Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams

India

Advanced Teachers Training Course (ATTC)

Course outline

The Advanced Teachers Training Course (ATTC) is a four-week course designed for graduates of the Sivananda Teachers Training Course (TTC). The course builds on the foundation of TTC allowing students to deepen their spiritual knowledge with intense daily practice of asanas, pranayama and bandhas.

Students study Sanskrit, the Raja Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Vedanta philosophy and anatomy and physiology. The ATTC is a natural step for TTC graduates who would like to expand and deepen their practice and knowledge of yoga.

The ATTC is an intensive and transformative experience. It is taught by senior disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda.

Prerequisite

Advanced Teachers Training Course (ATTC) is open only to Sivananda TTC graduates. A copy of your TTC certificate should be included with the application form.

Certificate

An internationally recognized certificate from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organization (ISYVC) is awarded on successful completion of the course. The diploma is titled 'Yoga Acharya'.

The course is officially recognized by the Yoga Alliance in the USA and Canada for the 500 hours Registered Yoga School Standards.

Daily Schedule

0430 hrs	Wake up
0445 hrs	Kriyas
0500 hrs	Advanced pranayama class
0600 hrs	Satsang
0730 hrs	Tea time
0800 hrs	Anatomy and physiology class
0900 hrs	Asana class
1000 hrs	Brunch
1100 hrs	Karma yoga
1200 hrs	Sanskrit class/Raja yoga sutras
1330 hrs	Tea time
1400 hrs	Main lecture
1600 hrs	Advanced asana class
1800 hrs	Dinner
2000 hrs	Satsang
2200 hrs	Lights out

Participation in the entire daily schedule is mandatory.

Students are given one day off per week, usually Friday but this may change according to the course program.

Definition of Terms

Satsang:  Satsang consists of silent meditation, chanting and a talk or reading on the philosophy of yoga and Vedanta. It will help you develop a strong and steady meditation practice.

Karma yoga:  Karma yoga is the practice of selfless service which helps guests to feel part of the ashram. You are expected to do up to one hour of selfless service per day within the ashram.

Asana Class:  Thorough practice of the twelve basic postures.

• Advanced variations.
• Deepening your understanding of Hatha Yoga.
• Detailed corrections.

Pranayama:

• Practice of advanced pranayama.
• How to use the bandhas (locks).
• Extended practice of anuloma viloma.

Vedanta:  The philosophy of the Vedas.

Raja Yoga:  Study of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In depth study of the eight steps of Raja Yoga.

Bhakti Yoga:  The nine modes of Bhakti Yoga. The five devotional attitudes.

Sanskrit:  Sanskrit alphabet.

Anatomy and Physiology:  Study of cells, nervous and endocrine systems.

Meditation:  Guideline to meditation. Benefits of meditation. The use of mantras and mantra initiation.

Brunch/Dinner:  Simple Indian style vegetarian meals.

Recommended texts

• Sivananda Yoga Training Manual - by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre.
• The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga - by Swami Vishnudevananda
• Meditation and Mantras - by Swami Vishnudevananda
• Sivananda Chant Book (by ISYVC)

These texts are not included in the course donation.

The texts are usually available in the ashram boutique or can be purchased from any of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres (ISYVC) order from the catalogue of the London Centre.

An ATTC manual is supplied as part of the course donation.

How to Register

For application forms and details on registration see How to Register.

Course Dates and Donations

For a list of upcoming course dates and donations click here.

Translation

The spoken and teaching language of the ATTC course is English. French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Persian and local languages Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam course translation may be available at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam depending on demand. Please enquire about the availability of translators before registration if you do not have a good command of both written and spoken English.

Accommodation

Accommodation is simple, mainly dormitory space. A small number of shared twin rooms with private bathroom are available at Neyyar Dam and Uttarkashi. We cannot guarantee twin room bookings. Those requiring twin rooms should book early. Separate dormitory space for men and ladies. Tent space is available at the Neyyar Dam ashram. Please bring your own tent. Bathroom facilities are with cold water only.

Single accommodation is not available at any of the ashrams.

Two sheets, one pillow and pillowcase are provided. Mosquito nets and blankets are available when necessary.

Registration & Cancellation

See How to Register for instructions on applying and paying for courses and programmes.

Dates and donations are subject to change without notice. For all programs, guests are subject to the suggested donation in effect at the time of final payment.

To maintain the spiritual atmosphere we ask all ashram guests to comply with the ashram rules. Kindly refer to the Ashram rules and guidelines for more information. The ashram reserves the right of admission and students may be asked to leave if their behaviour goes against the ashrams rules and teachings.

Fees are non-refundable, however any unused amount may be transferred, minus an administration fee of US$100, to another course within one year of the original course starting date. Or a credit note may be issued minus the administration fee. Credit notes are valid for one year from date of issue and can be used at any of the ISYVC centres or ashrams for courses and programs but not for boutique items or supplementary services such as Ayurveda massage.

Students leaving the course before completion are required to return all teaching materials and uniforms.

What to bring

Remember to take your TTC uniforms and a copy of your TTC diploma. Students are expected to wear their uniforms during Satsang and lecture times.

Uniforms are not provided for the course but are usually available for purchase at the ashram boutique.

Comfortable clothes, sandals, toiletries, personal items, meditation shawl for cool evenings, yoga asana mat or pad, meditation cushion, notebooks, pens, towels and a torch.

These items can usually be purchased in the ashram boutique.

Neyyar Dam boutique
Uttarkashi boutique

Passport/Visa

Foreign Nationals are required to bring their original passport with a valid visa for India.

Further Sivananda Courses

• Sadhana Intensive
• Fasting & Detoxification