AHYMSIN is dedicated to restoring yoga and meditation to their ancient and traditional purity, yet retaining the same in a modern scientific framework, exploring their application to the modern world, and fulfilling these purposes by training spiritual guides and teachers of international stature.

Our Himalayan Yoga Tradition-Teacher Training Program (HYT-TTP) offers an integrated program of self-transformation leading to self-realisation in the authentic tradition of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. HYT-TTP is a systematic, sadhana-based program. Sadhana is a Sanskrit word that means undertaking a practice so as to cultivate and refine one’s character. The main goal of our program is to deepen the students’ sadhana so that they can transmit authentic yoga teachings to others, not only from a storehouse of academic knowledge, but also from a depth of personal experience.

Swami Veda Bharati, disciple of Swami Rama, has described the program as:

“This program has been designed to pass on the essential principles and practices of the Tradition, which fosters personal development on all levels. For the aspiring as well as the experienced teacher, the program presents all aspects of yoga/meditation in a spiritually inspiring context…

“Our practical, experiential approach to teacher training encourages students to incorporate these skills into their daily lives.”

The program brings together an internationally recognised faculty of teachers who have been trained within the Himalayan Yoga Tradition under the guidance and inspiration of our Gurudeva Swami Rama of the Himalayas, our beloved Master Mahamandaleshwar Swami Veda Bharati, and now Swami Ritavan Bharati.

About the Program:

The HYT-TTP is a three-level program of 600 Hours. The student will progress through three study levels, becoming gradually more aware of the subtle layers of personality. Swami Rama defined this growth process as the attainment of some degree of disentanglement from attachments, allowing one to see that which s/he was previously “blind to”:

• Level One – Awareness: exploration and self-acceptance
• Level Two – Control: mindfulness and regulation of emotions
• Level Three – Synthesis: harmonious whole personality

Currently, HYT-TTP is being offered in 2-week residential retreat format, followed by at least one year of home study and mentoring.

For more information on HYT-TTP Level Two and Level Three, kindly visit: HYT-TTP

For more information on HYT-TTP Level One, kindly write to us at ahymsinttp@gmail.com

In 2027, the program will transition to a 4-week residential retreat format, followed by a 21-week home study program and online classes. The first Level One 200 Hour retreat in this format will be offered at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) ashram in Rishikesh in March 2027. This will include a 6-month hybrid program, combining an immersive residential retreat and home study program for personal refinement of practices:

4-week Residential Retreat at SRSG

The 4-week residential retreat at SRSG ashram in Rishikesh offers an intensive experiential training in the study and practice of yoga and meditation in a spiritually energised environment with the HYT-TTP international faculty. Students will receive guidance in the traditional and scientific aspects of yoga practices, including joints and glands exercises, hatha yoga, relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing and breath refinements, pranayama, yoga philosophy, and meditation.

21-week Home-Study Program

The home study program integrates yoga philosophy and practice into daily life in the areas of personal relationships, habits, workplace situations, and emotional conditions. Our mentor-sangha system provides a forum for students to share and receive spiritual guidance in their personal sadhana.

The home study program also offers live online classes in two segments of four weekends each, on both Saturdays and Sundays.

• These will be 90-minute classes with faculty lectures.
• Time: 1800 – 1930 Hours India time. Kindly adjust to your local time accordingly.
• Recordings of all classes will be available for the complete duration of the course.

This unique format provides space between segments for assimilation, self-study, and integration of the teachings into personal practice and daily life.

Program Curriculum

The HYT-TTP curriculum offers an integrated study of asana, pranayama, meditation, and other aspects of yoga science and yoga philosophy in a spiritually inspiring context.

1. Yoga Foundation Studies: Introduction to the origins and history of yoga and the lineage of the Guru–disciple relationship in the Himalayan Tradition. Role of a teacher in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition. An introduction to Sanskrit and the Vedic knowledge system as a foundation for yoga studies.
2. Yoga Sadhana: Developing a personal sadhana, a regular spiritual practice with sacredness and devotion; five pillars of sadhana and applying yoga philosophy and psychology to daily life.
3. Hatha Yoga & Integrated Practice: With an emphasis on coordinating body, breath, and mind, bringing a meditative awareness to the practice of Joints and Glands Exercises and asanas. Students explore Hatha Yoga through the six steps of meditative asana practice, developing strength and flexibility while working at subtler levels to release energy blockages and clear the mind-field.
4. Breathing and Pranayama: Training the breath for free-flowing diaphragmatic breathing and breath awareness as a foundation for pranayama; exploring the subtleties of the breath as an integrative link between body and mind, and the gross and subtle aspects of our being. The underlying principles of pranayama as presented in Patanjali’s Yoga-sutras, along with the practices of mudras and bandhas.
5. Relaxation and Meditation: A systematic process of relaxation and concentration leading to meditation as taught in the Himalayan Tradition. Preparation for meditation, inner dialogue, systematic and progressive relaxation, breath awareness, subtle body of chakras and nadis; mantra and meditation leading to silence.
6. Anatomy and Physiology: Study of major human body systems and their functioning related to the practice of asanas, breathing, pranayama, relaxation, and meditation; gaining understanding of the anatomical structure and physiology of musculoskeletal and respiratory systems; and the energetic aspect of the pancha-koshas for observing subtleties of hatha yoga, pranayama, and integrated practices.
7. Holistic Health and Ayurveda: Developing self-awareness of habit patterns, conscious eating, balanced lifestyle, and conscious living, application of Ayurvedic principles, and journaling. Understanding the role of doshas and gunas and cultivating self-awareness with the science of biofeedback to understand states of one’s body, mind, and consciousness.
8. Yoga Psychology: Understanding the nature and functions of the mind through the lens of Patanjali’s Yoga-sutras and yoga philosophy; purification of mind and emotions and cultivating pleasant-mindedness—chitta prasadanam—through the application of yoga psychology in daily life.
9. Yoga Philosophy: Developing a personal philosophy of life and self-enquiry through the philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga-sutras, Bhagavad-gita, and the six systems of Indian philosophy.
10. Teaching Methodology: Understanding the role of a teacher in the Himalayan Tradition and sharing the teachings as a medium of transmission of the teachings of the lineage. Integrating all aspects of the curriculum to cultivate a meditative voice and presence. Practical aspects of organising and conducting classes, use of audio-visual aids, clothing, ethical conduct, and cultural sensitivities.

