Yoga and Study course
Four weeks at the ashram
A residential programme of 4 weeks at the at the Ashram de Yoga Sivananda
With certificate of participation for 250 hours
Practice – Study – Share!
You have experienced the benefits of a regular yoga practice and wish to immerse yourself in an all-round yogic life in a spiritual community? This training program is just the right course for you.
This new programme allows you to deepen your Yoga experience while living in the inspiring and protected atmosphere of the Ashram:
- have daily Satsangs and share the warm connection and support of a spiritual community
- expand your knowledge of Yoga through two hours of guided study time daily under the supervision of experienced teachers
- participate in the Asana & Pranayama classes and advance in your personal practice
- create and reinforce positive lifestyle habits such as a yogic diet, regularity of practice and developing positive thought patterns
- contribute your talents through Karma Yoga (selfless service)
We offer three different modules of four weeks each.
You can choose to come for one module only or make it a longer stay and participate in two or all three modules in the combination of your choice.
Prerequisite: Yoga Teachers’ Training Course or a minimum of one week of yoga vacation at the Ashram de Yoga Sivananda, Neuville-aux-bois, France
Modules for the course
Themes and dates in 2023/2024
Themes and dates
Saturday 5 August – Saturday 2 September 2023:
Meditation and Mantras – the Yogic journey to the soul
Saturday 10 September – Saturday 8 October:
Bhagavad Gita – a guide to living a fulfilled life
Saturday 19 November – Saturday 17 December:
Thought power – the art of positive thinking
Saturday 4 February – Saturday 3 March 2024:
Bhagavad Gita – a guide to living a fulfilled life
Study contents
Module 1 : Thought power – the art of positive thinking
• the nature of thoughts and the workings of the mind
• the three Gunas (qualities of nature)
• Karma: the universal law of cause and effect
• the power of positive thinking
• how to overcome negative behaviour patterns and establish positive habits
• practical exercises for positive thinking
• ethical foundations for a peaceful mind
• positive thinking in action
• conquest of anger and fear
• Vedanta: the highest form of positive thinking
Module 2 : Meditation and Mantras – the Yogic journey to the soul
• Practical guide to meditation
• How to develop concentration
• Meditation in daily life
• Samadhi– the super conscious state
• Mantras: words of power and how to use them
• How to choose a personal mantra
• What is mantra initiation
• Kirtan Workshop: learn the spiritual chants of the Sivananda tradition
• How to create a spiritual environment at home
Module 3 : Bhagavad Gita – a guide to living a fulfilled life
• The philosophical and historical setting of the Bhagavad Gita
• How to face challenges and overcome obstacles
• The immortality of the soul
• The yoga of action: accepting one’s duties in life
• The golden middle path – how to avoid extremes
• Life after death and reincarnation
• The Yoga of wisdom
Practical information
Daily schedule
6am Meditation, mantras chanting, conference (Satsang) or Silent walk
8am Asanas and Pranayama
10am Brunch
10:45am – 1:45pm Karmayoga (3 hours)
2pm – 4pm Break
4pm – 6pm Study time
6pm Diner
8pm Meditation, mantras chanting, conference (Satsang) or Silent walk
The schedule is subject to change. One day off per week.
Study time
- two hours of group study on five days per week
- on the 6th day the supervising teachers will do a revision of the topics studied, answer questions and explain the topics for the upcoming week
- every two weeks there is the possibility to meet a senior teacher for a personal talk of 30 minutes
- all participants keep a spiritual dairy in order to receive guidance in their practice by the supervising teachers
Practical information
- Teaching language: French and English
- Prerequisite: Yoga Teachers’ Training Course or a minimum of one week of yoga vacation at the Ashram de Yoga Sivananda, Neuville-aux-bois, France
- Interview by phone or video chat after the online application has been reviewed
- Valid health insurance for France
- Tuition fee per module (4 weeks, includes meals and accommodation):
- shared room (3-5 beds): 900 €
- single room with bathroom: 1700 €
- reduced fee for the participation in all three modules:
- shared room (3-5 beds): 2500 €
- single room with bathroom: 4600 €
- Valid until 31 July 2023
- Contact: orleansadmin@sivananda.net
- online application form: www.sivanandaorleans.org
Payment options
• Visa or Mastercard
• French cheque, payable to: Centre de Yoga Sivananda. Please stick a note to it with your name and the term “Yoga & Study””. Send it to: Ashram de Yoga Sivananda, 26 impasse du Bignon, 45170 Neuville aux bois.
• Bank transfer, payable to: Centre de Yoga Sivananda. Please include in the subject line your name and the term “Yoga & Study”. Bank details: Crédit Agricole, RIB: AGRIFRPP848, IBAN: FR7614806000247001872739501
What to bring
• Yoga mat (also available in the Yoga boutique upon arrival)
• Meditation cushion (also available in the Yoga boutique upon arrival)
• Meditation shawl or blanket (also available in the Yoga boutique upon arrival)
• Japa mala (prayer) beads (also available in the Yoga boutique upon arrival)
• Pen and notebook
• Water bottle and travel mug or tumbler (for hot tea)
• Slip-on sandals or slippers (indoor-only)
• Both comfortable and warm clothes which cover shoulders and knees
• Rain gear
• Walking shoes for relaxed nature walks
• Personal toiletries
• Ear plugs (the ashram is a shared environment)
• Alarm clock
• Flashlight
• Laptop
• for TTC graduates: TTC manual and TTC uniform
• for module 1 positive thinking: • for module 2 Meditation and Mantras • for module 3 Bhagavad Gita :Books to bring or purchase upon arrival
“Thought power” by Swami Sivananda
“Bliss Divine” by Swami Sivananda
“Meditation and Mantras” by Swami Vishnudevananda
“The Sivananda book of meditation” by Sivananda Yoga
Bhagavad Gita with the commentary by Swami Sivananda