Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course
India

Deepen your practice | Transform your life | Begin your spiritual journey
Karma Yoga
The path of selfless action. Do your duty without seeking reward.
Raja Yoga
The path of mental control. Based on the eight limbs of Patanjali.
Bhakti Yoga
The path of devotion. Through study and deep reflection.
Jnana Yoga
The path of knowledge and enquiry.

Swami Vishnudevananda created the Teachers’ Training Course in 1969 to pass on the classical teachings of yoga in their purest form. His vision was simple: train sincere students through direct experience, guided by a lineage that traces back through Swami Sivananda and the ancient guruparampara tradition. The TTC continues in that spirit, offering a structured path for personal growth and a foundation for dedicated teaching.

Preparation begins in the Sivananda Centres across India. The Beginners’ Courses and regular Open Classes can help students build strength, flexibility, breath awareness, and steadiness of practice. While this is not compulsory, it is beneficial for students to use this time to refine their postures, learn the basics of pranayama, and establish a rhythm that supports the intensive 28-day training. The centres provide the entry point: accessible teaching, personal guidance, and a supportive community that helps students step into the next stage with confidence.

The ashrams carry students much deeper. The TTC is taught in the traditional gurukula system where teacher and student live and learn together. Days are shaped by morning and evening satsang, asana and pranayama practice, lectures, karma yoga, and study of philosophy. This immersive setting strengthens discipline, focuses the mind, and opens space for inner growth. Living in the ashram allows the teachings to settle at a spiritual and practical level. Students learn not only how to teach but how to live the yogic life with clarity and purpose.

The TTC remains one of the most respected training programmes in the world because it follows this integrated approach: begin with the fundamentals in the centres and deepen the transformation in the ashrams. The course brings ancient knowledge into daily life and gives each student a direct experience of the tradition that has guided practitioners for thousands of years.

Accreditations & Affiliations

Dates & Prices

Curriculum

Asanas
Asanas

Master the twelve foundational postures and advanced variations.

Pranayama
Pranayama

Daily practice of Kapalabhati, Anuloma Viloma, and advanced pranayama techniques.

Meditation
Meditation

Deepen concentration and spiritual insight through a daily meditation practice.

Mantras
Mantras

Learn the transformative power of mantra initiation and chanting.

Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology

Understand the effects of yoga on key body systems.

Yoga Nutrition
Yoga Nutrition

Explore the principles of vegetarianism for holistic health.

Kriyas
Kriyas

Practice classical purification techniques under expert guidance.

Teaching Practice
Teaching Practice

Gain confidence in teaching yoga with hands-on experience.

Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita

Study the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic.

Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga

Engage in selfless service as part of the Ashram community.

Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga

Cultivate love for the Divine through prayer, chanting, and worship.

Jnana Yoga
Jnana Yoga

Delve into the concepts of Vedanta philosophy and higher consciousness.

Daily Schedule

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Swami Sivananda

Each day in the ashram follows a balanced rhythm of spiritual practice, selfless service, study, and rest.
The schedule is designed to harmonize body, mind, and spirit—offering structure and serenity.

The day begins early to prepare the body and mind for meditation. Waking up before sunrise supports discipline, clarity, and alignment with nature’s rhythms.

Start the day with meditation, chanting, and a reading from the Gurus. This daily practice sets a focused, uplifting tone and is mandatory for TTC students.

Focus on posture corrections, teaching methodology, and practice teaching to build confidence and clarity as a future yoga teacher.

Enjoy a nutritious vegetarian meal, followed by one hour of selfless service—an essential practice for cultivating humility and community spirit.

Daily study of the Bhagavad Gita and regular chanting of Sanskrit mantras deepen understanding, focus the mind, and connect students to the roots of the yogic tradition.

Vedanta: Explore the ancient wisdom of Vedanta with practical insights into the Self, helping you reflect and grow in clarity.

Anatomy & Physiology: Understand the body’s systems to support safe, aware, and effective yoga practice.

Guided practice and demonstration of the 12 basic postures and pranayama techniques to build strength and flexibility. As days progress, we gradually progress to advanced asanas to bring in awareness onto the practice methodology, and practice teaching to build confidence and clarity as a future yoga teacher.

A light, nourishing vegetarian meal served at sunset—supporting digestion, reflection, and quiet preparation for the evening satsang.

Wind down with meditation, chanting, and inspirational readings. Evenings may also include study nights, cultural events, or spiritual films. Mandatory for TTC students

Silence is observed to support rest, inner reflection, and integration of the day’s practice. Early sleep helps maintain energy and focus throughout the course.

Locations

The Ashram offers five simple and functional types of accommodation.

Dhanwantari Ashram
Kerala

Meenakshi Ashram
Tamil Nadu

Tapaswini Ashram
Andra Pradesh

Sivananda Kutir
Uttarakhand

Continuing Education

Advanced Teachers’ Training Course

The 300-hour Advanced TTC is a natural step to broaden your teaching skills and deepen your practice through intensive asana and pranayama.

Sadhana Intensive

A two-week, in-depth and demanding programme of classical hatha yoga and pranayama, with a balanced study of classical scriptures, as designed by Swami Vishnudevananda.