Bhakti & Jñana Yoga
50hr Teacher Training
February, 9 - 15, 2025
Are you a yoga teacher or serious yoga student looking to deepen your knowledge? You have a feeling there is more to yoga than just asanas? Then you have found the right training.
Come along on this journey through Bhakti and Gyana Yoga. We are going to explore these two yogic paths and you will learn how to implement them not only in your practice and your teaching but also in daily life.
"Wisdom is knowing that I am nothing, Love is knowing that I am everything, and between the two my life moves." Nisargadatta Maharaj
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga and Jnana Yoga are two of the four paths of yoga alongside Karma and Raja Yoga.
Bhakti yoga is a practice of devotion, surrender and recognition of the Divine (source, truth,... choose your word) in everything, it is derived from the Sanskrit word bhaj which means to serve god.
First mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, Bhakti Yoga is named as the most practical way of liberation and self-realization, in which devotion is offered from the heart, with full attention and awareness.
Bhakti yoga is sometimes referred to as the "path of the heart", and practitioners may use chanting, devotional mantras, kirtan and rituals as part of their practice.
Surrender is both a necessary component and subsequent consequence of Bhakti yoga practice.
Jnana Yoga
Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom in which study of the scriptures and self-enquiry is practiced. It is considered to be one of the most direct and yet challenging of the four paths of yoga.
Jnana yoga is a deep inquiry into the nature of the Self. Instead of accepting and following dogmatic teaching Jnana Yogis seek an experiential knowledge of the Divine, universal consciousness or absolute Truth.
The mind is used to understand and uncover the truth behind the mind, using a sharp intellect which requires the mind to be both rational and open.
Jnana yoga is the main path of the non-dualistic tradition of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, where the knowledge acquired through meditation brings an understanding of one's self as identical with Ultimate Consciousness.
What to expect:
In this Teacher Training you will learn how to use devotion (in a non-religious way) and knowledge to experience a deeper sense of being and how to transmit it to your students.
Through the study of the sacred texts you will get a clear understanding of the deeper meaning of yoga and how to advance on the Bhakti and Jnana Yoga path.
We will practice different mantras, self-enquiry and meditations, you will learn the basics on how to accompany a mantra on the guitar or harmonium, how to use your voice and how to implement all of this in your yoga classes. You do not need to be able to play an instrument or have "musical talent".
You will learn about the essence of a Kirtan, the deeper meaning behind the deities and mythology and using rituals as a way of Bhakti Yoga.
Experiencing Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga that makes it a practice of surrender and devotion will help you to merge Yoga philosophy with Asanas and Pranayama.
Patricia Grimaldi
Ever since she came in contact with Ayurveda a decade ago when at a crossroads Patricia has been on a deep dive into a yogic life, the search for truth and the path of healing.
After completing a Hatha Yoga Training in India, she founded Sapana Yoga in 2015. Her ongoing search led her to take many different trainings like Ayurveda, Yin Yoga, Qi Gong, Akashic Records, Bhakti Yoga, Transformational Facilitation, Aerial Yoga, Vegan Nutrition, Coaching & more. She now holds more than 800hrs of Training.
The many studies with spiritual teachers around the world and her constant search for Truth have helped her to undertake deep transformation, live a life dedicated to the spiritual journey and share all this knowledge with others in her classes, retreats and trainings.
Learn more about Patricia & Gabriel on her Blog or Instagram.
Gabriel Grimaldi
Gabriel started on the path of yoga 10 years ago with the aim to find balance and wellbeing.
The more he practiced the more he wanted to know. This led him to travel all over the world trying different yoga styles and practicing with many teachers until he found a path that resonated with him: Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge.
He was introduced to self-inquiry and Ramana Maharshi’s teachings by Mooji in India and recognized the truth of it immediately: going deep into the “I am” sense in the search of our true nature.
Gabriel has taken many months in his own four walls to retreat into silence. A time where he experienced the power of stillness which led him to discover his true nature. Through daily practice and study he has come to understand and incorporate the wisdom of the ancient scriptures.
He is used to taking the path of the heart as he chose to follow his passion from a very early age and become a professional musician. All this knowledge is transmitted in a simple way in the practical lectures with guitar, harmonium and voice .
