Teacher training

Letter from Swami Veda Bharati

Course Path

Program Options

600/500 Hour and 200 Hour Teacher Training Certification

Teacher Training students have the option of our comprehensive 600 hour program which can be completed in a minimum of 3 years or our 200 hour program which can be completed in a minimum of one year. These programs are registered with Yoga Alliance as a RYT-500 and a RYT-200, respectively. Both programs begin with our Level One curriculum, which is supported through our web-based home study, mentoring, and the training presented at the annual retreat. After attending the Level One retreat and completing the home study assignments associated with it, the student has the option of completing the 200 Hour certification and/or continuing with the Level two and Level three phases of the 600/500 Hour program

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Continuing Studies

Himalayan Yoga Tradition Continuing Studies students will receive the same high quality instruction as those in teacher training with no testing requirements. Students can sign up for 1 or 2 weeks of the annual retreat. All credit hours will be tracked and can later be applied to teacher certification if the student wishes. The student will have access to the members-only web site and can register for the entire 600 Hour program or register for Level One initially and progress through the program at their pace.

Deepening Levels

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

Program Pace

The program pace can be established individually by each student. The minimum time to complete each level is one year; however, due to life's responsibilities the student, with their mentors consent, may personalize the duration for each level.

Spiritual Guidance

The program provides satsanga (company of like-minded seekers) and personal guidance from senior teachers. This is uniquely implemented through our mentorship program and our innovative members-only web site. When the student is ready to deepen their spiritual practice, they will request initiation. Initiation in the Himalayan Yoga Meditative Tradition is a direct transmission of the energy of Consciousness from a qualified preceptor. From that time forward, the student will receive additional spiritual guidance from the preceptor. By the advanced level, yoga teachers may wish to continue their studies in Rishikesh, India and become disciples of the Himalayan Tradition gaining a deep knowledge of the Tradition, its practices and its texts and scriptures.

How does the 600/500 Hour program work?

Participants attend three two-week intensive retreats at one of our International locations. In addition, before certification, many students enjoy a stay at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh, India and become an initiate in the Tradition.

Students complete a 3 level comprehensive Home Study Program of guided self-study with support from a local mentor and senior teachers through our members-only web site. The student's progression through the home study is managed interactively and supported by an active discussion board. The board is utilized by students and mentors worldwide and monitored by senior teachers.

Registered students have access to our online Student Library of Home Study assignments, detailed curriculum, audio lectures (MP3), transcripts of Swami Veda's Lectures, booklets, and articles.

How does the Mentoring Program Work?

The mentoring program was established to support students between retreats. The role of mentors is to assist students in overcoming obstacles and solving problems. Students contact (in person, phone or e-mail) their mentors to let them know how they are doing, ask questions on practices and assignments, and schedule required practice teaching sessions. Mentors communicate with the HYT-TTP faculty regarding their students’ progress, recommending advancement between Levels when all assignments are completed and initiating the certification process once all requirements are met.

Choosing One’s Mentor

Students select a Yoga teacher with whom they would like to establish a mentor relationship. Mentors can be chosen from any of the registered HYT mentors, one’s local teacher, or an HYT-TTP graduate

The qualifications for HYT-TTP mentors are

To be Yoga teachers of substantial experience: at least five years and a minimum of 300 hours of teaching.
To have a thorough grounding in their styles of asana practice. They may be certified in traditions of practice other than HYT.
To have an understanding of the HYT-TTP prana-vidya style of instruction. This can be ascertained through an interview with a senior teacher.

If your chosen Mentor is not already in our program, please ask them to apply to our program

Tuition Fees

200 Hour Teacher Training Certification

$1,400 US

600/500 Hour Teacher Training Certification

$2,400 US

Continuing Studies

$2,400 US

The 600 Hour and Continuing Studies tuition can be paid in 3 segments as the student progresses beginning with Level One, then Level Two, and finishing with Level Three. The tuition rate is subject to change on an annual basis; therefore, it is suggested that all 3 levels be paid at the time of acceptance into the program. The current tuition rate per level is $800. This rate is the same whether you enroll as a continuing studies student or a teacher training student. Additional to tuition is the cost of books, travel, and room and board for retreats. A small number of scholarships are available.

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Our Policy

Retreat Tuition Fee

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Each segment of the tuition fee includes participation in one 2-week retreat. If the student wishes to repeat a 2-week retreat the fee will 50% of the current tuition fee for that segment. For example, if a 600 Hour Level One student wishes to repeat the 2-week Level One Retreat the retreat tuition fee would be $400.00.

