Yoga Nidra teachers' training & immersion
Our one-to-one Yoga sessions offer a personalised and holistic approach, designed to support your unique health, lifestyle, and self-development goals. These sessions are grounded in classical yoga, yet fully tailored to where you at.
23 - 27 April, 2026 (Thurs - Monday)
Auckland Yoga Studio, 2026
Training days: 8 am - 6.00 pm
Final practicum for teaching & graduation 13 + 14 June.
This training is currently registered with YACEP Yoga Alliance.US. & counts as continuing education for registered Yoga Teachers.
Early Bird ends 01 March.
Request an info booklet
Yoga nidra Teachers Training
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey into the depths of Yoga Nidra that extend well beyond its immediate relaxation effect?
Join us for our upcoming Yoga Nidra Teachers' Training and unlock the profound healing & meditation powers of this ancient practice. Even if you don't plan to guide others you can still join the five day immersion to deepen your practice, knowledge and experience of Yoga Nidra!
Why Choose Our Yoga Nidra Teachers' Training:
Learn from seasoned instructors with a wealth of experience and a deep passion for sharing the transformative benefits of Yoga Nidra not only for its restorative power but as a meditation practice.
Deepen your understanding of the theory and philosophy behind Yoga Nidra, empowering you to share its wisdom with others.
Gain practical teaching skills through hands-on experience and personalised mentorship, ensuring you feel confident and inspired to guide others on their Yoga Nidra journey.
Experience a supportive and nurturing learning environment that honours your unique path and encourages growth and self-discovery.
What You'll Experience
Dive into comprehensive course materials that provide in-depth knowledge and guidance on all aspects of Yoga Nidra.
Access a wealth of resources, including planning and teaching templates, audio recordings, and teaching tools, to support your ongoing learning and practice.
Connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for Yoga Nidra and are committed to creating positive changes in others lives and building a meaningful career in professional Yoga
For more information and secure your spot in this life-changing training - [email protected]
Your Training in a Nutshell
Day immersion into the practice & theory. Daily Schedule: 8 am - 6.00 pm.
Guided Home Practice after the immersion
Practice teaching a short course of Yoga Nidra after the training immersion.
Practicum feedback - Final Assessment & graduation 13 + 14 June
Whats Included
Comprehensive student manual. (Sections for each topic area in alignment with Teacher Training programs)
Mentorship specific to your needs
Access to a rich hub of Dropbox resources of audio files & supplementary articles, plans & research articles.
Private Whatsapp group for staying connected & for Teaching support.
Pricing
$1750. Payment plans available by request.
Includes: Student manual, home practice support, teaching mentorship & practicum assessment fee.
Curriculum & scope of practice
Designed in line with Yoga Alliance U.S & Yoga NZ Standards & Competencies
Registered as 80 hrs YCEP hours with Yoga Alliance. U.S.
Booking your preferred time means you can better commit to your program.
yogic physiology
The subtle bodies; Koshas - layers of awareness through the practice of Yoga Nidra.
Yoga Nidra and its effects on each kosha.
Neurophysiology - Links with the brain & its functions. Management of psychosomatic imbalances.
history & philosophy
Historical roots & evolution of this practice. Links with the yoga tradition and relevancy today.
YOga Nidra Research & Therapeutic applications
Stress management, sleep issues and anxiety.
Allied health professions.
Meditation & Yoga nidra
How Yoga Nidra encapsulates the meditative process & prepares the way for deeper self awareness & inner connection.
Essential skills embedded in the practice - pratyahara, internal observation & disentanglement of the senses, objectivity, self acceptance & expanded awareness.
Links with Yoga classes
Link with different Yoga systems. How to use Yoga Nidra in general classes, restorative classes & on its own.
instructing the stages of the practice
Internalization & externalization
The art of drawing inwards and reconnection/coming out.
Grounding & reflection.
Sankalpa
Relationship to the practice, formulation and finding your sankalpa.
Breath awareness
How conscious breathing works in Yoga Nidra & instructing this stage
Body rotation
Links to the brain, relaxation response & instructing this stage.
Visualization
How visualization works with the body & mind. Types of images and their usage. Progression in this stage.
Self reflective awareness
Development, obstacles, indicators of progress.
