Rasa Yoga Cikitsa Certification

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Mentorship Program is to strengthen the Rasa Yoga Kula; to enable one another’s growth as teacher and student; and to assist each other in completion of the goals we say we want to achieve.

As you begin the program, as with any goal, you may be filled with excitement and enthusiasm.  However, the goals we have not yet achieved are because we are not yet the person we need to become in order to reach them.  As with this goal of completing the certification program, inner transformation must occur in order to complete it.  The inner transformation is actually the result we seek – becoming more peaceful and powerful through the understanding of yoga – the certification paper is the symbol of this.  The personal growth it takes to learn to be an effective yoga teacher is mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging.  When faced with this challenge, we are all tempted to turn away from each other and to turn away from our goals.  The “easier” path of running away is not actually easier!  What we really need to be doing is turning toward one another more than ever – going to those we trust and who have been though the same challenge and continued past it.  Then, you can also summon the remaining strength you need to keep going.  The rewards infinitely outweigh the challenges of the path, which is why we have created the Mentorship Program – so you do not become tricked by your own fears and instead become filled with courage by your own vision for the future.

PROCESS & BENEFITS OVERVIEW

Within the first few weeks of your induction, you will be assigned a yoga mentor.  Your mentor is also a student in our program and in turn has a mentor.  The relationship includes weekly emails and monthly meetings centered around direct application of yoga philosophy to daily life and to any challenges that arise.  The weekly emails are structured to include reflections, principles, and questions and will be addressed at the monthly meetings.  Guidelines for these emails and meetings are provided in the next section.

The benefit for the mentee in the relationship is access to an understanding, accepting guide who has faced the same challenges and proceeded anyway.  While the outer form of a challenge may look different, the core issues are shared.  All of us who have achieved some success on the path of yoga have had stages when we have wanted to quit, thought we were not good enough at yoga to teach it, been enticed by other programs, felt extremely nervous about teaching, …there are many more examples!  As a mentee, you are also learning about honesty and integrity.  This relationship sets up accountability to yourself.  You are the one who enrolled in the program; you are the one who stated that this is an important goal to you.  When the challenges come, your relationship with your mentor will require you to face your own fears and insecurities.  Let yourself be led so that you may lead.  The world is full of people who do not reach their goals, who run away when the difficulties arise.  When you feel the urge to turn away and you don’t, you take a huge step forward.

The benefit for the mentor is development into a true leader; an urban warrior who stops talking about the changes needed in the world and lives them instead.  To mentor another yogi requires maturity, integrity, humility, trust, and deep compassion.  Through the mentoring relationship, you develop sharper awareness of your own limiting beliefs and learn to disempower them.  You become adept at application of yoga to all circumstances and relationships, turning your knowledge of yoga into wisdom.  Your ability to communicate the principles of yoga effectively expands.  When another human being comes to you with their challenges, you are required to provide what is needed in the situation regardless of your own desires, the mark of a true teacher.

Note:  To be a mentor, you must have completed at least 25 private therapy trainings with Gurudevi Padma Shakti and maintain a regular training schedule of once a month average.

Financial aid is available to qualified students on a limited basis depending on individual need and overall situation.

Financial Aid Availability & Amount of Award

Whenever we are able to award financial aid for a particular course or program, the maximum financial aid award is normally 50% of the full rate. The amount awarded to each qualified applicant is determined by the Program Director and Board of Directors. Full Scholarship awards and Work-Study Scholarships are also available depending on the need and overall situation of the applicant. We make every effort to offer financial aid for the majority of the programs that we offer, but we cannot promise to have financial aid available for every program.

CLICK HERE FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

When financial aid is awarded for Rasa Vidya, Smarana and/or Healing Immersions, the cost of food and lodging is not included. The applicant will be responsible for paying these costs.

Financial Aid Qualifications

To qualify for financial aid (partial scholarship), prospective participants must complete and submit the scholarship application form, answering all questions on the form honestly and fully. In addition to submitting an application, we expect applicants to be firmly committed to their attendance and course participation (this includes attendance in and participation in training as specified by Rasa Yoga Program Director, Director of Student Advancement and assigned mentor.) Failure to maintain attendance and participation as specified may result in any financial aid awarded to be rendered void.

