Prerequisites
Sivananda Teachers' Training Course.
Participation in the Advanced Teachers’ Training Course in Jai
Singh Ghera Ashram in the traditional setting of Vrindavan requires constant
adaptation to local customs, as well as open-mindedness and sincere acceptance
of the instructions given by the Swamis. Before enrolling, please meet
or telephone with any of the European Acharyas or Swamis to better understand
the spiritual nature of the course and get information on clothing, medical
precautions and diet. This personal course introduction by a Swami is
essential for enrolment.
Course languages
The course will be taught in English with simultaneous translation into German,
French and Spanish and possibly other European languages.
Tuition fee
simple dormitory: 1350 Euro
dormitory: 1550 Euro
double room: 1800 Euro
(Prices valid until 30.6.2009)
The Location
Vrindavan
Vrindavan is located 150 km from Delhi and can be reached in 2.5 hours
on Highway NH2, one of the most modern roads of India. Vrindavan is one
of the holiest cities of India. The spiritual wealth of hundreds of temples
permeates the atmosphere. For centuries, yoga practitioners have been
coming to Vrindavan to immerse themselves in Sadhana (spiritual practice).
The Ashram
The Jai Sing Ghera Ashram is the former Sadhana (spiritual) residence
of King Jai Singh. The Ashram is located directly on the banks of the
holy Yamuna River. The Ashram is the seat of the 500-year-old Goswami
Vaishnava tradition of the nearby Sri Radha Raman Temple, one of the
oldest temples of Vrindavan.
The Ashram is a spiritual oasis with a manicured lawn and exquisite
temple gardens where pandits recite the scriptures daily. The ancient
palace
walls offer picturesque views of the pilgrim road, old royal palaces,
and vast fields on the opposite banks of the river.
Guest rooms with fan and detached bath are found on top of a large
auditorium built in the classical Rajastan style. Asana classes will
be taught on
the roof terrace overlooking the houses of Vrindavan. The large open-air
Mandapam regularly hosts the seven-day scriptural recitals.
The Ashram kitchen provides carefully prepared lacto-vegetarian meals
twice daily, which are moderately spiced.
The instructors
Swami Durgananda
is a Yoga-Acharya and director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Centres in Europe. A senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami
Durgananda travelled with her teacher throughout India. She has been
building up the European centres for over 30 years and teaches at the
Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses worldwide. The Advanced Teachers’ Training
Course in Vrindavan will be personally overseen and guided by Swami Durgananda.
Swami Sivadasananda
is a Yoga-Acharya and director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres
in Switzerland, Spain and South America. He was personally trained in
Asanas and Pranayama by Swami Vishnudevananda and will be teaching the
yoga classes during the course. He is known for his inspiring and relaxed
methods of teaching asanas and pranayama.
Swami Kailasananda
is a Yoga-Acharya and director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Centres in England and France. She is a scholar in Sanskrit and a long-time
disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda.
Swami Atmaramananda
is a Yoga-Acharya and director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Centre in Berlin. He is a long-time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda
and lived for several years in India.
Daily schedule
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5:00 am
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Pranayama
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6:00 am
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Meditation, mantra chanting, lecture
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8:00 am
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Asanas
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9:00 am
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Anatomy and physiology
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10:00 am
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Brunch
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11:00 am
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Karma Yoga
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noon
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Raga Yoga or Sanskrit
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2:00 pm
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Main lecture on Vedanta
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4:00 pm
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Asanas and pranayama
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6:00 pm
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Dinner
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7:30 pm
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Meditation, mantra chanting, lecture
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Curriculum
Daily: Two meditation sessions, two yoga classes, one pranayama class
(breathing exercises), three lectures, one hour of Karma Yoga (helping
out in the ashram). One day a week is lecture-free.