Communication & student support skills
Develop competence in delivering a basic Yoga Nidra; Voice projection, use of language, guiding the student, directing awareness, pacing, holding space & grounding techniques. Student support skills.
pre Training with Pure yoga
IN PERSON ONLY
Yoga nidra course
Monday Evenings Online & Tuesday
Evenings in person.
6.15 - 7.15 pm Mon
6.15 - 7.30 pm Tuesdays & Thurs
Pure Yoga Home Studio, Torbay, Auckland
Valentina Verado
The 80-hour Yoga Nidra Teacher Training at Pure Yoga Studio with Pragyadhara was everything I hoped for and more. The course was beautifully structured, with a perfect balance of theory, hands-on practice, and personal experience. I loved that we not only studied Yoga Nidra in depth but also experienced it ourselves, allowing our teaching to come from a space of true understanding and embodiment.
What amazed me most was how naturally the learning unfolded. I didn’t even realise I was building up skills until, by the end, I was confidently and effortlessly able to facilitate a full class.
Pragyadhara’s knowledge and depth are incredible—her teaching is rooted in a strong traditional foundation, and you can truly feel the years she has spent embodying these principles. Her guidance, feedback, and weekly check-ins made the learning experience even more enriching.
Kate was also a wonderful support, sharing her wisdom and nourishing us with her delicious Ayurvedic meals.
I wholeheartedly recommend this training to anyone wanting to learn traditional Yoga Nidra as taught by the Bihar School of Yoga. It leaves you confident, transformed, inspired, and ready to share this beautiful practice with others.
Tina Aitchison
I have been a student of Pragyadhara for several years and recently completed the yoga nidra teacher training at Pure Yoga Studio.
I enjoyed diving deep into the theory, stages and benefits of yoga nidra and I appreciated how the teachings were combined with experiential + hands-on practice, helping to deepen understanding in a holistic way.
Like any training, it can feel that we challenge ourselves as we venture into the unknown, though the supportive atmosphere, structured content and coaching, regular yoga nidra sessions, and the space held by Pragyadhara helped to guide beyond self-limiting beliefs and really strengthen and inspire capability to share this practice with others.
It is important to me that any yoga training remains closely aligned with its source. I feel very fortunate to learn from Pragyadhara's clear and authentic knowledge, rooted in classical methods, right here in Aotearoa. Thank you for sharing these teachings.
I truly recommend this training as a rich foundation for anyone looking to deepen their practice or guide others in yoga nidra.
Alison Feng
I completed my 80hr Yoga Nidra training with Pure Yoga. I believe it is the most comprehensive Nidra training offered in the North Island of New Zealand. Most of the trainings on the market are only about 30hrs and most prob barely scratch the surface of this beautiful practice.
During the 5 day training I was so blissed out everyday with 2 Nidra practices to fuel my learnings in between. My eczema (caused by stress) went away during this time and stayed away for several months afterward. I wish I lived closer to Pure Yoga so I could attend Pragyadhara's Nidra classes weekly as it would defo keep the stress at bay. The small group of 7-8 students meant that everyone was given sufficient attention by the 2 mentors Pragyadhara & Kate and everyone was given enough opportunities to practice teaching and receive feedback.
The icing on the cake was the ayurveda lunch prepped by Kate daily. Having the training with catering included meant that we did not need to allocate time & energy resourcing food during the training, which is a great convenience I did not know I needed. I very much cherish this experience and am eternally grateful for this training and the space Pure Yoga provided for me.
Theory & practice
Evolution of Yoga Nidra
Underpinning theory of each stage
Yoga Nap and Extended Shavasana
Pratyahara & the 'witness'
Theory of sankalpa & self reflection tools
Benefits & Effects of the Practice
Links with the koshas
Instructing & adapting the practice
Course & class planning
Teaching skills
Frequently asked questions
Teachers Training
What if I have already trained as a Yoga Teacher under a different style or emphasis?
No problem if you are prepared to bridge yourself into the Bihar Yoga methods & techniques and would like to deepen into more of the energetics of practice & lifestyle integration tools.
Joining a block of Pure Yoga courses either online or in person over a 6 - 12 mth period would prepare you for the training.
What if I'm new to Yoga can I still do this training?
