 andpositive appreciations or other types of healing activity, such as massage.

6] Vision sharing circle. Best done on a night after participants have had alone timein 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 ofspiritual and social philosophy not abstract understandings, but understandings thatstimulate 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 strategiesshould be used:

1] Intra-module sequencing. Start a module with philosophy that pertains to theindividual (eg, subtle body system or mind and samskaras), then goes toneohumanism, then to social philosophy, then to spiritual community, then ends withdiscussion of / planning for 'taking dharma into the world'.

2] Inter-module sequencing. Give more basic philosophy in the first module then


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more advanced in later modules, and less discussion time in the first module thenmore in later modules.

In addition to lecture presentations, up to half of class time can be devoted to groupdiscussion of topics of interest related to spiritual practices, spiritualizing social

relations, building spiritual community, and social issues. Discussion topics can be putforward by the trainer or better arise out of the interests of the participants. Themore controversial or immediate the topic, the more engaged people will be in thediscussion. It is generally best for the trainer to have minimal involvement in thediscussion, 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 ofspiritual retreats. In most instances, it will involve the following areas ofresponsibility, for which capable people should be given charge.

1] Promotion. Ordinarily, the first aspect of organizing that is given attention isundertaking publicity and outreach to attract participation to the program. In thecase of Dharma Training, word of mouth and developing personal networks can besignificant 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 atimely way, and to provide clear information where requested. It may also be helpfulto send out periodic bulletins, providing updated information about the training.

3] Menu planning / food purchasing / meal preparation. Food may represent thebiggest overhead cost of training; it is also important for creating in participants afeeling of being cared for and nourished. So it is important for food to be wellorganized.

4] Registration and lodging. It will be common in Dharma Trainings for individualarrangements 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 ableto communicate clearly around money matters.

5] Program development. The primary responsibility for program development liesmainly with the lead trainer(s), though there may be scope to delegate some aspectsof training such as asana instruction, leading group meditation, etc.


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Appendix 1: Sample Daily Schedule

Dharma Training Daily Schedule

6:00am- 7:00am Kiirtan and Meditation

7:00am- 8:00am Asanas

8:00am- 9:00am Breakfast and Clean-up

9:00am- 9:30am Check-In

9:30am-10:30am Morning Program: Class

10:30am-11:00am Break / River Walk

11:00am-12:00pm Morning Program: Discussion

12:00pm-12:30pm Break [meditation optional]12:30pm- 1:30pm Lunch

1:30pm- 2:30pm Afternoon Program: Class

2:30pm- 3:00pm Seva Duties

3:00pm- 4:00pm Afternoon Program: Discussion/Activity

4:00pm- 5:30pm Asanas

5:30pm- 6:30pm Group Meditation

6:30pm- 7:30pm Dinner

7:45pm- 9:30pm Evening Program

9:30pm Meditation [silence until breakfast]


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Appendix 2: Sample First Module Program

Dharma Training at DharmalayaSeptember 13 19, 2010

Time/Date MondaySept 13

TuesdaySept 14

WednesdaySept 15

ThursdaySept 16

FridaySept 17

SaturdaySept 18

SuSep

6:00-7:00am Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation Medi

7:00-8:00am Asanas Asanas Asanas Asanas Asanas Asanas As

8:00-9:00am Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Brea

9:00-9:30am Registration Check-In Check-In HobbitBeach

Departure

Check-In Check-In Che

9:30-10:30am OpeningCircle

Brahmacakra YogaPsychology

Solovision quest

FeminineMysticism

PROUT TaDharm

W10:30-11am Opening /

OrientationRiver Walk River Walk Solo

vision questRiver Walk River Walk Rive

11-12:00am Concept ofDharma

Subtle Body DiscussionTopic

Solovision quest

DiscussionTopic

PROUT CloCi

12-12:30pm Free Time /Music

Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation Medi

12:30-1:30pm Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lu

1:30- 2:30pm Samskaras Brahma

Sadhana

Health

Practices

Beach Neo-

humanism

Building

SpiritualCommunity

Cle

2:30-3:00pm Tea Tea Tea Beach Tea Tea

3:00-4:00pm The Practiceof Yoga

Karma Yoga IntuitionalScience

Beach Six Factorsof Progress

DiscussionTopic

4:00-5:30pm Asanas Asanas Asanas Return toDharmalaya

Asanas Asanas

5:30-6:30pm Meditation GroupMeditation

GroupMeditation

GroupMeditation

GroupMeditation

GroupMeditation

6:30-7:30pm Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner

7:45-9:30pm HealingActivity

Women /Men Groups

Chill Night SpiritualMovies

Kiirtan Jam MahaSlideshow

9:30pm Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation Meditation

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