Created by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1969, this Teachers' Training Course was designed to transmit the classical teachings of yoga in their purest form. Rooted in the lineage of Swami Sivananda and the ancient guruparampara tradition, the programme emphasizes direct experience, sincere practice, and a clear path for both inner development and dedicated teaching.

Preparation starts in the Sivananda Centres across India, where Beginners' Courses and regular Open Classes can help students develop strength, flexibility, breath awareness, and steadiness in practice. Although this preparation is not compulsory, it is a valuable way to refine postures, learn the basics of pranayama, and build the rhythm needed for the intensive 28-day training. With accessible teaching, personal guidance, and a supportive community, the centres offer an encouraging first step into the course.

The ashrams take the training deeper. TTC is taught in the traditional gurukula system, where teacher and student live and learn together. Days include morning and evening satsang, asana and pranayama practice, lectures, karma yoga, and philosophical study. This immersive environment strengthens discipline, quiets the mind, and creates space for inner growth. Living in the ashram helps the teachings settle on both a spiritual and practical level, so students learn not only how to teach, but how to live the yogic life with clarity and purpose.

The course remains one of the most respected training programmes in the world because of this integrated approach: begin with the fundamentals in the centres, then deepen transformation in the ashrams. It brings ancient knowledge into everyday life and offers each student a direct experience of a tradition that has guided practitioners for thousands of years.

Curriculum

Asana (Yoga Postures) - Learn the twelve foundational postures and advanced variations.

Pranayama - Practice Kapalabhati, Anuloma Viloma, and advanced pranayama techniques daily.

Meditation - Strengthen concentration and spiritual insight through a daily meditation practice.

Mantras - Explore mantra initiation and chanting, and their transformative power.

Anatomy and Physiology - Study how yoga affects the key systems of the body.

Yoga Nutrition - Discover the principles of vegetarianism for holistic health.

Kriyas - Practice classical purification techniques with expert guidance.

Teaching Practice - Build confidence through hands-on yoga teaching experience.

Bhagavad Gita - Study the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic.

Karma Yoga - Take part in selfless service within the ashram community.

Jnana Yoga - Explore Vedanta philosophy and higher consciousness.

Bhakti Yoga - Cultivate devotion through prayer, chanting, and worship.

Daily Schedule

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." – Swami Sivananda

Each day in the ashram follows a balanced rhythm of spiritual practice, selfless service, study, and rest, creating a structure that supports both serenity and growth.

05.20 AM | Wake up - The day begins early to prepare body and mind for meditation and to align with nature’s rhythms.

06.00 AM | Morning Satsang - Begin with meditation, chanting, and a reading from the Gurus. This mandatory practice sets an uplifting tone for TTC students.

08.00 AM | Asana, pranayama class - Focus on posture corrections, teaching methodology, and practice teaching to support your development as a future yoga teacher.

10.00 AM | Brunch & Karma Yoga - Enjoy a nutritious vegetarian meal, followed by one hour of selfless service.

12.00 PM | Bhagavad Gita lecture or Chanting class - Daily study and Sanskrit chanting deepen understanding and connection to the yogic tradition.

02.00 PM | Main Lecture - Vedanta offers practical insights into the Self, while Anatomy & Physiology supports safe and effective yoga practice.

04.00 PM | Asana, pranayama class - Guided practice includes the 12 basic postures, pranayama techniques, and, as the days progress, advanced asanas and practice teaching.

06.00 PM | Dinner - A light vegetarian meal at sunset supports digestion, reflection, and preparation for the evening satsang.

08.00 PM | Satsang - End the day with meditation, chanting, and inspirational readings. Evenings may also include study nights, cultural events, or spiritual films. Mandatory for TTC students.

10.30 PM | Lights out - Silence supports rest, inner reflection, and integration of the day’s practice.

Accommodation

Our ashrams offer simple and functional accommodation at:

Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Sivananda Meenakshi Ashram Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Sivananda Kutir Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Sivananda Tapaswini Ashram Gudur, Andhra Pradesh

Continuing Education

Advanced Teachers' Training Course - The 300-hour Advanced TTC is a natural next step to expand teaching skills and deepen practice through intensive asana and pranayama.

Sadhana Intensive - A two-week, demanding programme of classical hatha yoga and pranayama, with a balanced study of classical scriptures, as designed by Swami Vishnudevananda.

Sivananda yoga class in India