With the aim to promote the awareness of the different forms of Yoga, Swami Sivananda had founded within the Ashram at Rishikesh (India), an institute of education that he named the "Vedanta Forest Academy". Swami Vishnu-devananda was one of the principle professors of the academy and as an extension of this educational program, the Sivananda teacher's training was developed. Swami Vishnu-devananda continued the traditional Indian system of Gurukula, in which the student lives with the teacher in an Ashram (Yoga and meditation center). Closely supervised by the professor, the student works physically and mentally and acquires the full experience of Yoga, which he can later transmit to others, as his teachers did for him. In the efforts to create the most favorable conditions possible, this training is structured as an intensive course in the Ashrams.

• 5.30am Wake-up
• 6am Satsang (Meditation, chanting, lecture)
• 8am Asanas, pranayama
• 10am Brunch
• 11am Karma yoga
• 12noon Bhagavad Gita or Chanting class
• 2pm Main lecture
• 4pm Asanas, pranayama
• 6pm Dinner
• 8pm Satsang (Meditation, chanting, lecture)

Satsang means being in companionship with the truth and with the wise. The course satsang consists of half an hour silent meditation, half an hour chanting and a talk or reading on aspects of yoga philosophy. It will help you to develop a strong and steady meditation practice and show you the way to peace and happiness.


The morning asana class (8am) gives you the opportunity to practice your own asanas and will help to build the good habit of daily asana practice. The afternoon class (4pm) is devoted to teaching you how to teach asanas and pranayama.


Karma yoga is the practice of selfless service and helps to reduce selfishness and egoism and keeps you fit and healthy and gives immeasurable joy. You will be asked to do various tasks within the Ashram setting including gardening, cooking, cleaning, office work and any other work necessary for the smooth running of the community.


Considered one of the greatest spiritual texts of the world, the Bhagavad Gita contains subtle and profound teachings and has a universality which embraces every aspect of human actions. It symbolises the solution of the eternal struggle between the spiritual and the material in every human being.


The main lecture will present the philosophical and practical backbone of the study of yoga. See the next page for subjects studied. This class requires homework; a summary of each lecture is handed in on the following day.


Chanting opens the heart and purifies the mind. With daily chanting, you develop a strong feeling of devotion and a very pure vibration. In devotional chanting correct pronunciation, devotional attitude and awareness of meaning are all-important.

• How to teach the twelve basic postures and the sun salutation
• Setting up of a proper environment for class
• General pointers on teaching a class
• The Basic Sivananda class
• Beginners' Course
• Advanced Postures
• Yoga for Children
• Yoga for Older Citizens
• Yoga for Pregnancy
• Relaxation

• Abdominal Breathing
• Full yogic breath
• Anuloma Viloma
• Advanced pranayama

• The six kriyas: Jala and sutra neti, Nauli, Dhauti, Basti Tratak, Kapalabhati
• The three bandhas: Jalandhara, Moola, Uddiyana

• Guide to meditation
• What is meditation
• Why meditate
• Theory
• Mantras
• Mantra initiation

• Raja Yoga
• Bhakti Yoga
• Karma Yoga
• Jnana Yoga

• The eight systems of the body
• Yoga and physical culture
• Diet and nutrition

• The law of action and reaction
• The law of compensation
• The law of retribution
• Destiny and self-effort

• Detailed study of both the text and the commentary of Swami Sivananda

At the end of the course and on completion of the examination, the participants receive a diploma from the "Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy" of Rishikesh, situated in the Himalayas, and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and Ashrams, of which the mother house is found at Val Morin, Quebec,Canada. The title given is of 'Yogi Siromani' or 'Yoga Acharya'. 'Yogi Siromani' means or signifies jewel of the crown of Yoga. This is the title of the diploma for the first level of teacher's training in Yoga.Yoga Acharya' means master of Yoga. It is the title of the diploma for the advanced teacher's training.


The TTC instructors are senior disciples of Swami Vishnu-devananda. Each of them has had many years' experience in teaching all aspects of yoga. They are renowned for their devotion to Swami Vishnu-devananda and Swami Sivananda and for their profound knowledge and inspirational teaching and guidance, wisdom imparted to many thousands of students throughout the world.


The Teachers' Training Course is a challenging four-week experience, demanding discipline and perseverance. A basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful but not essential. A sincere desire to learn and openness to the teachings of yoga is required.


The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga
The Bhagavad Gita with commentary by Swami Sivananda
These can be purchased at any of our Centres.