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Yoga teacher training in India
International Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) in Rudraprayag, Himalayas, India
23 February – 24 March 2013
Dates include arrival and departure days
- Four-week theoretical and practical training in all aspects of yoga composed of 401 training units of 45 minutes’ duration
- International certificate from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organization (ISYVC) is awarded on successful completion of the course. The diploma is entitled "Yoga Siromani" and recognised by Yoga Alliance for the 200 hours Registered Yoga School Standards
- This course was established in 1969 by Swami Vishnudevananda as the first yoga teachers’ training course taught to Western students and now has over 28,000 graduates.
- A sincere desire to learn and openness to yogic techniques is required – a basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is preferred, but not essential. Students will develop the skills to teach yoga asanas and improve their own personal practice.
Curriculum
Asanas, Pranayama, Yoga Nutrition, Kriyas, Meditation, Mantras, Vedanta Philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, The Four Yoga Paths, Anatomy and Physiology
Details of curriculum >>
Course Books
- The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga by Swami Vishnudevananda, Three Rivers Press
- Bhagavad Gita with a commentary by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Trust Society
- The New Book of Yoga by the Sivananda Yoga Centre (Ebury Press)
Please note: These books are not included in the course fee. You cannot find these books locally in India. They can be purchased at the Sivananda Yoga Centres or via the online shop.
Further recommended reading for at-home study
- Yoga – Your Home Practice Companion by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley; this new book is highly recommended for the course.
- 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
Also available at the Sivananda Yoga Centres or via the online shop.
Daily schedule
Daily: two meditation sessions, two yoga classes, two lectures, one hour of service to the ashram community. Students are given one lecture-free day a week. Attendance of the entire TTC daily schedule is mandatory.
Tuition fee
Triple Room: 2,250 €
Double Room: 2,800 €
Single Room: 3,550 €
Special price for the triple room for Eastern European nationals residing in an Eastern European country: 2,050 €
For UK only:
Triple Room: £1,875
Double Room: £2,235
Single Room: £2,960
Rates valid until 30 September 2012
Down payment: 500 €, the outstanding balance is due at the Centre where you enrolled 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the course.
Included are the examination fee, administrative costs, teaching, room and board, two sets of yoga clothing and a teacher's manual.
Not included are ground transportation to and from Delhi, tips, kriya kit, laundry service as well as any other additional service. Please book your own flight to Delhi.
It is recommended to purchase a travel health insurance policy through your travel agency.
Application form for UK citizens (PDF) >>
ONLINE APPLICATION >>
Certificate and training units
International certificate from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organization (ISYVC) is awarded on successful completion of the course. The diploma is entitled 'Yoga Siromani'.
The International Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses consist of three levels:
Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) | 401 units of 45 min or 301 units of 60 min |
Advanced Teachers’ Training Course (ATTC) | 437 units of 45 min or 328 units of 60 min |
Sadhana Intensive | 173 units of 45 min or 130 units of 60 min |
The Yoga Alliance recognises the TTC for the 200 hours Registered Yoga School Standards and the TTC plus ATTC for the 500 hours Registered Yoga School Standards.
Course languages
The course will be taught in English with simultaneous translation into German, French and Spanish using a modern wireless translation system and headphones (available in the yoga boutique or bring your own).
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Accommodation
Monal Resort is located 3 km from Rudraprayag, on 3 acres (1.2 hectares) of pristine land, surrounded on three sides by the lesser Himalayan Range. The resort has 53 rooms, each of which has its own private balcony, with a view of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas.
Spacious rooms (1–3 beds), private bathroom, electric or AC heater, water kettle, white linen bed sheets, quilt with quilt cover or two blankets, one pillow, bed cover.
Monal Resort accommodates up to approximately 80 students. Beyond this number, participants will be staying at Narayan Pilgrims' Hostel, which is located directly opposite Monal Resort. The room furnishing is a bit simpler and includes a shared balcony, private bathroom, electric or AC heater, white linen bed sheets, two blankets, one pillow, bed cover.
Drinking water and teas
Teas will be available on a self-service basis between the activities. Mineral water is available at extra cost.
Meals and snacks
Daily two lightly spiced Indian/Western style yogic vegetarian meals and one snack will be served buffet-style.
Teaching locations
Meditations, lectures and some asana classes will be held on a spacious roof terrace (covered) overlooking the Alaknanda river. Four scenic open air asana platforms are also available.
