500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh, India (7 Weeks)

1. This course is for students who are seeking to enhance their practical understanding of yoga so that they can teach others based on their firsthand experiences rather than relying only on theoretical knowledge from books.
2. You should prepare for your arrival by familiarising yourself with two of our YouTube videos:  A 20-minute morning kriya yoga practice  and Sequence of 7 Best Asanas which you should practice as often as you can
3. Cultivate the ability to sit calmly and quietly in a cross-legged position.
4. Remain open-minded, as our teaching methods may differ from your expectations. 
5. Be ready to reflect upon the timeless ancient practices and teachings, rather than passively accepting what is presented.
6. Be prepared to broaden your understanding of yoga, particularly embracing it as a holistic science rather than an elaborate exercise program.

All modules from the 200 and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses are combined in this program.   A brief outline of the content is set out below, but for full details of the modules, please visit our 200 hour and 300 hour pages on our website under the Syllabus/Course Outline headings.

PRACTICE METHODS, COMMANDS & TEACHING METHODOLOGY

* Hatha yoga practices:  asana, pranayama, bandha, mudra and yoga nidra based on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gherand Samhita
* Kundalini kriya practices and deeper-level mudra practices
* Mantra chanting – how to practice chanting mantra combined with japa meditation, and how to instruct other
* Meditation (Vedic Dhyan) – how to practice and teach others
* The art of teaching others and assisting different combinations of students
* Learning how to prepare for workshops and retreats
* Learning the Pyramid method for developing intensity of focus
* Applying the Class Structure of 7 Elements (mantra, meditation, pranayama, asana/bandha, kundalini kriya, prana dharana/sakshi bhava, yoga nidra)
* Developing the art of sequencing

COMBINING EASTERN & WESTERN APPROACHES TO ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY

* Medical anatomy and physiology, how the practices affect the different systems of the body and lead to one’s well-being
* Astra anatomy and physiology which provides a deeper perspective of the layers of the body and how these are affected by the different practices
* The significance of the mind in astral anatomy and how one can access its subtle dimensions
*  How the Eastern and Western approaches together can lead to one’s harmony

APPLIED YOGA PHILOSOPHY, LIFESTYLE & ETHICAL LIVING

* The four paths of yoga
* Excerpts from Patanjali Yoga Sutras
* Brief outline of Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gherand Samhita
* The right and left hands of Tantra
* Vedanta
* Selected sutras from Bhagavad Gita
* How to build an Ayurveda lifestyle and maintain ethical behaviour 

PRACTICE TEACHING

Applying all of the techniques studied in the 200 and 300 hour courses to both individuals and larger groups, while building trust and confidence in one’s role as a teacher

SELF-STUDY/SEVA

Self-study time is allocated each day.

1. Students are required to finish their assignments either during the course or submit them online within 60 days of completion of the program
2. Students will be asked to provide feedback on their personal experience of their practice teachings sessions
3. Students must continue a routine of daily sadhana (practice) for a minimum of six weeks after returning home
4. Students must complete a written exam and return this online within 60 days of completing the course (we expect students to complete this task ethically)
5. During the course, students will be requested to undertake seva according to tasks that require completion at the Centre; and carrying this attitude of selfless service into all different aspects of their lives

This schedule is a sample only and is subject to modifications according to circumstances and the understanding of the students.

6:30 am - 7:30 am

 Mantra chanting and meditation

7:30 am - 9:30 am

 Hatha yoga – asana, pranayama, samyak kriya, yoga nidra, meditation

9:30 am - 10:00 am

 Breakfast in silence

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

 Lecture/discussion 1:  yoga philosophy, lifestyle, ethics, teaching methodologies

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

 Lunch

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

 Free time – study time, journaling and preparation of assignments

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

 Lecture/discussion 2:  anatomy and physiology – medical and yogic, practicum

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

 Practice of hatha yoga and samyak kriya

6:45 pm - 7:30 pm

 Dinner

8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

 Kirtan / satsang /silent meditation

9:30 pm

 Sleep

Attendance at all classes is compulsory.

Every Sunday will be free between the morning hatha yoga class and the evening kirtan session:  from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm.

The Vedic Yoga Centre’s 500-hour Teacher Training includes the following:

1. Certificate of Achievement from the Vedic Yoga Centre once you have successfully completed the Course, which will qualify you to teach yoga (RYT500) as accredited by Yoga Alliance USA.
2.  Certification requirements include:
   
   1. Full attendance in the training intensive
   2. Completion of the required readings and assessments;
   3. Successful completion of examinations and written assignments;
   4. Completion of the post-course requirements.
3.  Vedic Yoga Centre Manual.
4.  Ashram-style accommodation in modern rooms, each with an attached bathroom. You will have a separate room, either standard or deluxe, according to your request or availability of rooms. 
5. Three Ayurvedic meals per day.
6. Use of the Centre’s Wi-Fi.
7. One free Ayurvedic treatment of your choice.
8. The opportunity to transform your life and become a part of a Vedic yoga community comprised of students from around the world.
9. Individual consultation and guidance from teachers to help you customise your practice, find inspiration, and make lifestyle choices that heal and empower you at every level.

The prices do not include airfare, transfers to and from the Centre, tips, any excursions during the course, or personal items.

Upcoming 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training dates: 

* January 15-March 3, 2024
* April 1-May 19, 2024

ACCOMMODATION:

Standard Room:     US$3,700 (INR 318,000)
Deluxe Room:          US$4,000 (INR 344,000)

A non-refundable deposit of US$300 (INR 26,000) is required to book your spot.

All deposits are non-refundable but can be used at a later date or for another program.  For more information about refunds and cancellations, please follow this link:  https://vedicyogacentre.org/refund-and-cancellation-policy

Arrival for the Course

It will be helpful if you can arrive at least one day before the Course starts to ensure that you have overcome any jetlag from your flight, and you are refreshed for your program.  In any case, all students must be present on the evening before the Course starts.

Registration

Email a copy of your flight details, passport and visa to:  myvedicyoga@gmail.com and complete the Application Form by following the Apply Now link, which includes payment of your deposit.