Elevating Tradition: An Authentic and Modern Approach Uniting Spiritual Wisdom, Scientific Insight and Embodied Practice
Redefining Yoga Education
An approach to yoga that:
- Changes your patterns of thought, emotion and perception to develop the confidence in your ability to create your reality.
- Brings this sacred science into your life to create a holistic daily practice that can be easily shared with others
- Integrates ancient wisdom with new discoveries in neurobiology, physics and psychology in ways that are easy to communicate with the modern world
Imagine....
Integrate the 8 limbs of yoga with sacred sound and somatic psychology
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Hear what others have to say:
3 Pillars of Our Program
Pillar 1: Holistic Approach
Train in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Raja Yoga. Understanding the “why, what and how” of yoga practice.
Yoga is more than just postures, its a life-long journey of self-awareness that encompasses all aspects of our being. Experience how yoga asana, mantra, pranayama, meditation and philosophy connect to the greater systems of yoga.
Students are immersed in a holistic experience of the 5 paths of yoga so that they can understand their significance and how to practice them. You will discover the "Yogic Blueprint" that will allow you build a transformative daily practice.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Develop a holistic practice that integrates yoga asana, pranayama, chanting, meditation and contemplation.
Understand the 8 limbs as a blueprint for the yoga journey of cultivating ethics, training the mind and realizing the Self.
De-colonize the commercial and sexualized idea of yoga, understanding it as both an indigenous & transcendent spirituality.
Discover key historical figures and teachings from Yoga sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other spiritual traditions
Pillar 1
Pillar 2: Soma & Psyche
Explore the body and mind as a whole organism of interdependent parts.
Soma means “body”, and Psyche means “mind”. Ancient teachings of yoga can be more deeply understood through through modern scientific fields of psychology, physics, biology and neuroscience.
We provide teachings on the nervous system, polyvagal theory, interoception and different strategies for self-regulation. You will understand how thoughts, feelings, sensations, attitudes and beliefs systems have an impact on physical well-being - and actually change how you operate in the world.
Then, you will learn how to share this with others in your yoga classes.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Able to lead somatic practices to regulate the nervous system
Understand how our triggers and traumas influence our perception of safety
Explore how core beliefs are formed and determine our self-concept
Learn the chakra system as an inner science of human potential
Pillar 2
Pillar 3: the art of teaching
Inquiry based learning that develops your inner teacher. Develop the confidence to lead transformational Yoga experiences.
Through a variety of learning styles - auditory, visual and kinesthetic - you will discover a dream space for learning, and also inspiration on how you want to teach.
As you see your own body and mind as the teacher, your integration and competency accelerates as you learning how to teach from the inside-out.
By the end, you will be confident to teach a holistic yoga class, and inspired to develop transformative yoga experiences for your students.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Understand how to teach postures using verbal cues, observation and demonstration of techniques
Develop the confidence to share both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga
Create a safe teaching space through classroom set-up, boundaries, and language
Learn key modification for postures to work with a diverse population of students
Pillar 3
A Totally Unique 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)
This Training centers around the 5 primary paths of yoga
High Vibrations:
Strong, flexible, grounded and filled with life-force
Hatha Yoga
Powerful Cognitions:
Open, self-inquiring, multi-dimensional perception
Jnana Yoga
Soulful wisdom:
Loving, creative, capable of ecstatic states
Bhakti Yoga
Selfless service:
Balanced, inclusive and dedicated to the whole
Karma Yoga
Noble simplicity:
Spacious, focused, and able to still the mind
Raja Yoga
In the Indian Yoga tradition, yoga is more than just what happens on the mat; it can be a way of life. These yogic paths develop different competencies to unlock our human potential, turning our lives into an art and science of self-discovery.
The Details
May 1st-30th, 2025
Whether you want to develop a transformational practice, become a certified teacher, or expand your existing knowledge and skillset – this training is for you.
Receive your 200hr YTT Certification in beautiful Costa Rica this April, alongside a community of fellow seekers ready to step into their power and purpose.
