Trainer Updates

Video Updates on Initiatives from Sept 2020 TTEC meetings

Part 1 – Distributing the Administration of the ATA and Improving the Level One Program

Part 2 – Simplifying the ATA

• Register NOW for the April TTEC meetings – You can register and come only for the proposal or proposals that you have time or interest in.  The schedule of when the proposals will be covered is here.  All times are listed as GMT – please convert to your local time zone!

Based on your feedback from Sutra and in the pre-TTEC discussion calls, we have edited ALL of the proposals! These final proposals are what will be voted on at TTEC, so please discuss on Sutra between now and then!  Translated versions of each can be found on Sutra.

• The Future of Online Training in Level One Programs – this proposal has been completely redone.
• 21 STAGES TRAINER PATHWAY (ASSOCIATES CAN TRAIN)
  • Clarification added: that only Leads can contract Level 2
  • 21 Stages Associates can teach up to 25% of the course
  • Requirement added: Level 2 Mind & Meditation
  • Change: Only Mentors can approve the candidate
• PEER FEEDBACK COMPONENT TO ATA INTERVIEWS – Minor clarification that the feedback will not be confidential
• MENTORING PATHWAY FOR PROFESSIONALS – Minor clarification added about the Mentoring Development Program for Leads and links about this Program added to the proposal
• L2 REQUIREMENT TO ENTER THE ATA AND MOVE TO ASSOCIATE – Clarification added about how this new global policy will be implemented for countries that have exceptions now.
• ONLINE LEARNING COMPONENT FROM INTERN TO ASSOCIATE – The way the proposal is presented was improved for easier understanding and to try to answer many of the questions raised

Just Outcomes

Just Outcomes continues to develop the Compassionate Reconciliation Program.  They  will be sending bi-monthly communications to keep the community up to date   on the Compassionate Reconciliation process – Here is the first one (in English)

Upcoming workshops from KRI for you and your students:

Feminine Dimensions in Meditation with Ardas Kaur

April 16, 11:00-12:30 EDT (New York)

Let’s journey together through an embodied meditative experience, the magic of the feminine. This class will invoke a deeply lunar and meditative experience.

Ardas brings healing coolness to the art of meditation. Can we explore meditation from the yin counterpoint of deep inner stillness?

Faith Hunter: The Business of Yoga

April 18, 11:00-15:00 New York City time

Join Faith Hunter for a renewing, innovative approach to yoga as a business and tap into your power; projecting your passion for wellness.  Faith will provide you with practical tools to establish a spiritually aligned business strategy, and techniques for consciously holding space.

Honour to Krishna Kaur

In celebration of Woman’s History Month, the National Stop the Violence Alliance honors Krishna Kaur for her tireless work as a teacher, a leader, and beacon of light.  Read more here.

• Watch Amrit’s weekly video here –  How the upcoming TTEC meetings have really come from the input of all of you.

• Register NOW for the April TTEC meetings – Open to all members of the ATA! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ttec-08-09-10-11-april-2021-tickets-145470093967 

• New Trainer Support Site – KRI has a brand new trainer support website, created to make it easier for all trainers to find ATA and administration documents, policies and important information for Level One, Level Two and 21 Stages programs.  We hope you like it and find it easier to use!

• New Level One Certification Verification Form – Given the recent changes to the Level One certification requirements, we have updated the Certification Verification Form.  Please use this new form and submit to KRI as part of the student packets! 

• KRI is hiring a WordPress Programmer – KRI is looking for a programmer to help us with development and security of our website. If you are interested in joining us and our enthusiastic team and you have experience with web development in WordPress and security you can apply for the job by emailing us your CV at newsletter@kriteachings.org

• Honoring the Legacy of Siri Ved Singh – Siri Ved Singh dedicated his life to preserve the teachings of Yogi Bhajan by audio taping and then videotaping his classes. These recordings are the basis for The Library of Teachings and the KRI Seal of Approval process.  He passed away recently, and you can read a more lengthy piece acknowledging his life and service here.

• Upcoming e-Learning workshops for you and your students:

Womb Medicine and Kundalini Yoga

Priti Darshan Kaur

Sunday, March 28. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EST (New York)

The Kundalini is the Divine Mother energy. It is a creative force that births life, births nations, that births consciousness. When we cultivate a practice with the womb, we can explore this facet of a relationship with the Kundalini energy. When we do that from a space of love and respect for the womb, we gain access to an innate medicine that resides in all of us.

