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’ in order 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 wills, later to receive Brahmacharya Deeksha and when fully ready then to 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 an opportunity to study Sanskrit and to enhance the quality of learning. 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, going across the whole, completeness, or totality of anything. Daily parayanam of a scriptural text with devotion brings stability and calmness to the mind, leading to 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, part of the Tantra tradition, are an integral part of the programme. When imbued with dedication and devotion—and possible only when learned from a competent guide—wider opportunities for spiritual growth arise and provide a strong support for personal sadhana.

SVADHYAYA SADHANA
Svadhyaya or Scriptural Studies is the practice of listening to (sravana) the Srutis and Smritis (Upanishads and Puranas) from a competent guru/acharya, contemplating (manana) on them, leading to deep reflection (nididhyasana) upon the Truth, 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 Grandha—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 Bhagavad Gita in general and the second chapter in particular, selected verses from Hatha 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 a 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.
Experienced physicians and practitioners from the Sivananda Institute of Health located in the Dhanwantari Ashram will guide the sadhaka into a glimpse of this ancient science and its relevance to modern life, offering a month-long introduction to its theoretical and practical aspects.

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

PROGRAMME COMMENCEMENT & END
15th October 2021, Vijayadashami
5th October 2022, Vijayadashami

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.