Advanced Certificate Course in Yoga: Elevate Your Yogic Journey

As we ascend in our Yogic journey, the yearning to delve into advanced yogic practices and techniques naturally emerges. Our Advanced Certificate Course in Yoga, an advanced teacher’s training program (Advanced Yoga TTC), is designed to deepen your sadhana (practice) and enhance your skills, transforming you into a proficient learner capable of imparting this wisdom to others. Discover more about this advanced-level teacher’s course in Yoga.
Aim of Certification: Setting Global Standards
The primary objective is to cultivate advanced Yoga professionals with minimum common standards of knowledge and expertise, establishing them as global ambassadors of Yoga excellence.
Certification Benefits: Unlocking Opportunities and Recognition
Upon completion, you receive the esteemed Indian Yoga Association permanent certificate (IYA), a complimentary Yoga Professional membership with IYA, and eligibility to appear for the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) Exam by the Government of India. This certification not only recognizes your achievement but opens doors to abundant job and service opportunities.
Advantages for Certified Members: Enhanced Visibility and Opportunities
Certification under the IYA scheme offers advantages, as the association maintains a comprehensive portal listing certified Yoga professionals. This visibility increases your chances of securing meaningful employment and service opportunities.
Job Avenues: Certified Yoga Professionals can expand their teaching repertoire, conducting sessions on the basics of Yoga and the Common Yoga Protocol on International Day of Yoga. Opportunities include leading Yoga practices and classes in diverse settings such as parks, societies, and residential welfare associations.
Role of Indian Yoga Association: Upholding Educational Excellence
IYA plays a crucial role by providing syllabi for various courses and accrediting member institutes to conduct these advanced programs. Swaraj Yoga Institute & Wellness Retreats proudly stands as an accredited member for this course. Certificates issued by our institute are permanent, with periodic audit checks conducted by IYA to ensure quality standards.
Program Details: Shaping Your Yogic Experience
Offline Duration: Eight weeks of full-time training at the Dharamshala campus.
Maximum Group Size: Limited to 15 participants.
Start Dates: 1st August and 1st October (Separate Dates can be offered subject to availability – Drop a separate request email to info.yogachethana@gmail.com)
For Continuing Students: If you’ve completed 200 hours with us, the start date will be 1st September for an additional 4 weeks.
End Date: 55 days after the start date.
Online Mode: Customized to cater to your schedule and needs.
Embark on this transformative journey with our Advanced Certificate Course in Yoga. Enroll now and step into a realm of elevated yogic understanding and teaching proficiency.
Course Highlights
- 500 hr Yoga Wellness Instructor Course- Online and Offline modules
- Live sessions by a certified professional faculty
- Available for national and international students
- Accommodation available for international and national students
- Learn while enjoying a natural living experience of the yogic lifestyle
- Live online sessions will be held over Zoom, Google Duo or Microsoft Teams
- For Online sessions’ time zone: Dharamshala, India (India Standard Time, GMT 5.5)
- English instruction. Hindi, Himachal, Punjabi language can be arranged if available.
- Course can start as soon as you sign up
- Self-paced is possible upon discussion with the teacher
- Internship- A practical exposure to teach as Yoga Instructor—All candidates are given an opportunity to hold Yoga Classes as Instructor in our Campus Yoga classes to make participants have full confidence in their capabilities as Yoga Instructor
Yoga styles
- Hatha Yoga
- Traditional Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
- Special sessions on Kurunta (Rope)Yoga (inspired By Iyengar )
Eligibility – 12th Std or Certificate Course in Yoga
Duration – 500 Hours
Practical: Theory = 50 : 50 I.E. 250 Hours: 250 Hours
Minimum Contact Hours = 80% I.E. 400 Hours
Theory – Total Contact Hours = 200 Hours
