Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course, Canada

Come and develop the skills to teach yoga asana, gain a solid grounding in the classical yoga tradition, and at the same time deepen your spiritual connection to yoga and open yourself to profound inner transformation. In this four-week course, you will establish a firm foundation of discipline that promotes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth and build a strong base from which to teach others naturally and confidently.

The Teacher Training Course (TTC) is a four-week intensive residential course, based on the ancient gurukula system of India where teacher and student live together. You will live in a traditional ashram and closely interact with our experienced and dedicated teachers and staff who themselves are immersed in the yogic lifestyle. Connected to an ancient teaching lineage (guru parampara), passed down from guru to disciple over thousands of years, the curriculum is extensive and covers both theory and practice. Devotional practices, traditional to India, are an integral part of the course.

A vegetarian diet, daily personal practice of yoga and meditation, as well as living in the stunning natural beauty of the Laurentians, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, all promote an atmosphere conducive to profound learning. The Course was designed by Swami Vishnudevananda in 1969 with the vision to not only develop successful yoga professionals but to also spread peace in the world. A sincere desire to learn and an openness to yogic techniques are required. A basic knowledge of yoga postures and philosophy is preferred, but not essential. Graduates of the course receive internationally-recognised certification. Certified by the worldwide Yoga Alliance as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) TTC. Students enjoy occasional Indian cultural programmes that are offered during evening satsangs. Each week there is one day free of lectures. During this day, students are required to attend morning and evening satsang. In their free time, students can explore the Ashram’s vicinity or join our occasional day trips to places of interest. Attendance at all activities is mandatory. Changes in the program may occur from time to time.

All registrations to the TTC are done online. Students are requested to fill out the online registration form and make their payment at the same time. The Yoga Camp will then send you more logistical information.

Upcoming Batch

May 5th to June 1st 2024
Single: CAD 4250
Single (shared bathroom): CAD 4000
Double: CAD 3900
Dorm: CAD 3650

The TTC is a unique, profoundly transformative personal experience based on the ancient gurukula teaching system which integrates the student’s daily life into the yoga training. For four intensive weeks of ashram living, students strengthen their own yoga practice through self-discipline and awareness of the nature of mind, body and spirit while building a firm foundation from which to teach others intuitively and confidently. It is a fantastic opportunity to awaken or deepen your yoga practice, meet old and new friends, and be a part of the growing global yoga community.

Graduates of the course receive internationally recognized certification that is also accepted by the international Yoga Alliance as a 200-hour standard training for Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT).

The goal of this training program is to produce qualified and inspiring yoga teachers who are able to draw on their own practice and personal discipline while imparting the yoga experience to others. The curriculum is based on the five points of yoga which can be understood through the practical application of the four traditional paths of yoga. The intensive daily schedule includes two meditation sessions, two yoga classes, two lectures, and one hour of service to the Ashram community. One day a week is lecture-free.

Hatha Yoga (Yoga Postures)

A daily teaching practice class is devoted to how to teach asanas and pranayama. A daily asana practice class gives you the opportunity to practice your own asanas and will help establish a solid habit of practice. The daily in-depth practice with individual corrections comprises:

  • Sun salutation
  • 12 basic yoga postures
  • 100 asana variations, from intermediate
  • level to advanced
  • Postural alignment
  • Physical purification exercises
  • Deep relaxation with autosuggestion
  • Release of blocked energy
  • Ethical and moral principles
  • Body as prana (life energy) as mind
  • Controlling the body to control the mind through meditation
  • Training sessions for all age groups

Teaching Practice

  • How to teach the 12 basic postures and breathing exercises to beginners and intermediate students
  • Setting up a proper environment for class
  • General pointers on teaching a class
  • The basic Sivananda class Beginners’ course
  • Advanced postures
  • Yoga for children
  • Yoga for seniors
  • Yoga for pregnancy
  • Relaxation
  • Detailed correction workshops

In the second half of the training course, participants will teach each other under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Benefits of Asanas

