24 Day 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh, India

This training is based on the ancient Gurukula system of yogic wisdom. This teacher training course is also a platform to make new friends, enjoy the blissfulness of the Ganges flowing through the Himalayan Region, and reinvent yourself. This 200-hour course shares the most intricate and most mysterious wisdom. Rishikul Yogshala Rishikesh believes that "every wisdom is present within you," and the yogic practices can help you in accessing those priceless gifts inside you.

Come, join us and experience long-lasting blissfulness, peace, and tranquility.

At Rishikul Yogshala Rishikesh, you don’t just learn yoga, you experience it as a way of life. The training helps you explore new dimensions of your personality while cultivating a deeper connection between body, mind and energy. It is a transformative journey that guides you toward greater awareness, inner strength and holistic well-being.

What you will learn

• In-depth study and yoga practice of Hatha yoga and Ashtanga yoga in Rishikesh
• Learn about the adjustment and alignment techniques for an injury-free and faultless practice
• Learn about yoga’s fascinating history and take part in discussions about the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
• Regularly take part in active meditation sessions and develop an awareness of the various dimensions
• Practice various types of pranayamas or breathing techniques
• Yoga Nidra: Discover the concept that will introduce you to peacefulness and calmness
• Experience the cleansing practices through Shatkarma techniques
• The training will also introduce you to the concept of basic Ayurveda, along with mantra and mudra yoga to nurture positive vibrations inside
• Dmonstrate the workings of the human musculoskeletal system through anatomy and physiology sessions
• Participate in interactive teaching sessions where our teachers guide you on teaching a class and turn you into an effective teacher
• Enjoy your time with your fellow yogis with our fun activities like laughter yoga classes, dance yoga classes, and more
• Explore this land of yoga and spirituality by taking part in excursions to nearby places

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum

Hatha Yoga - Primary Series

• What is Hatha yoga?
• Surya Namaskar with mantra awareness
• Sukshma Vyama (joints and glands exercise)
• Standing series of asana
• Kneeling series of asana
• Sitting series of asana
• Lying on stomach series of asana
• Supine series of asana
• Inversion series of asana
• Asana benefits and its contra-indication

Ashtanga yoga - Primary Series

• Primary Series explanation
• What is Vinyasa?
• 9 Drishti in Ashtanga series
• Importance of Ujjai and Bandhas in series

Pranayama and Mudras

• Chest breathing v/s diaphragmatic breathing
• What are Prana and Pranayama mean?
• Types of Pranayama practice
• What is Nadi?
• What are Ida, Pingala, and Sushmana
• Seven main practices of Pranayama
• Importance of Mudra according to Hatha Yoga
• Types of Mudra
• Practicum of Gyana & Chin Mudra
• Practicum of Ashwini Mudra
• Physical, Mental and Spiritual Benefits of Mudra

Yoga Darshanam - Philosophy

• What is Darshanam?
• What is Yoga?
• The five Kosha (bodies)
• What is Self-Realization & Liberation? Why?
• What is consciousness?
• The four faculties of mind - field
• Five Stages of Mind - Field
• The four foundational Pillars of life
• Eight limbs of Yoga of Patanjali
• What is waking state in Yogic Science?
• What is dreaming state in Yogic Science?
• What is Deep sleep state in Yogic Science?

Anatomy and physiology of yogic practices

• What is yogic anatomy and physiology?
• Introduction of the respiratory system and yogic breathing
• How Shat Kriya practices give benefits to a body?
• How pranayama practices give connection to a digestive and immune system?
• How asana practices give various effects on joints, spine, and muscular system?
• The structure of the spine and its movement in yoga
• Types of contraction in the muscular system
• Know the basic studies and types of joints to avoid injury during Asana classes
• Studies and discussion about spine according to a yogic point of view

Concentration and meditation practices

• What is meditation?
• What is the difference between Dharna and Dhyana?
• Types of meditation
• Breath awareness meditation
• Contemplative walking meditation
• Mantra awareness meditation
• Candle and inner light meditation
• Full moon meditation

Yoga Nidra (conscious yogic sleep)

• What is yoga Nidra?
• What is sleep?
• Four states of consciousness
• Benefits of deep sleep
• Yoga Nidra practices from Satyananda tradition
• How Yoga Nidra practices cure insomnia problems
• Adjusting in Shavasana

Principle of teaching asana (adjustment and alignment)

