25 Day 300-Hour Advanced YTTC: Empowering Chakras and Healing the Heart in Auroville, India
Advanced Yoga Teacher Training in India
Take a month off from your busy life to reconnect with your heart in enchanting South India. Nestled among lush gardens and the sounds of nature, the yoga villa close to Auroville and Pondicherry provides a perfect environment to embrace joy and vitality. Participate in a transformative experience filled with love and personal growth as you enhance your skills as a yoga teacher and practitioner through the 300-hour training program offered by the Himalayan Yoga Institute.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Daily practice of asanas, pranayama, chanting, kirtan dance
- Explore Yin, Anusara, Iyengar, Power yoga, Hot yoga, Sivananda and Vinyasa yoga styles
- Mantra meditation
- Signature chakra classes
- Learn the secrets of Tantric Rajadhiraja yoga
- Certificate of completion
- Eligible to register with Yoga Alliance upon completion
- 24 nights accommodation with delicious vegetarian or vegan meals
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Facilities
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Terrace
- Yoga studio
The large central courtyard acts as a focal point of the villa allowing in natural light and ventilation. The villa is decorated with unique details and antique furniture, yet has all the comforts of home. The house is sufficiently far away from the main road to keep out the noise and ensure almost total silence
Accommodations are in beautiful, airy and large rooms, decorated with antique furniture and suggesting the flair of ancient India. The large central courtyard acts as a focal point of the villa allowing in natural light and ventilation.
The ancient style of martial arts, known as “Kalari,” is still taught at a school in the neighborhood of the yoga villa.
- Shared accommodation (up to 5 people of the same gender sharing a room)
- Triple accommodation (3 people sharing one room)
- Double accommodation (2 people sharing one room)
Program
Certification
Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).
Discover the spirit of ancient South India and find authenticity and joy
Escape the winter back home and experience South India at its best, with pleasant temperatures and soothing weather. This is the ideal time to relax in the heart and find profound healing and integration of the whole being. The signature 300-hour training course approaches advanced yoga from a therapeutic and spiritual perspective, exploring the energetic, hormonal, emotional, and spiritual benefits of asanas.
Daily practices of asanas, pranayama, chanting, kirtan dance, and mantra meditation facilitate deep yet gentle healing at subtle energetic, and psychic levels, allowing the true self to emerge and shine. Just one week into the program, participants will notice a beautiful glow and a manifestation of radiance and vibrancy. Signature chakra classes will unlock long-forgotten joy, enthusiasm, and the aspiration for an inspired meaningful life.
The slow pace and full immersion into powerful therapeutic and chakra cleansing practices provide cutting-edge insights into discoveries in neuroscience, biology, breathing, and breath retention, all related to traditional and authentic yoga techniques.
Release your fears and realign the body with spirit
This course brings to life the age-old wisdom and authentic science of the yoga of India – in the very place where yoga was born and where the subtle vibrations of the mystical and deeply spiritual reverberations of this sacred land and nature are still alive and palpable.
A unique feature of our training is our approach to asana practice: The asanas are practiced and taught in the Rajadhiraja tradition of Tantra yoga, offering ancient knowledge on the deeply transformational effect of asanas with regards to our hormonal and chakra system - rarely taught in other yoga schools. You will learn and practice 108 of the most important asanas as they relate to healing, chakra balancing, body/mind integration, and heart opening. As you will sharpen your teaching skills through in-depth alignment and adjustment workshops, you will develop a new perspective on yoga and life itself.
You will also be encouraged to develop your creative skills in yoga teaching and sequencing for theme-based classes. Furthermore, we will explore a variety of yoga styles such as Yin, Anusara, Iyengar, Power yoga, Hot yoga, Sivananda, and Vinyasa so as to compare the sequencing effects of each style.
Another unique feature is lifelong personalized mentoring offered by Ganga Devi, the principal teacher of this course, to those who wish to receive guidance after the completion of their training. Ganga has taught and practiced yoga and meditation for more than thirty years. She has also trained and performed as a professional dancer of Bharatanatyam – the classical dance of India.
Another unique feature is lifelong personalized mentoring offered by Ganga Devi, the principal teacher of this course, to those who wish to receive guidance after the completion of their training. Ganga has taught and practiced yoga and meditation for more than thirty years. She has also trained and performed as a professional dancer of Bharatanatyam – the classical dance of India.