Those who are already enrolled in a particular course are not eligible to receive financial aid for that course retroactively, therefore we only accept financial aid from individuals who have not yet enrolled in the course of their request.

Financial Aid Application Submissions

Prospective students may submit a financial aid application as soon as a particular course is announced. Applications are accepted at any time prior to the course’s start date and for two to three weeks after it has begun, or for as long as it is listed on the Scholarship Application Form.

Financial Aid Award Notifications

Financial aid/scholarship award determinations are made by our Board of Directors once we know the size of our award fund for the program and the approximate number of students enrolling at the regular rate. We issue our financial aid/scholarship award notifications by email generally in the final two weeks before the course begins. Therefore, we ask applicants to be patient and to understand that even if they have applied early, they may have to wait to find out if they have been awarded a scholarship. We do not offer our early registration bonuses to scholarship recipients.

Refund Policy for Financial Aid/Scholarship Participants

As stated above, the intention of our financial aid program is to support individuals who are dedicated to embodying the highest vision for the world, but who otherwise would not be able to afford to enroll in one of our programs. We therefore expect applicants to be firmly committed to their course participation (this includes attendance in and participation in training as specified by Rasa Yoga Program Director, Director of Student Advancement and assigned mentor.) For that reason, the portion of the course fee paid by financial aid recipients is non-refundable, in alignment with the Rasa Yoga Refund Policy (Please see: Tuition, Fees and Refund Policy).

At Rasa Yoga School of Ayurveda Yoga, we uphold high standards of living and we expect all of our Yoga Teachers and Therapists to abide by the following Codes of Conduct & Ethics. At the heart of these Codes of Conduct & Ethics are the guidelines laid out in the retraints (Yamas) and observances (Niyamas ), the first two limbs of Patanjali's eightfold path (Ashtanga Yoga), the Yoga Sutras. The five restraints: non-harming (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), management of energy (Brahmacharya), and non-covetousness (Aparigraha). The five observances: cleanliness & purity (Saucha), contentment (Santosha), discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadyaya), and devotion to God (Ishvara Pranidana). In other key scriptures of Yoga, further moral principles are mentioned, including kindness, compassion, generosity, patience, helpfulness, forgiveness, purity, and so on.

Our Yoga Teachers and Therapists must endeavor to conduct their lives in consonance with these guidelines. Teachers and Therapists have a great responsibility toward their students and clients and are expected to clearly demonstrate the qualities one would associate with a true professional.

Rasa Yoga views the formulation and publication of these guidelines as part of its effort to help preserve the traditional legacy of Yoga and improve the quality of Yoga teaching, therapy and practice in the modern world.

1. Personal Conduct

A.  Attendance, Punctuality to Classes

Attendance at all sessions for which a student is registered is expected. To receive credit for any workshop or intensive, attendance at all parts in the same session is required. No partial credit will be given. Additionally, punctuality to classes, workshops, intensives, etc is expected.

B. Competence, Timeliness, Professionalism

Students are expected to complete assignments and submit documentation in a timely manner.  Weekly documentation reports should be consistent 80%.  Therapy manuals are expected to be completed within a 6 to 12 month timeframe. Faculty and students delivering yoga therapy sessions are expected to be actively training, practicing and submitting documentation to their mentor. Professional conduct and behavior is expected during all trainings, workshops, and yoga therapy sessions. At all times, faculty, staff and students should seek to practice and embody the Yamas and Niyamas and the Rasa Yoga Code of Ethics.

Faculty/staff who practice at Rasa Yoga are expected to participate in continuing education, as well as stay abreast of new developments in the field of yoga. Each is also expected to log all continuing education hours.

C. Appropriate Behavior & Conduct

Respectful of the lineage of yoga teachings. Faculty/staff and students must practice conscious speech. Students are expected to take responsibility for the challenges they encounter and to bring those challenges directly to their mentor. If a student is having a challenge with their mentor, he or she is expected to discuss this with the Director of Yoga Studies.

Faculty/staff and students agree to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationship boundaries. Additionally, faculty/staff shall provide therapy only for those problems or issues that are within the reasonable boundaries of their competence. To cultivate an attitude of humanity in their therapy, faculty/staff dedicate their work to something greater than themselves.

