Sivananda Integrated Yoga Vedanta Ayurveda Meditation Music (SIYVAM)

TEACHER TRAINING & ADVANCED TEACHERS’ TRAINING SADHANA
The Teacher Training Courses are combined into a ‘single integrated whole’ to maintain the momentum of learning, practising and transformation, to be fully trained and aligned to the ethos and values of the Sivananda organisation, ready to serve whole-heartedly, and destiny willing, to later receive Brahmacharya Deeksha and when fully ready to then enter into the Fourth Ashrama, i.e. Sanyasa Ashrama.
The Yoga Teacher Training and Advanced Teachers’ Training, as with the entire programme, is run according to the gurukula tradition, in which the sadhaka lives in the Ashram setting under the able guidance of experienced teachers. These two courses along with two sadhana immersion courses (Sadhana Intensive & Sadhana Mandalam), form the backbone of the teacher training. Teaching practice is an integral part of the programme.

SAMSKRUTA SADHANA
An elementary knowledge of reading and writing Sanskrit is necessary for the sadhaka to understand the Scriptures (shastras) in their true light and to enable the sadhaka to grasp the original and deeper meanings of the texts. The study of Sanskrit purifies the mind and prepares the mind to receive the teachings with heightened receptivity and alertness. The programme provides the opportunity to study Sanskrit and consequently enhance the quality of one’s learning.  This includes the practice of chanting, recitals, and memorising important verses and sutras from the sacred texts ennobling the sadhaka with qualitatively-improved understanding and renewed confidence.

PARAYANAM and PUJA SADHANA
Since antiquity Parayanam and Puja have been an integral part of the Upasana path and are considered to be an established method to redress obstacles and difficulties (adhibhaudhika, adhidaivika, adhyatmika taapam) encountered in the personal, social and spiritual life of an individual.

Parayanam
In Sanskrit, parayanam means reading through, perusal, thorough study, delving into the whole, completeness, or totality of anything. Daily parayanam of a scriptural text with devotion brings stability and calmness to the mind, and the capacity for concentration—an essential ingredient for success in any sadhana.

Puja
Puja is the worship of a personal aspect of the Divine. Devata puja augments the mental and spiritual power of the sadhaka, giving greater insight into the mystery of the mind and consciousness. Initiation into these practices of the Tantra tradition is an integral part of the programme. When imbued with dedication and devotion and, most importantly, learning from a competent guide, wider opportunities for spiritual growth arise and strongly support personal sadhana.

SVADHYAYA SADHANA
Svadhyaya or Scriptural Studies is listening to the Srutis and Smritis (Upanishads and Puranas) from a competent guru/acharya (sravanam), contemplating on them (mananam). Then followed by deep reflection upon the Truth (nidhidhyasanam), finally becoming established in this Truth through the blessings of the Brahmavidya gurus.
An introduction to the traditional Vedanta Sravanam is included in the programme to give the sadhaka an opportunity to learn a Prakarana Grantha—a preparatory text such as Tattva Bodha and study a Yoga Upanishad and a Vedanta Upanishad with the commentary of Adi Shankaracharya. Selected sections of the Srimad Bhagavatam bring balance and harmony between the bhakti and jnana traditions. The Srimad Bhagavad Gita in general and the second chapter in particular, selected verses from Hatha Yoga Pradipika, sutras from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Dakshinamurthy Stotram will be considered for memorisation as well as for in-depth study.

AYURVEDA SADHANA
Ayurveda is an Upaveda, associated with the Rig Veda, considered as the Panchama Veda (the Fifth Veda) and as an Upanga, a sub-division of Atharva Veda. Ayurveda is a way of life and not a therapeutic system of medicine alone. It is believed that Brahma himself is the creator of Ayurveda, who passed it on to his son Daksha Prajapati.
The sadhana will be guided into a glimpse of the ancient science of Ayurveda and its relevance to modern life, along with teachings in the modern medical approach to anatomy and physiology, offering a month-long introduction to theory and practice.

SANGEETA SADHANA
Training in music brings harmony to the sadhaka.  Music is a way to sublimate and channel emotions into devotion and to benefit the mind by developing its creative aspect. The aim is to achieve a basic understanding of Indian classical music and develop the skills to play musical instruments and sing bhajans. A wonderful opportunity for the sadhaka to realise the full potential of the practice of the branch of yoga known as Nadopasana.

JYOTISH/ ASTROLOGY
The ancient Vedic science of Jyotish, (meaning light in Sanskrit and sometimes translated as the law of light) is one of the six vedangas, the limbs of knowledge considered critical to understanding the Vedas. Jyotish originally developed to ascertain the best times to perform sacred rituals. Essentially a tool to determine when to act, when to do something, it is based on awareness of the prarabdha karmas of an individual. Often combined with the science of ayurveda, Jyotish is used as a method of psychological counselling and can guide the sadhaka to a better understanding of his or her spiritual path—and a sacred reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.

PROGRAMME COMMENCEMENT & END
Vijayadashami, 24th October 2023 to 22nd March 2025

SADHAKA SUPERVISION
Senior staff members will oversee all aspects of the sadhaka’s progress. Weekly meetings to monitor progress and to discuss challenges, in person or online, will be an integral part of the course.

ADMISSIONS/PREREQUISITES/ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or above.
• A high degree of self-motivation is required for all aspects of the course.
• A basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is helpful but not essential. A sincere desire to learn and openness to the teachings of yoga is required. The practice and especially the teaching of yoga demand a high degree of self-discipline and purity.

PRE-COURSE APPLICANT ASSESSMENT
Applicants will be required to undergo three levels of assessment/interviews before admission to the course. The assessment/interview will be conducted via Google Meet or Zoom.
Step 1 Overall fitness levels, reasons for applying for the course and the willingness to learn will be assessed.
Step 2 Evaluation of the applicant’s medical history as well as current medical condition will be assessed. Applicants will be required to sign a Medical Self-declaration Form. In case of a previous medical condition, an applicant will be required to provide a doctor’s certificate stating clearance to attend the course.
Step 3 Payment schedule options are available. Details will be provided to applicants upon acceptance to the course and after assessment.

ATTENDANCE
Attendance and active participation of the entire SIYVAM Modules is mandatory.