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Course Languages
The course will be taught in English with simultaneous translation into German, French,
Spanish and possibly other European languages. Simultaneous translation using a modern wireless translation system and headphones.
Tuition fee:
Dormitory I: 1,350€;
Dormitory II: 1,550€;
Double room: 1,800€;
Prices valid until August 31th 2008
Venue of the Course
Vrindavan
150 km or 2,5 hours from Delhi on Highway NH2, one of the most modern roads of India.
Vrindavan is one of the holiest places in India. The spiritual wealth of hundreds of temples
permeates the atmosphere. Since many centuries Yoga practitioners have come to Vrindavan
to immerse themselves in Sadhana (spiritual practice).
The Ashram
The Jai Singh Ghera Ashram is the former Sadhana (spiritual) Vrindavan residence of the
famous king Jai Singh, located directly on the banks of the holy Yamuna river. The Ashram
is the seat of the over 500 years old Goswami-Vaishnava-tradition of the Sri Radha Raman
Temple, one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan, which is in close proximity of the Ashram.
Facilities
The Ashram is a spiritual oasis with a well kept 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 attached bathroom are found on top of a large auditorium built in
the classical Rajastan style. Asana classes will be taught on roof terraces overlooking the
houses of Vrindavan. The large open air Mandapam regularly hosts seven-day scriptural
recitals with music. The Ashram kitchen provides carefully prepared lacto-vegetarian meals
twice daily, with special consideration of a moderate use of spices.
Course Teachers
Swami Durgananda
is a Yoga-Acharya and director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Europe.
As a senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami Durgananda has travelled with her
teacher throughout India, has been teaching in the Yoga Teachers' Training Courses all over
the world and built up the European Centers for over 30 years. The TTC in India will be held
with the personal attention and guidance of 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.
Swami Sivadasananda is known for his relaxed and skillfull training methods in 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 the director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
in Berlin. He is a long-time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda and is very familiar with the
North Indian culture.
Prerequisites for the Yoga Teachers' Training Course
Participation in the Yoga Teachers' Training Course in Jai Singh Ghera Ashram in the
traditional setting of Vrindavan requires constant adaptation to local customs, as well as
inner openness and sincere acceptance of the instructions given by the Swamis.
Before enrolling to the course, please meet or telephone with any of the European Swamis,
to bring up any question you may have and to understand the spiritual nature of the course.
Specific information regarding Prices, medical prevention and diet
will be given at that time. This personal course introduction by a Swami is essential for enrolment.
Special Programmes
Bhagavata Saptaha
Seven days of spiritual discourse and music with Bhagavat Acharya Sri Venugopal Goswamiji Maharaj.
Sri Venugopal Goswami, Bhakti Yoga Acharya from Vrindavan, North India, is a spiritual teacher in a family tradition of more than 500 years, originated by the great Saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. His father initiated him into the teachings of the classical Bhakti scriptures in the Radha Raman Temple. For many years, Sri Venugopal Goswami studied under the world famous Indian vocalist Pandit Jasraj, an award-winning leading exponent of classical Hindustani music.
Cultural programs
A special attraction is the Ras Lila Dance Theatre, in which children enact the ancient
teachings of the divine stories of Lord Krishna coupled with folk humour and live music.
Odissi Dance: Mythological stories are presented in classical dance style and beautiful
group choreography.
Temple ceremonies
Classical Pujas (ritualistic worship) and homas (fire ceremonies) are explained and celebrated
by traditional priests
Excursions
Temples of Vrindavan: Many ancient sacred temples can be found in close proximity of the Ashra
Boat Ride on the Yamuna River: Relaxing moments in colourful pilgrim boats, silently floating
along ancient palaces and temple ghats where people live a lifestyle of past centuries.
Taj Mahal: A guided visit of the Taj mahal, the jewel of Mogul architecture, just 30 km from
Vrindavan (extra fee)
Right after the TTC in Vrindavan:
North India Pilgrimage Vrindavan-Agra-Jaipur-Varanasi-Delhi
October 30th to November 17th, 2008
For participants in the Teachers' Training Course, the first part of the pilgrimage
(October 30th to Novmber 8th) in Vrindavan is included in the course fee, while the charge
for this first part for non participants in the Teachers' Training Course is 590 Euros.
