InsideSales.com customers know how to sell. They make up the best sales teams in the world and operate like high-performance machines. But even high-performing machines can improve. From July 22 to July 24, InsideSales.com hosted 13 executives from seven companies for the first Executive Speed Camp. Those in attendance included: Apttus Blue Coat Coupa MarketStar [...]

The United States job market seems to be stuck in second gear, the Wall Street Journal recently reported. Recovery has been long and slow, leaving many Americans without work, or at least without decent paying work. While the numbers do seem to be getting better, the Wall Street Journal reports theyre not as promising as [...]

Trish Bertuzzi, president and chief strategist of The Bridge Group, recently presented at the Inside Sales Virtual Summit. During her session, Trish shared valuable insight into the onboarding process, a critical time in a salespersons career, but the least understood. Trish maintains that while sales and marketing leaders are making a first-class investment in their [...]

How many conversations do you have with prospects in a given day? And how many emails do you send to prospects in that same day? Is it safe to say you send more emails? Probably. Whats the point? Well here it is You spend most of your waking hours perfecting and tweaking your sales [...]

The Salesforce Users Group met in the new Adobe building in Lehi, Utah. During the meeting a lot of information was discussed and traded among Salesforce users. One of those things was the secret to turning a 30 second conversation into 3 minutes. Brandt Page, from Launch Leads, shared how to turn a blow off [...]

Technology is speeding ahead at a break neck speed and all too often we forget to look behind and see the ground weve covered. The dialer is one of those technological advances, and a subtle one thats been ignored. The infamous predictive dialer was one of the early dialers around (and sadly still in use) [...]

When companies look for a solution to improve their sales revenue, they often look to technology. However, it takes more than technology to drive exponential growth. InsideSales.com provides the best lead management and dialer technology available today. The technology provides increased efficiency, highvisibility, and exponentialoutput. Companies using any combination of the InsideSales.com technology are experiencing [...]

As an inside sales professional, the product you sell is catered towards a specific audience. One that wants a quick product at a low cost, a quality product that is fast, or a fast product with a low cost. Whichever you chose, its important as a company your executives define who the company, or the [...]

Within the last few years, there has been a shift in the way sales people are conducting sales. Not only is the majority of sales done remotely over the phone (the inside sales model), but the way lead research and data append is performed has become the new frontier of sales. To further educate the [...]

If youre in the lead generation or sales space, you know how important lead nurturing can be. Its how you build your business and create educated, more-likely to buy buyers. One of the biggest misconceptions out in the industry is that a lead nurturing technology alone is going to solve all your problems. Thats only [...]

Original post:
Inside Sales Training | The Sales Insider

"This Man Doesn't Lie, Kiss-Ass, or Suck-Up to Make More Sales"

Shameless Shamus Brown Creator of Persuasive Selling Skills

Thanks for dropping by my sales training website, Industrial EGO Sales.

You know, you don't have to lose your self-respect to be a successful sales person.

I should know.

I've worked for some great companies in my career - names like IBM and Dun and Bradstreet to name two.

Some of my sales jobs I excelled at and made big commissions.

Others I got fired from. Sometimes this was because I made a bad choice and couldn't get motivated to sell something that I didn't believe in.

Other times it was because I was unwilling to be a scumbag and tell bald-faced lies to get a deal.

One VP of Sales fired me as an "example" to others to be more "creative" in their selling (i.e. lie to the customer to make a deal). 5 months later though he was indicted by the SEC along with a few other C-Level execs on fraudulent stock price manipulation charges.

What I learned through all of this was that I was most motivated and most successful when I was just myself and sold things that I liked and had a real interest in.

Today, 13 years after I last worked for anyone else, I've showed thousands of sales people worldwide, with my Sales Training Course and my daily tips emails, how to quickly become either their prospects first choice to buy from or to cut bait and walk away early from deals they'll most certainly lose.

I am sure you're as tired as I am of worn-out sales clichs, crappy sales advice, and cheesy closing techniques. So spend some time here today and check out my sales training courses.

While you're here you'll find tons of useful sales tips, sales techniques, sales training courses, and uncommon sense to motivate you and change the way you sell for the better.

You don't need to be a suck-up, a kiss-ass or a liar to do well in sales.

And I believe you'll find that once you read up and start following my advice, you too will laugh to yourself and start calling me Shameless Shamus!

Sell with Pride,

P.S. Below are my two most popular sales training courses. Check 'em out.

Learn how to close more of your sales while keeping your self-respect with the audio sales training course on CDs, online, and iPod ready MP3s.

You can get greater rapport with a wider variety of people than ever before in just seconds when you learn the sales skills taught in the DVD video sales training course.

Read more:
Sales Training Courses to Shamelessly CRUSH Your Competition ...

The Virginia Retail Sales and Use Act establishes a tax on the sale, lease or rental of tangible personal property or the use or consumption of tangible personal property in Virginia, as well as taxable services in Virginia.

A seller is subject to the sales tax imposed on gross receipts from retail sales. "Retail sales" means sales made for any purpose other than for resale. The tax may also apply to the furnishing of transient accommodations and the lease or rental of personal property. Code of Virginia 58.1-603.