D. Acceptable User

Cell phone use (texting, social media, etc.) during breaks in general workshops and trainings. Faculty/staff and students should step outside of the training rooms to talk on cell phones during breaks. It is acceptable for faculty/staff and students to take pictures using cell phones and post on social media with the awareness of those in the picture.

E. Dress Code and Hygiene

Modest dress, all body parts sufficiently covered.  Basic personal hygiene is expected.  Students are encouraged but not required to practice barefooted.  All students are expected to take an active role in maintaining a hygienic environment and help clean and maintain the school space while training.

F. Non-Impairment

Prescription medication may be used as directed by a physician.  Any concerns about the influence of medication (prescription, over-the-counter) should be privately discussed with a mentor and/or faculty/staff member.

II. Clinical Conduct

A. Confidentiality & Privacy

Students and faculty are expected to maintain confidentiality and privacy of all client case studies. These cases may be discussed during workshops, in the course of mentoring or practicum.

B. Lawful & Honest Conduct

Faculty/staff and students are expected to practice honesty and integrity in all relationships and interactions, avoiding any relationships that could impair professional discernment or exploit the trust of clients.  In the case that this expectation is broken, it is expected they seek counsel from a mentor or senior faculty/staff member.

C. Compliance with Supervision

Students must be prepared for faculty to walk in to any group or private session or meeting at any time.  Students will be supervised by faculty when delivering yoga therapy for at least 15 minutes of a 60 minute session. After a student has 30 hours experience delivering therapy sessions, faculty supervision may decrease to periodic walk-throughs.  Respectful behavior and receptive attitude toward feedback is expected while a student is under supervision.  Faculty are expected to demonstrate presence, compassion and ability to discern while supervising students.     

D. Compliance with Law

Faculty, staff, students and clients are expected to adhere to the Rasa Yoga Code of Ethics this Code of Conduct. Workplace health and safety is governed by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) -- the state of Texas does not have its own occupational safety and health regulatory program. Laws against workplace violence, harassment, and discrimination are enforced by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

E. Conflict of Interest

All cases where potential conflict of interest may occur (i.e. working with a relative, potential romantic involvement of a faculty/staff member with a student or client), shall seek the counsel of the Rasa Yoga Governing Board.

F. Care/Maintenance of Facilities

All students, faculty and staff take an active role in the care and maintenance of the school facilities. Facilities are to be treated with respect and left in good order following all workshops, classes, group and individual therapy sessions.

1. Yoga teachers and therapists understand and appreciate that teaching Yoga is a noble and ennobling endeavor that aligns them with a long line of honorable teachers.
2. Yoga teachers and therapists are committed to practicing Yoga as a way of life.
3. Yoga teachers and therapists are committed to maintaining impeccable standards of professional competence and integrity.
4. Yoga teachers and therapists dedicate themselves to a thorough and continuing study and practice of Yoga, in particular the theoretical and practical aspects of the branch or type of Yoga that they teach.
5. Yoga teachers and therapists are committed to avoiding substance abuse, and if for some reason they succumb to chemical dependency, will stop teaching until they are free again from drug and/or alcohol abuse. They will then do everything in their power to remain free, including being fully accountable to a support group.
6. Yoga teachers and therapists especially embrace the ideal of truthfulness in dealing with students and others, including accurately representing their training and experience relevant to their teaching of Yoga.
7. Yoga teachers and therapists are committed to promoting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of their clients and students.
8. Yoga teachers and therapists, especially those teaching Hatha Yoga, will abstain from giving medical advice or advice that could be interpreted as such, unless they have the necessary medical qualifications.
9. Yoga teachers and therapists are open to instructing all students regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, and social or financial status.
10. Yoga teachers and therapists are willing to accept students with physical disabilities, providing they have the skill to teach those students properly.
11. Yoga teachers and therapists will treat their students with respect.
12. Yoga teachers and therapists will never force their own opinions on students but rather will appreciate the fact that every individual is entitled to his or her worldview, ideas, and beliefs. At the same time, Yoga teachers and therapists must communicate to their students that Yoga seeks to achieve a deep-level transformation of the human personality, including attitudes and ideas. If a student is not open to change, or if a student’s opinions seriously impede the process of communicating yoga teachings to him or her, then the Yoga teacher and therapists is free to decline to work with that individual and, if possible, find an amicable way of dissolving the teaching relationship.
13. Yoga teachers and therapists will avoid any form of sexual harassment of students.
14. Yoga teachers and therapists wishing to enter a consensual sexual relationship with a present or former student should seek the immediate counsel of their mentor and the Rasa Yoga Board of Directors before taking any action.
15. Yoga teachers and therapists will make every effort to avoid exploiting the trust of students and their potential dependency, and instead encourage them to find greater inner freedom.
16. Yoga teachers and therapists acknowledge the importance of the proper context for teaching and agree to avoid teaching in a casual manner, which includes observing proper decorum inside and outside of the classroom.
17. Yoga teachers and therapists practice tolerance toward other Yoga teachers and therapists, schools, and traditions. When criticism has to be brought, this should be done with fairness and with appropriate regard for the facts.