Yes, if you are sincere in your approach to learning Yoga & building towards personal practice integration then you can apply. Joining a Pure Yoga online or in person course over a period of 6 - 12 mths would be a good preparation.
What kind of background would I need to undertake this training?
Ideally you are familiar with the main methods and techniques of the Bihar Yoga Tradition. A classical yoga based system with an emphasis on cultivating a meditative awareness in practice and extending practice into sadhana & yogic lifestyle applications.
Joining a block of Pure Yoga courses either online or in person over a 6 - 12 mth period would prepare you for the training.
I've been practicing different styles of Yoga can I sign up for this training?
Yes, you can if you are able to bridge across to the Bihar Yoga methods & techniques for grounding into them. After completing 6 - 12 mths of courses & training with Pure Yoga you will be well prepared to join us.
Restorative & Yoga Nidra
What will I take away from the Yoga Nidra training with Pure Yoga?
At Pure Yoga, our Yoga Nidra training goes beyond just teaching the practice; you will take away a deep understanding of the philosophy and science behind Yoga Nidra, as well as the ability to guide others through the practice with confidence and skill.
You will learn how to create and hold a safe space for your clients, offering them a practice that facilitates deep relaxation, healing & meditation.
Our training focuses on practical applications of this versatile technique & trains you in how to deliver it to foster a meditative state in your students.
Additionally, you will receive ongoing support and resources from our community, enabling you to continue growing and refining your practice long after the training is over.
What is involved in the home practice component of the Yoga Nidra Teachers' Training?
The home practice component of the Yoga Nidra Teachers' Training with Pure Yoga is designed to deepen your understanding and experience of Yoga Nidra first and foremost.
You will be provided with guided recordings before you begin the training and after the immersion. Integration is an essential component of your learning. Instructing others in Yoga Nidra & receiving personalized feedback from our experienced teachers.
You will develop a strong foundation for personal and professional growth in Yoga Nidra.
How is the class Restorative?
This class uses gentle Hatha poses both in a supported way for deeper release and as stand alone asanas.
A series of practices are selected & sequenced for you. The sequences target tight shoulders & neck, weak areas in the body & focus on spinal health & integrated breathing.
Close attention & guidance for using the breath in different ways is taught progressively.
Guided Relaxation is included at the end, sometimes Yoga Nidra for a longer experience. This class is particularly good for busy people who need to let go and find a nurturing space for themselves. Beginners, recovering from injuries, pregnancy, getting back to the mat - this is the one for you.
Are the restorative classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, for entry level students or newbies this course is recommended.
Restorative classes typically include an internalisation sequence that develops the skill of being able to consciously relax & let go. The sequence can be learned & eventually embodied through direct experience. The class also includes supported Hatha poses which are held longer creating space for the breath to work its way through tight muscles & tissues. Breath awareness is an essential component of these classes and various techniques are included designed for effects such as tranquilizing, altering brain wave activity and building alertness whilst relaxed. A perfect wind down after a busy day setting you up for the best sleep ever!
What type of relaxation do you teach?
Yoga Nidra is an ancient & profound form of relaxation derived from the body of Tantra (The parent science of Yoga). Yoga Nidra is a systematic progressive technique that is safe and highly effective at inducing deep relaxation. The deeper stages of the practice are designed to bring out the root causes of tension and build a specific skillset that helps to release & eventually let go of them.
How can I best prepare for the Yoga Nidra Teachers Training?
Once you enrol in the training you will be provided with audio recordings for the practice to use on a daily basis. This will embed the practice at an experiential level which is a critical factor when it comes to conveying the practice to others.
It is highly recommended that you join an existing Yoga Nidra course being taught by Pure Yoga building up practice experience and keeping a journal of your insights & learning.
Recommended readings will be provided in the info booklet.
Is the Yoga Studio near me?
Pure Yoga is based on the North Shore in Auckland & teaches local and online classes via zoom, with access to recordings for registered students.
If I am a registered Yoga Teacher can I claim Professional Development points
Yes, this course is registered with Yoga Alliance under my YCEP profile
General
Are the classes suitable for Beginners?
Yes, Pure Yoga offers local and online beginner yoga courses for those new to Yoga. Courses focus on building foundational skills in alignment and conscious breathing. Courses are designed for newcomers over a series of weeks which allows for individual attention and practices that build confidence, flexibility, mobility and strength. These courses will set you up to progress further into the Hatha system and to be able to continue at home if that is your goal. For entry level students the Restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra courses are the best fit.