"Surrender, let silence have you. Surrender to the source, surrender to awareness, this is the only place of protection. Surrender your heart and you will know all." Mooji
What's part of this Training?
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6 nights of accommodations
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3 daily fresh, healthy, vegan meals
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Water & Tea
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Daily Hatha & Yin Yoga Classes
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Daily Meditation Classes
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Daily Mantra Classes
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Daily Kirtans
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Philosophy Classes
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Self-enquiry Classes
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Harmonium & Guitar & Voice Classes
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Cacao Ceremony & Rituals
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50hr YACEP Certificate
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Click here for the Full Schedule (can differ a bit)
This Bhakti & Jnana Yoga 50hr Teacher Training takes place in the jungle of Costa Rica surrounded by peace and nature. You can find the location & information on Shankara Retreat Center here.
All meals will be vegan and mostly sattvic, according to yogic philosophy.
This Yoga Teacher Training is a perfect option if you:
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have been looking for something more than only Asanas
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have discovered your love for Mantras and would like to know more;
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want to deepen your Meditation practice and learn to bring it into your classes
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want to learn about Advaita Vedanta and Self-Inquiry
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did not learn much about Yoga philosophy in your trainings
This week will not only be a Yoga Training to get your required hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education but also to immerse yourself further into a Yogic Life.
Prices:
Early Bird until December, 9th
1799 $ per person in single Glamping Tent or Single Room (book here)
1499 $ per person in single Glamping Tipi (book here)
1299 $per person in shared room for 2 or in double Glamping Tent (book here)
Regular
1999 $ per person in single Glamping Tent or Single Room
1699 $ per person in single Glamping Tipi
1499 $per person in shared room for 2 or in double Glamping Tent
The price includes the whole program, accommodation, food/beverages & YACEP certificate. Flights, transfers and travel & health insurance are not included. Transport from and to the airport can be arranged for an extra fee. Spots are limited to 10 participants. We start on Sunday 12th of March in the afternoon & end on Saturday 18th of March at noon.
You can find the location & information on Shankara Retreat Center here.
We are very much looking forward to sharing our path with you!
Love & light,
Patricia & Gabriel
TESTIMONIALS
"My training with Patricia & Gabriel was so beautiful, not only did I learn the knowledge and confidence to teach my own Bhakti classes, I experienced a profound transition within my self and a deep connection to my heart. The love and dedication received on this course was overwhelming, and left me feeling inspired to participate in more, and with the hope to run such beautiful events myself, and always from the heart. A highly recommended training for self reflection, self awareness, heart opening and complete dedication to the practice. Bhakti is now a part of my daily life and yoga classes. Thank you Patricia & Gabriel"
Faye, Yoga Teacher & Musician
"My Bhakti and Jñana Yoga Training with Patricia and Gabriel was truly a beautiful journey into my heart! There are many gifts I received in this week. I was inspired and given the tools to lead my own Kirtans (a lifelong dream that I didn't know was so possible!) and deeply grounded into nourishing presence with my heart and trust in my own life."
Riley D., Yoga Teacher & Musician
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Is this retreat for everyone?Yes and No. This retreat is only for people who are willing to take responsibility for the lives, make some changes and do the transformation.
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I have a medical condition or injury, can I join?"It really depends. Please ask your medical doctor/physician and get in touch with us to see if it is possible for you to attend depending on what your personal condition is.
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I do not have any experience in yoga, can I join?"Yes. If you are eager to learn, if you are able to move, if you are open and want the transformation, then you are welcome to join.
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What happens if I have to cancel?We have a cancelation policy: - If you cancel up to 30 days before the start date you get 90% of your money back - If you cancel up to 15 days before the start date you get 60% of your money back - If you cancel up to 8 days before the start date you get 30% of your money back - If you cancel 8 - 0 days before the start date you get 10% of your money back We recommend you to make a travel & health insurance for this trip as it will make it easier for you in times of Corona craziness ;-)
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Will I have to attend all activities on the schedule?Yes! This is not a pool or beach holiday. This is an Immersion. You are joining because you want change. And change needs commitment. Of course special needs or situations are taking into consideration.
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What food will you serve?The food is plant based & refined sugar free. It is fresh, mostly organic, high quality, not much gluten and as natural as possible. We can cater to most intolerances so let us know beforehand.