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.
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.
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:
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, 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:
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.
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.
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.
This study strengthens your understanding of the body in your own practice and helps you apply that knowledge in teaching. You will explore:
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.
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.
Throughout the month, students study the Four Paths of Yoga and, through the Gurukula system, turn theory into practical understanding.
Selfless service helps reduce selfishness and egoism while supporting health, joy, and vitality. You will learn how to transform karma into dharma.
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 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, 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.
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.
The required course materials, included in the tuition and provided at the start of the training, are:
Additional required items, not included but available for purchase in the daily-open boutique, are:
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.
The training requires discipline and commitment, but previous mastery of yoga is not necessary. Suggested reading for home study includes:
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.
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
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, Oct 17