Practical – Total Contact Hours = 200 Hours
Maximum group size: 10 /12
Syllabus—Theory Topics
Section 1 Philosophy | Detailed understanding of: |
Indian Philosophy | 59. What is Karma Yoga? |
1. Astika&NastikaDarsanas | 60. What is Bhakti Yoga? |
2. Common Characteristics of IP (a slightly deeper understanding) | 61. What is Jnana Yoga? |
Samkhya Darshana | Upanishads |
3. DukhaTraya | 62. Meaning of ‘Upanishad’ |
4. Purusa&Prakrti | 63. Names of 10 Main Upanishads |
5. Avidya | 64. A few Upanishadic doctrines – 4 Mahavakyas |
6. Tri–Guna Theory | 65. Panchamaya (Pancha kosha) theory |
7. Names and Characteristics of 25 Tattvas | Vedas |
8. Kaivalya | 66. Meaning of ‘Veda’ |
Yoga Darshana (Patanjali Yoga Sutras) | 67. Names of 4 Vedas |
9. Background of Patanjali | 68. Four parts of each Veda, Veda Angas &Upa Vedas |
10. Names of 4 Padas | Puranas |
11. The Ashtangas | 69. Name of Author |
12. Sabija / Nirbija / Dharmamegha Samadhi | 70. Basic understanding of Puranas |
13. Antarayas and method to remove them | 71. Names of 18 Puranas |
14. VikshepaSahabhuvas and method to remove them | 72. Purushartha theory |
15. Vrittis& methods to eliminate them | Section 3A Anatomy & Physiology: Medical Science & Yoga |
16. Klesas& methods to eliminate them | A. Anatomy & Physiology as per Medical Science |
17. Cittaprasadana&ManasthithiNibandhini techniques | 73. Names of 9 Main Systems and Organs in each system |
18. Definition & description of Ishvara | 74. Other Main Organs (e.g. Eyes, Ears, etc.) |
19. Concept of Samapatti | 75. Main Functions of above |
20. Concept and examples of Siddhis / Vibhutis | 76. Effects of Yoga Practices on the above systems and organs. |
21. Kaivalya | B. Yogic Anatomy & Physiology as per Yoga |
Etymological Meanings & Definitions of ‘Yoga’ | 77. Concept of Prana |
Meanings with Explanation | 78. Names and Functions of the Pancha Pranas and Upa Pranas |
22. Yujir-yoge | 79. Concept of Nadi& names of Nadis |
23. Yuj-samyoga | 80. Significance of Ida, Pingala &SushumnaNadis |
24. Yuj-samyamneYuj-samadhi | 81. Ashta Chakras and their Significance |
Definitions with Explanation | 82. Names of Granthis& Chakra awakening |
25. PYS Def Ch I – S: 2 | 83. Names of Endocrine glands corresponding to Chakras |
Bhagavad Gita | 84. Kundalini & its awakening and practices (e.g. Bandhas, Shaktichalana Mudra, etc.) for same |
26. Samatvam Yoga Uchyate; | Section 3B Human Psychology as per Yoga |
27. YogahaKarmasuKaushalam | Personality theories |
Salient features of Indian Culture | 85. Deeper understanding personality according to Tri- Gunas |
Only Names & brief understanding | 86. The 5 Citta Bhumis & their Guna orientation |
28. Deeper Understanding | 87. Understanding of Personality as per Samkhya Darsana: Prakrti (Sthula, Sukshma& Karana Shariras) + Purusa |
29. Sanatana Dharma | 88. Panchamaya (Panchakosha) theory as already considered in earlier section |
30. Vaidic Dharma | Concept of Mind |
31. Anekantavada | 89. Names & functions of elements of Antahkarana in Samkhya: Buddhi, Ahamkar& Manas. |
32. Ashrama Dharma | 90. Concept of Citta in PYS |
33. Purusharthas | 91. Distractions / Disturbances of Mind – 9 Antarayas as per PYS, Shad Ripu as per Upanishads (Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada&Matsarya), Samskaras (conditioning) / Vasanas /Klesas, etc. |
34. Guru-Shishya Parampara | 92. Mind Control Techniques: Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Meditation, Pranavajapa, Ek Tattva abhyasa, Cittaprasadana techniques, PratipakshaBhavana, Relaxation Practices (Shavasana, Yoga Nidra, etc.) |
35. Karma & Law of Karma | Life Style Considerations |
36. Dharma | 93. Diet: Mitahar as per HP; |
37. Spiritual culture (AdhyatmicSamskriti) / Materialistic culture (BhauticSamskriti) | 94. Bhagavad Gita: Diet, rest, relaxation, exertion, etc |
Section 2 Basic Texts of Yoga | 95. Elaboration of Yogic Life style |
Patanjali Yoga Sutras | Introduction to Ayurveda |
38. Over-view of 1st and 2nd Padas | 96. Meaning of ‘Ayurveda’ |
39. Over-view of 3rd and 4th Padas | 97. 3 Doshas |
40. Sutras by heart | 98. Concepts of Health (Swasthya), Mala; Dhatus; etc. |
41. Definition (Ch:I S-2); | Section 4 Teaching of Yoga |
