“Just teaching is not enough. Along with teaching, one has to add the components of affection for the students, the ability to understand their needs and the dedication to help them as much as possible. Therefore, teachers should know the needs, aspirations, strengths and limitations of every student, because without really understanding these, it is not possible to teach yoga.

If teachers feel compelled to teach something, then the effect, the benefit or even the mental projection of the teachers will not be positive, and that will affect the students. If the teachers enjoy what they are doing and give out positive emanations, then the students will be able to understand and perceive more than the practice. The attitude of the teacher is important.”

—Paramahamsa Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati



Learn from the wellspring of ancient wisdom. Delve into the time-tested practices of yoga that have been applied to modern times. Receive a yoga education that will broaden your horizon and nurture you. Get to know yourself and expand your awareness through holistic yoga. Use the knowledge you gain to teach and benefit others by guiding them in their yogic practice. 


Atma Darshan Yogashram has been conducting a two-year Yoga Teachers Training Course (YTTC) since 2014, and more than 150 students have passed through its portals under the program. We are pleased to announce the commencement of the next session of the Course (YTTC 2023–2025) from 26th January 2023, Basant Panchami. The course will be conducted online, with on-premises sessions and ashram stay being part of it.

The training intends to provide traditional and holistic understanding and experience of yoga as per the tradition of Satyananda Yoga/Bihar Yoga and prepare the students to teach the same. However, the course need not be attended only by those who wish to teach yoga, but by anyone who wishes to deepen their experience and understanding of yoga.

In the first year, the participants will be taught the principles of yoga in classes held exclusively for the group over two weekends every month. Simultaneously, they will have the experience of yoga by being part of the ongoing Yoga Fundamentals/Yoga Sadhana courses throughout the year, wherein a progressive deepening of various practices of hatha yoga, raja yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and karma yoga takes place. They will have the option of choosing a suitable time for themselves for the classes, as these are held several times in the day. During the weekend sessions, satsang with senior members of the Satyananda Yoga family will also be conducted, and questions and doubts resolved.

In the second year, the participants will undergo practical training of teaching yoga. They will assist in teaching along with senior teachers in the Fundamentals and Sadhana courses as well as receive the experience of teaching special groups such as children, senior citizens, differently-abled, etc. The deepening of experience will continue with participation in the Yoga Anubhava programs of the ashram. The group will meet once a month to share, learn and discuss with senior teachers, and fine-tune their teaching skills.

Ashram experience will be in integral part of the course and a 10-day stay at Atma Darshan Yogashram will be organized for all participants. The group will also visit our Guru Ashram in Munger, Bihar, circumstances permitting.

  Aspects of the Course


Structure

Keeping in view the global situation and to offer the learning to those living in different parts of the country and world, the course is being offered online. However, there will also be sessions held at the ashram which will be simultaneously streamed online, so that those who are able to can come and benefit from the positive energy of the ashram.

 

The two-year program will be divided in the following way:

 

First year:The focus will be on learning and experiencing yoga.  It will happen through:

 

 

Second year: The focus will be on learning how to teach yoga.

 

The students will continue to attend the Fundamentals/Sadhana classes on week days and assist in teaching here along with senior teachers. They will meet once a month on a weekend for an hour to discuss the finer aspects of teaching and clear doubts.

 

 


Ashram life experience


Ashram life experience will be an integral part of the course and the students will be required to come and stay in the ashram for a duration of 10 days. The days and month will be decided later based on the situation prevailing at that time; however, everyone will be intimated well in advance. A graduation ceremony will be held during the stay to award the certificates to successful students who fulfill all criteria for graduation.


A 10-day visit to our Guru Ashram in Munger at the Bihar School of Yoga will also be organized, if the circumstances permit such a visit. No doubt, it will be a memorable part of the course for all.



Faculty

The faculty includes teachers who have lived yoga as a lifestyle under the guidance of Guru in an ashram environment. These teachers have the ability and experience to convey the wisdom of yoga in a simple and interesting manner. Students will learn, practise and assimilate various aspects of the art, science and lifestyle that is yoga.


