Visit sivananda.org/india for complete information on courses and programs at our ashrams and centres throughout India.
Sadhana Intensive
Course Outline
Sadhana Intensive is a program devised by Swami Vishnudevananda based on his own hatha yoga sadhana in the Himalayas. Swami Vishnudevananda often said that six months of this intensive practice gave him the energy to carry out his mission of spreading the teachings of yoga in the West for next 40 years.
This course is based on individual self-practice divided into two or three sessions per day. The emphasis is on intense and prolonged pranayama. Students work towards eight hours of hatha yoga per day which is balanced by the study of classical scriptures.
The course demands a high level of self-discipline and students are guided according to individual needs. Students are expected to remain within the ashram premises throughout the course with no free days, no access to telephone or email and a strict sattvic diet (salt, spice, tea and sugar free).
The highly controlled environment is vital for this type of practice.
This two-week course requires some preparation from the student. Interested students are advised to prepare by following a regular daily hatha yoga practice and a sattvic lifestyle. Sound physical and mental health is a pre-requisite.
Sadhana Intensive affords a unique opportunity to extend the limits of our capabilities, strengthen our stamina and develop self-confidence with long lasting effects.
Kindly note that the course is taught in English only.
Prerequisite
Sadhana Intensive courses are open only to Sivananda Teachers Training Course (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 completion of the course. The course is officially recognized by the Yoga Alliance in the USA and Canada.
An internationally recognized certificate from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organization (ISYVC) is awarded on completion of the course.
The course is officially recognized by the Yoga Alliance in the USA and Canada.
Curriculum
- Explanation and practice of advanced pranayama, bandhas (locks) and mudras (seals).
- Daily self practice of asana.
- Practice of shat kriyas (cleansing techniques).
- Meditation and chanting.
- Keeping spiritual diary.
- Study of:
- Viveka Chudamani by Sankaracharya A standard text on Vedanta philosophy.
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swatmarama with commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda. A classical text on Hatha Yoga.
- Srimad Bhagavatham with many devotional stories for the practice of Bhakti yoga.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule includes:
- Practice of kriyas.
- Morning and evening satsang with meditation and chanting.
- Two or three practice sessions of asana and advanced pranayama incorporating bandhas and mudras.
- Study of Hatha Yoga Pradipika / Viveka Chudamani / Srimad Bhagavatam.
- Morning almond milk drink, brunch and dinner.
Participation in entire daily schedule is mandatory.
The course director may change the schedule according to the need of the students.
Recommended texts
- Viveka Chudamani by Sankaracharya.
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swatmarama with commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda.
- Srimad Bhagavatham
A Sadhana Intensive manual is supplied as part of 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.Course Dates and Donations
For a list of upcoming course dates and donations click here.
Accommodation
Accommodation is simple, mainly dormitory space. A small number of shared twin rooms with private bathroom are available at Uttarkashi. We cannot guarantee twin room bookings. Those requiring twin rooms should book early. Separate dormitory space for men and ladies. Bathroom facilities in Madurai are with cold water only.
The new dormitory at is available for ladies only.
Two sheets, one pillow and pillowcase are provided. Mosquito nets and blankets are available when necessary.
How to Register
For application forms and details on registration see
How to Register.
How to Get Here
What to bring
Personal toiletries, towel, asana mat, meditation cushion, comfortable footwear, warm clothing and shawl are useful. The ashram boutique stocks most of these items including books, stationery and clothing.
Some warm clothing may be needed in Uttarkashi (October to May) and in Madurai (December and January).
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.
Please Note
No refunds will be given, but a credit note may be issued. Credit notes are valid for one year from date of issue and can be used for courses and programs at any of the ISYVC centres or ashrams but cannot be used to purchase boutique items.
Students leaving the course before completion are required to return all teaching materials.
To maintain the spiritual atmosphere we ask all ashram guests to comply with the ashram rules. The ashram reserves the right of admission and students may be asked to leave if their behaviour goes against the ashram's rules and teachings. Kindly refer to the Ashram rules and guidelines for more information.
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.
Other Sivananda Courses
For Application Forms for Courses and Programs in India and further information on registration, see
How to Register.