• Six steps of doing asana correctly
• The fundamentals of practicing side extension, forward extension, backward extension, and revolving action
• How to correct postures verbally and by hands-on adjustments
• Modifying the asana
• Various limitations, contraindications, and benefits of yoga asana

Shat Karma philosophy and practice

• Introduction of Shat Kriya according to Hatha yoga
• Practicum of Jal Neti and Sutra Neti (Cleansing mucous or blockages from nasal passages and sinus)

Mantra yoga

• Introduction of mantra yoga
• Significance of (OM)-AUM
• Mantra for meal purification
• Mantra for obstacles
• Mantra for universal masters to bless
• Mantra for the realization
• Mantra for well being

Teaching methodology

• Disciplines of yoga teachers and students
• The scope of listening, presence, directive, and non-directive dialogue
• How important is a demonstration
• Preparations for classroom
• How to sequence the class
• How to describe the practice, techniques, and delivery in teaching a class
• Discussion on different types of lesson planning

Ayurvedic Curriculum

A holistic journey into Ayurvedic principles, therapies, and self-care rituals to complement your yogic path.

Ayurvedic Science - Theory Session

• What is Ayurveda?
• Why Ayurveda and yoga are co sisters in the path of good health?
• Fundamentals of body constitutions in ayurveda
• Concept of metabolic toxins in ayurvedic science
• Practical concept of panchakarma in ayurveda
• Practical idea of six tastes in ayurveda
• Understanding the major seven important tissues for better transformations
• The concept of agni (digestive fire)
• The concept of ayurvedic idea of nutrition
• Concept of seasonal routines to adopt for a better lifestyle

Ayurvedic Science - Practical Session

• Stress releasing facial massage techniques
• Basic idea of marma points
• Two ayurvedic cooking practices for better lifestyle
• Three best herbal detox drinks to boost immunity
• Local treatment method for lower back pain
• Basic practical idea of pulse reading method in ayurveda

Daily schedule

• 06:25 - 06:40 Herbal tea
• 06:40 - 08:10 Ashtanga Yoga
• 08:25 - 09:25 Pranayama
• 09:25 - 10:25 Breakfast
• 10:45 - 11:45 Philosophy
• 12:00 - 13:00 Adjustment and alignment
• 13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
• 15:00 - 16:00 Mantra
• 16:00 - 16:15 Drink break
• 16:15 - 17:45 Hatha Yoga
• 18:00 - 19:00 Meditation / Yoga Nidra
• 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
• 20:00 - 21:00 Self Study
• 22:00 Lights Off

Schedule on Wednesday and Sunday

• Activities
• Shat Kriya – Cleansing practice
• Excursions
• Ayurveda practical sessions
• Rest / self-study
• Includes breakfast / lunch / dinner in campus

Workshops During Yoga TTC in Rishikesh

Special sessions that bring the essence of yoga to life—beyond the mat, into mind, body, and spirit.

Iyengar yoga

Iyengar yoga is named after the late BKS Iyengar, who is credited with bringing yoga to all age groups with the support of props.

This form of yoga appeals to all abilities, age groups, and body types, as the poses can be modified to suit your body using props such as bricks, belts, and blankets.

This type of yoga aligns the physical body in line with the mental body, the mental body with the intellectual body, and the intellectual body with the spiritual body so they are balanced.

As per B.K.S. Iyengar, each asana has an optimum line or position. From the head to the foot, from the front to the back, from the right to the left—without deviation, without distortion.

Kundalini yoga

The word “Kundalini” generally refers to that dimension of energy that is yet to realize its potential. There is a huge volume of energy within us that is yet to find its potential. In today's world, what we lack is a constant heightened state of awareness.

Heightened states of energy are also heightened states of perception. The whole yogic system is aimed only towards enhancing your perception, which is the path of Kundalini yoga.

Being an advanced practice that is only to be initiated upon mastering one's body, energy, and emotions, this workshop would be an introductory session in intellectually understanding the concept of Kundalini and breaking several myths and illusionary approaches to Kundalini.

Sound Healing

Sound healing is the method of using specific instruments, music, tones or tunes, and other vibrations to bring in calmness within your nervous system, thus aiding in the balance of the body and mind. It involves using specialized sound frequencies to create a therapeutic atmosphere to promote deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release.

The sound healing methods are borrowed from yogic meditative practices. In the yogic meditative practices, certain techniques are used to bring in a balance within our body and mind. Sound healing uses the same method through sound-generating tools, which can bring about a meditative or theta brainwave state, allowing access to deeper levels of calmness.