The seller is responsible for collecting the tax from the customer on each taxable sale. The tax must be separately stated and added to the sales price or charge. The general sales tax rate for Virginia is 5.3 percent (4.3 percent state tax and 1 percent local tax). There is an additional 0.7 percent state tax imposed in the localities that make up Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, making the rate in these areas 6 percent (5 percent state tax and 1 percent local tax).

In Bulletin 5-78, sales of eligible food items are subject to a reduced sales tax rate of 2.5 percent ( 1.5 percent state tax and 1 percent local tax).

Northern Virginia Region

The additional 0.7 percent regional rate in Northern Virginia applies to the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park; and in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William.

Hampton Roads Region

The additional 0.7 percent regional rate in Hampton Roads applies to the Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, and the Counties of Isle of Wight, James City, Southampton and York.

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In-state dealers - Generally, in-state dealers (individuals or businesses) are those making Virginia sales while having one or more physical locations in Virginia. Businesses subject to the Virginia Retail Sales Tax must submit a monthly return to the Department, Form ST-9, by the 20th of the month after the sales occurred. A return must be filed for each period, even if there are no sales to report. Based on your tax liability, the Department may change your filing frequency from monthly to quarterly. If your filing frequency is changed, you will be notified prior to the effective date.

Beginning with the July - September 2013 return, due October 21, 2013, quarterly filers must submit their returns and payments electronically. To meet this requirement, the returns must be filed using eForms, Business iFile or Web Upload. Monthly filers have been required to file and pay electronically since July 2012.

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Out-of-State dealers - Some dealers make Virginia sales but are physically located outside of Virginia. "Out-of-state dealers" refers to individuals or businesses that, in most cases, are physically located outside of Virginia but make qualified sales, leases or rentals into Virginia. If an out-of-state dealer has sufficient nexus with Virginia, (meaning a significant connection or link to Virginia according to Virginia law,) the dealer must register with Virginia to collect Virginia Use Tax on their Virginia sales. For further information on nexus criteria, refer to Code of Virginia 58.1-612.

Out-of-state businesses that do not have sufficient nexus with Virginia may still choose to register with Virginia to collect the tax as a courtesy to their Virginia customers. Whether required to register or not, any out-of-state dealer registered to collect Virginia Use Tax must remit the collected tax to Virginia on a monthly basis, unless a different filing frequency has been established by the Department.

Businesses subject to the Virginia Use Tax must file Form ST-8, Out-of-State Dealers Use Tax return, by the 20th of the following month. A return must be filed for each period, even if there are no sales to report. Based on your tax liability, the Department may change your filing frequency from monthly to quarterly. If your filing frequency is changed, you will be notified prior to the effective date.

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Businesses can register for Retail Sales and Use Taxes by completing the Form R-1 Business Registration Application, or by registering online. Once registration is complete, businesses receive Form ST-4, Certificate of Registration. The ST-4 must be prominently displayed at the registered location.

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Beginning with the July - September 2013 return, (due October 21, 2013), quarterly filers of the ST-9 must submit their returns and payments electronically. Monthly filers have been required to file and pay electronically since July 2012.

To meet this electronic filing requirement, you must file your return using eForms, Business iFile or Web Upload. Learn more about these three options (link takes you to a short video).

Out-of-state sellers should submit their monthly sales tax report on Form ST-8, Virginia Out-Of-State Dealer's Use Tax Return, by the 20th of the month after the sales occurred, whether or not the business has had taxable sales for the month. You will automatically be mailed forms preprinted with your account information unless you file electronically or use tax software to prepare your returns.

If you are unable to make the necessary changes to file and pay electronically you may request a temporary waiver. Submit your request in writing by completing the Sales Tax Electronic Filing Waiver Request form.

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Dealer Discount

A discount on the amount of sales tax due is allowed when eligible businesses file and pay the tax in a timely manner. Dealers can keep a portion of the tax they have collected; however, the discount is not allowed on the local portion of the tax. In addition to the Retail Sales and Use Tax, a dealer's discount is available for the following taxes:

Please refer to the corresponding instructions for additional information on computing the discount, as discount factors vary by tax type.

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If you fail to file or pay the full amount of sales tax due by the due date, a penalty of 6 percent per month is added to the tax owed. The maximum penalty is 30 percent; the minimum penalty is $10. The minimum penalty applies to late returns even if there is no tax owed.

Interest is added at the federal underpayment rate plus 2 percent and accrues on the tax until paid.

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A Direct Payment Permit allows certain companies to purchase goods without paying the sales or use tax at the time of purchase. These companies agree to pay the tax due directly to the Department, and allocate the local tax so that no county or city will lose any revenue. Direct Payment Permits are typically issued to manufacturers, contractors or mine operators who store tangible personal property within the Commonwealth for use both in and outside of Virginia.

Businesses who meet the qualifications set forth in Code of Virginia 58.1-624 may apply to the Tax Commissioner for a permit. If approved, the business would file form ST-6.

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In general, all sales, leases and rentals of tangible personal property, as well as accommodations and certain taxable services, are subject to Virginia Sales and Use Tax, unless an exemption or exception is established.

There are specific instances where a tax exemption may apply without the need of an exemption certificate. The most common exemptions and exceptions to the Retail Sales and Use Tax are:

Exemption Certificates

In many cases, in order to sell, lease or rent tangible personal property without charging Sales Tax, a seller must obtain a Certificate of Exemption from the buyer.