Bookclub: See No Stranger

Nirinjan Khalsa, PhD.

Fridays, May 14, 21 & 28. 12:00-2:00 pm EST (New York)

Bookclub: SEE NO STRANGER A Memoir & Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valerie Kaur with Nirinjan Khalsa Baker PhD Join us for a special bookclub with Dr. Khalsa-Baker to explore this exceptional memoir of these times… See No Stranger is an urgent manifesto and a dramatic memoir of awakening, this is the story of revolutionary love.

TTEC Proposals

There are 6 Proposals that are posted in  Sutra and open for comments!  Please let Amrit know if you can’t access them.  The next step in the whole TTEC process will be language-specific discussion calls to gather input and possible edits to these proposals. 

• The discussion circles for each of the 6 proposals, with the proposals in English, are here.
• Please find translations of all the proposals here.  But please comment, in your native language, within the above-linked circles.

Online Level One Training Policy continues

As COVID continues to make teaching yoga in person challenging in most places in the world, this is a reminder of KRI’s current policy around online Level One programs.  As was approved at the Sept 2020 TTEC meetings:

KRI values in-person classroom time, and encourages all Level One programs to hold as much in-person time as COVID measures will allow.  This includes getting creative with how and where and when and with whom such in-person time is achieved.  As a temporary measure due to COVID, Lead Trainers can hold up to 80% of their Level One program online.  In some circumstances and locations, we recognize that some trainings may have to, for right now, be 100% online.  Trainers can apply to get approval for this by emailing the circumstances to amrit@kriteachings.org.”

Distributed Administration of the Aquarian Teacher Program

At the Sept 2020 TTEC meetings a proposal was approved to distribute the administration of the Aquarian Teacher (basically the jobs that Sarb Jit and Puranjot Kaur have been doing for the entire world) to regional KRI representatives.  A global team of trainers has continued to meet to plan this process.  We hope this will continue to expand the customer support to all trainers in the language of the trainer. A trial run will begin testing this idea in Brazil and China in the next few months.

The relationship between KRI and the SSSC

In response to concerns from trainers around the world, representatives of the SSSC board, the KRI board, and 3 randomly chosen teacher trainers are having meetings to explore the issues around the relationship between KRI and our parent corporation, the Siri Singh Sahib Corp (SSSC).  Based on the survey of all trainers, the primary issues are the:  SSSC’s lack of transparency, SSSC not being a truly representative body, and the status of SSSC with the US tax authorities as a religious non-profit, whereas KRI’s status is as an educational non-profit.  Updates will be shared in future trainer updates, and any of you are welcome to email your thoughts and comments to Amrit Singh to share with this commission.

Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D.: Understanding the Biomedical Science Behind Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Research

Special price, $88 dollars, useable for two years! Sale ends tomorrow, price goes up to $150……Use this amazing content in your Level One Training so your trainees can back up their Kundalini Yoga teaching with research! Ready to be shared with your Level One, this presentation reviews the existing published research on Kundalini Yoga and how meditation leads to self-regulation. Make sure your trainees have that elevator speech prepared; can they explain the research backing up what we do? Give them this important tool they need to help them thrive as yoga teachers. Email us for country code discounts and scholarships – professionaldevelopment@kriteachings.org

KRI’s 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award

– KRI is proud to honor and highlight the service and accomplishments of Dukh Niwaran Kaur (USA), Dalmeet Kaur (South Africa), Gurusangat Kaur (Brazil), and the group of three lead trainers living in China (Saramdeep Kaur, Japbir Kaur, and Sangeeta Kaur) as our 2021 Honorees.  Please read more here.  And for 2022, there will be a link on this page for anyone to nominate a potential honoree, and we will bring the nominees to the ATA to vote to select next year’s honorees!

Trainer Participation in ATA Decisions

For a change of pace, rather than another boring video of me, I made a short video to summarize all of the many, many ways in which you all can participate in the KRI decision making process. Enjoy!