This Code of Ethics is not exhaustive, and the fact that a given conduct is not specifically covered does not imply anything about the ethical or unethical nature of that conduct.  Yoga teachers and therapists always endeavor to respect and to the best of their abilities adhere to the traditional yogic Code of Ethics as well as to the law current in their country and state.

Student grievances should be addressed through the following procedure:

• Fill out the Student Grievance form below and submit to the Program Director and Director of Student Advancement. Additional contact information can be found on p. 8 of the Training Booklet and on our About Us webpage: rasayogaschool.org/site/about.
• The Program Director or Student Advancement Director will respond within five (5) business days.
• If additional information regarding the grievance is needed, the Program Director will request that information be provided within 14 days. Every effort will be made to resolve the grievance through discussion.  In the case that the Program Director deems it supportive, the Advisory Board will be included in the discussion.
• A written response addressing the grievance will be issued by the Program Director within 30 days to the student. The response of the Program Director and Advisory Board is final.

Student Discipline will be determined by Rasa Yoga School of Ayurveda Yoga Advisory Board and the Director of Yoga Studies.  If it is determined that School Policy or Student Code of Conduct has been breached, student disciplinary procedures are as follows:

• For 1st and minor breaches of School Policy or Student Code of Conduct (minor breaches are defined as those that do not break any local, state and/or national laws and those that do not demean another human being), the student will be addressed by his or her mentor and given the opportunity to address the issue as a learning opportunity.
• If it is determined supportive to the student’s growth and learning by the mentor and/or Program Director, the student may be required to submit a written reflection on how the principles of yoga apply to the policy or code of conduct in question.
• For continued breaches of School Policy and major breaches of Student Code of Conduct (major breaches are defined as those that break local, state, and/or national laws and those that demean another human being), the student will be subject to any and all legal repercussions of his or her actions as well as suspended from training for a period of 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or indefinitely as determined by the Program Director. The Program Director may consult with the student’s mentor and/or the Advisory Board in determining the appropriate response for the individual student. 

Program Completion and Certification Criteria

Rasa Yoga Cikitsa courses are intended to result in your certification as a Yoga Therapist.  Certified Rasa Yoga therapists must possess the abilities and skills necessary to safely and competently apply Yoga techniques and practices in small groups and individually, and we reserve the right to withhold certification from any student who fails to develop the necessary skills.  Every attempt will be made to provide input throughout the program about teaching deficits that might impede certification.  Certification is contingent upon competently and safely applying Yoga therapy as determined by the subjective evaluation of the Program Director, Student Advancement Director and faculty members.  In addition, the student must meet academic performance requirements and attendance policies outlined below. The Program Director, Student Advancement Director and faculty members will use the following criteria to establish student eligibility for certification:

1. Practicum – Full participation in ALL practicum sessions is mandatory. A minimum of 300 practicum delivery hours is required plus 108 hours of documentation and mentoring. Total Practicum hours are 408. During practicum delivery sessions, you must demonstrate the ability to administer Yoga Therapy using the methodology presented in this training. Students must document practicum therapy sessions using the format from the How to Create Yoga Student Profiles workbook by Olga Kabel. Students will receive feedback from their mentor from observation and documentation submitted. Certification is contingent upon competently and safely offering Yoga Therapy.A summative practicum assessment will be conducted by the Program Director and a panel of faculty. This assessment will be competency-based and be graded using a rubric.

