The 80-Hour Online Meditation Teacher Training from Akasha Yoga Academy prepares students to teach meditation with depth and confidence. Rooted in Spiritual Heart Meditation, mantra practice, and non-dual philosophy, the program draws on Advaita Vedanta, Kashmiri Shaivism, Tantrism, and Buddhist contemplative traditions.
The course is for practitioners at any level, from complete beginners to experienced yoga teachers seeking a meditation specialization. It is suitable for anyone who wants to lead meditation sessions, integrate meditation into an existing yoga teaching practice, or deepen their personal contemplative practice. No prior credentials are required.
The curriculum centers on two primary meditation practices: Spiritual Heart Meditation (combining heart centering, breath awareness, and Self-Inquiry based on Advaita Vedanta) and Mantra Meditation (vocalized and silent, including bija mantras). You’ll also learn pranayama, Yin Yoga, and Hatha Flow as supportive practices; study Kashmiri Shaivism with guest teacher Hareesh Christopher Wallis; survey major meditation traditions (Vipassana, Indian Tantrism, Buddhist approaches); explore visualization, yantras, and hand mudras; and examine Western scientific perspectives on consciousness, brainwaves, and the relaxation response. The program includes a full-day silent meditation retreat and a sample introduction meditation workshop as a teaching practicum.
The program is led by three senior Akasha teachers — Burkhard, Kirsten, and Devdas — all certified at the highest Yoga Alliance level (E-RYT-500). Burkhard brings expertise in philosophy, anatomy, and the integration of science and spirituality. Kirsten has more than fifteen years of meditation teaching experience grounded in Spiritual Heart Meditation and Self-Inquiry. Devdas spent twelve years running meditation centres across India and specialises in pranayama and mantra meditation. Guest teacher Hareesh Christopher Wallis, who holds a Ph.D. in Sanskrit from UC Berkeley, contributes the Kashmiri Shaivism module.
The training is delivered online in a hybrid format. Pre-recorded video lessons can be studied at your own pace, with lifetime access to all materials and a comprehensive course manual. Occasional live Zoom calls allow students to interact with the lead teachers and connect with peers. Guided practice sessions range from short sittings to hour-long meditations.
The curriculum centers on two primary meditation practices: Spiritual Heart Meditation (combining heart centering, breath awareness, and Self-Inquiry based on Advaita Vedanta) and Mantra Meditation (vocalized and silent, including bija mantras). You’ll also learn pranayama, Yin Yoga, and Hatha Flow as supportive practices; study Kashmiri Shaivism with guest teacher Hareesh Christopher Wallis; survey major meditation traditions (Vipassana, Indian Tantrism, Buddhist approaches); explore visualization, yantras, and hand mudras; and examine Western scientific perspectives on consciousness, brainwaves, and the relaxation response. The program includes a full-day silent meditation retreat and a sample introduction meditation workshop as a teaching practicum.
Meet your teacher
Co-founder of Akasha Yoga Academy (2011) and E-RYT-500 certified teacher. Specializes in classical breath-based Hatha Yoga in the Krishnamacharya Vinyasa Krama lineage, Yin Yoga, and meditation. Teaching since 2008.
Read more about Kirsten
Kinga Kovacs
Verified user
No words would give true justice to the experience with these guys!
Tamara Cuypers
Verified user
The training has a beautiful structure and helps you to feel confident to start teaching right away.
Evelyn Müller-Lüscher
Verified user
This online course offered me a great opportunity to become a better version of myself. The holistic approach to Yoga was very important to me, and my expectations were fully met.
James
Verified user
It was such a beautiful, humbling experience, and for me, the perfect introduction to Yoga and Spiritual Heart meditation.
Valerie
Verified user
To find teachers with so much depth, passion and dedication is quite unique.
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