Highlights of the empowering chakras and healing the heart YTTC
- Small class sizes for maximum personalized attention
- Learn from a master teacher with over 30 years of experience in yoga, tantra, kirtan, pranayama, chakra healing, and awakening
- Cleanse the body, inspire the mind, and uplift the spirit with traditional South Indian meals based on Ayurvedic principles, with optional supported fasting
- Stay in large rooms of a stunning Kerala-style villa, featuring an open yard and fish pond, with warm service from daily attendants
- Enjoy delicious vegetarian or vegan meals and organic fresh teas prepared by local chefs
- Practice, play, and dine in beautiful open-air shala spaces, surrounded by palm trees and exotic leafy and flowering trees
- Receive an international 300-hour Yoga Alliance certification
- Connect with the inner self while spending time in a lush tropical garden filled with birdsong, resting in a hammock close to the creek and outdoor pond
- Practice yoga in beautiful natural indoor and outdoor spaces, with indoor areas receiving light and fresh air from a central roof opening
- Shop for authentic Indian clothing and textiles, beautiful handmade handicrafts, and herbal products from local craftsmen and women of Auroville
- Receive personalized instruction in meditation and a daily routine of asana prescription tailored individually to advance practice
- Learn the secrets of Tantric Rajadhiraja yoga, a powerful approach that rewires the body, clears the mind, and awakens the soul
- Receive unique 7 Signature Chakra Healing Class Templates, sequenced for deep transformation and cleansing of the chakras
- Learn rare practices such as mudras for each chakra, chakra visualization, and meditation techniques for incorporation into yoga classes
- Courses are of outstanding quality, marked by excellence and attention to detail, being the most thorough and comprehensive available
- Training is suitable for aspiring yoga teachers and those wanting to deepen their knowledge and self-practice
- Limited space is available in all courses
Curriculum
Asana (yoga postures)
The science of sun salutation
In-depth analysis of this important sequence, including the history, breakdown, benefits, and symbolism of the same.
- Asanas – the practice of 108 asanas
- Asana families
- Refining asanas
- Transitioning out of asanas
- The constituent elements of asanas
- Yoga Nidra – Visualizations for Yoga Nidra and how to conduct a Yoga Nidra class
- Asanas for each chakra and gland
Pranayama and breathing exercises
- Advanced understanding of the process of breathing
- Expanding the repertoire of breathing exercises
- Advanced pranayama techniques: Ujjayi, Surya Bheda, Sitali, Sitkari, Bhramari
- Anuloma/Viloma will be practiced daily
- The 10 Vayus (Pranas) and Pranayama
Kriyas, Bandhas, Mudras, and other practice
- The Power of Mudras - whole body and healing hand mudras
- Lymphatic self-massage in asana classes
- The Aura (Ojas) and how to develop it
- Balancing energy
- Chakra healing
- How to determine your unique psycho-spiritual nature
- Neti, Nauli, Kapalabhati, and tongue cleaning: classical yogic purification techniques for the nose, lungs, abdomen, and tongue
- Practicing Bandhas: Jalandhara, Uddayana and MulaBandha
Yoga Anatomy, Physiology, and Bio-Psychology
- Exploration of major body systems in relation to asana practice, focusing on the nervous system, lymphatic system, and endocrine system
- The effect of endocrine glands on the psyche
- Understanding the nervous system, with emphasis on the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
- Interrelatedness of the spine with inner organs via sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers, and how asanas improve inner organ functioning
- Techniques for lymphatic drainage and the lymphatic system
- Applied anatomy related to the physical aspects of yoga, including muscle usage in 24 selected asanas
- Importance of human anatomy and yoga physiology in yoga study
- Introduction to bio-psychology, focusing on glands and hormones and their effects on physical and mental functions such as growth, digestion, energy levels, and emotions
- Chakra balancing workshops using asana in chakra work, exploring each chakra’s propensities and techniques to regain physical and emotional/mental balance
Diet and nutrition
- Exploration of yogic and Ayurvedic principles of eating, while also integrating the Western scientific approach to nutrition
- Personalizing dietary regimes
- Use of herbs
Ayurveda
- Ayurvedic life regimes for each humor (dosha)
- How does disease happen?
- The 6 tastes and the digestive process
- The Methods of Reintegration (Reduction therapy, Detoxification therapy and Tonification)
Introduction to Yoga Therapy
- Prescription of asanas for the 20 most common conditions in the light of bio-psychology
- Examination of major conditions and therapies prescribed based on yogic science
- Determination of morning and evening asana practices for each condition
- Identification of necessary lifestyle changes, including sleep, work, relationships, exercise, and diet
- Integration of other yogic techniques such as fasting, kriyas, mudras, bandhas, and meditation tailored to various conditions
Special needs training
- How to approach the practice with clients who have certain conditions (how to maintain healthy joints and joint mobility, yoga for headaches, backache, diabetes, depression, etc.)