A brief overview of the curriculum

The course is designed to provide experiential learning of all the major branches of yoga, including hatha yoga, raja yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga. The training program encompasses a gradual deepening of the practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, pratyahara, dharana, yama-niyama, as well as learning to live yogically. During the ashram stay, the cleansing practices of shatkarma are taught. The classical understanding of yogic precepts is provided throughout, besides learning the techniques to convey these to others appropriately within a class setting.

Over the period of the course, participants acquire a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. In the process, they experience yoga as a body of living knowledge.

The course will include:

● The techniques of asana, pranayama, mudra and bandha.

● Meditation (pratyahara and dharana) techniques that address deeper aspects of the human psyche.

● Progressive relaxation techniques such as a deep, multi-level shavasana and various stages of yoga nidra as formulated by Swami Satyananda.

● Lifestyle yama-niyamas as given by Swami Niranjanananda.

● Shatkarma practices.

●Discourses by medical experts on human anatomy, physiology and psychology, alongside yogic understanding of the body, prana and mind.

● Discourses on the rich history and tradition of yoga which occupies a unique place in the six ancient darshanas (philosophies) of India.

● Discourses on Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga.

● Study of yogic texts, in particular those published by the Bihar School of Yoga.

●Training to design complete classes and courses for individuals and groups, and introduce various practices in a systematic and thorough manner.

 


Eligibility

Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply. They must be of sound physical and mental health. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Ability to read Devanagari script is desirable.


Dakshina (Course Fee)

After the interview when you receive a confirmation about course, an initial amount of ₹10,000 has to be paid to confirm your registration for the course. This amount is non refundable and is part of the total amount payable for the course. Remaining amount to be paid as per your convenience, based on options shared below: 

Option 1: Full payment of remaining Rs.1,15,000 in January 2023. Total amount Rs. 1,25,000.

Option 2: Initial payment of Rs.15,000 in January 2023 and Rs.10,500 every month for next 10 months. Total amount Rs.1,30,000. 

Option 3: Initial payment of Rs. 20,000 in January 2023 and Rs.7,000 every month for next 15 months. Total amount Rs.1,35,000.

● The fee includes the dakshina for the Yoga Fundamentals, Yoga Sadhana and Yoga Anubhava courses (two years of offline/online yoga classes), ashram accommodation and meals during the 10-day residency at Atma Darshan Yogashram. It does not include course expenses such as text books or travel related expenses to ADY or Bihar School of Yoga, Munger.

● A limited number of scholarships will be available to ashram sevaks, who have offered seva for at least a year.


Refund policy

Dakshina Refund: 

The dakshina refund may be considered in the case of extenuating medical or personal circumstances. Request must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation. 

Participants who submit formal notification of withdrawal are entitled to refund of dakshina paid as follows: 

Upfront payment option:  

(*Difference might occur due to exchange rate variation between the date of receipt and date of refund).  

Instalment option:  

Withdrawal policy: 

Notification of withdrawal from the course must be directed to the Program Coordinator in writing by email to (YTTC@atmadarshan.net). Non-attendance of class or informal withdrawal directed to faculty members orally is not acceptable notification. Failure of notification to withdraw officially will not be entertained. 


Withdrawal Fees Refund 

Participants are responsible for attending the classes. If it is necessary to withdraw from the course, they must notify the Ashram office in writing by email by quoting the student ID number and name. Participants may not attend or participate in any future classes once they have withdrawn. 

Generally, refunds owing to students will be processed within a month and will be paid by cheque. 


Graduation requirements

To receive the certificate of completion, students must complete the following:

1. Required attendance of sessions.

2. Completion of assignments in each module.

3. Demonstration proficiency in the assessments.

4. Complete practical training within a year of completion of the theory module.

5. Ashram stay of 10 days.

 

How to apply

Interested candidates should fill up the application form below, and submit it to ashram by 31st Dec 2022. 


Applicants will be interviewed online on a date and time fixed mutually. The purpose is to know about the applicant more and answer queries about the course. 


