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SADHANA INTENSIVE Course in Rudraprayag, Himalayas, India
NEW DATES: 24 October - 8 November 2022
31 October - 15 November 2023
Dates include arrival and departure days
NEW VISA FACILITY: take the course on a tourist visa >>
Languages: English, French, Spanish and German
Tuition fee
Triple room with attached bathroom: 1,350 €
Double room with attached bathroom: 1,670 €
Single room with attached bathroom: 2,090 €
All rates valid until 31 March 2022
Course Outline
The Sadhana Intensive is a two-week yoga course based on the classical teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. It was designed by Swami Vishnudevananda, who based the course curriculum on the intensive Hatha Yoga practice which he himself followed during a period of intense Sadhana retreat in the Himalayas. Swami Vishnudevananda often said that this intensive practice gave him the energy to carry out his mission of spreading the teachings of yoga in the West for nearly 40 years.
This course is based on individual practice divided into two or three sessions per day, with the emphasis on an intense and prolonged practice of advanced pranayama. Students work towards eight hours of hatha yoga per day.
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927–1993) |
In the morning, the students meet with their teachers and receive instructions for the practice of the day. Students are guided individually in their practice. All meet again at midday for an inspiring study of some of the main classical scriptures of yoga. Reading from these scriptures will enrich the Hatha Yoga experience.
It is a unique course since students have time for deep introspection through prolonged individual practice. It affords a unique opportunity to extend the limits of our capabilities, strengthen our stamina and develop self-confidence with long lasting effects. Many students choose to take this course several times, with each time a deepening of their yoga experience.
Curriculum
The emphasis of the course is the practice of pranayama more than of asanas. The course starts with 2 practices a day for the first week, then increases to 3 practices a day. Each session lasts for 2 to 3 hours.
- 12 basic asanas
- Concentrated periods of advanced pranayama of progressive intensity
- Explanations and practice of Mudras, Bandhas and Mantras
- Recitation of Sanskrit verses to lift the energy of body and mind
- Study of classical scriptures on Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Vedanta philosophy
- Meditation practice
- Spiritual diary
- Likhita japa (writing of mantras for mental peace)
- Practice of Mouna (silence) at certain moments of the day to preserve the vital energy
- Mantra chanting and devotional rituals
Daily schedule
The daily schedule includes:
- Practice of kriyas (cleansing techniques)
- Morning and evening satsang with meditation and chanting
- Two or three practice sessions of asana and advanced pranayama incorporating bandhas and mudras
- Study of Hatha Yoga Pradipika / Viveka Chudamani / Srimad Bhagavatam
Participation in the entire daily schedule is mandatory. There may be occasional changes to the schedule according to the needs of the students.
Prerequisite
This course is for graduates of the Sivananda Teachers' Training Course only.
The Sadhana Intensive requires a high level of self-discipline and preparation. Participants should have a sound physical and mental health. They should follow a vegetarian diet for at least 6 months before the start of the course and practice kapalabhati and anuloma viloma daily for at least 6 months before taking the course.
Constant adaptation to local customs is required, 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.
Registration
Registration is valid with a down payment of 30% of the total amount. The remaining unpaid balance is due no later than 6 weeks before the course begins.
Included are the administrative costs, tuition, room and board.
Not included are ground transportation to and from Delhi, tips, laundry service as well as any other additional service. Please book your own flight to Delhi.
It is recommended to purchase a travel cancellation insurance policy from your travel agency.
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 Bhaskara'.
Sadhana Intensive | 173 units of 45 min or 130 units of 60 min |
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).
The rental fee for the translation system is €15.
Study books
The following texts will be studied:
- The Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Yogi Swatmarama with commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda: this classical text on Hatha Yoga explains in depth: Asanas, Pranayama, Mudras and Bandhas as well as the process of awakening the Kundalini.
- Viveka Chudamani of Sankaracharya: a basic text on Vedanta philosophy which describes the practical ways to realize the Self and how to prepare oneself for this realization.