  • Control emotions
  • Improve power of concentration
  • Rid the body of excess fat
  • Enhance physical fitness
  • Relieve chronic ailments such as constipation, rheumatism, stomach complaints
  • Stimulate circulation
  • Stabilise thyroid functions
  • Keep muscles youthful and supple into old age

Pranayama

  • Expands capacity of the lungs
  • Relaxes the nervous system
  • Balances the two hemispheres of the brain
  • Purifies the nadis (subtle energy channels)
  • Awakens the inner spiritual energy
  • Kapalabhati (lung cleansing exercise)
  • Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing)
  • The three bandhas: Jalandhara, Moola, Uddiyana

Yoga Anatomy and Physiology

  • Introduction to the major body systems
  • The effects of asanas and pranayama on the cardiovascular system, breathing, digestion, skeletal and muscular systems, endocrine system
  • The eight systems of the body Diet and nutrition, effects on mind and body, vegetarianism for ethical, spiritual and health reasons, Ayurvedic principles

Yoga Philosophy: Meditation

  • What is meditation?
  • Why meditate 12-step guided daily practice
  • Effects of and experiences in meditation
  • Mantras as spiritual energy in sound
  • Mantra initiation (if desired)

Raja Yoga

  • Ashtanga – the 8 steps of yoga
  • Antahkarana – functions of the mind
  • Concentration and meditation

Bhakti Yoga

  • Kirtan: chanting of classical Sanskrit mantras, correct pronunciation
  • Developing a devotional and open-hearted attitude

Karma Yoga

  • Practicing selfless service as a means of reducing selfishness and egoism
  • Community participation

Jnana Yoga

  • Basic concepts of Vedanta philosophy
  • The 7 bhoomikas (stages of enlightenment)
  • The 5 koshas (planes of consciousness)
  • Space, time, causation
  • The 3 bodies
  • The 3 levels of the mind
  • Conquest of death

Bhagavad Gita

  • Introduction to one of the greatest spiritual texts in the world which contains subtle and profound teachings embracing every aspect of human actions.
  • Study of both the text and Swami Sivananda’s commentary
 05:30 am Wake-up
 06:00 am Satsang (meditation, chanting, lecture)
 08:00 am Asana class
 10:00 am Brunch
 11:00 am Karma Yoga
 12:00 pm Bhagavad Gita or Kirtan lecture
 02:00 pm Main lecture on philosophy or anatomy
 04:00 pm Asanas and pranayama practice class
 06:00 pm Dinner
 08:00 pm Satsang (meditation, chanting, lecture)
 10:00 pm Lights out

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 an openness to the teachings of yoga are required.

The practice and especially the teaching of yoga demand a high degree of self-discipline and purity.

To ensure the success of the program, participants are required to attend all spiritual activities, meditation sessions, lectures and asana classes.

Meat, fish, eggs, black tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and nudity are prohibited during the course as they are counterproductive to yoga practice. Participants who do not comply with the Ashram rules may be dismissed from the course. Unfortunately, it is not possible to cater to personal dietary preferences beyond the yogic lacto-vegetarian meals.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable as well as warm clothing
  • Notebook and flashlight
  • Sandals or slippers for indoors, walking shoes
  • Towel, toiletries, Neti pot

Getting to the Yoga Camp
Students are responsible for making their own way to the Camp. Details on how to get to the Camp will be sent to you upon registration. Please arrive on the day before the course is scheduled to begin and plan your departure for the day after the course finishes. Please do not arrive late or plan to leave early. You are welcome to arrive a few days early to acclimatize to the new environment or stay longer after the end of the course.

Arrival and departure
For all courses/trainings/certifications: Please plan to arrive the day before the course begins and depart the day after it ends.
Yoga Vacation Programs: Attendance to all or part of the program is accepted. You may choose your dates of arrival and departure.
Room check-in time: 3 pm
Room check-out time: 11 am
After you arrive, feel free to join the yoga class at 4 pm and dinner at 6 pm. Families with children 12 and under MUST contact us directly to book their stay.