The history of yoga
- The 6 schools of Indian philosophy
- Hatha Yoga in the light of Tantra
- Rasayana and the ancient alchemists
- Kashmiri Shaivism and Shaiva Siddhanta
- The influence of Shiva on Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
- The influence of Krsna
- Shrii Shrii Anandamurti and contemporary yoga
- The interplay of the Vedas and Tantra
- Tantra and the Indo-Aryan Civilization
Sanskrit
- Correct pronunciation of mantras
- Sanskrit alphabet
Teaching practice and personal development
- Public Speaking
- Developing your voice and communication
- Traditional approaches to Asana Sequencing
- The 5 principles of Asana Sequencing
- Creating theme-based classes
- Setting an intention
- Sequencing classes for each chakra
- Sequencing restorative classes
- Develop your observation skills
- Detailed alignment workshop
- Detailed adjustment and correction workshop
Meditation
- The 4 stages of Sadhana
- The 3 stages of psychic evolution
- The 7 secrets of success as given by Shiva (and how to apply them in daily life)
- The symbolism of Shiva
- Vidya and Avidya Maya - from ignorance to knowledge
- The 4 states of consciousness
- Creation of the universe and the Tantric theory of creation (Shiva Shakti)
- Hearing, reflecting, and contemplating the teachings
- How to incorporate philosophy in a class setting
- Tantra Shastra and Tantra Sadhana
- The 7 stages of Samadhi
Raha Dhiraja Yoga
- Ashtanga - the 8 limbs of yoga as taught by Patanjali
- Ethics and moral principles – workshop and discussion
- Koshas – the five layers of the mind – a deeper understanding
- Kaoshikii and Tandava: dynamic yogic dances for women and men
Kundalini Yoga
- A deeper understanding of Kundalini and Nada Yoga
- Deeper understanding of the chakras
Bhakti Yoga
- Kirtan: devotional chanting of Sanskrit mantras
- Understanding chanting and its benefits on emotions
- Creativity and artistic expression for spiritual development and upliftment
- Bhajans (devotional songs), Prabhat Samgiita (devotional music for mental expansion)
- Various types of Bhakti and Kevala Bhakti
Philosophy
- The 4 stages of Sadhana
- The 3 stages of psychic evolution
- The 7 secrets of success as given by Shiva (and how to apply them in daily life)
- The symbolism of Shiva
- Vidya and Avidya Maya - from ignorance to knowledge
- The 4 states of consciousness
- Creation of the universe and the Tantric theory of creation (Shiva Shakti)
- Hearing, reflecting, and contemplating the teachings
- How to incorporate philosophy in a class setting
- Tantra Shastra and Tantra Sadhana
- The 7 stages of Samadhi
Business skills and self-development
- How to speak about what you are doing
- Presentation skills
- Anatomy of a successful workshop
- How to organize and plan for a yoga retreat
- Find your dharma and contribute to the world
- Beyond business into living your yoga and changing the world
Why you will love this training
- Full immersion in transformational yoga lifestyle and practices.
- Encouragement to find personal creativity in asana teaching and reconnect with unique talents.
- Provision of tools for energetic and emotional healing, applicable for personal and student use.
- Rooted in Yoga, Tantra, Bhakti yoga, and Yoga Therapy for personal growth and healing.
- Nearly four weeks of living and embracing all facets of yoga to align with the higher Self.
- Opportunity to discover hidden treasures of the heart and soul, with a focus on personal transformation.
- Covers asanas, mudras, mantras, chakra visualization, pranayama, sequencing, special needs yoga, and more.
- Exploration of asanas through this signature method and its application in contemporary styles.
- Seven templates for chakra balancing and ten for regular yoga classes, with guidance on theme-based class creation.
- Empowerment to become community leaders, sharing yoga and personal wisdom.
- Development of a practice that balances the mind, awakens chakras, heals the heart, and supports joyful living.
Daily schedule
- 05:30 Pranyama, bandhas, mudras, kriyas
- 06:15 Bhajans, chanting, meditation
- 07:00 Asanas
- 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:30 Workshop/lecture/anatomy and physiology
- 10:30 Karma yoga
- 11:00 Lecture/workshop
- 12:45 Main lecture (philosophy/theory/history)
- 14:15 Snack and leisure/self-study
- 16:30 Asanas and asana techniques
- 18:30 Satsang (meditation, kirtan, chanting)
- 19:30 Dinner
- 20:00 Sanskrit/workshop
- 22:00 Light out
Instructors
Ganga Devi
Ganga Devi is a yoga instructor and spiritual teacher who has crafted exceptional yoga retreats and teacher trainings, where your daily practice will go well beyond the regular asana and pranayama exercises. With her nearly three decades of experience teaching yoga retreats, conferences, and yoga teacher training courses, she is an expert in helping students experience a profoundly transformational inner journey, by accessing progressively deeper states of consciousness and the bliss which is inherent in the body.