What is included in the Yoga Classes?
Each class is holistic in nature including physical postures (Asana), guided breathing (Pranayama) & Meditation components. Pure Yoga is passionate about supporting people to integrate Yoga into daily life so shares tips and resources to help you build sustainable tools.
Does Pure Yoga offer Teachers Training?
Yes, Pure Yoga has been training teachers for the last 10 years in the classical based Hatha, Raja, Mantra, Bhakti Yoga systems, mentoring students and is currently the Program Advisor for Kawai Purapura Yoga School (RYS), 200 Hr & 500 Hr Programs.
Do you run Yoga classes outside of Auckland?
Yes, Pure Yoga travels to locations around NZ bringing speciality workshops, masterclasses & yogic lifestyle events to communities, Yoga studios & corporate settings.
Yoga Beginners Course
What does a typical class look like?
These classes are a holistic blend of postures to destress and unwind. Guided breathing practices for healthy lungs and better breathing habits.
Yoga Nidra - deep relaxation to experience a meditative state which augments healing and rejuvenates the body & mind.
Postures called asanas are made accessible to you by either offering alternatives or supported options. Small class sizes make this an intimate gathering where you can derive from personalised input.
Even if your starting from scratch or returning to the mat after a break these classes will leave you revived and centred for your day ahead.
What if I'm recovering from an illness or have an injury?
Thats great that you are thinking to support yourself through this with some gentle and rejuvenating Yoga.
Just let me know in advance of joining of any specific injuries or conditions and I will try my best to adapt and incorporate practices that take this into account. I like to plan ahead, so can offer variations and modifications to suit within the context of the class and its ongoing weekly progression. Consider if you need to start with a one to one first so we can assess where you are at & map a way forward.
Events & Retreats
What is involved in a one day workshop?
Pure Yoga offers a range of speciality workshops that provide the time and space for going deeper into different practice elements. Bihar Yoga is a very broad and comprehensive approach which seeks to integrate all aspects of our personality. A range of educational resources are provided and most days include plant based catered lunch and chai.
Some workshops are in collaboration with other Yoga Teachers with specialty areas of expertise like Sanskrit, mantra chanting or Ayurveda making these a premium experience for those who join us.
What is the length of the workshops, retreats and trainings?
The length of the workshops varies but most are either a day or half day long, usually 9 - 5 pm in various locations that are handpicked for their ambience, simplicity and connection with nature. You can also customise your own length in a collaboration with Pure Yoga.
The retreats tend to run from 3 - 5 days structured as a complete reset and get away time to focus on yourself and let go of tension and blockages. These are run at various locations in and around Auckland but sometimes the Bay of Plenty, Sth Island and places that offer sanctuary and peace.
The Yoga training for Teachers & steady practitioners is configured differently each year. Sometimes as weekend immersions or as a residential immersion. In 2025 this training will run over 7 months and includes 13 immersion days.
How will I know if I am suited to the workshop?
One of the unique aspects of Bihar Yoga is that it is highly adaptable and designed for every level of practitioner. In practical yoga sessions modifications and alternatives are provided. Pragyadhara will respond directly to your registration asking a few basic health and injury questions so options can be prepared in advance.
Mantra & kirtan
What can I expect at one of the mantra and meditation days?
These are mini immersion experiences designed to introduce and deepen connection with the ancient wisdom of mantra yoga. Using sound and vibration as the main mediums of relaxation and turning inwards they include learning a few mantras, pronunciation of sanskrit, naada yoga, kirtan and how to weave mantra into your yoga practice.
Focused on experiential learning and cultivating self-reflective awareness throughout the day. These are suitable for both beginners and those building more mantra elements into their practice.
How does mantra fit with Yoga practice?
That's a great question and many people are discovering the profound effects that the vibrations of chanting mantra creates. Mantras hold a particular frequency and at our most subtle experience we are composed of different vibrational patterns. When the purity of the mantra vibration interacts with our own a cascade of health promoting waves are generated. This helps us to heal, addresses fragmentation and imbalances and provides mental relaxation.
What are Mantras and how are they related to Yoga?
