Report for International Teacher Training for Raja Yoga Course

Om Shanti Retreat Centre in India

March Tuesday 11th – Wednesday 19th 2025

The International Teacher Training was an 8-day training hosted by Om Shanti Retreat Centre (ORC). There were 58 participants from 14 countries including India who participated in the training.

The program included a few different aspects to make it a whole learning experience.  Each day there were one or two Content Sessions which cover the basic knowledge of Raj Yoga emphasising how to deliver key elements of each lesson. 

The daily Practicum Sessions gave the participants the opportunity to practise teaching in small groups where they were supported and encouraged by fellow participants and many shared that these helped build their understanding and confidence.

The Delivery Sessions were included to help participants understand that there are different teaching and learning styles which need to be considered to include all types of learners. It was also an opportunity to bring fun and creativity into learning, in ways that are not just the usual classroom setting.

Meditation was also a key feature with all sessions including meditation, as well as guided meditation sessions at the beginning and end of each day that aligned with the lessons of the day and our daily spiritual practice.

Extracurricular activities of a Meditation Challenge helped to support focused meditation and a Spot the Virtue Activity aided everyone in staying soul conscious and seeing the virtues in others.

The training was facilitated by Margaret Barron, Rekha Vallishayee, Dipti Khatry (UK) and Mary-Jeanne Tremblay (Canada). We were also fortunate to be supported by our seniors.  Asha Didi gave a few sessions via Zoom and Santosh Didi shared a session during her visit.  We also had Rajni Didi giving sessions and supporting us as a spiritual resource.

There was a powerful learning environment created by the commitment, enthusiasm, and engagement of the participants and facilitators. Here are a few quotes from participants:

"Active learning, practical sessions and clear structured input, combined with a refreshing natural environment and good food enriched the whole learning experience."

"An extraordinary teacher's training, ignites wisdom, inspires transformation and nurtures the soul of every student."

"An excellent initiative/opportunity to learn the Raja Yoga course as teachers worldwide. As Baba says in the Murli: Give My introduction."

"A great, wonderful experience of learning and welcome to a most beautiful time of learning to be a true spiritual teacher who empowers others."

The love, care and support provided by the ORC family was integral to the overall success of this training. 

The natural surroundings, the happily singing birds and the peacocks wandering around freely all added to make this a wonderful time together.  A strong feeling of Unity was felt by all at the closing ceremony.

Sisters Margaret, Mary-Jeanne, Rekha and Dipti
Members of the International Teachers Training Team

International Teachers Training in ORC - Report