42. Ashtanga Yoga (Ch:II S- 29); | 99. Teaching Methods (Instruction; Observation; Demonstration; Correction) |
43. Asana (Ch:II S-46); | 100. Teaching Aids |
44. Pranayama (Ch:II S-49) | 101. Communication Skills |
45. Ashtangas of Yoga (Ch:II S-54) (Ch:III S-1, 2 &3) | 102. Verbal & Non-verbal |
46. Cittaprasadana (Ch:I S-33 &34) | 103. Ideal Qualities of Teacher |
47. Pratipaksha Bhavana (Ch:II S-33) | 104. Conducive Environment |
Hatha Pradipika (HP) &Gheranda Samhita (GS) | 105. Safety measures |
48. Deeper Understanding of Hatha Yoga | 106. Guideline as regards framework of Professional Practice |
Deeper understanding of Hatha Pradipika | |
49. Understanding of 4 angas | |
50. Understanding of 15 Asanas | |
51. Understanding of Shat Kriyas | |
52. Understanding of 8 | |
53. Kumbhakas | |
54. Understanding of 10 Mudras | |
55. Badhak Tattva / Sadhak Tattva | |
Deeper understanding of Gheranda Samhita | |
56. Understanding of Saptangas | |
Bhagavad Gita | |
57. Name of Author | |
58. No. of Chapters |
Syllabus— Practice Topics
Section 1SukshmaVyayama / Preparatory Practices / Sandhi Chalana kriya | Two Inverted Asanas |
1. Institution-specific | 45. Sarvangasana |
Section 2 Shuddhi Kriyas | 46. Shirsasana |
2. Dhauti: VamanDhauti; DandaDhauti; VastraDhauti; Agnisaar | Section 4 Suryanamaskar |
3. Neti: Jal Neti; Sutra Neti | 47. Suryanamaskar (Traditional with 12 Poses and accompanying 48. Mantras) (Can be School- Specific) |
4. Tratak | Section 5 Pranayama |
5. Kapalbhati | 48. Sectional Breathing |
6. Nauli | 49.Yogic Breathing |
7. Theoretical Knowledge as regards Basti | 50. Nadishodhana |
Section 3 Asanas | Kumbhakas with Bandhas |
Five Meditative Asanas | 51. Suryabhedana |
8. Siddhasana | 52. Ujjayi |
9. Padmasana | 53. Shitkari |
10. Svastikasana | 54. Shitali |
11. Vajrasana | 55. Bhramari |
12. Veerasana | 56. Bhastrika |
Seven Standing Asanas | 57. Sagarbha&AgarbhaNadishodhana Pranayama |
13. Tadasana | Bandhas |
14. Ekpadasana | 58. Mulabandha |
15. Vrikshasana | 59. Uddiyana Bandha |
16. Utkatasana | 60. Jalandhar Bandha |
17. Trikonasana | 61. Jivha Bandha |
18. Padahastasana | 62. Maha bandha |
19. Garudasana | Section 6 Mudras |
Five Kneeling Asanas | 63. Chin / Jnana Mudra |
20. Ushtrasana | 64. Padma Mudra |
21. Marjarasana | 65. Agochari Mudra (NasikagraDrishthi) |
22. Vyahgrasana | 66. Shambhavi (BruhmadhyaDrishthi) |
23. Shashankhasana | 67. Viparitakarani |
24. Suptavajrasana | 68. Khechari |
Eight Sitting Asanas | 69. Mahamudra |
25. Bhadrasana | 70. Mahavedha Mudra |
26. Simhasana | 71. Ashvini Mudra |
27. Gaumukhasana | 72. Yoga Mudra |
28. Vakrasana | 73. Shanmukhi Mudra |
29. Parvatasana | 74. Shaktichalana Mudra |
30. Paschimottanasana | 75. Brahma Mudra |
31. Matsyendrasana | Section 7 Mantras |
32. Ardhamatsyendrasana | 76. Pranavajapa |
Five Prone Asanas | 77. Shanti Mantra: Can be institution-specific |
33. Bhujangasana | Section 8 Meditation |
34. Shalabhasana | 78. Institution-specific |
35. Dhanurasana | Section 9 Teaching Practice |
36. Naukasana | 79.Institution-specific |
37. Makarasana | |
Seven Supine Asanas | |
38. Pavanmuktasana | |
39. Setubandhasana | |
40. Matsyasana | |
41. Uthitapadahastasana | |
42. Halasana | |
43. Chakrasana | |
44. Shavasana |
Daily Schedule
- 07:00 am Detoxification cleanse practices –shudhi Kriyas/Shatkarma followed by Breathing, meditation and mantra chanting
- 07:30 am Practical Class as per syllabus (learn, practice and adjustments)
- 09:30 am Breakfast, rest
- 10:30 am theory class as per syllabus (philosophy)
- 11:30 Practical – Self-alignment and teaching practice
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 13:30 free time- study, rest
- 16.00 tea
- 16:30 Theory class -philosophy as per syllabus | anatomy with Practical, demonstration, corrections,| Group Discussions as per topics of syllabus
- 18:30 Meditation, mantra chanting (Patanjali Yoga Sutras to Preaching from Bhagwad Geeta and other yoga Shastras, Puranas, Upanishads etc . as per Syllabus)
- 19.30 pm Dinner
- 22:00 Lights off
- Sunday – Holiday
- Saturday – Half day
- Extra classes can be taken on request
Dos & Don’t / General RULES –
Once you book your course or Yoga retreat Vacation, the guest/student should be happily ready to adhere to the following Rules and regulations in campus as a Yoga family member.
