International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center (SYVC)
Teacher Training Course (TTC)
Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training
A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC) is the largest and longest-running Yoga Teacher Training in the West, with over 50,000 graduates worldwide since 1969. Join us for a month of inner transformation and deep immersion in a peaceful yogic lifestyle, all with the guidance and support of seasoned practitioners.
- Enliven and deepen your yoga practice
- Ground yourself in a classical yoga tradition
- Learn to teach yoga to others with confidence and grace
- Immerse yourself in a well-rounded Yogic lifestyle; participate in daily Asanas (yoga poses), Pranayama (breathing exercises), Karma Yoga (selfless service), vegetarian diet, meditation, and chanting.
- Earn an internationally recognized certification which is accepted by the Yoga Alliance as the standard 200 hours required by Registered Yoga Schools (RYS)
Upcoming Yoga Teacher Training Dates
ENLIVEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
Yoga Teacher Training Course (Onsite)
Mar. 1 – 29, 2025 | May 10 – Jun. 7, 2025 | Oct. 11 – Nov. 8, 2025
The next Advanced Teachers Training Course is scheduled for June 2026
The next Sadhana Intensive Course is scheduled for Jun. 10 – Jun. 25, 2025.
Other TTC Dates & Locations
Check out our Teachers Training Course in beautiful Vietnam!
Yoga Alliance Certified
After completion our graduates will receive a 200-hour, internationally recognized certification confirming they have the knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga. Graduates will be eligible to register with worldwide Yoga Alliance as RYT 200. Graduates who also take our Advanced Yoga Teacher Training become eligible as a RYT 500.
~ FREE Taste of TTC – video recordings ~
Submit your name & email below to get access to a free Taste of TTC day with video recordings of – 1. Intro to Bhag. Gita & Kirtan 2. Intro to Yoga Philosophy & Anatomy 3. Yoga class & Hatha yoga theory 4. Satsang on Classical yoga lineages
Course Curriculum
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THE SIVANANDA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
Asanas
Each day you will study and practice yoga poses as the senior teachers guide you how to teach asanas and pranayama. The daily practice with individual corrections includes:
• Sun salutation
• 12 basic Yoga postures
• 125 Asana variations, from intermediate level to advanced
• Postural alignment
• Concentration techniques
• Deep relaxation with autosuggestion
• Facilitate energy flow and remove blocked energy
Headstand Workshop
Each day we will have a headstand workshop where we work one on one with each student to help them to get up into the headstand or to practice the exercises that will help prepare them to do so.
Group Teaching
During the last 2 weeks of the course we will start to break the TTC into small groups and have each student take turn as being the teacher and teach their fellow classmates a portion of the yoga class. The groups will have personal observation and feedback at the end.
Pranayama
Pranayama, the science of prana control, consists of breathing exercises to enhance the health of body and mind. You will learn Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) daily. Also, you will be introduced to advanced pranayama. In summary pranayama will give you the following benefits:
• Expands capacity of the lungs
• Increase oxygen intake for the cells
• Remove carbon dioxide and toxins
• Recharge your energy battery
• Relaxes the nervous system
• Balances the two hemispheres of the brain
• Purifies the nadis (subtle energy channels)
• Awakens the inner spiritual energy
Nutrition
Food is responsible for building our physical body. The foods we eat and the manner we eat, also affect our mind, senses, energy, capacity of thinking, intellect, and environment. Course topics include:
• Proper Diet
• Vegetarianism for ethical, spiritual, and health reasons
• How diet affects the mind
• Proper balance of the main nutrients
• Ayurvedic principles of nutrition
• Healing effects of fasting
Mantra & Meditation
Meditation is an integral part for the practice of Yoga. During this course you will learn the practical steps of meditation, what meditation is, and what meditation is not. In addition, you will learn that meditation is a spiritual journey to the realization of oneness.
During the course there will be a focus on japa meditation, or mantra repetition. We will learn how a sanskrit mantra is a mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Furthermore through repetition we will create a positive thought pattern.
Kriyas
Yogic cleansing exercises, known as “kriyas” assist nature in removing waste products from our bodies. Practicing cleansing is important as the Yogi regards their bodies as a vehicle in which to evolve toward higher consciousness. Therefore you will learn and practice, with guidance, yoga kriya exercises.