Asanas
The twelve basic postures in depth
Practice of classical advanced variations
Precise corrections
Deeper understanding of Hatha Yoga
Pranayama
Expanded practice of Anuloma Viloma
Advanced pranayamas
Proper use of the Bandhas
Vedanta
The philosophical schools of India
Analogies of the supreme reality
Study of Vedantic meditation techniques
Explanation of Vedantic mantras
Raja Yoga
In-depth study of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The mind, its mystery and control
Detailed study of the eight steps of Raja Yoga
Bhakti Yoga
The nine types of Bhakti
The five attitudes of devotion
Sanskrit
Learning the Sanskrit alphabet
Correct pronunciation and spelling of the mantras and hymns
Anatomy and Physiology
Study of the functions of the nervous system, the brain and the endocrine
glands'
in relation to the practice of yoga.
Kirtan(chanting)
Positive effects on the emotions
Correct pronunciation and mental attitude
Learning of classical Sanskrit songs
Diet
Subtle aspects of the vegetarian diet
Proper nutrition according to the three-Dosha theory of Ayurveda
During the ATTC, yogic-vegetarian meals will be carefully prepared
with the aim to balance body and mind.
Special Programs Bhaja Govindam
Inspiring verses on devotion (bhakti) by the great Yogi
Sri Sankaracharya, an incarnation of knowledge.
Elevating chanting and
live raga-music, with Bhagavatacharya Sri Venugopal Goswami.
30.10. – 8.11.2009 Bhagavata Saptaha
A seven-day recitation of the ancient scripture Srimad Bhagavatam
with Bhagavatacharya Sri Venugopal Goswami. These spiritual discourses
with traditional meditative music are a deep source of the ancient wisdom
of yoga. This special programme during the last week of the course also
constitutes the first part of the 2007 pilgrimage.
The participation fee of 590 € is included in the tuition for the
Advanced Teachers’ Training Course.
27. October 2009: Diwali
The Festival of Lights is celebrated throughout India.
Temple ceremonies
Traditional priests will explain and perform classical Pujas (ritualistic
worship) and Homas (fire ceremonies).
Living Yoga Philosophy with Prof. Dr. S. N. Pandey
Professor Pandey teaches at the Institute of Oriental Philosophy in
Vrindavan. He has published numerous academic papers on Indian philosophy,
culture and religion.
Traditional Music and Culture of North India
Introduction to
Kirtan,
Odissi Dance (choreography of stories from mythology) dance performance,
vocal and instrumental concerts. Ras Lila Dance Theatre: Divine
stories of Lord Krishna.
Individual vocal, harmonium and and tabla lessons
possible on
request (additional fee).
Excursions Visit of the Taj Mahal, a jewel of the mogul
architecture (additional fee).
Tempel visits in Vrindavan, guided
by staff of the ashram.
Immediately following the ATTC, students have the
chance to take part in the second half of the
North Indian Pilgrimage
2009
Vrindavan - Agra - Jaipur - Varanasi (Benares) - Delhi
from 30 October to 17 November 2009
Agra: Sunset at the Taj Mahal. Jaipur: Bhagavatam celebration at the
Govinddev Temple with procession. Visits to the Royal Palace and Amer
Fort; elephant ride. Opportunities to shop for the arts, crafts, jewellery
and textiles of Rajastan. Varanasi: Darshan at the Hanuman and Siva Temple.
Sunrise at the Ganges Ghats, boat ride on the Ganges. Delhi: Sightseeing
and visit to the Bahai Lotus Temple.
Donation: 600 €
For further details on the pilgrimage please visit: www.sivananda.org/europe
What to bring
The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga as well as Meditation and Mantras from Swami Vishnudevananda. They can be purchased at any Sivananda Yoga Centre
or from the Online Shop at www.sivananda.at.
Also bring your TTC
manual and teachers' uniforms.
Supplies: yoga mat, meditation cushion, flip flops, trainers, writing pad, torch,
alarm clock, towel, 1 bed sheet, private toilet articles, soap, clothes
line, detergent, money belt.
A copy of your visa, passport and plane ticket should be kept separately
from your luggage.
The Ashram offers a laundry service.
Important information
To ensure a successful course, attendance at all spiritual activities,
meditation sessions, lectures and asana classes is mandatory. Meat, fish,
eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and revealing clothing
are not allowed, as they are not conducive to the practice of yoga. Not
abiding by these rules may lead to dismissal from the course. During
the course we cannot cater to personal dietary preferences except for
yogic-vegetarian meals.
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