The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course is the largest and longest-running yoga teacher training in the West, with more than 52,000 graduates worldwide since 1969. Over the course of one month, you are invited into a peaceful yogic lifestyle designed for inner transformation, deep practice, and steady guidance from experienced practitioners.
After successful completion, graduates receive a 200-hour internationally recognized certification confirming the knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga. Graduates may register with Yoga Alliance worldwide as RYT 200. Those who go on to complete the Advanced Yoga Teacher Training become eligible as RYT 500.
Each day includes study and practice of yoga postures, with senior teachers guiding both asana and pranayama instruction. Daily practice with individual corrections covers:
There is also a daily headstand workshop with one-on-one support to help students work toward the pose or prepare with the necessary exercises. During the final two weeks, students teach in small groups, taking turns leading part of a yoga class and receiving personal feedback.
Pranayama, the science of prana control, uses breathing exercises to support the health of body and mind. Students practice Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) daily and are introduced to advanced pranayama. Benefits include:
Food shapes the physical body, and also influences the mind, senses, energy, thinking, intellect, and environment. Topics include proper diet, vegetarianism for ethical, spiritual, and health reasons, the effects of diet on the mind, nutrient balance, ayurvedic principles of nutrition, and the healing effects of fasting.
Meditation is an essential part of yoga. This course introduces the practical steps of meditation, what meditation is, and what it is not, while presenting it as a spiritual path toward the realization of oneness. Students also focus on japa meditation, or mantra repetition, and learn how a Sanskrit mantra carries mystical energy within sound. Through repetition, positive thought patterns are cultivated.
Yogic cleansing practices, known as kriyas, help nature remove waste products from the body. Since the yogi sees the body as a vehicle for higher consciousness, cleansing is an important support for spiritual evolution. Guided kriya exercises are included in the training.
This study supports a deeper understanding of the body in personal practice and teaching. Students learn about major body systems, the effects of asanas and pranayama on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, skeletal muscular, and endocrine systems, as well as yoga and physical culture.
Yoga philosophy offers insight into mistaken beliefs about identity and reality. As self-understanding deepens, it becomes easier to release stress and bring mind and body into harmony with life purpose. Students study karma, the causes of obstacles and challenges, and classical texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, along with writings of yoga masters.
Throughout the TTC, special holidays and guest performances are part of the experience. Celebrations include major Western and Indian holidays, from Memorial Day and Labor Day to Diwali, Navaratri, and more.
Over four weeks, strangers become a close community through shared practice, teaching, and service. The bond formed during the course often lasts a lifetime, creating a sacred sense of unity among participants.
This month-long residential training follows the ancient Gurukula system, where students live, study, practice, and serve alongside teachers and fellow aspirants. The classical yoga curriculum supports profound personal transformation.
Through heart-to-heart teachings from senior disciples and experienced teachers, students explore the spiritual essence of yoga while developing self-awareness, leadership, health, and vitality. The course also prepares participants to share yoga with others.
Students enjoy cultural programs, ceremonies, concerts, and lectures led 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 morning and evening satsangs and perform karma yoga. Attendance at all activities is mandatory, and a final exam is held at the end.
During the month, students study the Four Paths of Yoga through the Gurukula system, turning theory into practical understanding.
Selfless service helps reduce selfishness and egoism while supporting fitness, health, and joy. Students learn how to transform karma into dharma.
Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion, opens the heart and helps sublimate emotions. The training includes kirtan, Indian mythology, and traditional rituals.
Raja Yoga is the eight-limbed system, beginning with ethical guidelines and ending with meditation. Students explore the connection between yoga methods, body control, and understanding the mind, along with yoga psychology, positive thinking, and concentration practice.
Jnana Yoga, the yoga of knowledge, focuses on Vedanta philosophy, self-inquiry, the three bodies, the five layers, and karma, leading toward the understanding of oneness.
Because yoga teaching requires discipline and moral integrity, participants must attend all activities, sessions, lectures, and yoga classes. Prior mastery of yoga is not required, though basic familiarity with postures and philosophy is helpful. Students are encouraged to arrive with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
To maintain the pure environment needed for yoga and meditation, community guidelines must be followed. Meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and nudity are prohibited during the course and in the ashram. Participants who do not comply may be dismissed.
A lacto-vegetarian, almost fully organic menu is provided, along with dairy-free and wheat-free dishes. Side dishes, desserts, and snacks may contain gluten and dairy.
The required materials included in the course fee and provided at inauguration are 2 yoga pants, 2 t-shirts, and the TTC manual. Additional items may be purchased at the boutique, which is open daily.
This course is certified by Yoga Alliance for the 200-hour standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS). Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate confirming sufficient knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga, including asanas, pranayama, and relaxation.
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 brings clear and humorous explanations of complex philosophical topics.
