Introduction

Quickly assess your knowledge of Subtle Body Foundations, and identify gaps in your education. See below for assessments on these subjects:

1. Energy & Subtle Body Anatomy
2. Koshas Overview
3. Chakras Introduction
4. Pranayama Philosophy

Purpose

Offer a series of free quizzes for yoga teachers to:

1. Provide an effective way to assess knowledge of each of the Teaching Knowledge Standards.
2. Make it easy to self-assess privately, on your own time.
3. Help teachers who identify educational gaps to bolster their knowledge with accessible and practical lessons.

More Self-Assessments

For more self-assessments, see the Standards & Self-Assessment Hub.

Energy & Subtle Body Anatomy

Teaching Standard

Have a foundational understanding of energy from scientific, philosophical, and practical perspectives, and be familiar with the yogic perspective on life force energy (prana), how it moves and functions, and how yoga practices influence and regulate this energy.

Assessment

Questions

1. What is the nature of life-force energy?
2. What term or terms are used in Western science to describe the life-force energy that yogis call prana and Chinese philosophy calls qi?
3. Where do ancient traditions say this energy comes from?
4. Define and discuss the terms prana and nadis.
5. How do yoga practices impact subtle energy and what are the primary techniques for working with it?

Energy & Subtle Body Anatomy Vocabulary

Koshas Overview

Teaching Standard

Be familiar with the kosha model and explore practical ways to apply and teach it.

Assessment

Questions

1. From what ancient text does the kosha model originate and what is its purpose?
2. Name and define each kosha.
3. How does yoga philosophy view the soul and what is its relationship to the five koshas?
4. How do koshas relate to the astral and causal bodies?
5. How can you utilize the kosha model for practical purposes?

Chakras Introduction

Teaching Standard

Be familiar with the philosophy, function and symbolism of chakras.

Assessment

1. What is the meaning of the Sanskrit word, chakra?
2. What are chakras?
3. How many chakras are in the human body?
4. What are the functions of chakras?
5. Individual chakras may be described as having what types of issues?
6. Which chakras are described as complementary pairs?
7. Chakras are traditionally depicted by what symbol?
8. What is the significance of the number of petals on the chakra symbols?
9. As you clarify your purpose in teaching students about the chakra model, what are some considerations?

Pranayama Philosophy

Teaching Standard

Be familiar with the meaning and deeper philosophical perspectives on the purpose and effects of pranayama (breath practices).

Assessment

1. How is pranayama presented in the Yoga Sutras?
2. What is the meaning of the Sanskrit word, pranayama?
3. Provide a succinct and practical description of the philosophy behind pranayama.
4. Provide more considerations related to pranayama in the context of life force energy.
5. According to the Yoga Sutras, what is the result of successful pranayama practice?

Next Steps

1. To view more self-assessments, go to the Standards & Self-Assessment Hub.
2. Members, view this clear and concise resource:  Themes & Topics Index, Yoga Vocabulary & Glossary of Terms
3. Members, view clear and concise lessons:

• • Energy & Subtle Body Anatomy
  • Koshas Overview
  • Chakras Introduction
  • Pranayama Philosophy

In a Nutshell

• The enrollment fee is $25 and is open to Yoga Teacher Central members, past members and non-members.
• Members receive current membership benefits plus additional benefits listed below.
• Enrollment in the Study Program qualifies you for lifetime YTC Teacher status.

Benefits

Enrolling in the Study Program gives you:

1. A downloadable Knowledge Standards Lesson Guide to walk you through a structured study path toward certification.
2. Selection of 5 downloadable lessons of your choice (from a library of nearly 500).
3. Recognition as a YTC Teacher (for life; no expiration).
4. Professional marketing kit for highlighting your YTC Teacher status on social media and your website.
5. Excellent preparation for taking certification exams.

Members

• Your current membership gives you online access to not only thousands of pages of organized study and teaching knowledge, but also sequence breakdowns and teaching notes, theme plans, injury cheat-sheets, and so on.
• When you enroll in the Study Program, you get these additional benefits: a Knowledge Standards Lesson Guide, selection of 5 downloadable lessons of your choice, and a professional marketing kit for highlighting your YTC Teacher status on social media and your website.

See here for information about exams, badges and certification. Get links for each exam, and for a no-risk trial exam.

We think you’ll enjoy taking the exams. The questions are well-thought-out and the subject matter is quite engaging and significant for teachers. You’ll get an inspiring teaching after answering each question. At the end of the exam, you see a summary of wrong answers and the relevant teachings,  giving you a personal study guide targeted to your needs.

This is an hour well-spent!

Return to Yoga Teaching Standards & Self-Assessment Hub