Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres - Advanced Teachers' Training Course Curriculum

Teachers Training Course
Dates, locations, apply online
Advanced Teachers Training Course
Dates, locations, apply online
How to apply

Certificate of Yoga Acharya

Upon successful completion of the examination, participants receive an internationally recognized diploma from the "Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy" of Rishikesh, situated in the Himalayas, and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams with headquarters at Val Morin, Quebec, Canada. The title Yoga Acharya means master of Yoga.

Yoga Alliance

Certified by the worldwide Yoga Alliance for the 500 hours standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS).

Curriculum of the Advanced Teachers' Training Course

Daily: two meditation sessions, two yoga classes, one pranayama class (breathing exercises), three lectures, one hour of service to the ashram community. 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

Extended 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 the Yoga Sutras from 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 nervous system, brain, endocrine glands and how they relate to the practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation

Kirtan (mantra 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

Daily schedule and course rules

4:30 am: Wake up
5:00 am: Pranayama
6:00 am: Satsang (Meditation, chanting, lecture)
8:00 am: Asanas
9:00 am: Anatomy and physiology
10:00 am: Wake up
11:00 am: Karma Yoga
12:00 pm: Study of Raga Yoga or Sanskrit
2:00 pm: Main lecture on Vedanta
4:00 pm: Asanas and pranayama
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Satsang (Meditation, chanting, lecture)
10:00 pm: Lights out

Schedule may change occasionally.

Practical information

Course materials

Meditation and Mantras, by Swami Vishnudevananda, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, by Swami Vishnudevananda, Three Rivers Press

Also bring

TTC manual and teacher's uniforms
Yoga mat, cushion, blanket (you'll find a large selection of yoga accessories in the yoga boutique on site)
Comfortable as well as warm clothing
Notebook, torch (flashlight)
Sandals or slippers for indoors, walking shoes
Towel, toiletries, Neti pot