Join a month of immersive study, practice, and inner growth in a peaceful yogic setting, guided by experienced practitioners. Since 1969, this training has become one of the most established Yoga Teacher Trainings in the West, with more than 52,000 graduates worldwide.

Deepen your practice and teaching skills

Root yourself in a classical yoga tradition
Build the confidence and grace to teach yoga to others
Experience a complete yogic lifestyle through daily asana, pranayama, karma yoga, a vegetarian diet, meditation, and chanting
Receive an internationally recognized certification accepted by Yoga Alliance as the 200-hour standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS)

Yoga Alliance Certified

After successful completion, graduates receive a 200-hour certification recognized internationally and confirming the knowledge and experience needed to teach Hatha Yoga. This qualification also makes graduates eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as RYT 200. Those who continue with the Advanced Yoga Teacher Training may become eligible as RYT 500.

Course Curriculum

Asanas

Each day includes study and practice of yoga postures, with senior teachers offering guidance on how to teach asanas and pranayama. Daily practice, with individual corrections, covers:

Sun salutation
12 basic yoga postures
125 asana variations, from intermediate to advanced
Postural alignment
Concentration techniques
Deep relaxation with autosuggestion
Supporting energy flow and releasing blocked energy

Each day also includes a headstand workshop, where teachers work one-on-one with students to help them enter the headstand or practice the preparatory exercises.

In the final two weeks, students begin group teaching practice in small teams, taking turns leading part of a yoga class and receiving personal observation and feedback afterward.

Pranayama

Pranayama, the science of controlling prana, uses breathing exercises to support the health of body and mind. Daily practice includes Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing), along with an introduction to advanced pranayama. Benefits include:

Expanding lung capacity
Increasing oxygen intake for the cells
Removing carbon dioxide and toxins
Recharging energy
Relaxing the nervous system
Balancing the two hemispheres of the brain
Purifying the nadis, or subtle energy channels
Awakening inner spiritual energy

Nutrition

Food shapes the physical body, and the way we eat also influences the mind, senses, energy, thinking, intellect, and environment. Topics include proper diet, vegetarianism for ethical, spiritual, and health reasons, the effect of diet on the mind, balance of key nutrients, Ayurvedic principles of nutrition, and the healing effects of fasting.

Mantra & Meditation

Meditation is an essential part of yoga. During the course, you will learn practical steps, what meditation is, and what it is not, while also exploring meditation as a spiritual path toward the realization of oneness.

The training also places strong emphasis on japa meditation, or mantra repetition. You will learn how a Sanskrit mantra carries mystical energy within its sound structure and how repetition helps create a positive thought pattern.

Kriyas

Yogic cleansing practices, known as kriyas, support the body in removing waste products. Since the yogi sees the body as a vehicle for higher consciousness, cleansing is an important part of the path. Under guidance, you will learn and practice yoga kriya exercises.

Anatomy & Physiology

This study strengthens your understanding of the body in your own practice and helps you apply that knowledge in teaching. You will explore:

Introduction to the major body systems
The effects of asanas and pranayama on the cardiovascular, respiration, digestion, skeletal muscular, and endocrine systems
Yoga and physical culture

Yoga Philosophy

Yoga philosophy offers insight into mistaken ideas about identity and reality. A deeper understanding of the self supports detachment, stress release, and greater harmony between mind, body, and life purpose. You will also study karma and the causes of obstacles and challenges.

These philosophy classes are considered a central part of the training and provide lasting value as knowledge is transmitted. Classical texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, along with writings by yoga masters, are included in the study.

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 may also enjoy cultural programs, ceremonies, concerts, and lectures by guest teachers in allied Vedic sciences such as ayurveda and jyotish.

There is one weekly day off. On that day, students are only required to attend the morning and evening satsangs and complete Karma Yoga. Attendance at all activities is mandatory, and a final exam is held at the end.

The Four Paths of Yoga

Throughout the month, students study the Four Paths of Yoga and, through the Gurukula system, turn theory into practical understanding.

Karma Yoga

Selfless service helps reduce selfishness and egoism while supporting health, joy, and vitality. You will learn how to transform karma into dharma.

Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion, opens the heart and helps refine the emotions. The training includes Kirtan, study of Indian mythology, and traditional Indian rituals.

Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga is the eight-limbed path, beginning with ethical guidelines and ending with meditation. Students gain a clear understanding of how the different yoga techniques support one another, leading to greater control of the body and a deeper understanding of the mind.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana Yoga, the yoga of knowledge, focuses on Vedanta philosophy, self-inquiry, the three bodies, the five layers, and karma. It also explores detachment from illusory ideas of self and other, leading toward the realization of oneness.

Registration Information

This training asks for discipline and commitment, and participants are required to attend all activities, sessions, lectures, and yoga classes. Some prior familiarity with yoga postures and philosophy is helpful, though not necessary. An open mind and willingness to learn are most important.

To preserve the purity of the environment and the elevated vibration needed for yoga and meditation, all students must follow community guidelines. Meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and nudity are prohibited during the course and in the ashram. Students who do not follow the rules may be dismissed.

A fully customized diet cannot be provided. The menu is lacto-vegetarian and almost fully organic, with dairy-free and wheat-free dishes available. Side dishes, desserts, and snacks may still contain gluten and dairy.

What to Bring

The required course materials, included in the tuition and provided at the start of the training, are:

2 yoga pants, 2 t-shirts
TTC Manual

Additional required items, not included but available for purchase in the daily-open boutique, are:

"Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga" by Swami Vishnudevananda
"Yoga – Your Home Practice Companion" by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
"Bhagavad Gita" with a commentary by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Trust Society
Yoga mat
Notebook and pen
Meditation cushion, meditation shawl (recommended)

Please also bring comfortable warm clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, a flashlight, indoor sandals or slippers, walking shoes, a water bottle and travel mug or tumbler for hot tea, rain gear, toiletries, and, for tent space only, your own tent, bedding, and towels.

Course Preparation

The training requires discipline and commitment, but previous mastery of yoga is not necessary. Suggested reading for home study includes:

"Sivananda Beginner's Guide to Yoga" by Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gaia Books
"Yoga Mind & Body" by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley
"Essentials of Yoga Practice and Philosophy" compiled by Swami Sitaramananda

Course Tuition

Tent – Bring Your Own – $2,400.00
Om Cabin – Double – $3,000.00
Om Cabin – Private – $3,500.00
Siva / Krishna 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

This Yoga Teacher Training is certified by Yoga Alliance for the 200-hour standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS). After successful completion, students receive a certificate confirming the knowledge and experience needed to teach Hatha Yoga, including asanas, pranayama, and relaxation.

Course Teachers

Swami Sitaramananda, RYS 500

Vedanta, Yoga Philosophy, Main Lecture, Satsangs

With 39 years of experience as a yogini and yoga and meditation teacher, Swami Sitaramananda has directed Sivananda Ashram Vedanta Yoga Farm for 25 years and now also directs the Sivananda Ashram Yoga resort in Vietnam. A senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, she is known for her clear and

Sivananda yoga class in Grass Valley