Sivananda Teachers’ Training Course

Traditional Teaching
Experienced Teachers
Ashram Environment
Complete Immersion

Join us for a truly life-changing experience.

The Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) is an intensive four-week residential course, based on the ancient gurukula system of India where teacher and student live together. Conducted in a traditional Ashram setting with our experienced and dedicated teachers who are themselves immersed in the yogic lifestyle.

Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram

Neyyardam,
Kerala, India

Sivananda Meenakshi Ashram

Madurai,
Tamil Nadu, India

Sivananda Kutir

Uttarkashi,
Uttarakhand, India

Sivananda Tapaswini Ashram

Gudur,
Andra Pradesh, India

Phu Chaisai Resort
Chiang Rai, Thailand

Upcoming Batches

Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the five points of yoga as taught by Swami Vishnudevananda, or the practical application of the traditional four paths of yoga. The Course was designed by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1969 with the vision to develop successful yoga teachers who would help spread peace in the world through yoga. Connected to an ancient teaching lineage (guru parampara), passed down from guru to disciple through the years, the curriculum includes:

Anatomy & Physiology
Asanas
Bhagavad Gita
Bhakti Yoga
Jnana Yoga
Karma and Reincarnation
Karma Yoga
Kriyas
Kundalini Yoga
Meditation

Prerequisites

A high degree of self-motivation and openness to the teachings of yoga are required. A basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful but not essential.

Certification

Graduates of the course receive internationally-recognised certification which is recognised by the worldwide Yoga Alliance for the 200 hours standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS).

Practical Information & Guidelines

Schedule
Practical Information
Guidelines
Refund Policy

I completed Sivananda’s flagship TTC in early 2020. Generally, I am reluctant to use terms like ‘life-changing’ but the month that I spent at the ashram deserves the epithet. The course content and daily schedule is well thought-through; it is rigorous but not exhausting. I also liked the holistic approach – apart from the asana and pranayama, we were taught the theoretical underpinnings of yoga. There were lectures on Bhagavad Gita, daily satsangs and community work. The course significantly advanced my yoga practice and made me a lot more aware about this ancient art. In the process, I think, I also became much more aware about myself.

Swanand Kelkar In a world where the term 'life changing experience' is often used flippantly, I use it, more appropriately, to describe my experience of the Sivananda TTC in 2020--days before the advent of Covid--because my life did alter! The course, as it turned out, became a ready reckoner for how to deal with the lockdown, both inside and out. What’s more, it nudged me to write a book which was a reflection of my state of mind and being. Despite the passage of 5 years, my TTC experience lives within me. I never meant to be a teacher of yoga, but the course taught me that to teach is to learn and so I remain a student, every day. Equanimity and the ability not to react to every situation are the biggest life lessons I learnt during the TTC. I would recommend this course to everyone because, until they sign up for it, they would not know that it is exactly what they need!

Dahlia Sen Oberoi My interest in TTC at Sivananda developed after a few discourses with friends who had already experienced it. A month-long dedication was challenging. I was already practicing asanas and meditation for a while, but the collective practice in the ashram and the knowledge about my body and mind revealed new horizons. Satsang, chanting and Vedanta philosophy opened doors to a universe I was not aware of. They are all engraved deep in my consciousness now and guide me through my life, through the ups and downs. I am eager for ATTC, whenever that happens.

Lueit Hazarika I undertook the TTC in 2023 in order to deepen my knowledge and understanding of vedantic philosophy, and to embed the principles more fully into my daily life. I found the breadth and depth of knowledge as well as the kindness and humility of the teachers to be profoundly inspiring. Each lesson was clear, stimulating and fascinating. I finished the course with much more clarity around such notions as karma, the role of scripture, our nature and place as humans in creation and so much more. Since taking the TTC, I have developed a regular meditation practice, read the Bhagavad-Gita every morning, and actively seek ways to live the vedantic path. I can't recommend this programme highly enough.

Hazel Manuel (Sarada) Attending the yoga Teachers’ Training Course was a life-changing journey that helped me reconnect with my true self. Beyond  learning the technicalities of yoga, the course delved deeply into self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner growth. Each session helped me peel back layers of doubt and distraction, allowing me to reconnect with my true essence. The supportive environment, knowledgeable teachers, and transformative practices provided the perfect foundation for personal and spiritual growth. This experience not only enhanced my yoga practice but also instilled a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. I’m profoundly grateful for this incredible journey of self-discovery.

Ritika Arora (Shambhavi) The TTC was an immersive experience into what yoga really is, all that you usually don’t see in a western yoga class. It was undoubtedly an intense course with a full on schedule that opened my mind, showed me my physical and mental strength, nourished me with sattvic food and company, stimulated my mind, and oriented me toward more positive qualities and emotions. It was a journey I will never forget as it continues to guide me daily well after the course has finished.

Anja Starc (Karuna) The experience has had a lasting impact on my well-being, peace, and happiness. The fire ignited at the ashram continues to burn strong, guiding me on my yogic journey. I've come to realise, yoga shows the way.

Ashna Katyal (Padmanjali)