Sivananda Yoga

Teacher Training Course

in Chengdu, China

Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training

A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC) is the largest and longest-running Yoga Teacher Training in the West, with over 45k graduates worldwide since 1969. Join us for a month of inner transformation and deep immersion in a peaceful yogic lifestyle, all with the guidance and support of seasoned practitioners.

Enliven and deepen your yoga practice
Ground yourself in a classical yoga tradition
Learn to teach yoga to others with confidence and grace
Immerse yourself in a well-rounded Yogic lifestyle; participate in daily Asanas (yoga poses), Pranayama (breathing exercises), Karma Yoga (selfless service), vegetarian diet, meditation, and chanting.
Earn an internationally recognized certification which is accepted by the Yoga Alliance as the standard 200 hours required by Registered Yoga Schools (RYS)

Benefits of TTC

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Deepen your practice

Improve your health and regain vitality and clarity

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Classical Tradition

Connect to a tradition and be supported in your own practice and teaching

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Develop Confidence

Develop the intuition, knowledge and confidence to teach others

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Yoga Lifestyle

Experience a Yogic lifestyle (applying the 5 points of yoga) and be able to teach it to others

Upcoming Yoga Teacher Training Dates

ENLIVEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

Yoga Teacher Training Course

Chengdu, China

September 12 – October 10, 2020

Yoga Teacher Training Course

Chengdu, China

September 2021

Sivananda yoga teacher training is certified with yoga alliance

Yoga Alliance Certified

After completion our graduates will receive a 200-hour, internationally recognized certification confirming they have the knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga. Graduates will be eligible to register with worldwide Yoga Alliance as RYT 200. Graduates who also take our Advanced Yoga Teacher Training become eligible as a RYT 500.

Course Curriculum

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THE SIVANANDA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

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ASANA

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 level to advanced

• Postural alignment

• Concentration techniques

• Deep relaxation with autosuggestion

• Facilitate energy flow and remove blocked energy

PRANAYAMA

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) daily. Also, you will be introduced to advanced pranayama. In summary pranayama will give you the following benefits:

• Expands capacity of the lungs

• Increase oxygen intake for the cells

• Remove carbon dioxide and toxins

• Recharge your energy battery

• Relaxes the nervous system

• Balances the two hemispheres of the brain

• Purifies the nadis (subtle energy channels)

• Awakens the inner spiritual energy

NUTRITION

Food is responsible for building our physical body. The foods we eat and the manner we eat, also affect our mind, senses, energy, capacity of thinking, intellect, and environment.

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. Furthermore through repetition we will create a positive thought pattern.

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. Therefore you will learn and practice, with guidance, yoga kriya exercises.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

This study helps you to improve the understanding of your body during your own yoga practice, and to apply it in your teaching practice. You will learn:

• Introduction to the major body systems

• The effects of asanas and pranayama on: the cardiovascular, respiration, digestion, skeletal muscular and endocrine systems

• Yoga and physical culture

YOGA PHILOSOPHY

Yoga philosophy will give you insights into our mistaken beliefs of who we are and what reality really is. A deeper understanding of yourself will help you to detach and release stress which will bring your mind and body in harmony with your life purpose. You will learn about karma and will understand the causes of your obstacles and challenges.

The philosophy classes are considered the main teaching and will benefit you for a long time as the seeds of knowledge are being transmitted. The study of classical yoga texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the writings of our own yoga masters will also take place to enrich you.

KIRTAN

Kirtan is singing the Divine name, 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.

Course Location

Chengdu Xinyi Water Town – Chinese Medicine Immersion Camp

The course will be held at the newly built Sichuan Chinese Medicine Immersion Camp, located at the Xinyi Water Town, just outside of the city of Chengdu. The camp is surrounded by water and blanketed with trees, herbs and flowers which yield many Chinese medicinal elements. It’s a quiet, spacious place that’s easily accessible and modern. It’s only about 30 mins away from the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport by car. The Camp offer pick-up service from the airport for 30 USD. We can help you with booking.

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The body is the moving temple of God. It is the sacred shrine for the Supreme Soul. It should ever be kept clean, healthy, and strong”

– Swami Sivananda

A Modern and Ancient Tradition

FOUR WEEKS IMMERSION IN YOGA LIFE

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This month-long residential training follows the ancient Gurukula system, where students live, study, practice and serve alongside their teachers and fellow aspirants. Students will practice the classical yoga curriculum which opens opportunities for deep personal transformation.

The spiritual essence of yoga will be learned through in-depth lessons shared from heart to heart by senior disciples and experienced teachers. This will help awaken self-awareness, leadership, and guide the student to cultivate health and vitality. In addition the course will prepare students to transmit the knowledge of yoga to others.

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. *Attendance at all activities is mandatory and there will be a final exam at the end.

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.

Jnana yoga or yoga of knowledge is the study and practice of vedanta philosophy. Practically it is the practice of self-inquiry and the understanding of the 3 bodies, 5 layers, and karma. Also one would learn to detach from illusory understanding of self and other and realize oneness.

Registration Information

SIGNING UP FOR THE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

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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. More importantly, students are encouraged to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn new ideas.

In order to maintain a pure environment and elevating vibration necessary for the practice of yoga and meditation, there are community guidelines which all students are expected to follow.

Meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and also nudity are all prohibited during the course (and in the ashram). Furthermore if there are any participants who do not comply with the ashram rules they 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 also dairy-free and wheat-free dishes. With this most people are happy, healthy and feel well fed. Side dishes, desserts and snacks may contain gluten and dairy.

WHAT TO BRING (COURSE MATERIALS)

You can find out all about what to expect at the ashram in our guest information page. During the yoga teacher training course the following course materials and items should be brought or purchased on location in our boutique which will be open daily.