You will only pay for the second part (November 8th to 17th), minimum donation for the second
part is 600 Euros.
JAIPUR, known as the pink city, was founded by its Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727.
It was the first city built according to the science of Vastu. The palace of the Maharaja which
we will visit, stands as witness of the past splendour and exquisite Rajasthan culture.
Early in the morning, at Brahmamuhurta, we will attendthe Arati, along with countless
Krishna devotees, at the Govind Dev temple. The temple is the home of an original
Krishna Murthi which was once transported away from Vrindavan because of the menace
of Mogul invasion. There will also be time to shop at the old Rajasthan market displaying
many fine Rajasthan artifacts and clothes.
The city of AGRA is the second center of interest of the well-visited touristic golden triangle:
Delhi-Jaipur-Agra.We will try to catch the most stunning view of the world attraction
Taj Mahal at sun set. We will also visit the majestic Red Fort reminiscent of the past
glories of the Mogul reign in North India.
After a night train ride, we will reach VARANASI (Benares), the highlight of the pilgrimage.
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also considered to be one of the
most sacred cities in India. It is a great pilgrimage place. We will be staying near the
sacred river Ganges in a small pension and will be hosted for our Satsangs and
Asana classes in the Ananda Mayi Ashram with a beautiful view over Ganga.
Great attractions of Varanasi are its numerous Ghats (stairs giving onto the river where
the Sadhus do their ablutions and prayers). An evening boat ride will take us along
all the major Ghats and will end at sunset at the Dasaswamedh Ghat for the splendid
Ganga Arati. Varanasi is also known as Kashi (the city of Lord Siva). Its most famous
temple, the Kashi Vishwanath temple, is closed to foreign visitors but there will the
opportunity to visit many other famous temples: the Durga Kund temple is an old
Durga temple, the Tulsimanas temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and expounds the
complete Ramayana text on its walls, the Shankat Molchand temple contains shrines
with Murthis of Ram, Sita and Hanuman and resonates with the Mantras of the devotees.
Varanasi is a well-known center of learning (Philosophy, Sanskrit etc).
The famous Benares Hindu University stands as a symbol of this ancient knowledge.
The tour of the university will include a visit at the famous museum Bharat Kala Bhavan.
A small excursion to Sarnath, a few kilometres from Varanasi will take us to the famous
Deer Park where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. We will meditate inthe temple
erected on that site.
The last leg of the pilgrimage will be spent in DELHI. Activities include: Satsang at the
Sivananda Yoga Center, Ayurvedic massages, Darshan at the Hanuman temple.
Shopping possibilities include the state emporiums - which sell the finest handicrafts
from all over India - spiritual book shops as well as music shops.
Pilgrimage Vrindavan-Hardvar-Rishikesh-Uttarkashi-Delhi
February 22nd to March 10th, 2009
For participants in the Teachers' Training Course, the first part of the pilgrimage
(February 22nd to March 1st) is included in the course fee, while the charge for this first part
for non participants in the Teachers' Training Course is 590 Euros. You will only pay for the
second part (March 2nd to 10th), minimum donation for the second part is 600 Euros.
The old temple city of Hardvar, an atmosphere charged with devotion for the Ganga.
From Rishikesh, Sri Swami Sivananda sent the message of yoga to the whole world.
A visit with satsang at the Sivananda Ashram, the headquarters of the Divine Life
Society, will invoke the living presence of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda.
Uttarkashi is a famous Himalayan town which for many decades has been the residence
of Sadhus from all over India. The Sivananda Kutir, is situated just a few metres from
the Ganges River, in the midst of the majestic Himalayan Mountains, a magnificent
surrounding to dive deep into the practice of Asanas, Pranayama and meditation.
The journey will end in Delhi with a temple visit and possibility for shopping.
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