The sales-for-resale exemption prevents tax from being charged multiple times on the same item. The sales tax is intended to be applied to the final sale to the consumer at retail; therefore, this exemption prevents the tax being applied on goods as they are distributed before being sold at retail.

A dealer who makes a sale without charging applicable Sales Tax must retain a copy of the exemption certificate on file to substantiate the sale was indeed tax exempt under the law. To verify that a business providing a dealer with a sales exemption certificate is registered to collect Retail Sales and Use Tax in Virginia, please call the Department at (804) 367-8037.

Download Exemption Certificates

Learn more about exemptions for nonprofit organizations

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The use tax applies to the use, consumption or storage of tangible personal property in Virginia when the Virginia sales or use tax was not paid at the time of purchase. The use tax is computed on the cost price of the property, which is the total amount for which the property was purchased, including any services that are a part of the purchase, valued in money or otherwise, and includes any amount for which credit is given the purchaser or lessee by the seller.

Mail with Form ST-7 and Form ST-6B, if applicable, with your payment to the following address:

Virginia Department of Taxation P.O. Box 26627 Richmond, Virginia 23261-6627

This return is due by the 20th day of the following month after the close of the reporting period. Returns are not required to be filed for periods in which no use tax is due.

If you have questions concerning this tax or how to file the returns, please call (804) 367-8037.

Vending Machine Sales Tax

General Liability: A tax is imposed on dealers who place vending machines for the sale of tangible personal property. The tax is computed on the cost price (or manufactured cost) of tangible personal property sold through the vending machines. This tax does not apply to non-vending machine dealers such as service station operators who use vending machines at their businesses to sell merchandise. These dealers are subject to the retail sales tax provisions.

Registration: Every individual, partnership, corporation, etc., desiring to engage in the business of placing vending machines for selling tangible personal property must file a Business Registration Application, Form R-1, or register online. A separate application must be filed for each locality in which vending machines are placed. Code of Virginia 58.1-614(E)

Filing Procedure: Vending Machine tax return, Form VM-2, must be filed for each period showing the cost price or manufactured cost of tangible personal property sold through vending machines during the preceding period. The dealer must pay the amount of tax due at the time the return is filed.

Generally, dealers are required to file returns monthly and must submit the return by the 20th of the month following the end of the period. The Department determines annually which dealers should file and pay on a quarterly basis. Quarterly returns must be filed on or before the 20th of the month following the close of each quarterly period ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.

A return, voucher and schedule should be filed as soon as possible after the close of the reporting period but not later than the 20th day of the following month. A return must be filed for each reporting period even if no tax is due.

The VM-2 Package contains Form VM-2, Virginia Vending Machine Dealer's Sales Tax Return; Form VM-2V, Virginia Vending Machine Dealer's Sales Tax Voucher; Form VM-2A, Virginia Vending Machine Dealer's Sales Tax Worksheet; and VM-2B, Schedule of Local Taxes.

Tax Rates: The tax rate is 6.3 percent (5.3 percent state tax and 1 percent local tax) of wholesale purchases. In addition, there is an additional 0.7 percent state tax imposed in the localities that make up Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, making the rate in these regions 7 percent (6 percent state tax and 1 percent local tax). Dealers may also request authorization from the Tax Commissioner to report tax based on gross sales.

The additional regional tax in Northern Virginia applies to the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park, and the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. the additional regional tax in Hampton Roads applies to the Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg, and the Counties of Isle of Wight, James City, Southampton and York.

For additional information refer to Code of Virginia 58.1-614.

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Beginning January 1, 2011, a Prepaid Wireless E-911 fee of 50 cents is imposed on each retail purchase of prepaid wireless calling service. Dealers who sell prepaid wireless service must collect and remit the new fee, beginning with the month of January 2011.

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General Liability: The fee is levied for each new tire sold at retail in Virginia. The fee may be passed on to the retail customer if separately stated.

Fee Rate: Beginning July 1, 2011, the fee is 50 cents per tire, with certain exemptions (see below).

Registration: To register for the Tire Recycling Fee, retailers must file a Business Registration Application, Form R-1, with the Department of Taxation, or register online.

Filing Procedure: Every tire retailer must file the Tire Fee return, Form T-1, quarterly. The return is due and the fee payable on or before the 20th of the month following the end of each quarter of the calendar year. Quarterly periods end March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.

The fee imposed under 58.1-641 shall not apply to new tires for:

For additional information please refer to Code of Virginia 58.1-640-644

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General Liability: A fee is imposed on the in-room rental or purchase of digital media offered in guest rooms rented out for continuous occupancy for fewer than 90 days, such as hotels and motels.

Administering the Digital Media Fee

All charges for digital media are subject to the Digital Media Fee, with certain exemptions (see below). The fee is charged in addition to the cost of the rental of the room and is collected by the Provider, who then remits it to the Department.

A "Provider" is any person who offers the sale of digital media to guests in temporary lodgings located in Virginia. Digital Media providers must register with the Department.

Providers are required to collect the Digital Media Fee on taxable charges for digital media unless presented with a valid Retail Sales and Use Tax exemption certificate that exempts the customer from the Retail Sales and Use Tax on charges for the temporary lodging. In such cases, the Digital Media Fee shall not be collected.

As the Digital Media Fee is a fee on the purchase of a service, certificates of exemption from the Retail Sales and Use Tax on a purchase of tangible personal property will not relieve a customer from paying the Digital Media Fee.

