About the teacher

Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, after my studies in business management was employed in assistant roles across various industries including marketing, intellectual property law, energy and construction, telecommunications, and corporate environments in New Zealand —finally in marketing in the industry in Amsterdam.

Settling in the Netherlands a significant health challenge became a gentle turning point, sparking a deep interest in holistic wellness. Leading me to the ancient traditions of Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and practices such as Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Vastu. Having slowly regained my health, Yoga became that perfect integration of movement, breath, awareness, and wisdom, supporting lasting well-being. These experiences have reshaped my understanding of human potential and the extraordinary gift of being alive in this world today.

I continue my studies while exploring with others at various studios in and around Haarlem and Heemstede. It is my privilege to share these teachings with others.

I look forward to welcoming you to practice together.

Namaste

‘All life is Yoga’ ‘Auribindo’

Is the Vijnana Yoga Teacher Training Right for You?

Are you ready to deepen your practice—or take the first steps toward teaching?
Do you long for a practice that nourishes your body, mind, and heart for the long term?

Join the International Vijnana Yoga Teacher Training—a unique, in-depth three-year journey into the essence of yoga.

This is not just another teacher training. It’s a transformative path designed for practitioners who want to establish a sustainable and nourishing practice for life.

Led by experienced teacher and practitioner Renée Copraij, and with guest teaching by Orit Sen Gupta the founder of Vijnana Yoga, this training invites you to:

*Establish a strong, daily practice of sitting, pranayama, and asana
*Dive into classical yoga texts and philosophy
*Explore the art of teaching and transmission
*Learn in a small, dedicated group—online and in beautiful retreat settings

Whether your wish is to become a teacher or to simply deepen your own practice, this training will offer you tools, guidance, and support to evolve your own personal understanding and approach to yoga.

Year 1 begins in September 2026 with a 7-day retreat in the South of Germany, followed by regular online sessions and occasional in-person classes at Samana Yoga Center.

costs year 1 = 2000€ (travel costs & books excluded)

If you feel the call to live your yoga more fully—to nurture your body-mind connection—this training is for you.

If you are interested and/or you want to have more detailed information about the curriculum and the costs of the teacher-training you can mail to: info@vijnanayoga.nl

We’d love to hear from you!

Renée Copraij studied dance and art history and is a renowned performer and dramaturge in the international performing arts world.
She is a certified Vijnana Yoga teacher and studies with Orit Sen Gupta since twenty years.
Her practice has become a tool of observation for the world within and around her.

INTERNATIONAL VIJNANA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING IN COLLABORATION WITH SAMANA YOGA CENTER

deepen and enrich your yoga practice

The course will be taught by Renée Copraij who practices yoga since 25 years and who is a certified Vijnana yoga teacher.

The Vijnana Yoga Teacher Training will take three years:

2026 first year
one retreat of 7 days in September 2026 in the South of Germany
30 classes of 3 hours on zoom and occasionally in Samana Yoga Center
costs 2000€ (travel costs and books excluded)
2027 second year
2 retreats of 7 days
30 classes of 3 hours on zoom and occasionally in Samana Yoga Center
costs 3000€ (travel costs and books excluded)
2028 third year
2 retreats of 7 days with Renée and a 5 day retreat with Orit Sen Gupta
30 classes of 3 hours on zoom and occasionally in Samana Yoga Center
costs 4000€ (travel costs and books excluded)

CURRICULUM

First year 150 hours: Basics
Establishing the basic structure and practice.
Reading yoga texts.
By the end of the first year students will write 4 book reports and develop a daily
practice of Sitting, Pranayama and Asana.
Second year 210 hours: Didactics and continuing to build up the practice
Introducing basic didactic tools.
Teaching another student.
Teaching a group of friends. Teaching a class in front of the whole group.
By the end of the year the students will write 3 papers on didactics and deepen their daily
practice.
Third year 260 hours: Deepening the practice and seeing the fruits of practice
Deepening the basic structure and practice.
Anatomy and dealing with basic injuries of a yoga practitioner
Watching and assisting in a yoga class.
First Aid Course (These courses are available in every country through the Red Cross)
5-day retreat with Orit Sen Gupta.
By the end of the year the students will present a Project, pass an Anatomy Test and be
able to practice the various sequences of the Intermediate Practice Manual.

Evaluation:

In order to receive a Vijnana Yoga Teacher certification, students who have

met all course requirements are required to take part in an evaluation. At an evaluation

there are two evaluators, one is the teacher of the course, the other is a neutral Vijnana

teacher trainer who is recognized by Vijnana Yoga International.