Tuition Refund Policy

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If a student wishes to withdraw from the Himalayan Yoga Tradition - Teacher Training Program after paying tuition fees, 30% of said payment will be charged for administrative fees. The request for refund of the remaining 70% should be in writing to the HYT-TTP International Office in California. The monies will be refunded to the applicant within 30 days of receiving the request for refund.

Program Features And Curriculum Highlights

Student Progression

Our program is a systematic, sadhana-based program. "Sadhana" is a Sanskrit word which 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.

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Program Features

Annual Retreat

The ashram style 2-week retreat presents all aspects of yoga and meditation in a spiritually inspiring context at a choice of retreat locations. Retreats are centered on satsanga (company of like-minded people) and meditation with Swami Veda, and include a comprehensive roster of classes in hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation and other facets of yoga science and philosophy with a highly qualified teaching staff.

Home Study and practical application in everyday life

Integrates yoga philosophy and practice into everyday life. The extensive home study and mentor system assists, guides and inspires students in their personal sadhana.

Program Features

Web Support

The student's progression through the home study is managed interactively and supported by an active discussion board. The discussion board is utilized by students and mentors worldwide and monitored by senior teachers.

Student Library

An extensive library of Home Study assignments, Audio Lectures (MP3), transcripts of Swami Veda's Lectures, Booklets, and Articles is available to all registered students through the members-only web site.

Virtual Satsanga

Whether you are a student in Texas or Budapest, you are able to meet and connect with like-minded students, mentors, and teachers through our members-only web site.

Practice teaching

Students work with mentors to develop and refine teaching skills. By the completion of the 600 Hour Level One and/or the completion of the 200 Hour program, students plan and teach classes locally.

Local Study

Credit hours are given for ongoing study with local teachers.

Mentoring

Each student chooses a yoga teacher for their mentor and keeps in touch with them for ongoing guidance, encouragement and inspiration.

Curriculum Highlights

Foundation

The lineages of Rishis and role of the teacher in the Himalayan Tradition.

Sadhana

The Five Pillars of Sadhana, sacredness of spiritual practice, influence of Eastern spirituality on the West, and spiritual integration: the highest purpose of life.

HathaYoga & Integrated Practice

Explore foundational postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques. This session aims to harmonize body and mind, promoting flexibility, strength, and inner peace through a balanced approach to traditional yoga practices. Perfect for all levels, come and experience the transformative power of yoga in a supportive environment.

Breathing & Pranayama

The subtleties of breathing as the integrative link between body and mind, gross and subtle body. Underlying principles of pranayama in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as well as mudras and bandhas.

Relaxation & Meditation

Systems of meditation, science of mantra, chakra concentrations, purifying the personality, five koshas, advanced shavasana techniques, and yoga-nidra.

Yoga Anatomy & Physiology

The importance of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the muscular-skeletal, respiratory, and other systems of the body as it relates to the energetic (pranic) component of the joints and glands exercises and asanas.

Holistic Health & Biofeedback

Awareness of habit patterns, the affect of meditation on one's well-being, journal-keeping, conscious eating, transition to a balanced lifestyle and the uses of modern science such as biofeedback in measuring associated states of body, mind and consciousness.

Yoga Psychology

Eastern and Western approaches to the mind and personality, purifying emotions, karma and reincarnation, and yoga psychology in daily life. Also discovering and applying Yoga as a therapeutic modality in one's life.

Yoga Philosophy

Patanjali's Yoga-sutras, philosophy of hatha yoga and Raja Yoga, developing a personal philosophy of life, the Bhagavad Gita and principle Upanishads.

Teaching Methodology

Practical applications of course planning, preparing the physical classroom environment, basic attitudes (e.g. ahimsa) in the teaching of yoga.

200 Hour and 600 Hour
Certification Path

200 Hours, 500 Hours and 600 Hours Certification Path

Student Progression

Certification Options in the Teacher Training and Continuing Studies Program in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition include a 200 Hours, 500 Hours and a 600 Hours program.

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Whether you enroll in the 200 Hour or 600 Hour program you will begin with our Level One curriculum. Each level includes a two-week ashram-style retreat, a 12-month mentorship, and an extensive Home Study Program. The topics include Meditation, Raja Yoga, Yoga Sutras, Philosophy, Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Anatomy, Yoga Nidra, Psychology, Holistic Health, and Teaching Methodology. See Curriculum Highlights for more details. At the completion of Level One the student is ready to begin teaching at HYT Centers.

200 Hour Certification (Optional)

Some students will complete the HYT-TTP 200 Hour Certification process, to facilitate teaching yoga at non-HYT locations. The student's qualification to teach is gained primarily from their personal practice supported by the home study, mentoring, and training received at the annual retreat. Upon successful completion of the 200 Hour required accomplishments the student will receive an HYT-TTP Certificate.

