Advanced Teachers' Training Course

Daily: two meditation sessions, two yoga classes, one pranayama class (breathing exercises), three lectures, one hour of service to the ashram community. One day a week is lecture-free.

Asanas

• The twelve basic postures in depth
• Practice of classical advanced variations
• Precise corrections
• Deeper understanding of Hatha Yoga

Pranayama

• Extended practice of Anuloma Viloma
• Advanced pranayamas
• Proper use of the Bandhas

Vedanta

• The philosophical schools of India
• Analogies of the supreme reality
• Study of Vedantic meditation techniques
• Explanation of Vedantic mantras

Raja Yoga

• In-depth study of the Yoga Sutras from Patanjali
• The mind, its mystery and control
• Detailed study of the eight steps of Raja Yoga

Bhakti Yoga

• The nine types of Bhakti
• The five attitudes of devotion

Sanskrit

• Learning the Sanskrit alphabet
• Correct pronunciation and spelling of the mantras and hymns

Anatomy and physiology

• Study of the nervous system, brain, endocrine glands and how they relate to the practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation

Kirtan (mantra chanting)

• Positive effects on the emotions
• Correct pronunciation and mental attitude
• Learning of classical Sanskrit songs

Diet

• Subtle aspects of the vegetarian diet
• Proper nutrition according to the three-Dosha theory of Ayurveda

Successful completion of the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course is a prerequisite for all participants. This course is intensive and sound physical and mental health is required.

Swami Sivadasananda, Swami Ramapriyananda, Swami Narayanananda and further senior instructors of the Retreat House with many years of practice and teaching experience.