April 8-11 Global TTEC Zoom Meetings

• Links to the proposals – We plan to bring several proposals to a vote at these TTEC meetings.  Please read them ahead of time and post your questions and comments in Sutra (where they will be posted by 16 Feb) or attend Discussion calls detailed below
  • Online L1 programs post-COVID
  • Mentoring pathway for professionals
  • 21 Stages trainer pathway (Associates can train)
  • Adding a Peer feedback component to ATA interviews
  • An online learning component to interns becoming associates
  • YB investigation transparency
• Scheduling discussion calls by language – The April meetings will only be for voting.  There will NOT be any opportunity to modify the proposals at that point.  Hence these important TTEC discussion zoom meetings are the only opportunity for you and your peers to offer feedback to possibly modify the proposals.  Please fill out a 1 question survey about which times you can attend a zoom call in your preferred language.  These surveys will be open until 28 Feb.
  • If you want to participate in a discussion call in English, please use this survey
  • 如果您想参加中文的讨论电话，请点击这里，请使用此调查表。
  • Si vous souhaitez participer à un appel à discussion en français, veuillez utiliser cette enquête
  • Wenn Sie an einer Diskussionsrunde auf Deutsch teilnehmen möchten, verwenden Sie bitte diese Umfrage
  • Se vuoi partecipare a una discussione chiama in italiano, usa questo sondaggio
  • Se você quiser participar de uma chamada de discussão em português, por favor, use esta pesquisa
  • Если вы хотите принять участие в обсуждении, звоните на русском языке, воспользуйтесь данным опросом.
  • Si quieres participar en una convocatoria de debate en español, utilice esta encuesta
• How voting will work – please watch this short video slideshow, with subtitles (click on the “CC” button in the bottom right to choose your language) in multiple languages, to learn how the voting will happen at the April TTEC meetings

Upcoming e-Learning workshops for you and your students:

On the Mat: Leveling UP with Vedya Amrita: Saibhung, the internal space of stillness

Friday, Feb. 19, 6:00-7:30 PM EST (New York)

Saibhung, the internal space of stillness that is the guide as we navigate the Aquarian age. Vedya Amrita Kaur leads Kriya for Meditation on Self as a simple and penetrating practice that clears and renews your future. For beginners and experienced practitioners alike!

Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D.: Understanding the Biomedical Science Behind Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Research

Friday, Feb. 26, 11:00-12:30 EST (New York)

Join us for a special pre-recorded presentation/LIVE Q and A with Dr. Sat Bir Singh that clearly lays out the science behind how yoga works in easy to understand language, how meditation leads to self-regulation and reviews the existing published research studies on Kundalini Yoga.

Watch Amrit’s weekly video –  Preparing for the April TTEC meetings

Click on the “CC” at the bottom of the video to see subtitles in various languages. 

April TTEC

Reminder of proposal timeline, and overall flow – Please see the infographic below for the key dates associated with the April TTEC meeting.  We will be posting proposals in Sutra in the next few weeks for everyone to comment on.  And we will be sharing the dates and times for the language specific pre-TTEC calls – where the proposals will be discussed and suggestions given.

Moving to just 2 days, 2 time zones – Knowing that most of us are very busy, we are going to try to consolidate the meetings to 2 days long, instead of 3.  We will still have 2 Tracks, to have times available for all timezones – with the EU/Asia timezones meeting on April 8^th and 10^th, and the EU/Americas timezones meeting on April 9^th and 11^th.

Musicians, note takers, facilitators wanted – the more people willing to help out during the meetings, the smoother they will go!  Please email Manou if you are willing to help out as a musician (leading a meditation and/or Long Time Sun), note taker or facilitator (in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, or Portuguese!).

Please tell us about your Online Level One training experiences!

The Level One Curriculum Committee is working to draft a policy regarding online Level One training after COVID.  Please take 1 to 3 minutes to let us know your experiences and thoughts regarding online training in Level One programs.  The survey is in multiple languages – you can switch the language with the menu at the top-right corner. 

Upcoming KRI e-Learning Courses for you and your students:

On the Mat Leveling UP with Yogi Amanbir – Healing the Healer

Friday, January 29. 12:00-13:30 EST (New York)

Join our worldwide faculty as they share their favorite & greatest KY teaching from their heart to yours; Yogi Amanbir brings his sense of humor, uplifting music, and extensive knowledge of the healing field into every class. He is known for holding a welcoming space for all cultures, genders, orientations, and races to elevate in communion.