These extremely comfortable and spacious cabins are tastefully furnished and decorated. Watch the deer wander by from the front porch with sun shade. For your comfort, an air conditioner, propane heater and ceiling fan are provided; furnishings include a desk/table and chairs, dresser/wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided.
Guests may bring their own tent and gear and camp on the land. Sleep closer to nature in the fresh, open air. There are deck platforms designated for tenting. If you want more than one tent, book with us multiple times!
Guests may bring their own tent and gear and camp on the land. Sleep closer to nature in the fresh, open air. There are deck platforms designated for tenting. If you want more than one tent, book with us multiple times!
Book your own private Om cabin. Pleasant and simple lodging, our Om Cabins are the original tent cabins that were built about 20 years ago. They are placed in a peaceful and tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Each cabin is named for a different virtue, such as happiness or contentment. Each cabin is furnished with a dresser, desk, night stand, ceiling fan and propane heater. Om Cabin guests share a nearby bathhouse. Wifi internet is available.
The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Pleasant and simple lodging, our Om Cabins are the original tent cabins that were built about 20 years ago. They are placed in a peaceful and tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Each cabin is named for a different virtue, such as happiness or contentment. Each cabin is furnished with a dresser, desk, night stand, ceiling fan and propane heater. Om Cabin guests share a nearby bathhouse. Wifi internet is available.
Om Cabin - Private (1 twin bed) - Pleasant and simple lodging, our Om Cabins are the original tent cabins that were built about 20 years ago. They are placed in a peaceful and tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Each cabin is named for a different virtue, such as happiness or contentment. Each cabin is furnished with a dresser, desk, night stand, ceiling fan and propane heater. Om Cabin guests share a nearby bathhouse. Wifi internet is available.
Our Siva Cabins are newly built and are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, at the base of Siva hill on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. They feature an outdoor porch, bamboo wood flooring, ceiling fan, and are built with high grade materials and furnished with a side table, dresser and propane heater. Includes a private bathroom and shower. Wifi is available.
Our Krishna Cabins are newly built and are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, at the base of Siva hill on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. They feature an outdoor porch, bamboo wood flooring, ceiling fan, and are built with high grade materials and furnished with a side table, dresser and propane heater. Includes a private bathroom and shower. Wifi is available.
The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Our Krishna Cabins are newly built and are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, at the base of Siva hill on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. They feature an outdoor porch, bamboo wood flooring, ceiling fan, and are built with high grade materials and furnished with a side table, dresser and propane heater. Includes a private bathroom and shower. Wifi is available.
Deluxe Shanti - Private or Married Couples (Queen Bed + Futon) - Pleasant, deluxe, lodging, our Shanti Cabins are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Includes private bathroom with shower, air conditioner, propane heater, ceiling fan, and attic space. Furnishings include a desk, table, chairs, dresser, wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided. Wifi is available.
Deluxe Shanti - book with friends or family (3 twin beds) - Pleasant, deluxe, lodging, our Shanti Cabins are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Includes private bathroom with shower, air conditioner, propane heater, ceiling fan, and attic space. Furnishings include a desk, table, chairs, dresser, wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided. Wifi is available.
Deluxe Shanti Shared Dorm (3 twin beds) - Pleasant, deluxe, lodging, our Shanti Cabins are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Includes private bathroom with shower, air conditioner, propane heater, ceiling fan, and attic space. Furnishings include a desk, table, chairs, dresser, wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided. Wifi is available.
Deluxe Shanti - book with friends or family (2 twin beds) - The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Pleasant, deluxe, lodging, our Shanti Cabins are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Includes private bathroom with shower, air conditioner, propane heater, ceiling fan, and attic space. Furnishings include a desk, table, chairs, dresser, wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided. Wifi is available.
Deluxe Shanti Shared Dorm (2 twin beds) - The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Pleasant, deluxe, lodging, our Shanti Cabins are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Includes private bathroom with shower, air conditioner, propane heater, ceiling fan, and attic space. Furnishings include a desk, table, chairs, dresser, wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided. Wifi is available.
Swami Sitaramananda
About Swami Adiparashaktiananda Swami Adiparashaktiananda is a devoted sadhak and an experienced international Sivananda Yoga teacher and trainer, with more than 16 years of experience leading international TTCs in the USA, Vietnam, Japan, and China. He primarily serves as assistant to Acharya Swami Sitaramananda at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, California. He received his first monastic vow in the...
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About Swami Sivasankariananda Swami Sivasankariananda serves as director of the Los Angeles Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center and is a respected member of the Sivananda teaching community. She completed her TTC at the Yoga Farm in 1997, followed by her ATTC there in 2008. Her path has included yatra throughout north and south India, as well as to Mount Kailas, experiences that...
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Sat, May 2