Materials Included in Course Fee

  • 2 yoga pants, 2 t-shirts
  • TTC manual

Materials NOT covered by course fee

  • The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, by Swami Vishnudevananda, Three Rivers Press
  • Bhagavad Gita with a commentary, by Swami Sivananda, the Divine Life Trust Society
  • Yoga mat, cushion, blanket, kriya set

Further recommended reading for at-home study

  • Yoga – Your Home Practice Companion, by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley
  • Sivananda Beginner’s Guide to Yoga, by Sivananda Yoga Centre, Gaia Books
  • Yoga Mind & Body, by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Dorling Kindersley
  • Meditation and Mantras, by Swami Vishnudevananda, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers

These can be purchased at any of our centres or ashrams.

Check-in/Check-out: Check-in time is after 3:00 pm. Checkout time is before 11:00 am. Check-in/out at reception in the Main Lodge. When checking out please clean your room of litter as best as possible then bring your used bed sheets and towel to reception and retrieve a clean set.

Conservation and recycling: Please conserve water while bathing and washing. Report any leaking taps and toilets to reception. Save electricity by turning off lights and electrical items when not in use. Be aware of how much paper products you use. Used batteries can be left at reception. Kindly use the recycling bins found in the common areas. Any used items of clothing can be donated at reception.

Remember: “Every action matters” when consciously living in yoga.

Dress code: Please cover shoulders, upper arms, midriff and legs at all times, including during asana classes and especially temple visits.

Fire hazards: Please do not burn candles, incense, mosquito coils, etc. in your room, dormitory or tent.

Food: We serve a vegetarian, nourishing and balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and plenty of local vegetables. Snacks are available at our Health Hut during high season. We do not serve meat, fish, eggs, garlic or onions. Alcohol, tobacco and drugs are prohibited.

Hygiene: Please leave the premises, rooms and bathrooms cleaner than when you arrived. For hygiene reasons, please leave your Ashram pillows, blankets and sheets in your room.

Karma Yoga: The Ashram is run by volunteer staff members. Selfless service (karma yoga or seva) is an essential part of the Ashram experience. Maintaining a positive spiritual atmosphere requires participation from all the guests and staff. In addition to staff duties, we ask all students to contribute one hour each day to help upkeep the Ashram. A small task can make a big difference. Kindly meet the karma yoga coordinator at reception at 10:45 am, after morning meal, to arrange your assignment.

Laundry: Coin-operated laundry facilities are located in the ground level of the Registrations building and can be used during daytime hours. Quarters and dollar coins are required ($1.50). The wash cycle lasts about 30 minutes, and the dry cycle, 60 minutes.

Lights out: Kindly respect the silent time after evening satsang on your way to your room. Please turn off all lights and observe silence by 10:30 pm to ensure everyone gets adequate rest.

Massages: We offer a variety of massages yearround (Deep Tissue, Swedish and Thai). Appointments for these services can be made at reception. Ayurveda consultations with our doctor, treatments and massages are available at the Ayurveda Clinic during high season.

Personal Belongings: A safety deposit facility is available for your valuables and cell phone. Ask reception. The Ashram cannot accept responsibility for anyone’s personal belongings. Consider labelling your yoga mat, bags, shoes and other items left in common areas.

Phone calls: Payphones can be found on the north entrance of the Registrations building and downstairs in the Lodge. Phone cards are available in the Boutique.

Cell phones: To ensure a full Ashram experience, we ask that all cell phones are set to silent mode or are turned off. Making or receiving phone calls or text messages can distract a yogi and their friends from their yoga practice. The Boutique has alarm clocks, but you can also let the Ashram bell guide you through the day.

Photography: To ensure people’s privacy during their stay, photography or video recording is not permitted during satsang, pujas, or asana classes. See the Ashram Director if you have any questions.

Punctuality: For everyone’s benefit, kindly arrive to classes, events and satsangs on time or even a little early so you can settle. Leaving your room at the 10-minute bell will help you arrive on time. Punctuality promotes peace for all participants.

Note: The doors are locked at the start of the meditation sessions and opened once chanting begins.

Mail: You can leave any outgoing mail at reception. If you are expecting any mail, check with reception.

