Sivananda Teachers Immersion Course (STIC)

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres organisation is recognised internationally as one of the most authentic yoga institutions in the world. Join us for this exceptional one-year residential programme and dive deep into yoga.

Contact Us: [email protected] | +91 94465 80764

A structured and extensive curriculum in how to teach yoga and meditation in addition to experiencing the yogic way of life, with the gurukula system as its foundation for one complete year. The student will emerge as a skilled yoga and meditation teacher as well as have a deep personal understanding of spiritual life. Designed to train the student in all aspects of yoga—a fully-rounded teaching immersion into the Four Paths of Yoga and the Five Points of Yoga of Swami Vishnudevananda

Live within the Sivananda Organisation as an integral member of the Sivananda team.

  • Learn to teach yoga up to the 500 hours level standard (advanced) for Yoga Alliance & be eligible for certification from the Yoga Certification Board of India
  • Train to teach specialised yoga (adapted, senior, kids, etc.) and meditation
  • Experience placements in our city yoga centres to expand teaching practice
  • Attend programmes to deepen sadhana to remove stagnation and resistance
  • Learn and apply the principles of Ayurveda.
  • Open the heart to bhakti yoga and sharpen the intellect with the study of Vedanta
  • Be in the company of like-minded people, dedicated to spiritual growth.
    In the words of Swami Sivananda learn to serve, love and give; to be good, do good, be kind, be compassionate.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • To provide an integrated approach to the study and practice of yoga in the tradition of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda
  • To equip students to teach yoga and meditation to all sectors of society
  • To promote the ancient Gurukula system of education
  • To encourage self-improvement and self-development of the student through the spiritual teachings of the organisation
  • To promote the student’s positive mental and physical health
  • To become socially aware and intellectually grounded in the teachings under the guidance of experienced teachers
  • To do all such other requirements as may be necessary or desirable to further the objectives of the organisation

Contact Us [email protected] | +91 94465 80764

CURRICULUM MODULES

The Course will include ALL the following modules. Please note that all Modules have equal importance.

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

MODULE 1 THE FIVE POINTS OF YOGA
The Five Points of Yoga Lecture Series
Attendance at the series of fourteen lectures with a view to assisting in the future. 2 weeks.

MODULE 2 TEACHERS’ TRAINING (to 500hrs level)
Part 1 Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course (TTC)
Internationally-acclaimed 4-week intensive to develop the skills to teach yoga in the classical tradition and establish a spiritual connection to the teaching.
Part 2 Sivananda Yoga Advanced Teachers’ Training Course (ATTC)
Intensive asana and pranayama practice, as well as studies of Sanskrit, raja yoga and vedanta. 4 weeks.

MODULE 3 SPECIALIST TEACHERS’ TRAINING
Part 1 Sivananda Yoga Kids’ Camp
Full-time assistance at the 3-week residential Yoga Kids’ Camp for children aged 7-11.
Part 2 Adapted Sivananda Yoga Course
Theory and practical sessions on how to teach asana & pranayama to fit all needs and challenges. Five-day online course.

MODULE 4 PHILOSOPHY
Part 1 Introduction to the Yogic Scriptures
Two-week study course, providing insight into bhakti and vedanta texts.
Part 2 Raja Yoga & Vedanta Studies Online
Joining our associated teachers for on-going online classes on the Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta studies.

MODULE 5 AYURVEDA
Ayurveda Wellness Course (AWC) 
Two-week programme on the fundamentals of Ayurveda and its application to daily living.

MODULE 6 SADHAKA IMMERSION
Part 1 Sadhana Intensive (SI)
Two-week intensive working towards eight hours of hatha yoga per day, leading to the heart of classical hatha yoga practice.
Part 2 Sadhana Mandalam (SM)
Forty-one days of profound spiritual practice, following a disciplined approach to daily asanas, pranayama, meditation, study, chanting of the scriptures, lectures, spiritual diary, japa and kriyas.

MODULE 7 TEACHING PRACTICE (ON-GOING)

  • Attending teaching training sessions at the Ashram
  • Assisting at Ashram asana classes & Asana Coaching Sessions
  • Placement in Sivananda city centres to broaden teaching experience in asanas, meditation and positive thinking.
  • Assisting at Meditation Coaching sessions

MODULE 8 STUDENT SUBMISSIONS (ON-GOING)

Students will read, study and prepare submissions and presentations as required.

MODULE 9 THE FOUR PATHS OF YOGA (ON-GOING)
The practices of the Four Paths of Yoga are an integral part of Sivananda yogic life.
Students are expected to follow the spirit of the teaching as directed.

  • Karma Yoga
    The Karma Yoga programme is at the heart of Ashram life and an integral part of the Course. Karma yoga teaches how to work and serve selflessly without expectation of reward. The student will engage in karma yoga throughout the programme.
  • Bhakti Yoga
    Bhakti is intense devotion to a higher source. Through faith, prayer and worship we surrender to a higher power and develop unconditional love. The Course includes attendance at and training in

    • Evening Temple chanting sessions (Lalitha Sahasranama, Hanuman Chalisa, etc.)
    • Bhagavad Gita chanting
    • Pujas and homas
    • Recitation of daily prayers, bhajans, shanti mantras, guru prayers, arati, etc.
  • Raja Yoga
    The personal practice of the yamas, niyamas, asana, pranayama and meditation are an integral part of daily life in the organisation. The student will attend/maintain on a daily
  •  basis—
    • Daily meditation practice
    • Daily asana & pranayama practice
    • Spiritual Diary
    • Positive thinking practices
  • Jnana Yoga
    Jnana yoga demands a subtle, sharp intellect to grasp its fundamental principles. Study of
    texts and discussion form part of the vedantic path and are encouraged as part of daily life
    within the organisation.