Exemptions: The following are exempt from the Digital Media Fee, provided a valid exemption certificate is presented to exempt them of the Retail Sales and Use Tax on the lodging accommodation:

Registration: Dealers must file a Business Registration Application, Form R-1, or register online.

Filing Procedure: Each Provider is required to file a monthly Form DM-1, Digital Media Fee Return, and remit the Digital Media Fee due on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the fee is billed. The Digital Media Fee must be reported on Form DM-1; the Digital Media Fee cannot be reported on the Provider's Form ST-9, Retail Sales and Use Tax Return.

Tax Rate: The tax rate is 10 percent of the sales or rental price.

For additional information please refer to Virginia Tax Bulletin 09-5.

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The Public Facilities Act provides a mechanism that allows a portion of the state sales tax revenues attributable to sales in new, renovated, or expanded public facilities in certain localities to be returned to the locality in which the facility is located. The locality is only entitled to the sales tax revenue generated by transactions taking place in the facility.

All businesses or persons making sales at the facility must register with the Department and report their sales and use tax on Form ST-9, Retail Sales and Use Tax Return.

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Read this article:
Sales and Use Tax | Virginia Department of Taxation

Updated November 25, 2014.

Definition:

Evolutionary psychology is a theory of human behavior that incorporates the effects of evolution. As our ancestors confronted problems, they developed ways of solving those problems. Over time, the most successful solutions developed into basic instincts. We no longer need to consciously think about certain behaviors, as they simply come naturally. Those behaviors are tempered by input from our culture, family, and individual factors, but the underlying behaviors are instinctual.

At its most basic level, evolutionary psychology explains relatively simply topics. A common example is language acquisition. All humans, assuming normal physical structure, are capable of learning language. At some point in history, early man developed language skills beyond grunting and pointing. The ability to communicate complex thoughts was important for survival, and so language acquisition abilities evolved.

Which language or languages are learned depends on the language spoken in the home and neighborhood, demonstrating the importance of cultural input.

More complex evolutionary psychology theories attempt to explain more complicated behaviors. For example, many research studies have shown that we are more likely to fear snakes and spiders than other predatory animals such as lions and tigers. From an evolutionary point of view, this may be due to the fact that snakes and spiders are more difficult to spot. It made sense to our ancestors to look carefully for poisonous creatures before sticking their hands into woodpiles or overgrown brush (still a good idea today!). Over time, that caution became an instinctive human reaction.

Examples: Jill has been afraid of spiders since she was a toddler. After determining that she had never been bitten or seen someone bitten by a spider, her therapist explained that according to evolutionary psychology, Jill's fear might be an instinctive reaction.

The rest is here:
Evolutionary Psychology Definition and Examples

Andrew Weil, MD The Future of Psychedelic and Medical Marijuana Research | CE hours: 1.0 | fee: $10.00

Ben Sessa, M.D., History of Psychedelic Research in the United Kingdom | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Charles Grob, M.D., Alicia Danforth, MA Harbor-UCLA Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients | CE hours: 1.0 | fee: $10.00

Christopher Wiegand, M.D Results from a Study of Psilocybin to Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Human | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Clinical Applications of Psychedelics | CE hours: 1.0 | fee: $10.00

David Nichols, Ph.D. Advances In Understanding How Psychedelics Work In The Brain | CE hours: 1.0 | fee: $10.00

Ilsa Jerome Ph.D., Mining MDMA Literature: Finding Gems in the Rough | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

James Fadiman, Ph. D. Psychedelics as Entheogens: How to Create and Guide Successful Sessions. | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Jeffrey Guss, M.D., The NYU Psilocybin Cancer Anxiety Research Projects Psychedelic Psychotherapy Training Program | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

MDMA in Clinical Practice | CE hours: 1.5 | fee: $15.00

Michael Mithoefer, MD: MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of PTSD: Results from US Pilot Study | CE hours: 1.0 | fee: $10.00

Michael Montagne Ph.D., Metaphors and Meanings: How We Interpret and Understand Psychedelic Drug Experiences | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Neal Goldsmith, Ph. D., Psychedelic Therapy and Change: Research, Challenges, Implications | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Psychedelics & MDMA as Potential Supplements to Treatment for High-Functioning Autism & Aspergers Syndrome | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Psychedelics in End of Life Psychotherapy | CE hours: 1.0 | fee: $10.00

Ralph Metzner, PhD Psychedelic, Psychoactive and Addictive Drugs and States of Consciousness | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Richard Yensen, Ph.D., History of Psychedelic Research at Maryland Psychiatric Research Center | CE hours: 0.3 | fee: $5.00

Robin Carhart-Harris, Ph.D. Using fMRI to investigate the effects of psilocybin on brain activation and blood flow: rationale, hypotheses and progress | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

Stan Grof, MD, PhD Implications of Psychedelic Research for Psychology & Psychiatry | CE hours: 1.5 | fee: $15.00

Tom Kingsley Brown, Ph.D. Ibogaine Treatment for Drug Dependence:A Study of Quality of Life | CE hours: 0.5 | fee: $5.00

See the original post here:
Spiritual Competency Online CE resources for Psychologists ...

