International Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) in Rudraprayag, Himalayas, India
21 October – 19 November 2017
or
24 February – 25 March 2018
24 October – 22 November 2018
Dates include arrival and departure days
Tuition fee
Triple Room: €2530
Double Room: €3,090
Single Room: €3,910
Reduced triple room price of €2,300, applicable to nationals of the following countries who are residing in their home country: Eastern Europe, Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, South and Central America
All rates valid until 31 March 2018
Course description
Four-week theoretical and practical training in all aspects of yoga composed of 401 training units of 45 minutes’ duration
International certificate from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organization (ISYVC) is awarded on successful completion of the course. The diploma is entitled “Yoga Siromani” and recognised by Yoga Alliance for the 200 hours Registered Yoga School Standards
This course was established in 1969 by Swami Vishnudevananda as the first yoga teachers’ training course taught to Western students and now has over 40,000 graduates.
A sincere desire to learn and openness to yogic techniques is required – a basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is preferred, but not essential. Students will develop the skills to teach yoga asanas and improve their own personal practice.
Curriculum
Asanas, Pranayama, Yoga Nutrition, Kriyas, Meditation, Mantras, Vedanta Philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, The Four Yoga Paths, Anatomy and Physiology
Daily schedule
Daily: two meditation sessions, two yoga classes, two lectures, one hour of service to the ashram community. Students are given one lecture-free day a week. Attendance of the entire TTC daily schedule is mandatory.
Course instructors
are Yoga Acharyas (spiritual teachers) and senior teachers personally trained by Swami Vishnudevananda.
Swami Durgananda
Is a Yoga Acharya and director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Europe. A senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, Swami Durgananda accompanied her teacher on many tours throughout India. She has been building up the European centres for over 30 years under the guidance of her teacher. munich(at)sivananda.net
Swami Sivadasananda
is a Yoga Acharya, director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in Europe, Acharya for South America and a long-time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda. He is known for his inspiring and relaxed teaching methods in asanas and pranayama. tyrol(at)sivananda.net
Swami Kailasananda
Is a Yoga Acharya and director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres in England and France and the Pacific Rim. She is a scholar of Sanskrit and a long-time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda. orleans(at)sivananda.net
Several other swamis, senior teachers and translators will be participating in the course.
Special programmes
A seven-day journey to the meaning of life
with Bhakti Yoga Acharya Sri Venugopal Goswami, Vrindavan, North India
Bhagavad Saptaha or the seven-day recitation of the Srimad Bhagavatam deepens the knowledge of the four classical yoga paths, whose wisdom is contained in this classical yoga scripture. This spiritual highlight is a special opportunity to experience first-hand the curriculum topics pertaining to the Bhakti Yoga cutlure of traditional India.
Accompanied by live music: harmonium, vocals, bamboo flute, shenai oboe and tabla.
A Healthy Diet according to Ayurveda
This guest speaker programme presents the opportunity to improve your lifestyle according to the dietary and hygienic rules of Ayurveda. An Indian Ayurveda Vaidya (therapist) will explain the basic principles of Ayurveda in PowerPoint shows. A personal health consultation (at extra cost) is possible.
Ayurveda massages
Classical Ayurveda oil massages deepen the effects of the yoga practice. Ladies have the option of individual treatment by a female Ayurveda therapist. An Ayurveda therapist for men is available on certain days of the week. You can book and pay for your treatment at the hotel reception desk.
Course Books
The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga by Swami Vishnudevananda, Three Rivers Press
Bhagavad Gita with a commentary by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Trust Society
Yoga: Your Home Practice Companion by the Sivananda Yoga Centres (Dorling Kindersley)
Please note: These books are not included in the course fee. You cannot find these books locally in India. They can be purchased at the Sivananda Yoga Centres or via the online shop.
Further recommended reading for at-home study
Sivananda Beginner’s Guide to Yoga by Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gaia Books
Meditation and Mantras by Swami Vishnudevananda, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
Also available at the Sivananda Yoga Centres or via the online shop.
Registration
Registration is valid with a down payment of 30% of the full amount. The remaining unpaid balance is due no later than 6 weeks before the course begins.
Included are the examination fee, administrative costs, teaching, room and board, two sets of yoga clothing and a teacher’s manual.
