Sivananda Yoga Teachers' Training Course (TTC)
Phu Chaisai, Chiang Rai, THAILAND
October 10 - November 6, 2010

The Masters

Swami Sivananda (1887 – 1963)  A great sage and yogi of modern India and the inspiration behind the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres worldwide. Swami Sivananda was a medical doctor before leaving for the Himalayas to find the way to help people suffering. He wrote more then 200 books on Yoga and Meditation in English, foreseeing that the world would need Yoga.  The teachings of the great Master can be summarized by his motto: "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize" .

Swami Vishnudevananda (1927 – 1993)  A peace lover and the founder of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and is a renowned authority on Hatha and Raja Yoga. At a young age, he was nominated as "Hatha Yoga Professor" by Master Sivananda at Rishikesh, Himalayas. He was sent by Swami Sivananda to America to teach Yoga. He is considered to be one of the pioneers to bring Yoga and Yoga life to America and Europe. He is the author of bestselling book The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga and Meditation and Mantras.  He is the designer of this Sivananda Yoga Teacher’s Training Course. His motto: "Health is Wealth, Peace of Mind is Happiness, Yoga shows the way".

The 5 points of Yoga

In an effort to simplify and clarify the complex philosophies and teachings of Yoga, Swami Vishnudevananda summarized the wisdom of Yoga in 5 principles. These principles show the way to developing physical and mental health as well as spiritual growth. These 5 points or principles are:

1. Proper Exercise (Asanas)
2. Proper Breathing (Pranayama)
3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana)
4. Proper Diet (vegetarian)
5. Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana)
   

The 4 paths of Yoga

Another good way to begin your study of Yoga is by being acquainted with the four paths of Yoga

1. Jnana Yoga (The Yoga of wisdom or knowledge)
2. Raja Yoga (The Yoga of Self control)
3. Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion)
4. Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action)