   Practicum Delivery at Rasa Yoga is a privilege and a responsibility.  Students are expected to be present for all clinical labs, practicum delivery sessions and meetings with their practicum mentor.  In the event of illness or should a legitimate need to cancel/reschedule arise, it is expected that the student communicate immediately by phone and text with his or her mentor. 

2. Attendance Policy – Attendance at all sessions for which you are registered is expected. To receive credit for any workshop or intensive, attendance at all parts in the same session is required. No partial credit will be given.  This includes arriving late.  For Being Yoga, no more than two absences per quarter are permitted, and missed sessions must be made up.

   General Class Attendance – Students will sign in for classes attended during Rasa Yoga Cikitsa training as directed. These classes will be considered part of the workshop and not general classroom hours.

   Being Yoga Attendance Policy – Consecutive attendance is expected. In the event of an absence, the student can receive a make-up for the session through the following procedures:

   Monday Yoga Philosophy Session – Notify mentor of absence via phone, text or email (24 hours notice).  Mentor will direct the student to a designated re-teacher. The student will submit a summary of the re-teaching to the student's mentor, re-teacher and Program Director.

   Master Sadhana Session – Student will attend an additional Master Sadhana paired with the corresponding Monday Yoga Philosophy session immediately following the completion of their term of Being Yoga.  Drop in rate will apply if student is not continuing with Being Yoga.

3. Residential and Distance Learning - The Rasa Yoga Cikitsa Program is designed as a residential learning program. Many students complete all program hours residentially. Non-local students may integrate up to 200 hours of synchronous distance learning. Students that have the need to incorporate distance learning into their training work individually with their mentor to determine which courses they will complete via distance learning and which they will travel and participate in on-campus.

   For all synchronous distance learning and hybrid courses, students have the same expectations as residential students. Students are expected to sign in early to Zoom and be prepared to begin training promptly at the class start time. Cameras must be on and students observed to be attentive during the full training to receive credit. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, ask questions when appropriate and participate in small group breakout sessions just as residential students participate. A designated live-stream Seva support person actively monitors these expectations and monitors the chat to relay questions or comments to faculty.  Students are assessed in the same manner for distance learning as residential students; the only difference being that in some cases residential students may receive a paper quiz while distnace learning students would receive a link to a Google Form or a digital file to complete and return. We are transitioning to using Kajabi as our Online School/Learning Management System and quizzes will be delivered via that platform for distance learning in the future.

4. Assessment Policy – Assessments are for the purpose of learning. Throughout the Rasa Yoga Cikitsa Program, students will be required to take practical or written quizzes or tests. For distance learning, quizzes will be administered via Google Forms or Kajabi. Quizzes are closed book and it is expected that students reach 100% on quizzes. Students who receive less than the passing score of 100% on any quiz may review their notes and resources before retaking the quiz to meet the passing score.

   Rasa Yoga Cikitsa Summative Assessments - All students are required to pass practical and written summative assessments as they progress through the Krama Modules. If a student does not pass a summative assessment, he or she must meet with their mentor and create a plan for growth to successfully demonstrate the learning objectives.

   Grading for the Rasa Yoga Cikitsa are based on competency-based rubrics which measure specific learning objectives. The rubrics provide objective feedback for student growth. An example rubric is available in the Rasa Yoga Cikitsa Training Booklet.       

   Assessments are graded by a panel of Rasa Yoga faculty members.

   For practical/oral assessments, responses are considered and weighted and based on the following scale:

   Presence – 25%

   Overall Attitude – 25%

   Voice & Projection – 20%

   Understanding & Application – 15%

   Correct Information – 15%

   The weighted scores are averaged to reach the student’s final score for the assessment.

   Student grievances for grading and assessment should follow the procedures for addressing grievances in the Student Grievances section of this website or on p. 26 of the Rasa Yoga Cikitsa Training Booklet.

5. Take-Home Assignments – Students will be given assignments to complete between sessions as part of the program. Occasionally, students whose certification is in question or incomplete may be given other take-home assignments to complete. All students must satisfactorily complete and submit all assignments and materials to receive certification.