By Austin Cline

Creationism vs. Evolution:

Creationism does not have to be incompatible with evolution; there are many who believe in a creator god(s) and who also accept evolution. They may have deistic beliefs and believe a god started everything then let it run without interference. Theistic Evolution encompasses theism, some system of traditional religious beliefs, and the idea that a god or gods used evolution to develop life on earth.

What is Theistic Evolution?

Theistic evolutionists vary in how they believe their god intervened in the evolutionary process because those beliefs are connected to subtle details of other theological positions. They accept modern science on the fact that evolution occurs and how it occurs, but they rely on their god to explain things currently unexplained by science (like the origin of life) or outside the purview of science (like the origin of the soul).

What is Evolutionary Creationism?

There is little difference between Evolutionary Creationism and Theistic Evolution the only reason the term seems to exist is the theological importance of emphasizing the term Creationism rather than Evolution.

Theistic Evolution and Religion:

Theistic evolution is currently the position which is promoted by the Catholic Church, mainline Protestant denominations, Reform and Conservative Judaism, and other religious organizations which do not adopt a literalist position with regards to their scriptures and/or religious traditions. If God is somehow involved in the evolution process, what role does he play?

Theistic Evolutionists generally take one of three positions:

God controls apparently random events:

Modern science has revealed that what was once thought to be a deterministic universe has a random or probabilistic aspect at the quantum level. Quantum systems are, in one way or another, intrinsically unpredictable. This has provided an opening for some theologians and philosophers to argue that God operates in our world without also violating any natural laws. God directs the motion of matter an energy towards an end which he desires, but in a manner which seems unpredictable and random.

God designed the system:

The idea that God continues to be active in the natural world, but on the quantum level, suggests to many that God needs to keep tinkering with nature in order to get things to turn out as he wants. This, however, can be theologically unacceptable and has led some to adopt the position that God designed the universe right at the beginning to generate certain predetermined results (like human life). Constant interference outside of some important miracles isnt necessary.

God influences events:

This final possibility argues that God is always present and active in the universe, but doesnt control events or force them towards any particular outcome. Instead, God exerts influence on events in order to lead them to a desired outcome but the possibility exists that a different and undesired outcome may result. This position is often associated with Process Theology, a school of thought which portrays God not as omnipotent, but as learning and growing as the universe develops.

Problems With Theistic Evolution:

One of the problems for Theistic Evolution has been something known as the Neo-Darwinian Synthesis. Begun in the 1940s, this was a synthesis of the work being done by field biologists on the one hand and experimental work performed by geneticists on the other. This process managed to eliminate many of the mysteries in how evolution and natural selection work.

Why is this a problem? Traditionally, Theistic Evolution has relied on the idea that evolutionary theory hasnt been able to explain how evolution works. These mysteries were gaps in our understanding of nature and, as has happened so often in the relationship between religion and science, religious belief relied upon gaps in scientific knowledge which have become all but filled. Once those gaps are indeed filled, what is the basis for continuing religious belief and continuing Theistic Evolution?

Excerpt from:
Theistic Evolution & Evolutionary Creationism

Becoming a yoga teacher is a big step forward in your experience of yoga.

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If you want to learn a topic then teach it.

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Being able to share yoga with friends, family and clients is rewarding in many ways. Whether you are interested primarily in your own personal development or becoming a yoga teacher, we have a range of courses in which you can achieve both.

All of our courses have been developed in response to the enthusiasm of our students wanting to learn, practice, live and teach the science of yoga. Please read through the information provided and we encourage you to talk to us or any of our graduates with further queries.

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Personal growth, to teach family and friends, a change of career.

Learn an in-depth, integrated, holistic and progressive system of yoga ranging from beginning through to advanced levels.

Enjoy a highly practical and experiential orientation of training to help you become a confident and capable teacher and to develop a strong basis for ongoing personal practice, learning and development.

Benefit from a uniquely effective teaching system and style of presentation which springs from an authentic tradition of yoga combined with the several decades of personal experience, practice and learning of the instructors.

On-going support, training, mentorship, encouragement and involvement are available.

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Yoga is a life-long journey of discovery and we believe that it is much more than a system of physical development. We teach in a holistic way which emcompasses the deeper, more subtle aspects of yoga. Whilst definitely emphasising the physical body, our system also specifically works with the breath, the life-energy and the mind in order to help bring about a balanced state of wellbeing, vitality and a deeper attunement with our true inner-selves.

Yoga is a very broad science. You learn a systematic approach to classical yoga enabling you to teach for the whole personality. From the vast range of practices learnt, you can creatively and intuitively structure classes and programmes for your students individual and general needs.

For those of you inspired to make a deeper study of yoga we are committed to providing a complete system of training which guides students in a progressive and systematic way to develop a strong personal yoga practice and to become confident and capable to teach from beginners to advanced. We offer several courses for this and you can study to the level you so desire, within your own commitments and needs.

There is no requirement to do all of our teacher training courses, especially if you are doing it more for personal development. However, if you are wanting yoga to be your profession, we advise that you do complete all of them over a 2 5 year period.

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The courses train you to teach a complete system of yoga postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation.

Our yoga syllabus is taught in three levels:

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Level 1: beginner to intermediate

Level 2:intermediate to advanced

Level 3:advanced

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Each level takes you to a higher standard of proficiency. Level 1 is suitable for absolute beginners and starts with simple practices. By the end of Level 1 you will have built a firm foundation based on experience and understanding. This experience gives you the grounding to teach with confidence.