Yoga is a very broad science and originally a lifestyle. Different practices evolved which included tuning into nature and different frequencies using sound. Singing and chanting are part of many ancient cultures. These form a bridge between a person's material existence and the subtle, non material or spiritual world. There were many methods in which to withdraw the mind and turn inwards and mantras have been used in Yoga as a practice to achieve these higher states.
Mantras are revealed sounds that hold a particularly potent vibration. Chanting mantras were considered as an essential part of any undertaking with a desired intent. Mantras as conduits of energy are used to affect our own energy field and also the environment around us. Of, course its an experiential science so dive in and give it a go.
How do I chant with confidence?
Getting to know the instrument of the voice helps to understand how sound is produced and what mechanics of voice you can use to strengthen your instrument.
Taking the time to break down sounds and learn the sanskrit vowels and consonants.
What if I cant sing well?
You are definitely in the right place as singing kirtan is not about what your voice sounds like, rather its about letting go. Mantras when sung have a therapeutic effect on our cells, organs and tissues. It has been proven by science that sound waves affect and influence matter. Mantras are made up of sound waves and generate different frequencies. The vibrational affects of singing mantras can help heal and balance discordance within our own energetic field.
Mantra & Hatha Classes
What is involved in the Mantra & Hatha class?
The Early Bird Mantra & Hatha class is a unique fusion vibration, classical Hatha which works with the energy system. It is designed to awaken subtle energy and deepen your personal practice. Starting with mantra chanting, the class creates a potent vibrational field that clears mental clutter, uplifts your mood and mindset, and brings a sense of equilibrium for the day. This is followed by classical Hatha Yoga practices that work with its original intentions of this system for balancing ida and pingala nadis and awakening sushumna.
Who would this class appeal to?
For experienced practitioners and yoga teachers, this class offers a refreshing return to the traditional roots of Yoga. A space to refine inner focus, build energetic awareness, and reconnect with the intentions of the classical systems. It's especially valuable for those looking to integrate mantra, pranayama and subtle practices into their daily sadhana. Whether you're expanding your teaching toolkit or seeking to enrich your own inner work, this class provides a grounded, authentic, and enriching way to start your day.
Monthly Hatha Masterclass
What do the Yoga Classes Involve?
Each class is holistic in nature including physical postures (Asana), guided breathing (Pranayama) & Meditation components. The classes also include mantra chanting which can be incorporated into a regular practice. Pure Yoga is passionate about supporting people to integrate Yoga into daily life so shares tips and resources to help you build sustainable life tools.
How is this class a masterclass?
That's a great question!
Hatha Yoga when practiced as a progressive system gradually introduces more energy based elements. Once body awareness is built up in a way that the awareness becomes highly tuned to sensations and the individual effects of each asana, then breath and eventually mental & psychic awareness (Chakras) is added.
The masterclasses are longer involving longer holds & more challenging asanas. Awareness is guided to connect more clearly and precisely with the pranic & mental bodies. As tensions held at these levels are released the ability to see these objectively is developed. Lifestyle connections are weaved into each session sowing positive seeds of change.
Ideally the weekly classes supplement your own personal practice and desire to penetrate this amazing system further.
Yoga to Breathe Better Workshop
I'm a complete beginner to Yoga - is this workshop suitable for me?
Absolutely! Everyone can benefit from generating more awareness of the breath, their unique patterns of breathing and from exploring the links between body, mind and breath.
Breathe easy you can join!
What can cause shallow breathing and what can help remedy it?
Shallow breathing is often linked to underlying stress & its activation of the fight/flight/freeze mechanism which prepares the body/mind to address a threat to its survival. This system is protective in nature and helpful in times of real danger, however, if it is constantly running in the background it can deplete nervous energy and with it our level of vitality. knowing how to hit 'pause' & reset this aspect of our internal system is essential to managing this type of breathing. Techniques such as abdominal breathing or natural breath awareness support this.
Meditation Sadhana Retreat
What if I am new to meditation, can I still join this?
Even though the meditation sittings are about an hour long each there will be plenty of props to make sitting accessible and easier for you. The morning Hatha Yoga classes are aimed at loosening and preparing the body for stillness, easing out muscular tension especially in the postural muscles. Yoga Nidra - the deeply restorative practice will also help balance out the sitting aswell as taking a walk in the surrounding nature. You will be well looked after in this.