FREE: Anatomy of Kundalini Rising with Dr. Japa

Friday, Feb 5. 11:00-12:30 EST (New York) Cost: Free

Secrets of the Kundalini revealed. How Eastern Medicine and Ayurveda reveal the origin of Kundalini energy within the body and how this inner elixir restores health and renews consciousness. Dr. Khalsa is a long time health care provider, acupuncturist and energy healer and has helped thousands of people to restore their life force and renew their health. Her commitment to supporting worldwide Kundalini Yogis in keeping the treasure of Kundalini energy within them renewed shines through in every offering.

Online, Pre-Recorded Content for your Level One Programs

Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D.: Understanding the Biomedical Science Behind Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Research

Use this amazing content in your Level One Training so your trainees can back up their Kundalini Yoga teaching with research! Ready to be shared with your Level One, this presentation reviews the existing published research on Kundalini Yoga and how meditation leads to self-regulation. Make sure your trainees have that elevator speech prepared; can they explain the research backing up what we do? Give them this important tool they need to help them thrive as yoga teachers.  Special price, $88 dollars, useable for two years. Email us for discounts based on location – professionaldevelopment@kriteachings.org.

Update from Just Outcomes about the Compassionate Reconciliation process:

Read the English Update

Kundalini Yoga in the News

Read – https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/what-is-kundalini-meditation

Welcome video: How we refer to our practice

Click on the “CC” at the bottom of the video to see subtitles in various languages. 

Updated Level One, Level Two and 21 Stages Contracts

Including the recent policy changes approved by TTEC and COMPLETELY reformatted to make them easier to read (hopefully). They also include, previously approved policy changes.  If you’d like to review it outside of your portal, you can read the new templates here:

Level One new contract format

Level Two new contract format

21 Stages of Meditation new contract format

Anti-Harassment Training

The Office of Ethics and Professional Standards (EPS) has created an online Anti-harassment training for Kundalini Yogis.  This is rolling out soon – as a requirement for English speaking trainers and to be included in the curriculum of all English- Level One Programs.   As soon as it is translated, it will be available in more languages-hopefully by the end of 2021.  This is an important step towards ensuring that every Kundalini Yoga class is safe for all students to practice, and keeping KRI trainings well ahead of the rest of the yoga world!

Minimum Time Limit on Level 2 Completion

Reminder to trainers and students – there is a minimum of 2 years to complete all 5 Level 2 modules.  It is important to give students time to integrate the transformation that each module initiates into their lives.  Maybe with the ease of online courses, this is being overlooked.  You can read the whole policy about Level 2 certification, which can also be found in the Level 2 Administrative Documents Page of the Trainer support website.

Upcoming e-Learning opportunities for you and your students

Comprendiendo los beneficios de la Sadhana (EN ESPAÑOL)

Guru Darshan Kaur, México

Viernes, 22 de Enero. 18:00-19:30 hrs., EST (Nueva York)

Mantente inspirado en relación a tu sadhana personal. Experimenta los beneficios de tu práctica espiritual diaria, comprendiendo el regalo que es para tu vida. Acompaña a Guru Darshan Kaur en este exploración de cómo el integrar tu práctica espiritual diaria te mantiene en un estado de felicidad y elevación.

On the Mat Leveling UP with Yogi Amanbir

Friday, January 29. 12:00-13:30 EST (New York)

Join our worldwide faculty as they share their favorite & greatest KY teaching from their heart to yours; Yogi Amanbir Amanbir brings his sense of humor, uplifting music, and extensive knowledge of the healing field into every class. He is known for holding a welcoming space for all cultures, genders, orientations, and races to elevate in communion. 

7th Annual Embodied Learning Summit – online March 19-21, 2021 –  hosted by Duke University. 

What is Yoga? An Ancient Practice in a Modern World

The format includes yoga classes, workshops, a cooking lesson and mindfulness eating practice, and a keynote address.  Registration is donation based on a sliding scale, with all proceeds going to Y.O.G.A. for Youth‘s work empowering youth and families in underserved communities through the principles and practice of yoga.

Susanna Bartaki, a leading voice in yoga culture advocacy, will be our keynote speaker.We are looking for yoga teachers for practice-based classes, as well as workshop leaders.  Workshop proposals should address some aspect of yoga history, yoga’s relationship to other healing modalities, accessibility, and/or access to yoga.

 More detailed information can be found in the Call for Proposals.  If you have questions, please contact Kate Leonard at kel50@duke.edu.