BLACK LOTUS YOGA
SUMMER TEACHER TRAINING
SINTRA, PORTUGAL
JUNE 7 - 25, 2027
This is the core of the Black Lotus Yoga School—an immersive training program that prepares you to teach the most essential Black Lotus classes (Foundations, First and Second Series) with true depth and understanding. The program begins with a short but sweet explication of the Black Lotus philosophy, then proceeds to show you how that philosophy informs the practice from the inside out. The Black Lotus philosophy is not an abstract aside, but something that imbues the practice with substance, direction and meaning. You absorb that philosophy in this training, and you learn to see Black Lotus Yoga as a natural extension of it. Most importantly, you learn to use the Black Lotus method not simply as a set of sequences, but as a rich and rewarding environment for practicing and teaching yoga.
The program covers the essential sequences of Black Lotus Yoga in fine detail, together with an array of variations, additions and modifications that you will not find on the practice sheets. You will learn the energetic principles behind the sequences, so you can draw on these consciously as you teach. Once you understand these principles, you will be able to adapt the practice to different bodies and circumstances with real creative intelligence.
The course will give you invaluable advice on how to “hold the room,” and how to cue the practice in clear and simple speech. You will learn gentle manual adjustments that you can use to support a wide range of students. And you learn to structure public classes of various levels and lengths. Apart from the asana practice, you will learn to give basic instruction in pranayama and meditation, so you can incorporate these essential elements of the Black Lotus practice into your teaching.
Upon completion of the program, you will be ready to share Black Lotus Yoga with your community. You will be ready to use the Black Lotus method to guide others into an inspiring engagement with their own embodiment—one that opens their hearts and awakens their creative spirit .
structure
The course is structured into three modules of five days each. The modules can be taken together or separately. Each module covers a distinct sequence, and has other distinct themes.
Module I (June 7-11): Foundations, Black Lotus Philosophy, Basic Anatomy, Principles of Breath
Module II (June 14-18): First Series, (Adapting, Assisting and Cueing), Bandha and Mudra
Module II (June 21-25): Second Series (Adapting, Assisting and Cueing), Pranayama, Meditation
The modules all involve daily practice, with a mix of guided and mysore-style sessions. When you join the program, you will be expected to know the sequences well enough to practice them on your own. You can access practice videos for any of the sequences at blacklotusyoga.com.
schedule
Monday-Thursday (8am-3pm)
Friday (8am-11am)
Saturday (open practice 8-10AM)
Sunday (off)
Usual Day
8:00-10:00 - mysore
10:00-10:30 - break
10:30-12:30 - alignment/assisting/teaching lab
12:30-1:00 - break
1:00-2:30 - alignment/assisting/teaching lab
2:30-3:00 - pranayama/philosophy/chanting
Friday classes will be guided.
venue
Our venue is a quiet, spacious yoga shala made of wood, metal and glass, nestled in a beautiful, protected piece of forest on the edge of the old center of Sintra, Portugal. This is an extraordinary venue in an enchanted and historical city, and we are thrilled to return again and again. Sintra has a wide spectrum of accommodation options, so you are sure to find something that works for you.
requisites
To take this training, you must be established in a regular asana practice, and be comfortable in a Mysore style practice room. Also, you must have an open mind and be ready to look at your relationship to your own body and mind with open eyes. Further, you must be mentally stable and have emotional resilience. Some experience with Black Lotus Yoga is highly recommended, even if only from home. Beyond that, there are no requirements of technical proficiency, aptitude or credential. All who meet the above requirements, and want to look deeply into the Black Lotus system, are absolutely welcome to join.
enrollment
Space is limited to 30 people. You can take any of the modules, as you wish. But note that you must take all three modules if you wish to pursue certification.
tuition
Each module is €1050. You can take all three modules for €3050. To reserve your space, make a deposit of €500, then pay the remaining balance by April 20. To register or inquire, email us by clicking the button below.
registration
To register, send an email by clicking the button below. We will send you transfer details appropriate to your country. We look forward to connecting with you.
recognition
Upon completion of any single module, you will be authorized to teach the sequence that was covered. To gain recognition as a Black Lotus Yoga teacher, you must take all three modules. In addition, you must also complete a significant number of practice and teaching hours. The new requirements for recognition will be published soon. This course is one of the central requirements.
logistics
Sintra is about 30 minutes from Lisbon by car. It is possible to take public transportation to Sintra from Lisbon for around €6 . . . From Lisbon International, take the metro to Oriente Station (7 min), then take the train to Sintra Station (47 min). Then walk or take a taxi to the hotel, on whose grounds the shala awaits . . .
Casa Holstein
R. São Sebastião 5, 2710-592
Sintra, Portugal
cancellations
Regardless of reason for cancellation, deposits will not refunded. Deposit amounts may be transferred to another retreat or workshop, minus a €40 administrative fee, and must be used within one year. Please consider your schedule carefully before booking.
Refunds will be calculated as follows:
Up to 60 days before start of event, 75% of your payment (excluding deposit) minus €40 admin fee
Up to 59-31 days before start of event, 50% of your payment (excluding deposit), minus €40 admin fee
Within 30 days of event, there will be no refund and no deposit transfer to another retreat/workshop.