Welcome
Moksha Teacher Training & In-Depth Studies
Welcome to our esteemed Yoga Teacher Training Program, where spirituality and education converge to create a transformative and enlightening experience. Our comprehensive program offers both a solid foundation and advanced exploration in the ancient art and science of yoga, empowering you to become a skilled and knowledgeable yoga teacher deeply rooted in spiritual wisdom.
The 200-hour Foundation Training serves as the cornerstone of your journey, providing a comprehensive understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, alignment, and teaching methodology. You will delve into the spiritual and philosophical foundations of yoga, exploring texts such as the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, while also honing your teaching skills and deepening your personal practice.
Building upon this foundation, our 500-hour Advanced Training offers a deeper dive into the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga, as well as advanced teaching methodologies and specialized areas of study. You will explore advanced asana, pranayama, meditation, and yoga nidra, as well as delve into topics such as yoga therapy, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, and the subtle energy body.
Throughout both programs, you will be guided by experienced and dedicated teachers who embody the teachings of yoga in their own lives. Our curriculum is designed to be both spiritually enriching and intellectually stimulating, providing you with a holistic understanding of yoga that goes beyond the physical practice. Whether you are looking to deepen your own practice, share the gift of yoga with others, or simply immerse yourself in the profound teachings of yoga, our program will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration you need to succeed. We invite you to embark on this sacred journey with us and discover the transformative power of yoga in your life.
About the Instructor
Daren Friesen, the visionary founder of Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago, embodies a profound spiritual journey deeply intertwined with the practice of yoga. Embracing yoga as a transformative journey, Daren recognizes its profound potential for personal growth and healing. This realization sparked a deep yearning to explore the world and led him to immerse himself in the study and practice of yoga, ultimately reshaping the trajectory of his life.
Originally from Omaha (Om-Maha), Nebraska, Daren's quest for adventure and his fascination with other cultures and traditions took him around the globe. From spending a summer in Finland to another in Japan during high school, to majoring in International Relations at the University of Southern California, and later living in Hermosa Beach post-college, Daren's journey was filled with diverse experiences both in the corporate world and his personal travel that have enriched his cultural and spiritual understanding. His corporate job transferred him to Chicago and then a new trajectory in his career.
The turning point came with a pivotal journey to South India in 1998-1999, where he immersed himself in the teachings of Astanga Yoga at the Astanga Yoga Research Institute in Laksmipuram, Mysore. During his visits to Mysore, Daren had the privilege of studying under the guidance of Acharya Dr. Shankaranarayana Jois, the esteemed founder of the Sadvidya Foundation in Mysore, South India, deepening his understanding of the yoga tradition. His profound experiences in India also led him to explore the healing wisdom of Ayurveda, particularly during his visits to Kovalam Beach, where Ayurveda has flourished for thousands of years. Daren highly recommends his teacher's book, "The Sacred Tradition of Yoga," as a valuable resource for spiritual seekers. Over the course of 20 transformative visits to India, Daren delved into the rich tapestry of yoga, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, and Sutras, gaining profound insight into the cultural and historical context of these ancient disciplines.
Moksha Yoga Center was founded in 1999 with a mission to offer yoga to a Western audience, addressing modern lifestyle needs while staying true to yoga's pure and authentic forms, rooted in the ancient wisdom of the rishis. The name "Moksha," derived from Sanskrit, symbolizes freedom, reflecting the ultimate goal of yoga. Moksha Yoga Center stands as a beacon of this ideal, welcoming local and national teachers who share their wisdom through classes, workshops, trainings, and retreats.
Testimonial
"I can't believe it's almost over, it has already been an incredible journey for me. You have taught me SO much and I have gained a much deeper appreciation, love and understanding of yoga. You have somehow managed to take an incredible amount of information and made it simple to understand and easy to 'digest' - thank you. The decision to leave my corporate job and enroll in this training is one of the best decisions I've ever made." Shanti ~ Cheryl M.