Yoga Therapy

The word "therapy" is intended to relieve or heal a disorder. Yoga means union. Therefore, the concept of yoga therapy is to bring about a balance within the mind and body by using various yogic tools such as asana, pranayama, and meditative practices.

The concept of yoga therapy aligns the unique and precise health needs with yogic practices coupled with medical science guidelines for curative effects.

Yoga therapy is a holistic approach to healing and wellness, integrating principles of yoga along with therapeutic techniques.

Teaching Practicum

Teaching yoga is both a science and an art. Usually it is said that a good practitioner can be a good teacher.

This groundbreaking workshop offers both tools:

• The logical ones such as understanding sequencing the rhythm of a class.
• Subtle, intangible skills required to become a proficient yoga teacher along with the above, you would also be taught how to adopt to different class size, group size and age variations.

This session will help those aspiring self practitioners in teaching themselves or will help those teachers to work with students in real school and educational setting.

Restorative yoga

Restorative yoga is a yogic practices which involves minimum stress of muscles and tension. It is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching.

Restorative yoga is suitable for practitioners of all levels. The concept of Restorative yoga borrows the the central theme of how an Asana has to be practiced in its true sense - Holding the poses (asana) for a longer duration with or without using props like yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters.

It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga.

Recommended Reading

• Yoga Anatomy - Leslie Kaminoff
• Yoga Nidra - Swami Saryananda Saraswati
• Light on Yoga - BKS Iyengar
• Yoga Mala - Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

Code of Conduct for Students

Yogic discipline and a recommended code of conduct are expected from all students. Rishikul Yogshala has the following disciplinary rules for our participants.

• Smoking and alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited in the school.
• Inform the kitchen manager in advance if you have a fast on any day to avoid food wastage.
• Always maintain discipline within the premises and be respectful to the teachers by obeying all the rules.
• Maintain punctuality and arrive on time for the classes – latecomers will not be permitted to join sessions.
• Return books, maps, or any goods that you might have borrowed from the institution.
• Rishikul Yogshala Rishikesh offers accommodation only for its students who join the yoga courses, not to friends or family.
• Complete attendance is compulsory in all the scheduled programs of Rishikul Yogshala Rishikesh

Women Safety

The school takes your safety very seriously. They have a strict code of conduct for staff and have security measures in place to protect students. The school wants all of the students to feel safe and comfortable during the training.

• Highlight the presence of round-the-clock security personnel to ensure the safety of all guests, with a particular focus on women's well-being.
• CCTV surveillance: Mention the comprehensive CCTV surveillance system that monitors key areas of the school to maintain a secure environment.
• The accommodations offer individual rooms, each equipped with its own private lock and key, allowing you to enjoy your stay with complete peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you arrive, from course details to daily life at the Yogshala.

Who Can Enrol in This Course?

Although anyone can enrol in this course. However, to prepare for the intensive course that continues over the course of a month, we always recommend starting practicing some asana at home or at a studio near your place. You can also read books on yoga to create a bit of an understanding of ancient science so that you can easily grab what is being taught in the class. Anyone can enrol in these yoga courses.

What Are the Yoga Styles Taught During Yoga TTC in Rishikesh?

This extensive course offers the most ancient styles of yoga - Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, and Ashtanga yoga, along with breathing and mindfulness practices. You will also study adjustment and alignment techniques, philosophy of yoga, human anatomy, yoga Nidra, mantra, mudra, and much more throughout the duration of the course.

Will I be allowed to ask further questions related to the syllabus if any?

Whatever question comes to the mind of the student will be welcomed and answered accordingly. Questions help to understand the topic more clearly. A clear understanding of the subject will make you a better yogi and yoga teacher.

Can I Stay an Extra Day After or Before the Course?

Yes, you can stay for an extra day before or after the course only if there is an availability of accommodation. Also, your extra stay will be chargeable. For more information, you can ask the team prior to your arrival and they will do the needful to help you out.

What If I Have an Existing Condition / Injury? Can I Still Join the Training?

It is always a good idea to consult with your general practitioner before arriving for the course. A free consultation session with the trainers will also be helpful where you can discuss your issues and get the necessary help. In case you are suffering from a condition, the trainers will take the necessary steps to tweak the practice to suit your needs and make you comfortable.