Meditation Teachers Training Course

I began the MTTC course with some anxiety. I went in feeling that the experience would change me in such a way that something within myself would have to be let go of in order for something new to be born within. Instead I feel a valuable gain in my understanding of the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, Sri Swami Vishnu-devananda and their devotee and our teacher, Swami Atma. Without prior planning, by the end of the course I decided to be initiated into the lineage with a mantra and a spiritual name. Now I feel that my spiritual path is more clear than ever and the only thing lost is my indecisiveness.

Swami Atma is a warm, gentle, kind, thoughtful, and insightful teacher with a great sense of humor. I felt it was his personal mission to welcome us into this lineage and unfold the wisdom that has been passed on to him. We took advantage of the good weather and did the asana and lectures outside in nature as often as possible. His Karma Yogini, Sita, was not only a student of the course, but also the host and cook ! She was tireless in her duties and her example of Karma Yoga encouraged all of us to eagerly pitch in as well. The food was excellent...all organic and fresh and made with purity and love.

It is my wish that the AYA and the MTTC continue to flourish in the nourishment of Swami Atma and Sita. I highly recommend taking any course or going to any workshop that the Swami gives. You cannot help but be uplifted and enlightened ! The experience of the MTTC is one that I will carry with me always. I feel truly connected to the lineage of the teachings and look forward to continuing my connection with the AYA. Lalita, Houston, TX

AYA MTTC was an experience that I will not soon forget. I expected to learn to "teach" meditation…but I received so much more. I left the retreat with a Spiritual practice that had been truly enhanced.

The authentic teachings of dhyana yoga and the philosophy of advaita vedanta together in one retreat!!!

Thanks Swamiji. Radha, Houston, TX

This was a very moving 10 day experience. The MTTC was held in a peaceful, bucolic setting where we could really focus on yoga meditation. The days were rigorous and long, packed with much learning: about the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings of yoga, about meditation, about teaching skills. As always, Swami Atma was very informative in his uniquely charming, humoristic, and thoughtful manner.

The environment and the schedule allowed for reflection even though the days were jam-packed, between meditation exercises, hatha yoga, lectures, and satsangs. Lectures put meditation in a broader perspective and Swami Atma was open to the wide variety of questions offered by the trainees. As a trainee, I always felt that my inquiry was respected and responded to in a cogent manner.

I will admit that at times the process was difficult for me. I wondered if I could really learn all the materials; I haven't had to take a serious test (like the one at the end of the program) in many years.

This certainly was no vacation! Seriously, the conduct of the MTTC was significantly different from retrreats sponsored by AYA. But now in retrospect I am very glad that I participated in the AYA MTTC at the Margaret Austin Center in March 2006.

I can comfortably say that I have learned a great deal about yoga and what yoga mediation is really about. So, whether I actually start teaching a class (which I do feel I could at this point), it certainly has helped me to solidify my own yoga practice.

As a side note, I notice that my training to walk a marathon is going much better. I am much more focused and "mentally tougher".

As you may recall, I am walking a marathon to raise donations for the American Stroke Association (if anyone is further interested, they can contact me at jshiffner@hotmail.com).

In my practices I have more energy and as a result I am feeling even more optimistic about the event coming up in San Diego on June 4, 2006.

So, I highly recommend the AYA MTTC experience with Swami Atma. Om! Dr. Jamie Shiffner, Buffalo, NY

It would seem overly dramatic for me to say that MTTC changed my life, but it has been a very important milestone. In the beginning, I planned to attend MTTC in order to recharge my yoga practice and to be Suzanne, Valley View, TX

Swami Atma presents a wealth of information in the meditation teachers training. The training is truly a delightful experience. Swami Atma teaches in a fun and lighthearted manner with his stories and humor that clarify the information. He prepares the novice or advanced meditatior to teach meditation upon graduation. Linda , Egg Harbor Township , NJ

The Meditation Teachers Training Course was living the teachings of the masters. For the ten day course, you arise early, meditate, chant, follow the pure svattic diet, perform asanas twice daily and the subject matter was most interesting.

I loved the history, rituals, sanksrit language even though I found it very intense, I could've stayed another ten days to learn even more.

The instructor made the class with his excellent sense of humor on such a serious subject, the associate made excellent meals and the class environment was very adequate.

If you truly want to get a start on the classical method of teaching meditation I would invest my time and money here in Austin. Ramie, Kansas City, MO