How is the daily schedule during the Teachers Training Course?
The daily programme of the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course is based on the five principles of yoga as taught by Swami Vishnudevananda, which can be understood as the practical application of the four traditional paths of yoga in a holistic way during four weeks of living together in a natural environment.
The intensive daily programme includes:
The day starts at 6 am with silent meditation, chanting of mantras and a short reading.
After a short break and herbal tea, a practical yoga class can be enjoyed at 8 am. Over the course of the four weeks, basic postures and a series of variations, breathing exercises and deep relaxation will be practised. The aim of this constant, daily practice is to get fit, improve muscle and joint flexibility, regulate emotions, concentration and mental well-being. Breathing exercises help to achieve good lung capacity, relaxation of the nervous system and balance of the cerebral hemispheres.
At 10 am a freshly prepared brunch awaits you. It consists of: A plate of cereals, pulses, vegetables, a variety of salads and dressings, herbal tea, homemade bread, and butter, cheese, fruit and homemade jam, etc.
In the midday lecture, you will learn about classical yoga texts, meditation technique and execution, the teaching of karma, the value of mantras and Ayurveda.
At 2 pm the main lecture begins, in which the different paths of yoga, the aim of yoga and the natural unity of physiology, psychology and yoga philosophy are explained. These lectures open up many new perspectives.
In the afternoon at 4 pm you will learn teaching techniques for beginners and intermediate levels. In the second half of the training, participants teach each other under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
Dinner is at 6 pm and usually consists of soup, cereals or pasta, vegetables, mixed salads, dessert and tea.
Evening meditation is the end of the day. Silent meditation, chanting mantras together and a short reading round off the day and allow us to get a good night’s sleep in a positive and relaxed way.
Students also enjoy occasional cultural programmes offered during the evening satsangs (meditations).
Each week there is a day off from classes. During this day students are required to attend morning and afternoon satsangs. During the free time, students can explore the surroundings or enjoy excursions to places of interest.
Here is a table for a quick overview of one day of the course:
05.30 am Wake up
06.00 am Meditation, mantra chanting, lecture or quiet walk
08.00 am Asanas and Pranayama
10.00 am Vegetarian lunch
11.00 am Karma Yoga (selfless service)
12.00 pm Bhagavad Gita or Kirtan
02.00 pm Lecture on philosophy or anatomy
04.00 pm How to teach asanas and pranayama
06.00 pm Vegetarian dinner
08.00 pm Meditation, mantra chanting, lecture or silent walk
10.00 pm Rest
The schedule is subject to change from time to time.