- The Srimad Bhagavatam by Vyasa Maharishi is one of the most important scriptures on Bhakti Yoga. Listening to the stories and the philosophy of the Bhagavatam will fill the mind with universal love and will melt the heart. Opening of the heart is one of the keys to accessing the deepest levels of Hatha Yoga.
Course instructors
are Yoga Acharyas (spiritual directors) and senior teachers of the Sivananda Yoga Centres.
Special programmes
Venue
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, most of them with a view of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas.
Comfortable 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.
Drinking water and teas
Teas will be available on a self-service basis between the activities. Mineral water is available at extra cost.
Meals
An almond milk drink in the mornings and two lightly spiced Indian/Western style yogic vegetarian meals at brunch and dinner, served buffet-style.
Teaching locations
Meditations and lectures will be held on a spacious roof terrace (covered) overlooking the Alaknanda River and in the Patanjali Hall. Besides four scenic open air asana platforms, the resort gardens offer a number of small pavilions for your individual practice.
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 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 mobile phone
There is a mobile phone contact for the hotel, which should only be used in case of emergency: +91 98 37 24 06 75
Mobile phone coverage for Airtel, Idea and Vodafone. Sim cards available at Delhi International Airport, requires copy of passport/visa and 1 photo.
Most foreign SIM cards do allow Internet roaming access.
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.
Check in/Check out
Check in at 2:00 PM
Check out at 10:00 AM
Visit: www.monalresorts.com
Travel information
Rudraprayag is an ancient pilgrimage 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 pilgrims who walked and prayed in these pristine natural surroundings.
Monal Resorts
Main Badrinath Road,
246 475 Rudraprayag
Uttarakhand
India
Mobile telephone for emergencies only: +91 98 37 24 06 75
www.monalresorts.com
The Yogibus
The Sivananda Yoga Centres suggest you travel from Delhi to Rudraprayag by Yogibus:
Chartered 27 seater or 10 seater AC coach
Suggested arrival time in Delhi, October 27 latest at 3:00 AM. A Yogibus escort will be available at the Delhi Airport Terminal 3 International Arrivals area in front of the Costa Coffee as of 4:00 AM. The Yogibus departs at 5:00 AM.
If you are arriving before October 27 in Delhi, the meeting point is at 4:00 AM at the Hotel Shanti Palace (near the airport).
One-way charge: 7200 INR (or 95€), including breakfast in the bus and a full lunch stop half way. Mineral water is included on the AC coach.
The Yogibus will arrive in time for dinner at Monal Resorts Hotel in Rudraprayag.
Depending on your arrival time in New Delhi, it may be necessary to spend a night in a hotel. You can book a room by e-mail. For more information on the hotels >>
Return journey:
Departs November 11 at 6:00 AM from Monal Resorts Hotel in Rudraprayag, arrives at Delhi International Airport at approx. 10:00 PM
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.
Please bring
Remember to take your TTC uniforms. Students are expected to wear their uniforms during satsang and lecture times.
Uniforms are not provided for the course but are usually available for purchase at the ashram boutique.
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.
Please pack a scarf and cap, warm socks and sweaters. Also sunscreen and sun hat.
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.
Cancellation and withdrawal policy
Cancellation before the start of the course: the following cancellation fees will apply:
- More than 21 days before arrival date: 10% of the yoga part and 10% of the room and board part
- Within 21 days of arrival date 30% of the yoga part and 30% of the room and board part
Early departure from the course in Rudraprayag:
- Within the first 3 days: 500 euro cancellation fee
- After 3 days: no refund will be given – neither for the yoga part nor for the room and board part
Enrolment
Please contact
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Retreat House
Bichlach 40, 6370 Reith, Tyrol, Austria
Contact: Swami Vidyananda, Coordinator of TTC North India
Phone: +44 20 3289 1432, +43 5356 67 404-28
(preferably Mon–Sun, 11 AM–4 PM Central European Time)
e-mail: rudraprayag-himalayas(at)sivananda.net
Booking and payment need to be made at the same centre.