11 September 2026 – 19 June 2027
An in-depth study and practice course, combining online lectures and discussions, onsite retreats and personal guidance.
Certification for 400 hours.
For Sivananda Yoga Teachers
The payment for the participation fee is made in two instalments.
The Prashna Upanishad
The Prashna Upanishad is part of the Atharva Veda and is ascribed to Rishi Pippalada. Prashna means “question”. In this Upanishad, there are six students who each ask a question to the Guru, and the Guru answers them.
The Kaivalya Upanishad
The Kaivalya Upanishad is part of the Atharva Veda. Kaivalya means absolute freedom or ultimate liberation. It is a short
yet profound text, classified among the minor Upanishads, yet carrying the essence of the highest spiritual teachings. The Kaivalya Upanishad asserts that one must see “his Atman (Self) in all beings, and all beings in his Atman” to attain salvation, there is no other way. It emphasizes faith (Shraddha), devotion (Bhakti), and meditation (Dhyana Yoga) as essential practices.
The Uddhava Gita (final teaching of Lord Krishna)
The Uddhava Gita is part of the 11 th chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam, that narrates the Divine play of Sri Krishna. The Uddhava Gita (also referred to as Hamsa Gita) consists of Krishna’s final teachings to his devotee Uddhava before Sri Krishna leaves this world. Krishna advises Uddhava on Bhakti, how to serve with devotion and find liberation when Krishna is no longer physically present on earth. The Uddhava Gita also emphasizes the importance of a spiritual teacher in one’s spiritual journey.
The six traditional philosophy schools of India (Shat Darshana)
The study of the 6 Darshanas helps to develop a broad understanding of Indian philosophy.
Swami Sivananda says: “Philosophy has six divisions or ways of seeing things, usually called the six systems or six different schools of thought. The six schools of philosophy are the six instruments of true teaching or the six demonstrations of Truth. Each school has developed, systematised and correlated the various parts of the Vedas in its own way. Each system has its Sutrakara, i.e., the one great Rishi who systematised the doctrines of the school and put them in short aphorisms or Sutras.”
Talks given by Swami Vishnudevananda on the various aspects of Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga, the path of love and devotion, is not just an emotional journey; it’s a path to spiritual realization. Swami Vishnudevananda had very profound Bhakti for his teacher Swami Sivananda, for the Divine in its different forms and for all living beings. These lectures will focus on the teachings on Bhakti Yoga given by Swamiji on various occasions to yoga practitioners.
How to cultivate virtues according to Swami Sivananda
Yoga emphasizes the necessity of positive thoughts and ethical actions as essential for personal change and evolution. Cultivating virtuous qualities is fundamental in achieving transformation within oneself. Without ethical foundation, we cannot live a happy life with ourselves or others. Thus, the necessity of virtue is a critical element in the journey of
self-improvement and spiritual growth.
Based on Swami Sivananda’s book “How to cultivate virtues and eradicate vices” a selection of nine positive qualities will be discussed.
We recommend onsite participation for all three retreats. For online only participants:
Tuition fee for the online participation: 2900 €.
The first payment of 1400 € is due by 1 September 2026.
The second payment of 1500 € is due by 1 February 2027.
Early Bird Special!
You can benefit from a discount of 100 € if your registration and first payment is received by latest 15 June 2026: Pay 1300 € instead of 1400 € as first instalment and gain free access to the online asana classes already from 16 June 2026 onwards (instead of 12 September 2026).
During term breaks, there will be no lectures, online discussions and personal mentoring. The free unlimited access to asana classes and online satsangs remains valid.
Writing of the final essay: 6 May – 6 June 2027 (personal mentoring available)