Inauguration of the course

The inauguration ceremony will be held on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami, 26th January 2023. The classes will commence from February 2023.

 

Timelines

Saturday, 31 December 2022: Last date to submit the completed application.

Sunday, 15 January 2023: Last date to pay fees and sign agreement.

Saturday, 21 January 2023: Orientation program for the enrolled participants.

Thursday, 26 January 2023: Inauguration ceremony and havan.

February 2023: Classes begin.

February 2025: Graduation ceremony.

The YTTC Experience 

An Inner Journey from the Head to the Heart

Words become inadequate when you try to write about a journey and experience which is beyond description. The Yoga Teachers Training Course (YTTC) journey at Atmadarshan Yogashram (ADY) has touched and transformed many aspects of my being. 

Starting a two-year journey in the midst of the Covid pandemic and in a fully online format had many challenges. But technology and distances did not pose any hurdle to the purity and strength of the Guru Parampara and the teachings which flowed through seamlessly. In fact, the lockdowns were a blessing in disguise to push me onwards in the inner journey. Restricting travel, reducing interactions with the outside world, establishing a daily sadhana without interruptions all helped me to turn my gaze inwards as the world came face to face with the fragility of our physical existence. 

The structure of the course was very well suited and planned in such a way that we begin with understanding the purpose, tools, techniques in a detailed manner while joining the fundamentals and sadhana classes during the week. The weekend satsangs with senior members of the ashram and guest talks helped deepen the understanding of various practices of hatha yoga, raja yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and karma yoga in the first year of the course. 

Next was moving from information and concepts to actually experiencing the same in our own body, mind, emotions, energy. Moving from yoga on the mat and in books to experiencing yoga in daily life is the cornerstone of Bihar Yoga and reflected in ADY's YTTC. 

The second year was devoted to using the understanding and experience gained and learning more by teaching the same to others by assisting senior teachers in regular classes. Here too the main focus was moving from teaching based on understanding and intellectual knowledge to teaching from personal experience and becoming an open channel for the Guru Parampara and wisdom to flow through. This in essence is the sprit of the YTTC course which is ingrained and practised by all our facilitators and senior teachers. 

Immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this rich Guru Parampara and hope that my body, energy, mind and emotions help me to show a glimpse of the same to others.

—Ravi Viswanathan, YTTC 7 participant

Living the Experience

Every time I attempt to put my experience into words, either orally or written, I fail – whether it’s my three-day experience in Rikhiapeeth, three months at Ganga Darshan Ashram, Munger, or my last two years of the Yoga Teacher Training Course at Atma Darshan Yogashram, online and offline. Perhaps it’s the realization that I still do not know enough to be able to share. But the question is, when will I ever know enough? Maybe it is about sharing whatever little I know, so I might as well try.

I still remember stumbling upon this course and signing up for it right away. Becoming a yoga teacher or learning more about yoga was not my primary motive; it was basking in the glory of Swamiji and the tradition with the help of this course. Little did I know, the course had more to offer than I could have imagined. It felt like someone held my hand, took me to the right crossing, gave me the required directions, and said, “All yours, happy travelling.” I have never felt lost again.

When the course started, in one of our very first interactions with one of the senior teachers, she said, “It is our intention that matters, the intention of sharing the knowledge with others.” It stayed with me, and I hope it does forever. Two years later, when I look back, it all comes down to the purpose – living yoga moment to moment, with sincerity, seriousness, and commitment.

This journey has given me so much, it has assured me that I can help myself, and it has made me interact with my six friends (kama, krodha, lobha, mada, moha, matsarya) on a regular basis with no judgements. It has made me realize that if we truly begin to look inside, there is nothing that can bother us from the outside.

One can impart proper instructions or speak the right words by reading or memorizing them, but the experience can only be shared when it is lived. Hope my path continues, and I can share what I’ve learnt and lived.

Till then, as Swamiji says, “Love daily, laugh daily, and live properly. That is the meaning of yoga.”

—Ashi Jaiswal, Bengaluru, YTTC 7 participant

Yoga Teachers Training Course - YTTC 2023- 2025 .pdf