The Level 1 and 2 in particular are not just a weekend course per month, but rather six months of daily learning and growing. The workshop sessions, home practice and assignments are all part of this course and are all aspects of receiving your Teacher Training Certificate.

Each workshop session involves group dynamics and a specific group of postures; we also teach you pranayama, relaxation (yoga nidra) and meditation in a systematic way. Commitment to the weekend workshops and daily practice is essential. If for unavoidable reasons you are unable to attend one of the days, extra tuition is necessary for completion of the course and is not included in the course fee.

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Please note: there are no exams in our teacher training courses. There are assignments that we mark and give you feedback, but no tests. There is no way to fail any of the teacher training courses!

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Extra yogic courses and workshops are conducted throughout the year providing ongoing training, inspiration and deeper knowledge within specific areas (e.g. back care, pranayama, chakras, meditation, etc.) Most workshops and retreats are discounted for Ashram Yoga trainees or teachers. There are also regular teacher forums to swap ideas, information and learn new ways and methods of teaching from one another, Ashram Yoga teachers or guest teachers.

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The beginnings of Ashram Yoga may be traced back to1980 when Swami Shantimurti Saraswaticame toNew Zealandto teachyoga. Since these early days, we have worked ceaselessly for the development of yoga both within New Zealand and overseas.

Ashram Yogas unique teaching style is based on traditional yogabut also includes the senior instructors many years of experience of teaching yoga. We have developed a comprehensive, thorough and effective set of teachings. The range of practices we present are vast and taught from absolute beginners through to becoming an advance yoga instructor.

The range of practices we present are vast and taught from absolute beginners onwards. Teacher trainees are encouraged to incorporate their own experiences of yoga into the teachings. We also teach you how to apply yoga practices to any type of student, according to the level of the course you are studying.

Excerpt from:
Yoga Teacher Training | Ashram Yoga

Who was Buddha? In general, Buddha means Awakened One, someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees things as they really are. A Buddha is a person who is completely free from all faults and mental obstructions. Introduction to Buddhism

The founder of Buddhism in this world was Buddha Shakyamuniwho lived and gave teachings in India some two and a half thousand years ago. Since then millions of people around world have followed the spiritual path he revealed.The Buddhist way of life of peace, loving kindness and wisdom can be just as relevant today as it was in ancient India.Buddha explained that all our problems and suffering arise from confused and negative states of mind, and that all our happiness and good fortune arise from peaceful and positive states of mind.

Buddha taught methods for gradually overcoming our negative minds such as anger, jealousy and ignorance, and developing our positive minds such as love, compassion and wisdom. Through this we can come to experience lasting peace and happiness.

These methods can work for anyone, in any country, in any age. Once we have gained experience of them for ourselves we can pass them on to others so they too can enjoy the same benefits.

Meditation is at the heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is essentially a method for understanding and working on our own mind. We first learn to identify our different negative mental states known as delusions, and learn how to develop peaceful and positive mental states or virtuous minds.

During meditation we overcome our delusions by becoming familiar with these virtuous minds. During the meditation break, when we are out of meditation, we try to maintain the virtuous minds we have developed and use our wisdom to solve the problems of daily life.

As our mind becomes more positive our actions become more constructive, and our experience of life becomes more satisfying and beneficial to others.

Anyone can learn basic meditation techniques and experience great benefits, but to progress beyond basic meditation requires faith in the Three Jewels Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Usually people find this develops naturally as they experience the benefits of their meditation practice.

We dont need to change our activities; we just need to change our mind. Busy lives are perfect conditions for practicing Dharma and training our mind. Our work and family, for example, are ideal places to reduce our attachment and self-cherishing and improve our cherishing of others.

With practical Dharma methods in our heart, we will be more prepared for any challenges that may arise and actually be able to grow from the different circumstances we encounter. We will also be able to spread joy and peace to others.

Kadampa Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist school founded by the great Indian Buddhist Master Atisha (AD 9821054). His followers are known as Kadampas.

Kadampa Buddhists are encouraged to use Buddhas teachings as practical methods for transforming daily activities into the spiritual path. Kadam Dharma accords with peoples daily experience; it cannot be separated from daily life.

Over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist Centers and groups in over 30 countries offer study programs on Buddhist psychology, philosophy, and meditation instruction, as well as retreats for all levels of practitioner. The emphasis is on integrating Buddhas teachings into daily life to solve our human problems and to spread lasting peace and happiness throughout the world.

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KMC New York | What is Buddhism?

The founder of Buddhism was Buddha Shakyamuni who lived and taught in India some two and a half thousand years ago. Since then millions of people around the world have followed the pure spiritual path he revealed. The Buddhist way of life of peace, loving kindness and wisdom is just as relevant today as it was in ancient India. Buddha explained that all our problems and suffering arise from confused and negative states of mind, and that all our happiness and good fortune arise from peaceful and positive states of mind. He taught methods for gradually overcoming our negative minds such as anger, jealousy and ignorance, and developing our positive minds such as love, compassion and wisdom. Through this we will come to experience lasting peace and happiness. These methods work for anyone, in any country, in any age. Once we have gained experience of them for ourselves we can pass them on to others so they too can enjoy the same benefits.