The required materials included in course fee and provided at course inauguration are:

2 yoga pants, 2 t-shirts
TTC Manual Other required materials not included but available in our boutique for purchase are:
The “Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga“ by Swami Vishnudevananda, Three Rivers Press
“Yoga – Your Home Practice Companion” by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley
“Bhagavad Gita“ with a commentary by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Trust Society
Yoga mat
Notebook and pen
Kriya set (including Neti Pot)
Meditation cushion, meditation shawl (recommended)

Also please bring with you:

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, bedding, and towels

COURSE TUITION

For the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training the base rate is $2800 for tenting accommodations. From there the rate goes up as you choose different accommodations options as follows:

Tenting $2600

Shared Double $2950

basic Single $3450

luxury Single $3700

COURSE PREPARATION

The yoga teacher training course requires a high degree of discipline and commitment however prior mastery of Yoga practices is not necessary. Instead yoga is about inner growth. Of course prior 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 ashram prior to the training. You may check our calendar for upcoming courses.

Here is some recommended reading for at-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

CERTIFICATION

The Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course is certified by the Yoga Alliance for the 200-hour standard for Registered Yoga Schools (RYS).

Upon successful completion, the student receives a certificate confirming they have sufficient knowledge and experience to teach Hatha Yoga (asanas, pranayama and relaxation). In acknowledgment, participants receive the title “Yoga Siromani” from the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.

Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize”

– Swami Sivananda

Yoga Teacher Training Testimonials

READ WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING

My Experience: I loved TTC. Every part of it. Really. I was always marveling at how seamless and spacious it all felt even in the midst of a tighter schedule. And then I remembered where the teachings came from. The staff at the ashram were all so supportive and kind. The teachers amazing and just breathed what they taught/teach. I felt nourished physically, mentally and spiritually from arrival through departure and it stays with me. I think some of the effect on me is trust. Deeper faith and trust in God which I practice through Sivananda yoga. I feel more relaxed, peaceful and often able to stay in the moment.

TTC did change my life on many levels. An obvious change has been that I have let go of teaching Vinyasa and other asana practices and focused on teaching Sivananda. I had been worried if people would appreciate it here in Fairfield county but they do and who was I to doubt. And I don’t have to come up with sequences and playlists so I can spend more time sitting, breathing etc.

My Advice to future students: Take it easy and breathe, do your homework, pay attention in lectures etc, trust the teachers when they say it’s all ok. Remember this is your guide, your friend and don’t take any one thing too seriously. Dance with it all and laugh.

Enjoy it it passes way too soon.

Margie Depew

Pound Ridge, New York, U.S.A.

TTC October 2015

My Experience: TTC at the Yoga Farm was absolutely invaluable. To get such a robust experience and training in classical yoga within the ashram environment was very powerful. There are a diverse set of teachers that all complement each other well, and students had the opportunity to develop relationships with each. Access to the knowledge and experiences of the teachers, staff and other students on the path was truly phenomenal, as I have a limited spiritual community at home. The ashram is an environment cultivated specifically to incubate and nurture your spiritual journey, and spending a month here provides a unique opportunity for perspective and growth that cannot be obtained by attending weekend classes or learning online. My TTC was hands down the most valuable month of my life and easily the best investment I’ve ever made!

My Advice to future students: Empty your mind of preconceived notions and judgement, humbly commit yourself to this one month experience, and you will gain precious perspective on your relationship with your mind and with the world you’re a part of.

Benjamin DeBord

Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A.

TTC May 2016

My Experience: My TTC experience was truly a blessing. It has a very subtle effect on your awareness of everything. It made me a calmer person and see things more clearly. It just increases your awareness and brings more clarity and makes you a more balanced person in my experience. The changes are slow but definitely it has bought a sense of balance and calmness in my life. There is no anxiety about anything as such. You learn to accept things and appreciate life all the more because you see more clearly. There is some kind of expansion that occurs.

My Advice to future students: Try it not to become a teacher, which is of course part of the course, but to bring more awareness to yourself. It is an opportunity to find yourself and give yourself time to introspect and derive meaning out of your life. You need to be open to receive that.

Hima Kondam

Shakopee, Minnesota, U.S.A.

TTC October 2015

My Experience: During TTC I had the opportunity to share a transformational month with the company of amazing beings. The teachings combined with the live-in ashram experience helped me to redefine my goals in life. I learned practical tools to establish in happiness not depending on the external circumstances. This month had moments of joy, challenge, love, acceptance and healing.

My Advice to future students: Congratulations! This will be a unique experience that can impact your live in a positive way. Being open and humble is always a good attitude to bring for a learning experience. Welcome the change and prepare for a month that will challenge and nourish your mind, body and Soul.

Valentin Payares

Cartegena, Colombia

TTC May 2016

Yoga Teacher Training Course Teachers

Swami Sitaramananda

Yoga Farm Director

Swami Sitaramananda is a senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda and acharya of the US West Coast centers and Ashram. Swamiji is also the acharya of the Sivananda mission in Asia, especially in Vietnam, where she hails from.

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Swami Narayanananda

Vietnam Yoga Resort Ashram Manager

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 Adiparashaktiananda

Hatha Yoga Teacher

Swami Adi Parashaktiananda is a dedicated Sadhak and Hatha Yoga practitioner and teacher, graduated from Sivananda Teachers Training Course in 2007 at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, CA. He took the first monastic vow from Sivananda lineage in 2011 and has been traveling yearly to Vietnam as Swami Sitaramananda’s assistant since then. Swamiji has been teaching the Hatha Yoga classes for the Teachers Training Course and has also been traveling to Chengdu, China to help teach the Teachers Training Course there.