Anatomy & Physiology
This study helps you to improve the understanding of your body during your own yoga practice, and to apply it in your teaching practice. You will learn:
Yoga philosophy will give you insights into our mistaken beliefs of who we are and what reality really is. A deeper understanding of yourself will help you to detach and release stress which will bring your mind and body in harmony with your life purpose. You will learn about karma and will understand the causes of your obstacles and challenges.
The philosophy classes are considered the main teaching and will benefit you for a long time as the seeds of knowledge are being transmitted. The study of classical yoga texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the writings of our own yoga masters will also take place to enrich you.
During the TTC there are always some special holidays and special guests invited to perform. We celebrate all the major holidays both Western and Indian, from Memorial Day, Labor Day to Diwali, Navaratri and much more.
During the TTC we spend 4 weeks with a group of people that were strangers in the beginning but create a lifelong bond. By spending time together doing the yogic practices and sharing in the teaching the connection goes much beyond any normal friendship. It is a sacred community where we feel as One with the students that join in the experience with us.
At the end of every TTC, the students collect all the photos and videos taken during the course and put together a short slideshow highlighting all the nice memories from the month. Here is an example.
A Modern and Ancient Tradition
FOUR WEEKS IMMERSION IN YOGA LIFE
This month-long residential training follows the ancient Gurukula system, where students live, study, practice and serve alongside their teachers and fellow aspirants. Students will practice the classical yoga curriculum which opens opportunities for deep personal transformation.
The spiritual essence of yoga will be learned through in-depth lessons shared from heart to heart by senior disciples and experienced teachers. This will help awaken self-awareness, leadership, and guide the student to cultivate health and vitality. In addition the course will prepare students to transmit the knowledge of yoga to others.
The Daily Schedule
05:30am Wake Up
06:00am Meditation, Kirtan chanting, Lecture, or Silent Walk (Satsang)
08:00am Asanas and Pranayama
10:00am Brunch
11:00am Karma Yoga
12:00pm Bhagavad Gita or Chanting Class
02:00pm Main Lecture
04:00pm Asanas and Pranayama
06:00pm Dinner
08:00pm Meditation, kirtan chanting and lecture (Satsang)
10:30pm Lights Out
Practical Information
Students will enjoy special cultural programs, ceremonies, concerts and lectures offered by special guests teachers in allied vedic sciences such as ayurveda and jyotish.
There is one weekly day off. *During the day off students are only required to attend morning and evening satsangs and to perform their Karma Yoga. *Attendance at all activities is mandatory and there will be a final exam at the end.
The Four Paths of Yoga
An important component of the yoga teacher training is that for one month you will study the lessons of the Four Paths of Yoga. By learning with the Gurukula system, you will transform detailed theory into practical understanding.
The practice of selfless service helps to reduce selfishness and egoism and keeps you fit, healthy, and joyful. You will learn how to transform karma into dharma.
Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of Devotion and teaches us how to open the heart and sublimate the emotions. You will enjoy the practice of Kirtan (chanting of classical Sanskrit mantras), learn about Indian mythology, and other traditional Indian rituals.
Raja Yoga is a system of 8 limbs yoga (also known as ashtanga yoga) starting with guidelines in ethical behavior and ending with meditation. Students will understand the interconnectedness of the different aspects of yoga techniques, all leading to better control of body and understanding of the mind. In fact yoga is meditation and meditation is yoga. Additionally, you will learn yoga psychology, positive thinking, and concentration theory and practice.
Registration Information
SIGNING UP FOR THE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
The practice and teaching of yoga demands a high degree of self-discipline and moral virtue. In order to ensure the success of the program, participants are required to attend all activities, sessions, lectures, and yoga classes.
Please note that a basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful but not essential. More importantly, students are encouraged to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn new ideas.
In order to maintain a pure environment and elevating vibration necessary for the practice of yoga and meditation, there are community guidelines which all students are expected to follow.
Meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and also nudity are all prohibited during the course (and in the ashram). Furthermore if there are any participants who do not comply with the ashram rules they may be dismissed from the course.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to cater to all personal dietary preferences. We will offer a lacto-vegetarian (and almost fully organic) menu and also dairy-free and wheat-free dishes. With this most people are happy, healthy and feel well fed. Side dishes, desserts and snacks may contain gluten and dairy.