Location
Sharanya is a beautiful villa near the model community Auroville in South India. It is located about 2 miles away from the Auroville Beach. A long private driveway leads you to the 4500sq ft villa set in grounds of 1.5 acres. The villa is built in the traditional Kerala style using rammed earth. This eco-friendly method of construction results in a structure that is naturally cool throughout the year.
The venue is situated in the vibrant green belt of Auroville, surrounded by traditional local Tamil villages. Auroville beach is just a 5-minute drive away.
Features
General
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Terrace
- Yoga studio
Services
- Internet access
Food
Delicious meals made with locally grown foods are lovingly prepared by South Indian chefs and served on the terrace with a garden view, providing a perfect setting to reconnect with nature and its incredible beauty.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Things to do (optional)
Visit to Mahabalipuram
The journey includes a visit to Mamallapuram (or Mahabalipuram) on the way from Chennai to the venue. Mamallapuram is a UNESCO-protected heritage site, showcasing gorgeous stone carvings and temple structures of great beauty. This ancient historic town was a bustling seaport during the time of Periplus (1st century CE) and Ptolemy (140 CE), serving as a departure point for ancient Indian traders sailing to Southeast Asia.
By the 7th century, Mamallapuram became a port city of the Pallava dynasty, featuring a group of sanctuaries carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. Key attractions include Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), Mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous "Descent of the Ganges," and the Shore Temple, adorned with thousands of sculptures dedicated to Shiva. On the arrival day, the minibus will stop in Mahabalipuram for about two hours for sightseeing, exploration, and lunch.
Excursions to Auroville, Pondicherry and Tiruvannamalai
Excursions to Auroville, Pondicherry, and Tiruvannamalai are also planned. Auroville, known as the City of Dawn, is an experimental township dedicated to the vision of Sri Aurobindo, founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (known as "the Mother"). It aims to be a universal town where individuals from all backgrounds can live in peace and harmony, above all creeds and nationalities.
Pondicherry, called Puducherry in the local language, is unique as it used to be a French colony, blending French and Indian architecture. Many streets retain French names, and French-style villas are common. The French Quarter features colonial-style buildings, while the Indian Quarter showcases houses with verandas. The visit includes temples, the promenade, and the Aurobindo Ashram. The second excursion will be to Tiruvannamalai, known for its spiritual history and the revered Arunachala hill. This town is home to the famous Annamalaiyar Temple, dedicated to Shiva and known for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance.
Ramanashram, dedicated to the sage Sri Ramana, is also a key site. At just sixteen, Ramana challenged death through self-inquiry, later becoming known as Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. The ashram grew from a simple shed to a more established complex, attracting visitors seeking spiritual guidance. Highlights include the room where Sri Ramana spent most of his time, now open for meditation and quiet reflection.
What's included
- All classes and training
- A teacher's manual
- Eligibility to register with Yoga Alliance upon completion of the course
- GST included
- 24 nights accommodation
- Meals
- Tea, water, and snacks
What's not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Excursions
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Chennai International Airport
117 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
If you are traveling from London, you can find inexpensive flights to Chennai and New Delhi.
The best way to travel is to take a direct international flight to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. If you arrive by 12 noon, a pick-up service to Pondicherry can be arranged.
In case you are arriving a day prior to the arrival day, you can stay one night in Chennai and they will recommend a guest house where you can spend the night. The other option is to fly to Delhi and then take a domestic flight from Delhi to Chennai. You will have to get to the domestic airport from the International Indira Gandhi Airport, which is easy as both airports are next to each other.
You would want to arrive on the first day of the course by 12 noon at Chennai airport and depart on the last date in the evening. When you arrive you will have a chance to relax, unwind and recuperate from your travel. In the evening you’ll get to meet others on the training over dinner and your yoga training program will start the following morning.
A group transfer will be organized from Chennai Airport on the arrival day at approximately 12:00 noon for additional payment. For those arriving later that day, transportation to the yoga house will need to be arranged independently. Assistance with contact details for a reliable taxi company can be provided.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaTeacherTraining.com. All major credit cards supported.