Not included are ground transportation to and from Delhi, tips, kriya kit, laundry service as well as any other additional service. Please book your own flight to Delhi.
It is recommended to purchase a travel cancellation insurance policy through your travel agency.
Certificate and training units
International certificate from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre organization (ISYVC) is awarded on successful completion of the course. The diploma is entitled ‘Yoga Siromani’.
The International Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses consist of three levels:
Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) 401 units of 45 min or 301 units of 60 min
Advanced Teachers’ Training Course (ATTC) 437 units of 45 min or 328 units of 60 min
Sadhana Intensive 173 units of 45 min or 130 units of 60 min
The Yoga Alliance recognises the TTC for the 200 hours Registered Yoga School Standards and the TTC plus ATTC for the 500 hours Registered Yoga School Standards.
Further Training for Yoga Teachers (e.g. TTC Refresher, Yoga during Pregnancy, Yoga over 50) >>
Course languages
The course will be taught in English with simultaneous translation into, Italian using a modern wireless translation system and headphones (available in the yoga boutique or bring your own).
The course may additionally be translated into Russian, please enquire for details.
The rental fee for the translation system is €30 for the month.
Venue
Monal Resort is located 3 km from Rudraprayag, on 3 acres (1.2 hectares) of pristine land, surrounded on three sides by the lesser Himalayan Range. The resort has 53 rooms, each of which has its own private balcony, most of them with a view of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas.
Comfortable rooms (1–3 beds), private bathroom, electric or AC heater, water kettle, white linen bed sheets, quilt with quilt cover or two blankets, one pillow, bed cover.
Drinking water and teas
Teas will be available on a self-service basis between the activities. Mineral water is available at extra cost.
Meals and snacks
Daily two lightly spiced Indian-style yogic vegetarian meals and one snack will be served buffet-style.
Teaching locations
Meditations, lectures and some asana classes will be held on a spacious roof terrace (covered) overlooking the Alaknanda river. Four scenic open air asana platforms are also available.
Outdoors
Breathing the fresh Himalayan air is a boon for health throughout your stay. The old pilgrims’ footpath to the high Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath passes right below Monal Resort. It leads to a large Ghat (bathing steps) by the Alaknanda River, ideal for pranayama and meditation, at just a few minutes walking distance. On the way you come by a small Siva Lingam Shrine where you can get blessings from a local pundit. The same footpath takes you through an impressive landscape of rocks and cacti, crossing the river over a small hanging bridge, to the Rudranath Temple (2 km distance) right above the river confluence. According to mythology it is here that Lord Rudra (Siva) taught music to the sage Narada. All worship in this temple is done by female priests.
Telephone and mobile phone
There is a mobile phone contact for the hotel, which should only be used in case of emergency: +91 98 37 24 06 75
Mobile phone coverage for Airtel, Idea and Vodafone. Sim cards available at Delhi International Airport, requires copy of passport/visa and 1 photo.
Most foreign SIM cards do allow Internet roaming access.
Boutique
Yoga accessories: yoga mats, meditation pillows, asana outfits, shawls for meditation, yoga books, mantra CDs, translation headphones and more.
Laundry service
Outside laundry service at extra charge; collection and return of laundry every evening.
Check in/Check out
Check in at 2:00 PM
Check out at 10:00 AM
Visit: www.monalresorts.com
Excursions
Once a week is a lecture-free day. Possible excursions (extra cost):
Rudraprayag town (3 km)
Rudranath Temple (2 km)
Right above the river confluence. According to mythology it is here that Lord Rudra (Siva) taught music to the sage Narada. All worship in this temple is done by female priests.
Koteshwar Temple (3 km)
At a distance of 3 km from Rudraprayag and on the holy bank of the River Alaknanda is situated the Koteshwar temple in a cave. There are many idols, which have been formed naturally. It is believed that before going to Kedarnath, Lord Siva meditated here. During the months of August and September, thousands of devotees come here to worship Lord Siva.
Agastyamuni (23 km)
About 23 km from Rudraprayag, in the glorious valley of Mandakini, lies the popular town of Agastyamuni – a miniature paradise. Here, on the banks of the murmuring deep blue Mandakini sat the great sage Agastyamuni in deep meditation. The Agastya temple honours the great sage and is an ideal place to relax on the banks of the river.