Requirements for HYT-TTP Certification

A student's qualification to teach is gained primarily from personal practice supported by home study, mentoring, and training received at the annual retreats. When the student is prepared, the mentor initiates the promotion and graduation process. Upon successful completion of these required accomplishments, the student will receive an HYT-TTP Certificate.

200 Hour Certification (Optional)

Requirements for HYT-TTP Certification

Required Accomplishments

spaAcquiring 180 credit hours through formal instruction (at least one annual retreat and mentor contact sessions) in the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition, which includes 25 credit hours of supervised teaching.
spaAcquiring 20 credit hours through completion of Home Study assignments (approximately 5 hours of independent study equates to one credit hour).
spaDemonstrating skilled yoga teaching (both practice and theory) through a minimum of 25 credit hours of supervised practical teaching (through contact with mentor and at annual retreat). A minimum of 5 hours actively teaching with supervision by mentor.
spaMemorization of the HYT foundational Sanskrit recitations.
spaInitiation in the Himalayan Yoga Meditative Tradition and receiving a personal mantra.
spaScoring 80% or better on the Written Exam administered by the student’s mentor. This objective exam demonstrates mostly academic learning that can be gained from books and lectures.
spaCompleting the Take-Home Exam. This essay exam shows learning gained from one’s personal experience of yoga practices through Home Study.
spaReceiving mentor's recommendation for certification, passing faculty evaluation and receiving blessing by Acharya. Having completed all the required accomplishments, students are eligible for registration through the Yoga Alliance at the 200-Hour training level.

200 Hour	Annual Retheat	Mentor Contact	Home Study	Total
Credit hours	140	40	20	200

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Required Accomplishments

spaAcquiring 180 credit hours through formal instruction (at least one annual retreat and mentor contact sessions) in the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition, which includes 25 credit hours of supervised teaching.
spaAcquiring 20 credit hours through completion of Home Study assignments (approximately 5 hours of independent study equates to one credit hour).
spaDemonstrating skilled yoga teaching (both practice and theory) through a minimum of 25 credit hours of supervised practical teaching (through contact with mentor and at annual retreat). A minimum of 5 hours actively teaching with supervision by mentor.
spaMemorization of the HYT foundational Sanskrit recitations.
spaInitiation in the Himalayan Yoga Meditative Tradition and receiving a personal mantra.
spaScoring 80% or better on the Written Exam administered by the student’s mentor. This objective exam demonstrates mostly academic learning that can be gained from books and lectures.
spaCompleting the Take-Home Exam. This essay exam shows learning gained from one’s personal experience of yoga practices through Home Study.
spaReceiving mentor's recommendation for certification, passing faculty evaluation and receiving blessing by Acharya. Having completed all the required accomplishments, students are eligible for registration through the Yoga Alliance at the 200-Hour training level.

200 Hour	Annual Retheat	Mentor Contact	Home Study	Total
Credit hours	140	40	20	200

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200 Hour	Annual Retheat	Mentor Contact	Home Study	Total
Credit hours	140	40	20	200

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Continuing Education

This is a self-paced program that differs from the Teachers Training program in that the student goes through all of the elements contained in the written, audio and video materials (online access is granted)- but is not required to complete the written assignments and will not be tested and evaluated after each level and assignment. The student is not assigned a mentor to be guided through the program and assess students’ development. This is a program that previously certified teachers coming from other traditions may enroll in to learn more about the Himalayan Tradition or a student that is not in need of a certification or insurance.

CEUs

Can be obtained when attending seminars, classes or retreats that are taught by faculty of the HYT-TTP and are needed by Certified teachers (Both from other traditions and HYT-TTP graduates) as part of a periodic support for their certification. It is best to inquire beforehand to determine if there are faculty presenting at these classes or events to ensure that this specific faculty member can offer CEUs as per Yoga Alliance requirements.

Comments about the Program from Current Teacher Training Students

"I feel privileged to receive personal instruction within this authentic, living tradition."

"Swami Veda has deeply experienced that from which he speaks."

"Since beginning the program, my yoga practice is deeper and steadier."

"This program is about transformation. It is the real thing!"

FAQ’s

Become a Yoga Teacher in our Tradition

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Our program will deepen your personal development so that you can transmit authentic yoga teachings to others, not only from a storehouse of academic knowledge, but also from a depth of personal experience.

Become a Yoga Teacher in our Tradition

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Become a Yoga Teacher in our Tradition

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