Sivananda Yoga
Teacher Training in Vietnam
Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training
A LIFE TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE
The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course was created by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1969. In 1957, Swami Sivananda sent Swami Vishnudevananda to America when yoga was still relatively unknown. Swami Vishnudevananda was the first yoga master to train people in the West in yoga teacher training courses. He designed the course to give students a comprehensive knowledge of both the practice and the philosophy of yoga.
Upcoming Dates
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Teacher Training Course
February 8 – March 8, 2025
Teacher Training Course
July 2025
Teacher Training Course
Nov. 9 – Dec. 7, 2024
Yoga Alliance Certified
In the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training you will deepen your practice and gain the skills needed to teach Yoga. After graduation participants will receive an certification from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers that confirma that they have the knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga, and which qualifies them to apply for Registered Yoga Teacher (200 hour) status from the international Yoga Alliance
“My mission in life was to reduce the negative influences by positive suggestions and a positive way of life”
– Swami Vishnudevananda
Course Curriculum
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THE SIVANANDA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
Asanas – Yoga Postures
Each day you will study and practice yoga poses as the senior teachers guide you how to teach asanas and pranayama. The daily practice with individual corrections includes:
• Sun salutation
• 12 basic Yoga postures
• 125 Asana variations, from intermediate to advanced level
• Postural alignment
• Concentration techniques
• Deep relaxation with autosuggestion
• Facilitating energy flow and releasing blocked energy
Pranayama – Yogic Breathing
Pranayama, the science of prana control, consists of breathing exercises to enhance the health of body and mind. You will learn Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) and practice daily. Also, you will be introduced to advanced pranayama. Pranayama may offer the following benefits:
• Expanded lung capacity
• Increase oxygen intake for the cells
• Removal of carbon dioxide and toxins
• Recharging your “energy battery”
• Relaxing the nervous system
• Balanceing the two hemispheres of the brain
• Purifying the nadis (subtle energy channels)
• Awakening the inner spiritual energy
Nutrition – Yogic Diet
Food is responsible for building our physical body. The foods we eat and the manner in which we eat also affect our mind, senses, energy, capacity of thinking and intellect.
Course topics include:
• Proper Diet
• Vegetarianism for ethical, spiritual, and health reasons
• How diet affects the mind
• Proper balance of the main nutrients
• Ayurvedic principles of nutrition
• Healing effects of fasting
Meditation and Mantra
Meditation is an integral part for the practice of Yoga. During this course you will learn the practical steps of meditation, what meditation is, and what meditation is not. In addition, you will learn that meditation is a spiritual journey to the realization of oneness.
During the course there will be a focus on japa meditation, or mantra repetition. We will learn how a Sanskrit mantra is a mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Through mantra repetition we will help create positive thought patterns.
Anatomy and Physiology
This study helps you to improve the understanding of your body during your own yoga practice, and how to apply that understanding in your teaching practice. the curriculem includes:
Yoga Philosophy
Yoga philosophy will give you insight into understanding our true nature and the nature of reality, removing mistaken beliefs. A deeper understanding of yourself will help you find detachment and and release stress, bringing your mind and body into harmony with your life purpose. You will learn about karma and will start to understand the causes of your obstacles and challenges.
The philosophy classes are considered the main teaching of the course, and will benefit you for a long time as the seeds of knowledge are being transmitted. You will also study the classical yoga text “Bhagavad Gita”, and the writings of our own yoga masters.
Kirtan and Chanting
Kirtan is singing the names of the Self, or the mantra, with devotion, love and faith. Through this practice you will learn how kirtan helps to purify the heart and calm the mind.
Kriyas
Yogic cleansing exercises, known as “kriyas” assist nature in removing waste products from our bodies. Practicing cleansing is important as the Yogi regards their bodies as a vehicle in which to evolve toward higher consciousness. You will learn and practice, with guidance, yoga kriya exercises.
A Modern and Ancient Tradition
FOUR WEEKS IMMERSION IN YOGA LIFE
The Daily Schedule
05:30am Wake Up
06:00am Meditation, Kirtan chanting, Lecture, or Silent Walk (Satsang)
08:00am Asanas and Pranayama
10:00am Brunch
11:00am Karma Yoga
12:00pm Bhagavad Gita or Chanting Class
02:00pm Main Lecture
04:00pm Asanas and Pranayama
06:00pm Dinner
08:00pm Meditation, kirtan chanting and lecture (Satsang)
10:30pm Lights Out
Practical Information
Students will enjoy special cultural programs, ceremonies, concerts and lectures offered by special guests teachers in allied Vedic sciences such as Ayurveda and Jyotish.
There is one weekly day off. During the day off students are only required to attend morning and evening satsangs and to perform their Karma Yoga duties.
During the course punctual attendance at all activities is mandatory.
There will be a final exam at the end of the course.
The Four Paths of Yoga
An important component of the yoga teacher training is that for one month you will study the lessons of the Four Paths of Yoga. By learning with the Gurukula system, you will transform detailed theory into practical understanding.
The practice of selfless service helps to reduce selfishness and egoism and keeps you fit, healthy, and joyful. You will learn how to transform karma into dharma.
Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of Devotion and teaches us how to open the heart and sublimate the emotions. You will enjoy the practice of Kirtan (chanting of classical Sanskrit mantras), learn about Indian mythology, and other traditional Indian rituals.
Raja Yoga is a system of 8 limbs yoga (also known as ashtanga yoga) starting with guidelines in ethical behavior and ending with meditation. Students will understand the interconnectedness of the different aspects of yoga techniques, all leading to better control of body and understanding of the mind. In fact yoga is meditation and meditation is yoga. Additionally, you will learn yoga psychology, positive thinking, and concentration theory and practice.
“I am Peace”
– Swami Vishnudevananda
Registration Information
SIGNING UP FOR THE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
The practice and teaching of yoga demands a high degree of self-discipline and moral virtue. In order to ensure the success of the program, participants are required to attend all activities, sessions, lectures, and yoga classes.
Please note that a basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful but not essential. Most important is to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn new ideas.
In order to maintain the pure environment and elevated vibration necessary for the practice of yoga and meditation certain items are prohibited. These include: meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and also nudity are all during the course (and in the ashram). Any participants who do not comply with the ashram rules may be dismissed from the course.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to cater to all personal dietary preferences. We will offer a lacto-vegetarian (and almost fully organic) menu and dairy-free and wheat-free dishes. Side dishes, desserts and snacks may contain gluten and dairy.
WHAT TO BRING (COURSE MATERIALS)
SIGNING UP FOR THE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
You can find out all about what to expect at the ashram on our guest information page. During the yoga teacher training course the following course materials and items should be brought with you, or purchased on location in our boutique, which will be open daily.
- 2 yoga pants, 2 t-shirts, TTC Manual
Other required materials, not included in the course fee but available in our boutique for purchase are:
- 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 mat
- Notebook and pen
- Kriya set (including Neti Pot)
- Comfortable as well as warm clothing (covering shoulders and knees)
- Flashlight
- Sandals or slippers for indoors
- Walking shoes
- Towel
- Water Bottle and Travel mug or tumbler (for hot tea)
- Rain gear
- Toiletries
- For tent space only: bring your own tent and sleeping bag
- Meditation cushion, meditation shawl (recommended)
COURSE PREPARATION
The yoga teacher training course requires a high degree of discipline and commitment. Prior mastery of Yoga practices is not necessary, however, previous practice of asanas and meditation is preferable. In order to best prepare for the intensive yoga teacher training schedule we recommend you to take a course at the yoga resort prior to the training. You may check our calendar for upcoming courses.
The following reading is recommended for home study:
- “Sivananda Beginner’s Guide to Yoga” by Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gaia Books
- “Yoga Mind & Body” by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley
- “Meditation and Mantras” by Swami Vishnudevananda, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
- “Essentials of Yoga Practice and Philosophy” compiled by Swami Sitaramananda
Testimonials
Teachers
GET INSPIRED BY THE LINEAGE
Swami Sitaramananda
Swami Sitaramananda is an international teacher of Yoga, Meditation, and Philosophy for more then 35 years. She is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda and is a representative of the teachings of International SYVC in Vietnam. She is in charge of West coast USA centers and Asia centers. She is presently the main teacher of the Yoga Teachers Training Courses offered at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, Grass Valley, CA where she is serving as the director for more then 20 years. She also teaches yearly at other Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams & Centers in India, Bahamas, Japan, and China.
Swami Narayanananda
Swami Narayanananda, who was born in London, England, has been a teacher of Yoga and meditation in the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers since 1999. He has served in the ashrams in California and New York, also as director of the Centers in New York and Chicago. He is a regular teacher for our Teacher Training and Advanced Teacher training courses in the USA, India and Vietnam. Swami Narayanananda has a compassionate and accessible teaching style firmly based in his own practice and in the study of scripture.
Swami Pranavananda
Swami Pranavananda, from the USA, and has been a Yoga and meditation teacher since 1995 in the US and abroad. He teaches mainly the Hatha Yoga and Anatomy sections for the TTC courses. He was the director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA for some years. Currently he is serving in Vietnam teaching in the Hochiminh center. He enjoys taking classes to learn Vietnamese.
Ganga Chaitanya
Ganga Chaitanya graduated from International Sivananda Yoga teacher training course in 2009 and Advanced yoga teacher training course 2010 at the Yoga Farm in Grass Valley USA. She is also a graduate of the “Yoga as Medicine”, “Yoga Psychology”, and “Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness” course. She has been the director of the very dynamic Sivananda Yoga Centre in Ho Chi Minh City since 2011.
Saraswati
Saraswati graduated from International Sivananda Yoga teacher training course 2010 in Vietnam. She is also a graduate of the, “Yoga Psychology”, “Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness” course and “Ayuvedic massage therapist”. She was staff at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta center in Ho Chi Minh from 2010 – 2013. In 2014 she assumed the responsibility of directing the Sivananda Yoga Centre in Dalat City and since 2017 has been assistant director of the new Sivananda Ashram in Dalat. She enjoys teaching beginner courses, yoga for kids along with study of Ayurveda and healing.