- 200hr YTT Certification Upon Completion
- 4 Week Experience in Costa Rica
- 4 Hours of Hatha Yoga Daily
- Morning & Evening Meditation Practice
- Kirtan, Raga Music, Storytelling and Dance
- Daily 1-2 Hour Lecture or Demonstration
- Learnings in Yoga Philosophy, Mantra, Psychology and Mythology
- Complimentary Inner Path Deck
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4 Week Experience in Costa Rica
4 Hours of Hatha Yoga Daily
Morning & Evening Meditation Practice
Kirtan, Raga Music, Storytelling and Dance
Daily 1-2 Hour Lecture or Demonstration
Learnings in Yoga Philosophy, Mantra, Psychology and Mythology
Complimentary Inner Path Deck
Sarah - past participant
"This training is as much about your Self as it is about learning how to teach yoga to others.
You will learn to appreciate yoga’s ancient roots and comprehensive spiritual path. Be prepared to devote yourself wholeheartedly to an intense month. For every ounce you put in, you’ll reap ten times in return.”
Katia - past YTT participant
I discovered the true meaning and depth of yoga, which inspired me to walk this path throughout life
"Today, I perceive yoga as a life path: both spiritual and practical for everyday life. What appeals to me the most is that yoga can be practiced outside of a religious context and still be a deep spiritual practice, which was lacking in my life."
Program Tuition
Tuition Fee
$2100 USD
BOOK
Includes all programming, manual and Inner Path Deck
*Room and Board booked seperately
We believe that yoga is for everybody, and we strive to create accessible trainings that honor the teachers and support students of different income brackets. If you are very committed to the program and need some support, please specify this when you hear back from us
Please note that accommodation and food are not included and will be booked separately.
May 1st—May 30th, 2025
$2300 USD
Early Bird
(before Feb 15th)
Regular Fee
your home away from home
Accommodations & Food
Once you pay your tuition for the experience, you will be connected with Awake to book your room and food plan.
We have meal plan specially designed for the YTT by our chef.
Everything is vegetarian, gluten-free, organic and locally sourced. The food is pure and delicious, designed to aid in your healing and strength development.
Meals at the training
All prices include both Food & Accommodation
Please note this will be booked separately with Awake Retreat Center.
Three Options
$1700
Glamping
Great for solo travellers on a budget. Lots of light, comfortable interiors with plenty of storage space for your belongings.
King or Twin Bed
Shared bathroom with shower
Shared lounge space
3 meals a day
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$1800- Single
$1900 - King
Casa Cora Rooms
You’ll be close to the heart of the action in our Casa Cora rooms - with close walking to the kitchen, lounge, shared amenities and the main Surya Yoga Shala. Thoughtfully designed to give a balance of privacy and proximity, you can choose between a double and single bed. These spacious rooms have plenty of shelf space, window lighting and a shared balcony looking out on the lush landscape.
Single Room
Single or King Beds
Shared bathroom with shower
Shared lounge space
Shared kitchen space
3 meals a day
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$2200
$2450 w/AC
Casita
These are private stay options on the property. Each room has a queen bed, private bathroom and private deck. Casitas literally mean “mini-homes”, so this will be your home-away-from-home during your training.
Independent Casita
Queen Bed
Private bathroom with shower
Private Kitchen
Private Deck
Shared lounge space
3 meals a day
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Included Bonus:
Inner Path Yoga Deck
Ancient wisdom, modern tools. The perfect pairing with your yoga practice.
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Yoga Philosophy deck
Created by Zamir & team for modern practitioners, the Inner Path Deck is perfect for anyone interested in the deeper teachings of yoga.
Philosophy Deck
includes
art cards and a wisdom booklet with sutras, stories, insights and practices
Meet Your Guides
Lead Instructor: Zamir Dhanji
Zamir’s hatha yoga training was influenced by a number of teachers – particularly Swami Sivananda and Donna Farhi – and he completed his 500 hr teacher training under David Goulet in Chakra Yoga. This approach provides a holistic understanding of the body-mind system rooted in modern science…which also corroborates the knowledge of ancient yogis.
He served as an instructor in yoga asana, pranayama, meditation and yoga philosophy for the Langara College yoga teacher training program, teaching both in Vancouver and internationally.
He’s trained in Compassionate Inquiry, a somatic-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Gabor Mate, which informs his healing work as both a yoga teacher and holistic counselor.
He has co-created a program for healing attachment trauma called “Patterns to Presence”, with behavioural scientist Sabrina Lakhani.
He studied Ati-Yoga under Wisdom Master Maticintin, founder of HUMUH : Clear Mind Buddhism and his spiritual teacher for the last decade, spending extended periods in the monastery studying meditation, buddhist logic and doing karma yoga.