Outdoors
Breathing the fresh Himalayan air is a boon for health throughout your stay. The old pilgrims' footpath to the high Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath passes right below Monal Resort. It leads to a large Ghat (bathing steps) by the Alaknanda River, ideal for pranayama and meditation, at just a few minutes walking distance. On the way you come by a small Siva Lingam Shrine where you can get blessings from a local pundit. The same footpath takes you through an impressive landscape of rocks and cacti, crossing the river over a small hanging bridge, to the Rudranath Temple (2 km distance) right above the river confluence. According to mythology it is here that Lord Rudra (Siva) taught music to the sage Narada. All worship in this temple is done by female priests.
Telephone and Internet
Mobile phone coverage for Airtel, Idea and Vodafone. Sim cards available at Delhi International Airport, requires copy of passport/visa and 1 photo. Wifi Internet available at specific times, free of charge, depending on the availability of the government Internet service.
Boutique
Yoga accessories: yoga mats, meditation pillows, asana outfits, shawls for meditation, yoga books, mantra CDs, translation headphones and more.
Laundry service
Outside laundry service at extra charge; collection and return of laundry every evening.
Safekeeping
Valuables can be put into a safe, which will be opened once a day.
Check in/Check out
Check in at 2:00 PM
Check out at 11:00 AM
Visit: www.monalresorts.com
Excursions
Once a week is a lecture-free day. Possible excursions:
Rudraprayag town (3 km)
Rudranath Temple (2 km)
Right above the river confluence. According to mythology it is here that Lord Rudra (Siva) taught music to the sage Narada. All worship in this temple is done by female priests.
Koteshwar Temple (3 km)
At a distance of 3 km from Rudraprayag and on the holy bank of the River Alaknanda is situated the Koteshwar temple in a cave. There are many idols, which have been formed naturally. It is believed that before going to Kedarnath, Lord Siva meditated here. During the months of August and September, thousands of devotees come here to worship Lord Siva.
Agastyamuni (23 km)
About 23 km from Rudraprayag, in the glorious valley of Mandakini, lies the popular town of Agastyamuni – a miniature paradise. Here, on the banks of the murmuring deep blue Mandakini sat the great sage Agastyamuni in deep meditation. The Agastya temple honours the great sage and is an ideal place to relax on the banks of the river.
Guptkashi (42 km)
Steeped in legend and lore, the scenic town of Guptkashi is an important town on the routes to Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. Here, in sylvan surroundings came Siva to hide from the Pandavas who were following him to seek redemption for their sins. To escape detection, the Lord lived incognito and the town has been named Gupt (hidden) Kashi ever since. The ancient temples of Vishwanath, Ardhnareshwar and Manikarnik Kund are the main places of attraction in Guptkashi.
Special programmes
Bhagavatacharya Sri Venugopal Goswami, Vrindavan, North India
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- Bhagavata Saptaha – seven-day journey to the goal of life, readings and discourses from the yoga scripture Srimad Bhagavatam
- The Divine Essence of Man – selected verses from the yogic scriptures
- Nada Yoga Concert – the vocal art of kirtan (mantra chanting)
All programmes accompanied by classical Indian musicians (bansuri, shanai, harmonium, vocals, various percussions)
Shanti K. Kamlesh, Ayurvedacharya, Lucknow, India
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- Lectures and PowerPoint Presentations on proper diet, daily regimen and the three body constitutions of Ayurveda
- Personal health consultations available (extra cost)
Course instructors
are Yoga Acharyas (spiritual teachers) and senior teachers personally trained by Swami Vishnudevananda.
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 accompanied her teacher on many tours throughout India. She has been building up the European centres for over 30 years under the guidance of her teacher. tyrol(at)sivananda.net
Swami Sivadasananda
is a Yoga Acharya, director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Europe, Acharya for South America and a long-time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda. He is known for his inspiring and relaxed teaching methods in asanas and pranayama. madrid(at)sivananda.net
Swami Kailasananda
Is a Yoga Acharya and director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in England and France and the Pacific Rim. She is a scholar of Sanskrit and a long-time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda. paris(at)sivananda.net
Swami Atmaramananda
Is a Yoga Acharya and director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Berlin and Vilnius (Lithuania). He is the Acharya for Eastern Europe and a long-time student of Swami Vishnudevananda. He is very knowledgeable about North Indian culture. berlin(at)sivananda.net
Several other swamis, senior teachers and translators will be participating in the course.
Travel information
Rudraprayag is an ancient piligrimage town (20,000 inhabitants) at the point of confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini, which are both tributaries to the River Ganges. Altitude of 890 m, 370 km away from Delhi. The area carries the spiritual thought currents of generations of spiritual seekers and prilgrims who walked and prayed in these pristine natural surroundings.