WHAT TO BRING (COURSE MATERIALS)
You can find out all about what to expect at the ashram in our guest information page. During the yoga teacher training course the following course materials and items should be brought or purchased on location in our boutique which will be open daily.
The required materials included in course fee and provided at course inauguration are:
– 2 yoga pants, 2 t-shirts
– TTC Manual
Other required materials not included but available in our boutique for purchase are:
“Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga” by Swami Vishnudevananda, Three Rivers Press
“Yoga – Your Home Practice Companion” by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley
“Bhagavad Gita” with a commentary by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Trust Society
– Yoga mat
– Notebook and pen
– Kriya set (including Neti Pot)
– Meditation cushion, meditation shawl (recommended)
Also please bring with you:
– Comfortable as well as warm clothing (covering shoulders and knees)
– Flashlight
– Sandals or slippers for indoors
– Walking shoes
– Towel
– Water Bottle and Travel mug or tumbler (for hot tea)
– Rain gear
– Toiletries
– For tent space only: bring your own tent, bedding, and towels
COURSE PREPARATION
The yoga teacher training course requires a high degree of discipline and commitment however prior mastery of Yoga practices is not necessary. Instead yoga is about inner growth. Of course prior practice of asanas and meditation is preferable. In order to best prepare for the intensive yoga teacher training schedule we recommend you to take a course at the ashram prior to the training. You may check our calendar for upcoming courses.
Here is some recommended reading for at-home study:
“Sivananda Beginner’s Guide to Yoga” by Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gaia Books
“Yoga Mind & Body” by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley
“Meditation and Mantras” by Swami Vishnudevananda, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
“Essentials of Yoga Practice and Philosophy” compiled by Swami Sitaramananda
COURSE TUITION
For the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training the base rate is $2400 for tenting accommodations. From there the rate goes up as you choose different accommodations options as follows:
Tent – Bring Your Own – $2,400.00
Om Cabin – Double – $3,000.00
Om Cabin – Private – $3,500.00
Krishna Cabin – Double – $3,600.00
Siva Cabin – Double – $3,700.00
Krishna Cabin – Private – $4,600.00
Siva Cabin – Private – $4,800.00
Deluxe Shanti Cabin – Double – $4,200.00
Deluxe Shanti Cabin – Private – $5,400.00
CERTIFICATION
The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course is certified by the Yoga Alliance for the 200-hour standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS).
Upon successful completion, the student receives a certificate confirming they have sufficient knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga (asanas, pranayama and relaxation). In acknowledgment, participants receive the title “Yoga Siromani” from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.
TTC Testimonials
Course Teachers
OF THE ONLINE TEACHERS´TRAINING COURSE
Swami Sitaramananda, RYS 500
Vedanta and Yoga Philosophy teacher
Swami Dharmananda, RYS 500
Yoga philosophy, positive thinking and meditation teacher
Swami Dharmananda is assistant director of the ashram and is the main teacher of Yoga Philosophy and Meditation at the Ashram for more than 10 years. He is a member of the faculty of Sivananda Yoga Health Educator Training program. He is keenly interested in yoga psychology and philosophy, presenting the classical teaching in a practical and accessible way to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Swami Sivasankariananda, RYS 500
Meditation teacher, Yoga and health teacher, Bhakti Yoga teacher
Swami Sivasankariananda had 23 years experience of teaching both in San Francisco Sivananda Yoga center and Los Angeles Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center where she is serving as director. She is a member of the faculty of Sivananda Yoga Health Educator Training program. She is a compassionate teacher and is able to convey devotion and enthusiasm through kirtan and Bhakti Yoga teachings.
Swami Adiparashaktiananda, RYS 500
Hatha Yoga Teacher
Swami Adi Parashaktiananda is a Hatha Yoga teacher for more than 10 years. He has taught the Hatha yoga section in many International Sivananda Teachers Training Courses in many countries Vietnam, China, USA and has taught many Hatha Yoga intensive courses. He is a dedicated sadhak and pranayama practitioner.
~ FREE Taste of TTC – video recordings ~
Submit your name & email below to get access to a free Taste of TTC day with video recordings of – 1. Intro to Bhag. Gita & Kirtan 2. Intro to Yoga Philosophy & Anatomy 3. Yoga class & Hatha yoga theory 4. Satsang on Classical yoga lineages