GOYA-CMS Standards

Introduction to Meditation

Purpose:

This curriculum is essential in teacher training as it lays the foundational knowledge and context, enabling future teachers to ground their teaching in the rich tapestry of meditation's purposes, benefits, and diverse practices.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Definition and Purpose: Clarifying what meditation is and what it is not, and discussing its objectives, such as stress reduction, self-awareness, and spiritual growth.
• General Overview of Meditation: Reviewing the history and various traditions.
• Mindfulness and Awareness: Understanding mindfulness in daily life and meditation.
  
• Basic Principles: Presence, acceptance, non-judgment, patience, and letting go.
• Types of Meditation: Introducing various forms such as mindfulness, concentrative, transcendental, and heart-centred practices.
  
• Mind-Body Connection: Exploring how meditation affects the brain, nervous system, and overall health.
  
• Common Misconceptions: Addressing myths and misunderstandings about meditation (e.g., the idea that meditation requires emptying the mind or having religious affiliations).
  
• Starting a Practice: Guidance on creating a conducive environment, finding a comfortable posture, and setting realistic expectations and goals.
  
• Challenges and Solutions: Discussing potential difficulties beginners might face and offering strategies to overcome these challenges.
  
• Resources and Support: Providing recommendations for further reading, apps, communities, and other resources for continued practice and learning.

Meditation Philosophies and Traditions

Purpose:

This curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of how meditation has been and continues to be interpreted and practiced across the world.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Historical Context: Exploration of the origins of meditation in various cultures and early textual references.
• Eastern Traditions: In-depth study of meditation in Hinduism (Vedanta, Yoga), Buddhism (Zen, Vipassana, Tibetan), and Taoism.
• Western Contemplative Practices: Christian mysticism, Jewish meditation, and Sufi practices.
• Modern Movements: Secular mindfulness, Transcendental Meditation, and New Age practices.
• Comparative Philosophy: Differences and similarities in the philosophical underpinnings of various traditions.
• Sacred Texts and Teachings: Reading and analysis of key texts such as the Yoga Sutras, Dhammapada, Tao Te Ching, and others.
• Ritual and Symbolism: Understanding the role of rituals, symbols, chants, and ceremonies in meditation practices.
• Integration of Traditions: How different philosophies and practices can complement each other and be integrated into a cohesive practice.
• Controversies and Critiques: Critical perspectives on meditation practices, commercialization, and cultural appropriation issues.

Meditation Techniques, Training, Teaching

Purpose:

This curriculum is pivotal in teacher training to ensure instructors are well-practiced, versatile, and skilled in imparting diverse meditation practices effectively and sensitively to a broad range of students.

Required:

A minimum of 6 meditation techniques are required to be taught in a Meditation Teacher Training.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Mindfulness Meditation: Originating from Buddhist teachings, mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular techniques in the West. It involves paying attention to thoughts as they pass through the mind without judgment. The practice is centred around the awareness of the breath and the sensation of being. This technique encourages practitioners to observe wandering thoughts as they drift through the mind.
• Guided Visualization: This technique involves forming mental images of places or situations that a person finds relaxing. It's often led by a guide or teacher and can involve not only visualization but the other senses as well. It's typically performed while listening to music or calming sounds to help evoke positive images that relax the body and mind.
  
• Loving-kindness Meditation (Metta): Metta meditation is practiced by directing well-wishes towards others. It usually begins with developing kind thoughts and feelings toward oneself. With practice, the circles of kindness can be extended to include friends, acquaintances, all humans, and all sentient beings. This technique is said to develop compassion and love.
  
• Body Scan or Progressive Relaxation: Progressive relaxation, sometimes called body scan meditation, encourages people to scan their bodies for areas of tension. The goal is to notice tension and to allow it to release. During a body scan, participants may start at one end of their body, usually their feet, and work through the whole.
  
• Zen Meditation (Zazen): Zen meditation, sometimes called Zazen is a form of meditation that can be part of Buddhist practice. It involves specific postures, counting breaths, and the observation of thoughts without judgment. The aim is often enlightenment and self-awareness.
• Chakra Meditation: Chakra meditation involves concentrating on the different energies of the body, thought to be centers or chakras. The practitioner focuses on each of the chakra locations, envisioning energy passing through them for healing and harmony within the body.
  
• Posture and Environment: An in-depth look at optimal postures for meditation, ergonomic support, and creating spaces that enhance meditation practice. Could include field trips or designing a meditation space as a project.
• Breathwork: Advanced techniques in breath control, including pranayama and its variations, and their physiological and psychological effects.
• Mindfulness and Awareness: Intensive practice sessions, studies on the impact of mindfulness in various aspects of life, and integrating awareness in daily routines.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Detailed instruction on the mind-body connection, neuroplasticity, and the impact of meditation on stress response, with guest lectures from healthcare professionals.
  
• Psychology of Meditation: Examination of mental health and meditation, including studies on meditation as an adjunct to therapy, and its role in behaviour change.
• Instructional Techniques: Role-playing, peer reviews, and mastering different approaches to teaching, such as workshops, retreats, and regular classes.
• Class Structure and Planning: A project-based approach where students must design and present a series of meditation classes, receiving critiques and suggestions.
• Student Guidance: Case studies on common challenges faced by meditation students, with strategies for personalization and adaptation.

Ethics

Purpose:
This curriculum is fundamental in meditation teacher training to ensure the practice is conducted with integrity, respect, and responsibility, fostering a safe and trust-filled environment for all participants.

Curriculum:
Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Confidentiality: Emphasizing the importance of keeping student disclosures private, understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of confidentiality.
• Boundaries: Establishing appropriate teacher-student relationships, including physical, emotional, and social boundaries.
• Scope of Practice: Understanding the limits of one's training, expertise, and qualifications, and recognizing when to refer students to other professionals.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Approaching teaching with respect for all individuals, regardless of their background, and adapting practices to be culturally sensitive and inclusive.
• Responsibility to Students: Commitment to the students' well-being, avoiding exploitation and abuse of power.
• Authenticity and Integrity: Teaching from personal experience and practice, being honest about one’s qualifications, and accurately representing the meditation tradition being taught.
• Continuing Education: Staying updated with the latest research and practices, and continually improving one’s own skills and understanding.
• Transparency: Being clear about fees, policies, and what students can expect from the meditation programs.
• Avoiding Harm: Recognizing the potential for meditation to bring up difficult emotions for students, and being prepared to handle such situations sensitively.
• Self-care: Understanding that ethical teaching also includes maintaining one's own well-being, as this supports the capacity to teach effectively and ethically.
  
  

Applied Science

Purpose:

This curriculum validates the practice with evidence-based research, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary health sciences, and equipping teachers to deliver informed, effective, and relevant guidance.

Curriculum:

Schools have the discretion to select and tailor topics that best reflect their unique expertise and philosophical approach, while also having the flexibility to incorporate additional subjects as they see fit.

The following topics are strongly recommended for inclusion in the curriculum:

• Meditation in Healthcare: Meditation as a complementary therapy in medical settings. Working with special populations (chronic illness, mental health, etc.). Designing meditation programs for health and healing.
• Research and Case Studies: Analysis of current research on meditation practices. Reviewing case studies and understanding evidence-based applications.                    
• Psychology of Meditation: Examination of mental health and meditation, including studies on meditation as an adjunct to therapy, and its role in behaviour change.
• Scientific Research: Summarizing key findings on the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of meditation.