Meditation is at the heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is basically a method for understanding and working on our own mind. We first learn to identify our different negative mental states known as delusions, and learn how to develop peaceful and positive mental states or virtuous minds.

Then in meditation we overcome our delusions by becoming familiar with virtuous minds. Out of meditation we try to maintain the virtuous minds we have developed and use our wisdom to solve the problems of daily life. As our mind becomes more positive our actions become more constructive, and our experience of life becomes more satisfying and beneficial to others.

Anyone can learn basic meditation techniques and experience great benefits, but to progress beyond basic meditation requires faith in the Three Jewels Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Usually people find this develops naturally as they experience the benefits of their meditation practice.

The teachings of Buddha reveal a step by step path to lasting happiness. By following this path anyone can gradually transform his or her mind from its present confused and self-centered state into the blissful mind of a Buddha.

As Geshe Kelsang says in his popular book Eight Steps to Happiness:

Every living being has the potential to become a Buddha, someone who has completely purified his or her mind of all faults and limitations and has brought all good qualities to perfection. Our mind is like a cloudy sky, in essence clear and pure but overcast by the clouds of delusions.

Just as the thickest clouds eventually disperse, so too even the heaviest delusions can be removed from our mind. Delusions such as hatred, greed, and ignorance are not an intrinsic part of the mind. If we apply the appropriate methods they can be completely eliminated, and we shall experience the supreme happiness of full enlightenment.

Having attained enlightenment we shall have all the necessary qualities universal love and compassion, omniscient wisdom and boundless spiritual power to lead all living beings to the same exalted state. This is the ultimate aim of Mahayana Buddhism.

To find out more about basic Buddhism, read Introduction to Buddhism by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

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Sacred-texts home Journal Articles: Buddhism OCRT: Buddhism Buy CD-ROM Buy Books about Buddhism Modern works Southern Buddhism Northern Buddhism Jataka Links Modern works

The Gospel of Buddha: Compiled from Ancient Records by Paul Carus [1909] A modern retelling of the Buddha's work and life.

Buddha, the Word by Paul Carus

Amitabha by Paul Carus [1906] Buddhist concepts of God, non-violence, and religious tolerance.

The Buddhist Catechism by Henry S. Olcott (42nd. ed.) [1908] A unity platform for Buddhists, drawn up by Buddhism's first modern western convert.

The Creed of Buddha by Edmond Holmes (2nd. ed.) [1919] A Pantheist looks at contemporary Western views of Buddhism.

The Life of Buddha by Andre Ferdinand Herold [1922], tr. by Paul C. Blum [1927] A good introduction to the life and works of Buddha.

A Buddhist Bible by Dwight Goddard (1st ed.) [1932] An edited (but not watered-down) collection of key Zen documents, a favorite of Jack Kerouac. This anthology has had a huge influence on the spread of Buddhism in the English-speaking world.

The Smokey the Bear Sutra by Gary Snyder. A much beloved short poem about the relationship between Buddhism and ecology, written by one of the 'beat' era poets, simultaneously funny and profound.

The Dhammapada and The Sutta Nipta (SBE10), Dhammapada tr. by Max Mller; Sutta-Nipta tr. by V. Fausbll [1881]

Buddhist Suttas (SBE11) Translated from Pli by T.W. Rhys Davids [1881]

Vinaya Texts (Part I) (SBE13) Translated from the Pli by T.W. Rhys Davids and Herman Oldenberg. [1881] The Ptimokkha and The Mahvagga, I-IV.

Vinaya Texts (Part II) (SBE17) Translated from the Pli by T.W. Rhys Davids and Herman Oldenberg. [1882] The Mahvagga, V-X, and The Kullavagga, I-III.

Vinaya Texts (Part III) (SBE20) Translated from the Pli by T.W. Rhys Davids and Herman Oldenberg. [1885] The Kullavagga, IV-XII.

The Questions of King Milinda translated by T. W. Rhys Davids The Questions of King Milinda, Part I (SBE35) [1890] The Questions of King Milinda, Part II (SBE36) [1894]

Dialogues of the Buddha (The Dgha-Nikya) Translated from the Pli by T.W. Rhys Davids; London, H. Frowde, Oxford University Press [1899] Volume II of the Sacred Books of the Buddhists.

Buddhism in Translations by Henry Clarke Warren [1896] A often-cited scholarly anthology of translations of key Theravada Buddhist documents. (thanks to Chris Weimer)

The Udna Translated by Dawsonne Melanchthon Strong [1902] (thanks to Chris Weimer)

Psalms of the Sisters by Caroline A. F. Rhys Davids [1909] (Thanks to Mary Mark Ockerbloom of A Celebration of Women Writers)

The Buddha's Way of Virtue tr. by W.D.C. Wagiswara and K.J. Saunders [1920] A translation of the Dhammapada, one of the central Buddhist sacred texts.

The Jataka is a huge collection of fables framed as previous incarnations of the Buddha, many of which either have parallels or derivatives in western folklore and literature. Although the Jataka is not considered part of the canonical Buddhist scripture, it is very popular. Each tale usually has a concise moral, and the entire collection is a browsers' delight.

The Jataka, Vol. I tr. by Robert Chalmers ed. E.B. Cowell [1895] The first of six volumes of the complete Cowell translation of the Jataka.

The Jataka, Vol. II tr. by W. H. D. Rouse ed. E.B. Cowell [1895] The second of six volumes of the complete Cowell translation of the Jataka.