PROGRAMME 

The schedule will contain all Modules as outlined in the Course Outline. The schedule will be modified subject to changes as per requirements. Self-study assignments are allocated according to need.

COURSE SCHEDULE (1 YEAR)

COURSE SCHEDULE DATE VENUE
Yoga Vacation 12 – 27 May 2023 Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai
Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) 28 May – 24 June 2023 Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai
Teaching Practice/Karma Yoga Programme 25 June –  19 July 2023 Various Ashrams & Centres (location TBC)
Adapted Sivananda Yoga Course (ASYC) 23 July – 30 July 2023 Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam
Sadhana Mandalam 01 Aug – 10 Sept 2023 Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam
Teaching Practice/Karma Yoga Programme 11 Sept – 10 Nov 2023 Various Ashrams & Centres (location TBC)
Ayurveda Wellness Course 12 Nov – 26 Nov 2023 Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam
Teaching Practice/Karma Yoga Programme 28 Nov 2023 – 2 Feb 2024 Various Ashrams & Centres (location TBC)
Sadhana Intensive 4 Feb – 17 Feb 2024 Tapaswini Ashram, Gudur
Advanced Teachers’ Training Course (ATTC) 18 Feb – 16 Mar 2024 Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam
Teaching Practice/Karma Yoga Programme mid-Mar – mid-Apr 2024 Various Ashrams & Centres (location TBC)
Kids’ Camp Apr 2024 dates TBC Meenakshi or Dhanwantari Ashram

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 STIC Modules is mandatory.

CERTIFICATION
After successful completion of the modules of the Course the participants will be awarded the following certificates

BOOKS
The following will be required during the year. These can be purchased on site.

  • The Completed Illustrated Book of Yoga by Swami Vishnudevananda
  • Bhagavad Gita with commentary by Swami Sivananda
  • Sivananda Companion to Yoga by SYVC
  • Meditation & Mantras by Swami Vishnudevananda
  • Sivananda Training Manual
  • Sadhana by Swami Sivananda
  • Hatha Yoga Pradipika with commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda

Please visit any of the Ashram websites for detailed information on practicalities/how to get there etc.

VISA

  • Applicants are responsible for processing their visa and other required travel documents to attend the course.
  • A 1-year visa is advised, ensuring there is no disruption during the tenure of the course.
  • Alternatively, a 6-months visa with the ability to extend for a further 6 months is also an option.
  • SYVC takes no responsibility for the processing of the applicant’s visa or ensuring the legal status of an applicant attending the course.
  • Please ensure that the necessary visa (for minimum 6 months to 1 year) can be acquired and that travel is possible before completing registration.
  • If the visa is for 6 months only the participant must make their own necessary arrangements to extend the visa in order to complete the course.
  • Applicants will be asked to submit a copy of their passport, visa and any other relevant documents before the commencement of the course.

LANGUAGE
The course is taught in English. Please enquire before making any travel plans if you do not have a good command of both written and spoken English.

LOCATION
The student will be resident in the ashrams and centres of Sivananda India according to the programme schedule, in simple shared accommodation.

WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable clothes for practice, sandals, toiletries, personal items, meditation shawl, yoga asana mat, meditation cushion, notebooks, pens, towels, water bottle and torch. These can also be purchased on site.

ASHRAM RULES & GUIDELINES

  • Meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and nudity are prohibited during the course
  • A dress-code is followed
  • It is not possible to cater to personal dietary preferences beyond the yogic-vegetarian meals
  • Participants who do not comply with the Ashram rules may be dismissed from the course

PROGRAMME COMMENCEMENT & END
12 May 2023 to 11 May 2024

COST
Indian – INR 2,50,000 (Concessional Rate)
Foreign Nationals – INR 6,00,000

  • If applying for an Indian concessional rate you will be asked to provide evidence of Indian citizenship and residency. Please note that if you are;
    • an Indian national studying or working abroad or
    • a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or
    • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or
    • Person of Indian Origin (PIO)

you are expected to pay the full course rate. Exceptional cases are considered on an individual basis. Misrepresentation of information will result in liability to pay the full fee or dismissal from the course.

  • The payment includes all teachings including course materials, uniforms, simple accommodation, two meals a day and tea twice daily
  • The payment includes travel between venues by trains/buses/local transport system
  • The payment does not include international flights
  • All medical and personal expenses are to be borne by the participant

HOW/WHEN TO PAY

  • Non-refundable advance of INR 15,000 (Indians) or INR 20,000 (foreigners) on submission of application form.
  • Full payment is due two weeks in advance of the course start date.
  • A 10% discount will be applicable to an applicant paying the course fee in full 2 months prior to the start of the course
  • Mode of payment details will be provided to the applicant upon acceptance to the course

CANCELLATION/REFUNDS/EARLY DEPARTURE

  • For cancelling the registration before the start of the course, the original payment will be refunded less INR 15,000 for Indians; INR 20,000 for foreigners.
  • Once the course starts, if the student decides to leave within 4 weeks of the start date, payment made will be refunded less INR 15,000 for Indians; INR 20,000 for Foreigners and less an amount pro-rata viz accommodation plus any special programme expenses.
  • If a student leaves after 4 weeks into the course, no refund will be issued.
  • Students leaving the course during a certification section of the course will have to return teaching materials, manuals and uniforms.
  • FULL REFUNDS WILL ONLY BE GRANTED WHERE SYVC HAS HAD TO CANCEL THE COURSE in advance of the start date.
  • In the unlikely circumstance of SYVC discontinuing the course, fees will be refunded on a pro-rata basis but taking into account any special expenses incurred for the curriculum already delivered.
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.

Please download the Application Form and Medical Declaration Form and send the completed documents to [email protected]
For inquiries please contact [email protected] or +91 94465 80764