Daily Schedule – Residential 4-week Retreat:

Embrace the Ashram’s Rhythm: The daily schedule (subject to change) includes various activities from prayer and hatha yoga to philosophy classes and meditation sessions.

One would have the opportunity to take personal time for contemplation and assimilation on Sundays. Participation in the morning and evening hatha yoga, breathing classes, and meditations will be warmly encouraged.

Kindly note: The accommodation at the ashram is subject to the participation in the daily ashram schedule.

Course Dates for 2027:

Batch 1: 14 March to 11 September 2027

Batch 2: 7 November 2027 to 7 May 2028

Prerequisites and Eligibility for the Course

As a program of self-transformation, the program is open to all sincere spiritual aspirants (sadhakas) seeking self-growth and inner transformation leading up to self-realisation. The Himalayan Tradition of Yoga Meditation is primarily a meditative tradition. As our Gurudeva Swami Rama has said, “The first stage in guidance is an initiation into a specific mantra…”

Those who feel the inner call of inspiration and readiness to receive mantra initiation within the Himalayan Tradition may express their desire during the retreat and they shall receive one-on-one guidance regarding preparation and the process of mantra initiation.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• The medium of instruction for all the sessions will be English. One should ensure that they are comfortable with English. Special arrangements may be made for regional groups wishing to attend with a personal translator.
• Applicants should be in good physical and mental health, free from any major health concerns that might affect their full participation in the program.
• Applicants must be prepared to immerse themselves fully in the 4-week residential retreat at SRSG ashram. This includes managing personal responsibilities and work commitments beforehand.

Certification Requirements

The HYT-TTP Level One 200 Hour program requires completion of 200 hours of instruction-based training, self-study, and mentoring. Participants who complete all requirements and receive certification are then eligible to register with Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level and become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200).

• 4-Week Residential Retreat = 150 Credit Hours
• 21-Week Home Study Program:
  • Attending live online classes = 20 Credit Hours
  • Home Study = 20 Credit Hours
  • Mentor-Sangha Contact = 10 Credit Hours
  • Submission of 10 written assignments
  • Scoring 80% or above in written and practical exams

The tuition fee for the HYT-TTP Level One 200 Hour (both the retreat and home study program) is USD 1,000. A limited number of scholarships are offered to eligible students.

For more information on the tuition fee or scholarships, kindly contact the TTP office at ahymsinttp@gmail.com

For more information on all logistics including donations for accommodation, facilities, food intolerances/sensitivities, assistance with taxi arrangements, kindly contact the Accommodation Reservation Desk at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) ashram directly at sadhakagrama@gmail.com

Registration:

Register now for March 2027 HYT-TTP Level One 200 Hour retreat here.

FAQs:

My hatha yoga and asana practice is not advanced enough; can I still participate?

The HYT-TTP is an integrated program offering guidance in all aspects of yoga, including meditation, philosophy, holistic health, breathing, prana, and subtle body awareness. Each person comes to the program with a unique experience and understanding of yoga. You are welcome to join the course from wherever you are in your journey. Through guidance and support, you will be encouraged to begin where you are and discover your own expansion and expression of yoga.

Is the program open for non-initiates?

Mantra initiation is an integral part of sadhana, meditation, and spiritual growth in the Himalayan tradition. While it is not mandatory for students entering Level One, it is required to progress to the next level of the HYT-TTP. Students may seek guidance from a senior teacher in the tradition when ready for initiation.

How long do I have to complete the requirements for certification?

You will have two years from the start date of your HYT-TTP residential retreat to submit the requirements for certification. After that time, you may be required to retake the program to receive your certification.

Can I take the program purely for my personal spiritual practice?

The Himalayan Yoga Tradition-Teacher Training Program is intended for those seeking guided spiritual practice within an authentic lineage of yoga. Many join the program to refine their personal practice, deepen their understanding of yoga, and personal sadhana.

You may also enroll in the program as a Continuing Studies participant. In this option, you are not required to complete assignments or fulfil the requirements for certification. You willreceive lifetime access to the course library, including written materials, audio and videos recordings.

What happens if I miss the online live sessions?

Participation in the live online sessions is strongly encouraged, as direct interaction with the teachers will support and deepen your understanding of the topics. Recordings of the sessions will also be available throughout the duration of the program, allowing you to revisit the teachings at your convenience and draw upon them as you continue on with your studies and assignments.

How can I practice teaching?

The final week of the residential retreat is dedicated to practice teaching, providing an opportunity to apply your learning, to receive feedback from the teachers, and to refine your teaching practice. During the home study program, practice teaching sessions within your mentoring and sangha groups will provide an opportunity to continue this process of refinement under the guidance of your mentor and with the support of your sangha.

Can I choose my mentor-sangha group?

Mentor-sangha groups will ideally be formed based on geographical location and time zone, to facilitate regular meetings and, as far as possible, a degree of cultural and linguistic familiarity. If you prefer to join a mentor and sangha group outside your geographical or time zone, we will consider your request, and all efforts will be made to ensure that you are comfortable with your mentor and sangha group.