   Homework is assigned for student growth and understanding.  The process of completing the homework enables the student to integrate and assimilate the information that has been taught.  Students will not necessarily receive immediate feedback regarding your homework.  All Rasa Yoga training programs seek to give rise to a student’s unique voice within, and the ability to let go of the need for immediate approval assists that process.

6. Academic Performance Requirements – Students are expected to show mastery of the required proficiencies at a passing rate of 100% all multiple choice quizzes, take-home/homework assignments and tests/assessments. Should a student perform academically at below the passing rate of 100% the following steps should be undertaken:

   - Review notes and resources

   - Meet with mentor for guidance on approach to integrating the information.

   - Attend Study Group Sessions

   - Retake the required academic component to receive a passing rate of 100%.

7. Seva/Karma Yoga Requirements – Students will volunteer time in service to others without monetary gain during their training. A minimum number of hours will be offered in service at Rasa Yoga, and a minimum number of hours will be offered in service to an organization of choice with the approval of the Rasa Yoga Program Director. Seva offered during Rasa Yoga courses will not serve the purpose of seva requirements for training.
8. Professional Behavior and Ethical Conduct

   During the Program – All students in the program are required to adhere to Rasa Yoga’s Ethical Guidelines for Yoga Therapists as well as to the supporting practices described in the Therapist Training Criteria and Certification Agreement for Rasa Yoga’s Therapist Training Program.  These guidelines are designed to help ensure safety while maintaining a professional atmosphere.  Failure to adhere could result in forfeiture of certification.

   Students must practice conscious speech.  It is absolutely inappropriate for students to go to each other with any problems, issues, or challenges they are having with their path.  Additionally, gossip is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.  Students are expected to take responsibility for the challenges they encounter and to bring those challenges directly to their mentors.  If a student is having a challenge with their mentor, he or she is expected to discuss this with Gurudevi.  A healthy community seeks to resolve difficulties through constructive discussion. Avoiding direct conversation leads to destruction within a community.  Any student who is spoken to or overhears another student engaging in inappropriate speech must report this back to a faculty member or mentor.

   After Certification – Certified Yoga therapists are expected to conduct their professional practice in full compliance with Rasa Yoga’s Ethical Guidelines for Yoga Therapists.  Any complaint about a Yoga therapist’s unethical behavior will result in a thorough investigation.  Certified Yoga therapists who are found to have violated Rasa Yoga’s Ethical Guidelines for Yoga Therapists may have their certification revoked.

9. Continuing Education – Successful Yoga therapy requires continued learning and renewal. Rasa Yoga has adopted the following policy for the continuing education of its certified Yoga therapists: As a certified Yoga therapist, students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of Yoga-specific training per year after certification. Continued use of Rasa Yoga’s name is contingent upon meeting this requirement. Rasa Yoga retains the right to request verifying documents at any time as proof of meeting this requirement. Rasa Yoga retains the right to change or adapt these requirements to ensure the high quality of Rasa Yoga’s Yoga instruction.
10. Continuing Education for Therapists at Rasa Yoga – If a therapist is not enrolled in a Rasa Yoga Cikitsa Program following certification, the following requirements (subject to change) must be met in each year of serving as a yoga therapist at Rasa Yoga:
    • Total of 80 hours of Rasa Yoga workshops
    • Attendance at a minimum of one quarter of Being Yoga
    • Participation in Asana Immersion
11. Insurance and CPR

    Therapists at Rasa Yoga are required to maintain a current CPR certification and individual teaching insurance.  A copy of your CPR certification and insurance must be provided to Padma Shakti or Gracie.  Please note that individual teaching insurance is recommended as well.

12. Limited Nonexclusive Use of the Name “Rasa Yoga” –Rasa Yoga is the name of our registered organization, and we have the sole right to control the use of this name to ensure the integrity of our teachings. Certified students are permitted to use “Rasa Yoga-certified” or “certified by Rasa Yoga” to indicate they have successfully completed Rasa Yoga's Program. They are NOT permitted to use phrases suggesting that they are “Rasa Yoga therapists” or “licensed by Rasa Yoga, etc.”