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Monal Resorts
Main Badrinath Road,
246 475 Rudraprayag
Uttarakhand
India
Phone: +91 (0) 1364 233901 to 905 (5 Lines)
Telefax: +91 (0) 1364 233160
Helpline No.: +91-9837240675, +91-9675198764
www.monalresorts.com
Arrival time in Delhi
Suggested arrival time in Delhi, February 23 latest at 3.00 AM. A Sivananda staff member will be available at the Delhi airport arrival’s area from 1.00 to 4.00 AM).
By Yogibus
The Sivananda Yoga Centres suggest you travel from Delhi to Rudraprayag by Yogibus:
Chartered 27 seater AC coach
Departs February 23 at 6:00 AM from Hotel Shanti Palace (near Delhi airport), arriving in time for dinner at Monal Resorts Hotel in Rudraprayag.
Return journey:
Departs March 24 at 5:00 AM from Monal Resorts Hotel in Rudraprayag, arrives at Delhi International Airport at approx. 10:00 PM
One way charge: 4200 INR (70€), two stops with breakfast and lunch, and mineral water on the AC coach are included.
Enrolment form for Delhi – Rudraprayag (PDF) >>
Enrolment for Rudraprayag–Delhi will take place in Rudraprayag itself.
By train
From Delhi to Haridvar, plus 5 hours' taxi drive.
By air
From Delhi to Dehradun, plus 5 hours' taxi drive.
Visa requirements (Important!)
For the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (TTC), only the following types of visa are accepted by the local authorities in India:
- Student visa (STD or S Visa)
- Yoga visa (Y Visa)
- Entry visa (X Visa)
Visa applications should be submitted only after one's place has been confirmed for the course.
- Under no circumstances will anybody arriving with a tourist visa be able to participate in the course.
- The average validity for visas given by the Indian Embassies for this course is 3 months. Please be aware that visa validity starts with the date of issue.
- The required proof of enrolment will be sent to you once your enrolment and downpayment have been received.
Please note:
- Please do not accept a visa which is valid for longer than 6 months as it requires one to undergo a complicated registration process once in India.
- Once issued, check that your visa does not contain the following condition: “Registration required within 14 days after arrival in India”. If it does, do not accept the visa from the Indian Embassy.
A scanned copy of your Indian visa needs to be sent by email to rudraprayag-himalayas(at)sivananda.net
Please bring
Yoga mat, meditation pillow and shawl (also available at the Sivananda Boutique in Rudraprayag), sandals, sweat pants and sweat shirts, writing pad, torch, alarm clock, private toiletry items, soap, clothesline, money belt.
It is advisable to keep a copy of your visa, passport and plane ticket separately in your luggage.
Clothing
Comfortable clothing adapted to the traditional lifestyle of India is required: No figure-hugging clothes, no halter tops, shorts or short skirts.
Especially in February you need to pack warm underwear, a scarf and cap, warm socks and sweaters.
Pharmaceuticals
Please ask your pharmacy for a small kit of medicines appropriate for India. Please consult with your physician or tropical medical service about vaccinations.
Conditions for participation
Participation in the Teachers’ Training Course requires constant adaptation to local customs, as well as inner openness and sincere acceptance of the instructions given by the teachers.
Before enrolling, please meet or telephone with any of the European Acharyas or Swamis. This is to gain a better understanding of the spiritual nature of the course and to answer any further questions you may have. This personal course introduction by a Swami is essential for enrolment.
Cancellation terms
- Cancellation before the start of the course: A credit note will be issued for the course payments received. A 50 € administration fee will be deducted.
- In case of early departure: A credit note for the full amount of the course will be issued minus the days present in the course and minus a 50 € administration fee.
The TTC course manual and TTC uniform (2 trousers / 2 t-shirts) must be returned upon leaving the teaching location. Only then will the credit note be authorized. - The credit note will only be issued four weeks after the course completion date and will not be issued at the course location.
- Credit notes are non-transferable and can only be used by the individual whose name appears on the credit note. Credit notes are valid for two years and can be used in any Sivananda Yoga Centre or Ashram in Europe, except Italy. Please note: Credit notes cannot be applied to boutique purchases or Ayurveda massages. In Reith (Austria), the credit note cannot be applied to room and board fees.
Enrolment
Please contact
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Putney
51 Felsham Road, Putney, London SW15 1AZ
Tel. +44 020 8780 0160
e-mail: londonttc(at)sivananda.net
or
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Retreat House
Bichlach 40, A-6370 Reith bei Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria
Contact: Swami Vidyananda, Coordinator of TTC North India
Phone: +43 5356 67 404 28 (preferably Mon–Sun, 11 AM–2 PM Central European Time)
e-mail: rudraprayag-himalayas(at)sivananda.net
Booking and payment need to be made at the same centre.
Application form for UK citizens (PDF) >>





