What Kind of meditation practices are included?
Swami Anandakumar is steeped in meditation for decades and expertly guides according to the level of the group. His cuing and intimate understanding of the mind enable you to fully engage with the instructions.
The meditations are derived from the ancient body of techniques related to Tantra, Vedanta and the Upanishads, preserved and transmitted through the ages from Teacher to student. Sometimes the medium of breath and energy are the focus and sometimes strengthening of the quality of the 'witness or drashta' is developed & used to access a deeper experience.
What options do I have in terms of taking a break
You can opt to rest in the afternoon time.
Taking a walk in the surrounding nature, enjoy a spa or sauna to decompress and relax.
Finding a quiet place to journal in the garden seats or sunny deck areas.
What if I have special dietary requirements like vegan or celiac?
No problem, just tell us before-hand what these are in the enrolment form and we will do our best to adjust and include food that is suitable. The catering is done onsite so if you have particular ingredients you need to have these can be included for those with special requirements.
Meditation for Modern Minds
What type of meditation do you teach?
Pure Yoga is grounded in years of meditation practice and training in the classical forms of meditation that are aimed at building the specific skills of meditation and extending these into everyday life so that transformation occurs in a gradual yet lasting way.
The techniques include both dynamic and static forms of meditation that prepare the body and mind for inner work. Specific techniques that help to embody relaxation, stillness, witnessing the mind, utilizing breath and energy include; Yoga Nidra, Body stillness, Steady Gazing (Trataka), Inner silence (Antar Mouna). How to use a mala for meditation and gaining a clear understanding of different energy systems and its influence on mental patterns (Vrittis, Samskaras).
What format does the meditation class take?
The classes begin & end with centering in the present moment. Yoga Nidra a deep relaxation practice and one that embeds the essential skills of meditation is used to release tension. A seated meditation practice follows which builds and hones awareness from the gross (body) to more subtle layers of your being (mind, prana & subtle bodies).
What aspects of Meditation are included?
The essential skills of meditation are highlighted in these courses, working to build up from simple to more complex. These skills are broken down each week and linked with lifestyle integration.
The techniques are the building blocks of these skills and vary from Yoga Nidra to body based meditation. Some techniques include breath & energy as the main focus. More advanced practices work more directly with the mind & psychic bodies.
Where is your studio located?
Pure Yoga Home studio is located in Torbay, Long Bay on the North Shore of Auckland.
It is a fully equipped studio space next to the ocean with high quality Manduka Yoga Mats, custom hand-made bolsters, blankets & meditation cushions. Pure Yoga strives to source eco friendly, natural based products and support local businesses.
Do you offer one to one yoga guidance?
Yes, Pure Yoga has experience working with clients with health challenges, psycho-somatic based imbalances, anxiety, depression, common injuries, beginners through to advanced practitioners. I have trained Yoga teachers since 2009. I combine my vast yogic knowledge and experience plus 20 years of dedicated practice and yogic living to create a session that works for you.
One to One Yoga
How will a one to one yoga session help me progress in my personal practice?
Thats a great question. If you have an established yoga practice you would well know the benefits that they bring however have you considered what more you could derive from your practice in terms of the energetic, mental or psychic effects. I can guide you to that deeper level of experience.
Where do the sessions take place?
Pure Yoga is a home based studio on the clifftops in Torbay with the most expansive views. A dedicated studio space, fully equipped with natural and locally sourced products. A community space that invites the senses to slow down and for you to nurture yourself. I teach community classes here, regular events and one to one programs.
What practices are included in a One to One session?
The range of practices includes yogic hygiene practices, lifestyle consultations, postures for general health & wellbeing, a curated sequence to address a particular health issue like digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety, postural imbalances etc.
The classes are generally holistic in nature including a balanced program of postures, breathing techniques and/or guided meditations/relaxation. You can select to include more or less of the different elements which can then be sequenced for optimal effect.
Do you treat different conditions like insomnia?
The range of practices includes yogic hygiene practices, lifestyle consultations, restorative poses for deeper release of muscular and mental tension. Correction of faulty breathing or mouth breathing which can contribute to poor sleep. Deep relaxation tools to learn how to consciously relax and set yourself up for the best sleep.
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