Students who are interested in learning about the yogic teachings and pursuing a course of self-discovery but do not wish to become a teacher may choose to take Year 1 as a standalone option, but only students who also complete Year 2 will be certified by SoulExplorer as teachers. Students who complete Year 2 are eligible for insurance cover via the leading yoga teachers’ insurance provider, Wellbeing Insurance.

Each Year 1 training group is made up of no more than five students, who meet up once a month. Each meeting covers a specific subject, and students are given a corresponding practice of kriya and meditation with appropriate accompanying tasks of research and study which they undertake in the intervening time. Study involves regular individual updates via email, by phone or in person, with group feedback at the next meeting.

Since its inauguration, dozens of students have completed the Year 1 programme, and nearly all have gone on to Year 2, including many who didn’t originally consider themselves as candidates for a yoga teaching course. A large majority of Year 2 graduates have also stayed on to continue their personal spiritual journey in Year 3, though there is absolutely no obligation or pressure to proceed beyond the initial Year 1 course.