Since Yogachethana is a Yoga oriented campus and not a guesthouse, we expect all of our retreatants and students to watch the accompanying standards – keeping in mind the true goal to keep up an environment helpful for internal reflection & facilitate the best learning while studying as an ardent student for all present in the campus :
1.) Yoga Students/Guests kindly don’t enter the Kitchen. But occasionally if you have been permitted to cook of your choice, it is ok.
2.) To help us to promote sattvic eating – no meat, fish, or any non-veg food is permitted.
3.) Practicing quietness in all classes is appreciated but personal queries can be raised after the class
4.) We need to ensure the well-being and safety of our Yoga Students/Guests. Subsequently, we request you to come back to the campus no later than 10 pm.
5.) All Yoga Students/Guests are expected to take part in Yoga classes, Meditation sessions, and prayers held day by day. No exemptions other than permitted because of some health issue.
6.) Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs of any sort are entirely not permitted.
7.) To keep quiet condition Please keep all music at the lowest level in your accommodation and no music device is allowed to play after 10 pm.
8.) This is your own campus, We request all students / Guests to help and respect each other to maintain a conducive family-like environment and maintain a perfect environment of love care, and peace in the campus and their accommodation. No Anger is allowed.
10.) Please participate and help us to maintain cleanliness as Karma Yoga is the best way to give back as your Seva to the yoga campus.
11.) Use Respectful dresses. (One must avoid shirts over the knee, Tank-Top Shirts or Tight and uncovering apparel).
12.) The friends, relatives, and outsiders related to students / Guests are not permitted to visit any accommodation inside the campus but can visit and meet the desired person in the reception area.
13.) Every individual will wash his own particular garments in the clothes washer and he/she will dry themselves. Paid service is also available at reasonable charges
14)People are not permitted to share or change the accommodation without prior approval and sometimes required by campus working/weather circumstances, Your accommodation can be changed.
Course Materials: Two sets of T-shirts and a Course manual are provided as a part of the course material and are included in the course fee.
Language: The course is taught in English and in Hindi, an explanation is available for Indian Students
Please enquire before making any travel plans if you do not have a good command of both written and spoken English.
Evaluation of students is on:
- Attendance
- Performance
- Theory understanding during the course
- Final written exam
- A minimum combined score of 50% is required to pass.
- Unsuccessful students will have to repeat the entire course with cost to qualify for the certificate
Supplemental Course Material: Apart from the TTC manual, there are some recommended texts for the course. These are not included in the course fee and can be bought from our centre :
- Extra Yoga Books as per syllabus requirement
- Bhagavad Gita
- To maintain the spiritual atmosphere of the ashram guests please review Centres Do’s & Don’ts
- Things to Bring: These items can also be purchased at our centre .
- Comfortable clothes
- Sandals
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Personal items
- Water bottle (Reusable, we try and limit the amount of single-use plastic)
- Torch
- Meditation shawl (for cool evenings)
- Yoga asana mat
- Meditation cushion
- Notebooks and pens
Meals: Simple Indian vegetarian meals are provided twice daily. (It is not possible to cater to personal dietary preferences beyond the yogic-vegetarian meals from our side )