The Jataka, Vol. III tr. by H.T. Francis, ed. E.B. Cowell [1897] The third of six volumes of the complete Cowell translation of the Jataka.

The Jataka, Vol. IV tr. by W.H.D. Rouse, ed. E.B. Cowell [1901] The fourth of six volumes of the complete Cowell translation of the Jataka.

The Jataka, Vol. V tr. by H.T. Francis, ed. E.B. Cowell [1905] The fifth of six volumes of the complete Cowell translation of the Jataka.

The Jataka, Vol. VI tr. by E.B. Cowell, and W.H.D. Rouse [1907] The sixth and final volume of the complete Cowell translation of the Jataka.

Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs [1912] A collection of Indian folklore, retold for younger readers 'of all ages', includes many stories from the Jataka, a Buddhist compilation of fables.

Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbit [1912] A collection of Jataka stories, fables about previous incarnations of the Buddha, usually as an animal, retold for younger readers.

Buddhist Scriptures by E. J. Thomas [1913] A short collection of Buddhist scripture, from the Wisdom of the East series.

The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (SBE19) A Life of Buddha by Asvaghosha Bodhisattva, translated from Sanskrit into Chinese by Dharmaraksha A.D. 420, and From Chinese into English by Samuel Beal [1883]

Buddhist Mahyna Texts (SBE 49) [1894] Translated by E.B. Cowell, F. Max Mller, and J. Kakakusu. Includes the Diamond Sutra.

Saddharma-pundarka (The Lotus Sutra) (SBE 21) tr. by H. Kern [1884]

She-rab Dong-bu (The Tree of Wisdom) by Nagarjuna; edited and translated by W. L. Cambell [1919] An influential Tibetan Buddhist text.

Esoteric Teachings of the Tibetan Tantra edited and translated by C.A. Muss [1961] Includes Seven Initation Rituals of the Tibetan Tantra, the Six Yogas of Naropa, plus the Vow of Mahamudra.

Avaghosha's Discourse on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahyna tr. by Teitaro Suzuki [1900]

The Awakening of Faith of Ashvagosha tr. by Timothy Richard [1907]

The Path of Light tr. by L.D. Barnett [1909] A translation of the Bodhicharyavatara of Santideva, a key Mahayana Buddhist text.

The Gateless Gate by Ekai [Huikai], called Mu-mon, tr. by Nyogen Senzaki and Paul Reps [1934] One of the classic collections of Zen Buddhist Koans.

Chinese Buddhism by Joseph Edkins [1893] A comprehensive discussion of Chinese Buddhism.

Buddhism In Tibet by Emil Schlaginteweit [1863] One of the few 19th century books about Tibetan Buddhism.

The Religion of the Samurai by Kaiten Nukariya [1913] This book focuses on Northern (Mahayana) Buddhism, and Zen Buddhism in particular. It includes a wealth of detail as well as very lucid explanations of Zen Buddhist concepts.

Shinran and His Work: Studies in Shinshu Theology by Arthur Lloyd [1910] A Christian scholar explores Shinshu Buddhism. Includes text and translation of the Shoshinge of Shinran Shonen, with extended commentary.

The Creed of Half Japan by Arthur Lloyd [1911] A comprehensive history of Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in Japan, and possible ties to Gnosticism and early Christianity. Includes two translated texts from the Nichiren school.

Principal Teachings of the True Sect of Pure Land by Yejitsu Okusa [1915] The history and practice of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan.

Buddhist Psalms by S. Yamabe and L. Adams Beck [1921] A key Pure Land text, by the founder of the most popular form of Buddhism in Japan.

Manual of Zen Buddhism by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki. [1935] An anthology of texts relating to Zen. Suzuki was one of the most popular 20th century writers about Zen Buddhism. Includes the famous 'Ox-Herder' illustrations.

Zen for Americans by Soyen Shaku, translated by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki. [1906] A collection of essays on Buddhism. Includes The Sutra of Forty-Two Chapters.

Mysticism, Christian and Buddhist by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki. [1957, not renewed] Suzuki compares and contrasts Buddhism with Meister Eckhart's mystical outlook.

Gleanings In Buddha-Fields by Lafcadio Hearn [1897].

The N Plays of Japan by Arthur Waley [1921]. Translations of a selection of N dramas, which have deep connections with Japanese Buddhism, Shinto, and Japanese folklore.

Buddhism and Immortality by William Sturgis Bigelow [1908]. A essay on Karma and Nirvana in the light of Darwin and Emerson.

India in Primitive Christianity by Arthur Lillie [1909]. What are the links between Buddhism and early Christianity?

The Way to Nirvana by L. de la Valle Poussin [1917]. Investigating Buddhist thought on rebirth and transcendence.

KAKUZO OKAKURA The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura [1906] The aesthetics of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, and its connection to the Japanese world-view as a whole. The Ideals of the East by Kakuzo Okakura [1904] The evolution of Japanese art and its relationship to Buddhism.

Journal Articles about Buddhism A collection of academic journal articles about Buddhism from the 19th Century.

These are collections of files harvested from the Internet on these popular Buddhist topics: Tibetan Buddhism: Archives Zen Buddhism: Archives

For more translations of Southern Buddhist texts, we highly recommend Access to Insight [External Site].

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