Sivananda India Affiliated Centre
Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern the affiliation between Sivananda India and approved Affiliated Centres. By applying for and accepting affiliation, the centre agrees to comply fully with the terms outlined below.

1. Nature of affiliation

Affiliated Centres act as welcoming points of entry for those beginning their Yoga journey. They offer a supportive space for regular practice, learning, and guidance, while helping sincere students gradually build a deeper connection with Sivananda India ashrams and their offerings.

As outreach arms of Sivananda India, Affiliated Centres play an important role in preserving continuity, maintaining teaching quality, and ensuring that Yoga is shared with care, consistency, and integrity.

Sivananda Affiliated Centres operate independently – financially and administratively, however they bear the name Sivananda Yoga Centre and are promoted on Sivananda India digital platforms including website & social media.

2. Eligibility and approval

  • Affiliation is granted solely at the discretion of Sivananda India, governed by the legal entity Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram Trust.
  • Applications are accepted only from centres led by teachers who have completed their Yoga Teachers Training Course at Sivananda Ashrams.
  • Applications from Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, and Delhi will not be considered, as Sivananda India operates its own centres in these cities.
  • Approval is subject to successful review of the application and completion of the mandatory orientation programme.

3. Orientation and activation

  • Promoters and nominated teachers of Affiliated Centres must complete a ten day Orientation and Training Programme conducted by Sivananda India.
  • Affiliation becomes active only upon successful completion of this programme.
  • Use of the Sivananda India name, logo, or representation prior to activation is not permitted.

4. Teaching scope and conduct

Affiliated Centres are authorised to conduct only

  • Beginners Yoga Courses
  • Regular daily practice classes

Workshops, retreats, or special programmes require prior written approval from Sivananda India.

The following are strictly prohibited

  • Fitness or hybrid activities such as Zumba or Pilates
  • Teaching of Yoga styles or systems from other lineages
  • Engaging unqualified or non approved teachers

Teaching must remain aligned with the values, discipline, and standards of Sivananda India.

5. Teaching standards, spiritual discipline, and daily practices

Affiliated Centres are expected to uphold the teaching standards, spiritual discipline, and daily practices that form the foundation of the Sivananda tradition.

Affiliated Centres agree to the following:

  • To provide a clean, quiet, and dedicated Yoga hall or teaching space suitable for traditional Yoga instruction.
  • To teach only the Yoga system authorised by Sivananda India.
  • To ensure that all teachers wear the Sivananda Yoga Teacher’s uniform, as prescribed during the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course, while conducting classes.
  • To begin all classes with the Gajananam prayer and conclude with the Maha Mrtyunjaya mantra, as taught during the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course.
  • To conduct Arati on all days the Affiliated Centre is open.
  • To conduct Satsang at least once a week, in alignment with Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre norms.

Affiliated Centres and teachers are expected to strive to follow the same spiritual discipline observed by teaching staff at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, including:

  • Adherence to the ethical and moral discipline of Yoga (Yamas and Niyamas).
  • A strict vegetarian diet.
  • Abstention from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs.
  • Daily practice of meditation, asanas, and pranayama.

6. Brand usage and representation

  1. Affiliated Centres may represent themselves only using the approved naming format
    Sivananda Yoga Centre – Location Name (Affiliated)
    eg: Sivananda Yoga Centre Mysuru (Affiliated)
  2. The Sivananda India name, logos, and branding materials may not be altered, sublicensed, franchised, or used to create sub affiliations.
  3. Any misuse of name or branding may result in suspension or withdrawal of affiliation.

7. Governance and review

  • All Affiliated Centres operate under the academic oversight of the Affiliated Centre Review Committee of Sivananda India.
  • Centres are subject to periodic reviews, including assessment of activities, teaching quality, and student experience.
  • Sivananda India retains final authority in all matters related to academic standards, reviews, disputes, and continuation of affiliation.

8. Reporting and quality assurance

  • Affiliated Centres must comply with periodic reporting requirements as prescribed by Sivananda India.
  • Student feedback may be collected through email or telephone, supported by the GetOnYoga platform, to ensure quality and consistency across centres.
  • Failure to maintain minimum quality or engagement standards may lead to corrective actions or suspension.

9. Student data and communication

Affiliated Centres agree that Sivananda India and GetOnYoga may access student information related to affiliated programmes.

Student data may be used for

  • Listing programmes on official Sivananda India platforms
  • Communicating relevant courses and retreats
  • Collecting feedback for quality assurance

Student information will not be used for unrelated or commercial purposes.

10. Suspension or withdrawal

Sivananda India reserves the right to suspend or withdraw affiliation in cases including but not limited to

  • Non compliance with these Terms and Conditions
  • Deviation from approved teaching scope
  • Use of unqualified teachers
  • Repeated adverse student feedback
  • Misuse of name, logo, or affiliation status

Decisions of Sivananda India in this regard are final.

11. Acceptance of terms

Submission of an application and acceptance of affiliation constitute full agreement to these Terms and Conditions.

Affiliated Centres agree to operate in good faith, maintaining the dignity, discipline, and integrity of the Sivananda tradition.