Visit sivananda.org/india for complete information on courses and programs at our ashrams and centres throughout India.
Teachers Training Course (TTC)
Course Outline
This one-month course is a profound experience that helps to establish a firm foundation of inner discipline. The course is based on the traditional gurukula system ('guru's house') in which students live and study with the teacher. The Teachers Training Course (TTC) is an intensive and transformative experience taught by disciples of Swami Vishnudevananda. The curriculum includes instruction in asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, chanting, mantras, yoga philosophy, diet, kriyas (cleansing exercises to purify the body) and study of the Bhagavad Gita.
A sincere desire to learn and openness to yogic techniques is required - a basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is preferred, but not essential.
Students will develop the skills to teach yoga asana as well as improve their own personal practice.
Certificate
An internationally recognized certificate from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre (ISYVC) organization is awarded on successful completion of the course. The diploma is entitled 'Yoga Siromani'.
The course is officially recognized by the Yoga Alliance in the USA and Canada for the 200 hours Registered Yoga School Standards.
Daily Schedule
| 0520 hrs | Wake up |
| 0600 hrs | Satsang |
| 0800 hrs | Asana, pranayama class |
| 1000 hrs | Brunch |
| 1100 hrs | Karma yoga |
| 1200 hrs | Bhagavad Gita lecture or chanting class |
| 1400 hrs | Main lecture |
| 1600 hrs | Asana, pranayama class |
| 1800 hrs | Dinner |
| 2000 hrs | Satsang |
| 2200 hrs | Lights out |
Attendance of the entire TTC 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.
Lecture: Talks covering the 4 paths of yoga, "The 5 Points of Yoga", Vedanta philosophy and other topics in yoga.
Asana Class: Two classes, one giving you the chance to develop your own practice.
Sun salutations and the twelve basic postures will be taught along with advanced variations. The second class is devoted to 'How to Teach" incorporating:
- How to teach beginners the sun salutation and the twelve basic postures
- How to teach the basic open class
- How to teach children, the elderly and prenatal yoga
- The theory and practice of shat kriyas (the six cleansing techniques)
Pranayama: Basic practice of kapalabhati, anuloma viloma (alternate nostril breathing) with an introduction to advanced pranayama.
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 ashram.
Bhagavad Gita: Considered one of the greatest spiritual texts of the world and the bible of yoga.
Chanting (kirtan): Opens the heart and purifies the mind. Correct pronunciation of Sanskrit and a devotional attitude is important.
Main lecture: Topics include:
- Vedanta Philosophy
- The four paths of Yoga: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion, Raja Yoga (mind control), and Jnana Yoga (the path of wisdom and realization).
- Program psychology of the spiritual aspirant
- Karma and reincarnation
- Kundalini yoga
- The three bodies and their functions
The main lecture requires a daily homework summary.
Anatomy and Physiology: The effects of asana on the major body systems. Yogic diet and fasting.
Meditation: Guideline to meditation. Benefits of meditation. The use of mantras and mantra initiation.
Brunch/Dinner: Simple Indian style vegetarian meals.
Recommended texts
- Sivananda Training Manual - by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre.
- The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga - by Swami Vishnudevananda
- Bhagavad Gita (with commentary by Swami Sivananda)
- Sivananda Companion to Yoga - by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
- Meditation and Mantras - by Swami Vishnudevananda
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) or order from the catalogue of the London Centre.
Course Dates and Donations
For a list of upcoming course dates and donations click here.
Translation
Kindly note, the spoken and teaching language of the ashram is English. An International TTC course with translation is offered in January at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam depending on demand. Please enquire before making any travel plans 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. Couples are not allowed to share rooms during the course.
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, a pillow, pillowcases, and mosquito net are provided.
Registration
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.
Refund Policy
If you cancel your registration before the stat of the course we will refund your original payment less an administration fee of US $150.
For a no show, no refund will be issued.
Once the course starts, if you decide to leave within 5 days, we will refund your original payment less an administration fee of US $450. After 5 days no refunds will be issued.
Students leaving the course before completion are required to return all teaching materials and uniforms.
What to bring
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.
Two uniforms and a TTC Manual are included in the course donation.
Passport/Visa
Foreign Nationals are required to bring their original passport with a valid visa for India.
Further Sivananda Courses
TTC graduates may be interested the Advanced Teachers Training Course and Sadhana Intensive that are open only to TTC graduates.
For Application Forms for Courses and Programs in India and further information on registration, see
How to Register.