Kartik Swami (38 km)
The Kartik Swami temple is dedicated to Kartikeya – son of Siva. It can be reached by a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri village, which is located on the Rudraprayag–Pokhri route. You can have magnificent views of the snow-clad Himalayan range from the Kartik Swami temple.
Travel information
Rudraprayag is an ancient pilgrimage town (20,000 inhabitants) at the point of confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini, which are both tributaries to the River Ganges. Altitude of 890 m, 370 km away from Delhi. The area carries the spiritual thought currents of generations of spiritual seekers and pilgrims who walked and prayed in these pristine natural surroundings.
Monal Resorts
Main Badrinath Road,
246 475 Rudraprayag
Uttarakhand
India
Mobile telephone for emergencies only: +91 98 37 24 06 75
The Yogibus
The Sivananda Yoga Centres suggest you travel from Delhi to Rudraprayag by Yogibus:
Chartered 27 seater AC coach
Suggested arrival time in Delhi, October 21 latest at 3:00 AM. A Yogibus escort will be available at the Delhi International Airport Terminal 3 arrivals area in front of the Costa Coffee as of 4:00 AM. The Yogibus departs at 5:00 AM.
If you are arriving before October 21 in Delhi, the meeting point is at 4:00 AM at the Hotel Shanti Palace (near the airport).
One-way charge: 6600 INR (or 95€), including breakfast in the bus and a full lunch stop half way. Mineral water is included on the AC coach.
The Yogibus will arrive in time for dinner at Monal Resorts Hotel in Rudraprayag.
Enrolment form for Delhi – Rudraprayag (October 2017) (PDF) >>
Depending on your arrival time in New Delhi, it may be necessary to spend a night in a hotel. You can book a room by e-mail. For more information on the hotels >>
Return journey:
The yogibus departs on November 19 at 6:00 AM from Monal Resorts Hotel in Rudraprayag, arrives at Delhi International Airport at approx. 10:00 PM.
Enrolment for Rudraprayag–Delhi will take place in Rudraprayag itself.
By train
From Delhi to Haridvar, plus 5 hours’ taxi drive.
By air
From Delhi to Dehradun, plus 5 hours’ taxi drive.
Please bring
Yoga mat, meditation pillow and shawl (also available at the Sivananda Boutique in Rudraprayag), sandals, sweat pants and sweat shirts, writing pad, torch, alarm clock, private toiletry items, soap, clothesline, money belt.
It is advisable to keep a copy of your visa, passport and plane ticket separately in your luggage.
Clothing
Comfortable clothing adapted to the traditional lifestyle of India is required: No figure-hugging clothes, no halter tops, shorts or short skirts.
Please pack a scarf and cap, warm socks and sweaters. Also sunscreen and sun hat.
Pharmaceuticals
Please ask your pharmacy for a small kit of medicines appropriate for India. Please consult with your physician or tropical medical service about vaccinations.
Conditions for participation
Participation in the Teachers’ Training Course requires constant adaptation to local customs, as well as inner openness and sincere acceptance of the instructions given by the teachers.
After enrolling, please meet or telephone with Swami Vidyananda (see her contact details below). This is to gain a better understanding of the spiritual nature of the course and to answer any further questions you may have. This personal course introduction is essential for enrolment.
Cancellation and withdrawal policy
Cancellation before the start of the course: the following cancellation fees will apply:
More than 21 days before arrival date: 10% of the yoga part and 10% of the room and board part
Within 21 days of arrival date 30% of the yoga part and 30% of the room and board part
If you would like to change your booking to another programme organized by the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Reith, a rebooking fee of 50 euros will be charged.
Early departure from the yoga teachers training course in Rudraprayag:
Within the first 3 days: 500 euro cancellation fee
After 3 days: no refund will be given – neither for the yoga part nor for the room and board part
In case of early departure from the course, the TTC course manual and TTC uniforms (2 trousers / 2 t-shirts) must be returned before leaving the teaching location.
Enrolment
Please contact
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Retreat House
Bichlach 40, A-6370 Reith bei Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria
Contact: Swami Vidyananda, Coordinator of TTC North India
Phone: +44 20 3289 1432, +43 5356 67 404-29
(preferably Mon–Sun, 11 AM–4 PM Central European Time)
e-mail: rudraprayag-himalayas(at)sivananda.net
Booking and payment need to be made at the same centre.