In 2020 he founded Mystic Yogi and published The Inner Path, a yoga philosophy practice deck with stunning art and contemporary guidance for yoga seekers looking to integrate the 8 limbs of yoga into their life.
Assistant Instructors: Marie Boisvert
Marie initiated her Yoga training in 2008 through the Sivananda Organization, completing a 200-hour YTT in traditional Hatha Yoga. This marked the beginning of her journey into vinyasa-based power yoga, extending to a 300-hour YTT. This advanced training delved into Ashtanga Yoga, offered a profound exploration of anatomy, and fostered creative and informed sequencing.
In 2017, she was awarded a scholarship to study with Ryan Lier, and in 2019, Marie commenced her study of Ayurveda with a 100-hour introductory course under Dr. Sonal Bhatt, M.D. of Ayurveda.
Throughout her studies, Marie developed a profound love for learning and chanting devotional music in the spirit of Bhakti. Her ongoing exploration centers on utilizing Yoga to regulate our nervous systems and coexist harmoniously with our environment.
Kristyn Rose
Kristyn Rose is a seasoned Yoga teacher and dedicated practitioner specializing in Holistic Hatha Yoga, Restorative, Yin, and Yoga Nidra. Her journey as a compassionate guide in meditation has taken her across the globe in search of healing modalities and transformative teachings.
Kristyn's mission is to make a peaceful impact by infusing the world with mindfulness and profound rest.
Drawing from her deep well of experience and knowledge, Kristyn leads genuine, creative, and inspirational Yoga practices with authenticity and compassion. She honours her teachers and mentors for the wisdom they have imparted, recognizing that Yoga is not just a physical practice but a path to self-discovery and spiritual growth.
She is committed to supporting her students in reaching individual awakening and deep internal bliss, encouraging a remembering their Divine Truth.
We understand, life happens! Unless there are extenuating circumstances as determined by our team, your deposit is non-refundable up to 30 days before the training begins. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
There are only 20 spots in the training, so we recommend that you apply and put your deposit down early if you are serious.
What is the refund policy if I’m unable to make it after I sign up?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are already a certified yoga teacher, we still highly recommend this training. Most entry level YTT’s do not cover the depth and breadth of what we offer here. Transformative yoga practice requires a deeper understanding of yoga teachings and methods that are taught in most trainings.
If you are already a yoga teacher, please specify this in your application for an additional discount.
I’m already a certified teacher, is this still for me?
You will become established in hatha yoga and raja yoga – with essential asana principles from vinyasa and yin. You will also learn, practice and experience four other primary paths of yoga : Jnana (knowledge) , Bhakti (devotion), Karma (service), and Raja (meditation).
What kind of Yoga will we do?
This training is by application and we do ask your experience and journey with your yoga practice to make sure you’re a good fit for this certification. If you’ve never done yoga before, we suggest that you start to take classes and develop some practice before applying to a teacher training.
Can I do this certification if I’m new to practicing yoga?
Over 2,500 years ago, the Indian sage Patanjali defined eight components, or “limbs” as the blueprint for the yoga journey. He condensed the Indian yogic tradition into an open-ended system for cultivating ethical character, training the mind and realizing the Self. Learn more about them in the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT).
What are the 8 Limbs?
The Inner Path Deck is a card deck and tool developed by Zamir to support you with your individual practice and to provide a deeper understanding of yogic philosophies with your students. Want to start exploring the 8 Limbs concepts and other philosophies sooner? Learn more here.
What is the Inner Path Deck?
Yes, this training is an intensive and there is not adequate time to go off the property to get food.
Please indicate in your intake form if you are living locally and we will help you with this if there are exceptions or specific needs.
If I’m a local, do I have to eat my meals on-site?
Tuition for the YTT is $2100. You will also need to pay for room and board (unless you are a local) which ranges from $1400 to $2100 inclusive of all meals. We care about accessibility, and if some financial support is required, please email zamirdhanji@gmail.com with your situation.
WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST OF THE EXPERIENCE?
No, if you live locally you can commute to the training. We do require that you are on-time for all the sessions, and that once you are here you do not leave the property until the sessions finish that day.
WHAT IF I LIVE LOCALLY, DO I HAVE TO STAY ON-SITE?
Please visit Awake’s website:
www.awake.cr/accommodation