Relationships: Kindly restrain expressions of affection in public, such as kissing and hugging.

Women’s and men’s dorms: Kindly respect the gender privacy of these dorms. Couples are advised to observe celibacy as part of the spiritual discipline.

Sauna and swimming pool: A wood-fired dry sauna is available yearround. An outdoor pool is open during the summer when the lifeguard is on duty. Kindly wear discrete swimming clothes in the sauna and pool. Bring an extra towel to sit on.

Shoes: Please remove your shoes and place them on the shoe racks when entering any of the buildings.

Schedule: It is expected that all students attend all satsangs, lectures and asana classes. To help upkeep the Ashram, we ask that all students contribute one hour of karma yoga each day.

Silence: To maintain the tranquil setting of an Ashram, we aim to observe silence before the morning and evening satsangs and especially at mealtimes. Maintaining silence conserves energy and promotes a peaceful environment. To maintain the energy received during evening satsang, try to observe silence for the remainder of the night.

Spiritual respect: Kindly maintain a respectful attitude when near an altar, satsang hall or temple. When sitting, sit cross-legged or in a chair. Kindly refrain from pointing your feet towards any altar, deities or teachers during satsang and lectures. Kindly do your best to remain in the satsang hall for the entire satsang.

Staff: Staff members are willing and able to answer any of your questions. Feel free to go to them with your questions. They will most often be wearing yellow and white.

Suggestions, comments and special requests: If you have any suggestions, comments or special requests, feel free to write them down with your name and drop them into the suggestions box at reception. Feel free to mention any immediate concern to a staff member.

Temples: The many Ashram temples, large and small, are available for visiting and silent meditation during your free time. You are welcome to visit the Krishna Temple, the Master’s Statues near the dorms and the Sivananda Temple on the pond for silent contemplation or meditation. At the top of the hill is the Subramanya-Ayyappa and Mariamman Temple, and inside these temples are more temples. Kindly enter the temple of your choice in silence. Visit each temple with grace and awareness. You are welcome to prostrate in front of each murti, then sit to feel the resonance of the temple. There are donation boxes inside the Subramanya-Ayyappa and Krishna temples. Feel free to donate to help the maintenance of these temples. Kindly leave food and drink outside of any temple area.

Water: The tap water is city water. We also offer pure artesian well water for drinking. Bring your own water bottles and fill them at the pump located in the middle of the Ashram, near the first step of the Peace Trail. To prevent any spreading of bacteria, please keep your bottle away from the tap or hose when filling in order to avoid contact. If drinking from a hose please keep mouth away from the end of the hose.

Physical harassment: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres of Canada disapprove of and condemn any form of harassment directed at guests, staff or visitors. Specifically, no harassment, proposals or innuendos with a sexual connotation will be tolerated during any program or activity organized by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres of Canada. Guests participating in such programs are accordingly made aware of this policy and invited to apply it in their personal behavior whilst on our premises. Any guest who thinks she or he may be the victim of unsolicited advances or any other form of sexual harassment is asked to notify a Swami or the Director immediately in order for corrective action to be undertaken without delay. Complaints made to a Swami or Director will be treated confidentially, and the alleged violator or any third party will not be advised of the complainant’s identity without the latter’s consent.

All registrations for a TTC are done online. Students are requested to fill in the online registration form and make their payment at the same time. The Yoga Camp will then send you more logistical information.

For more information, please contact us at:
[email protected] or 819-322-3226

Refund Policy
If you wish to cancel your registration before the start of the course, the original payment will be refunded less:

  • $150 CAD (more than 3 months from course start date)
  • $200 CAD (less than 3 months from course start date)
  • If you contact us before the course begins in order to transfer to another teacher training course, a $300 CAD administration fee will be charged. Some restrictions may apply, and this change can only be done once.

Once the course starts:

  • If you do not show up and do not contact us, no refund will be issued.
  • If you decide to leave during the first three days of the course, we will refund your original payment less an administration fee of $450 CAD.
  • No refunds will be issued after the 3rd day of the course.

Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course Canada (Yoga TTC) | Upcoming batches