Yoga Teacher Training
A Transformative Experience
Immerse yourself in traditional yogic practices under the direct guidance of a living self-realized master, His Holiness Jagadguru Swami Isa.
Become a certified yoga teacher while experiencing profound spiritual growth—this training is designed to fulfil both aspirations
Rooted in the traditional Gurukula system, students live and learn directly with the spiritual master. This program offers a rare opportunity to experience yoga in its purest form, a path to spiritual attainment within the living tradition of an Indian ashram.
Why Choose Our Program?
Today, there are countless Yoga Teacher Training programs around the world. Few, however, offer the opportunity to learn directly from a self-realized master while living and learning within a traditional Indian ashram.
At Isalayam, teacher training goes beyond learning techniques and gaining certification. Students are invited to develop as yoga teachers while deepening their own spiritual growth.
Swami Isa’s teachings are not simply theoretical—they are the living wisdom of a realized master established in the highest Truth. Whether you choose the Life for Total Consciousness pathway or the Yoga Teacher Training pathway, the training is established in the deeper purpose of yoga and its timeless spiritual tradition.
Living and Learning at Isalayam
Learn Directly from Swami Isa
One of the most distinctive aspects of the program is the opportunity to study directly with His Holiness Jagadguru Swami Isa. Through his classes and satsangs, students receive teachings on yoga, spirituality and the deeper purpose of human life, with opportunities to ask questions and deepen their understanding.
Live Yoga as a Way of Life
Yoga is not just something you practice once a day—it’s a way of life. Sadhana (personal practice), seva (selfless service), satsangs, devotional chants and community life are not separate activities; together, they become the living experience of yoga, naturally supporting your spiritual journey.
Sacred Festivals
Throughout the year, the ashram celebrates traditional festivals and sacred ceremonies, offering students the opportunity to experience the richness of India’s spiritual heritage. Participants in the July training take part in Guru Purnima, one of the most sacred celebrations in the guru tradition. Aspirants may also receive mantra diksha directly from the Guru.
The Training
Isalayam’s Teacher Training program follow a comprehensive 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training curriculum, combining practical instruction with the philosophical foundations of yoga. Throughout the program, theory and practice complement one another, allowing students not only to develop the knowledge and skills needed to teach, but also to deepen their own practice and inner experience of yoga.
The programme offers two teacher-training pathways. Both are grounded in the traditional understanding of yoga and share the same foundation in yogic philosophy, meditation, anatomy, teaching methodology and life in the ashram, while offering a different focus for practice and teacher training.
Yoga Practice and Teaching Practice (Two Pathways)
1) Life for Total Consciousness Pathway
Life for Total Consciousness (LTC) is a structured yoga and meditation practice developed by Swami Isa, with a particular focus on inner and spiritual development. This pathway combines dedicated LTC practice and teacher training with training in asana and pranayama.
Participants on this pathway receive dedicated training in:
- The principles and practices of Life for Total Consciousness
- Meditation and inner development
- The methodology for teaching LTC
- Guided practice and teaching of LTC
The training also includes asana and pranayama, providing participants with a broader foundation in yoga practice.
Learn more about Life for Total Consciousness
2) Yoga Teacher Training Pathway
This pathway places greater emphasis on asana and pranayama, together with the practical skills required to structure and teach yoga classes.Both pathways run simultaneously at Isalayam. Participants train together for the shared elements of the programme and separate for specialised practice and teacher-training sessions.
Participants on this pathway receive dedicated training in:
- Asana practice
- Asana alignment and technique
- Pranayama
- Sequencing and class development
- Modifications and variations
Yogic philosophy with Swami Isa
Students will learn the timeless wisdom of yoga through its essential principles. Swami Isa draws upon classical texts such as Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Upanishads and Puranas to illuminate different aspects of the teaching from both a traditional and scientific perspective.
Learn more about Swami Isa’s teachings
Teaching methodology
Students learn the philosophy and methods of appropriate teaching, including Swami Isa’s own approach to teaching, Education for Total Consciousness.
Yogic diet
An important part of the daily routine is the preparation and enjoyment of food. A healthy body and mind requires a good diet. Students will learn the foundations of a sattvic, yogic diet.
Anatomy
Knowledge of the body and its constituents, systems, as well as subtle energy systems are essential for the yoga practitioner and teacher, in order to create a safe and intentional learning environment.
Purification practices
Yogic practices (kriyas) in purification are part of the curriculum.
Sanskrit
Prayers, bhajans and yoga sutras are all learned in Sanskrit. Student will also gain basic knowledge of the fundamentals of pronunciation and the alphabet of the ancient language.
Observation and guided teaching practice
Students will have the opportunity to design sequences and classes, practice teaching, receive feedback.
Life in the ashram
Everything in the course is a part of the ashram way of life, from how and when we sleep, eat, speak, learn and work together, to sitting in the presence of the master, to attending sacred ceremonies.
Is this program right for you?
This training is intended for people who wish to become yoga teachers and already have some experience of yoga and/or meditation.
Participants should have a basic familiarity with yoga practice or meditation and be ready to deepen their practice through an intensive teacher-training programme. Participants should also be in sufficiently good physical condition to engage comfortably in regular practice from the beginning, particularly on the Yoga Teacher Training pathway.
Beyond previous experience, what matters most is a sincere aspiration to learn and a genuine openness to yoga as a spiritual path to be lived and experienced from within.
Accommodation
The residential training takes place at Isalayam Ashram in Kerala, India. Simple shared accommodation allows participants to immerse themselves fully in ashram life. Mattresses, pillows and mosquito nets are provided.
The ashram offers a simple way of life, creating an environment that naturally supports concentration, self-reflection and spiritual practice.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the programme, including the final assessment, participants receive a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate from Isalayam, a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS).
Government of India Yoga Teacher certification is also available for students attending the non-residential program. Please contact us for further information.
Admission Requirements
Prior experience of yoga and/or meditation is required. Applicants are expected to fully engage in the training and to respect the values, guidelines and daily rhythm of the ashram throughout their stay.
Those who are interested may contact us for an application form. After receiving it, we’ll reach out to schedule a video call to get to know each other better.
Testimonials
— Susanne
Germany
"Very few people get the opportunity to meet a realized master. It is a real rarity that Swami Isa Himself teaches the essential contents of the yoga teacher training course. With His guiding Light – you can expect so much more at Isalayam than you could ever have imagined!"
— Samuel
Reunion Island
"In this yoga camp I’ve discovered a new science, and a new way to see yoga as Life For Total Consciousness. I feel that I had so much grace to experience all these wonderful moments. Let the Light smile on our faces forever."
— Franziska
Germany
"It is an experience that I will never forget. For anyone who desires an opportunity to go deeply into your practice with the knowledge that you are being taken care of every step of the way, by one who truly knows the experience and your deepest desires, don’t miss Swami Isa’s courses."
— Javier
Spain
"A profound experience. The daily teachings from Swami Isa offer great insights that went far beyond the physical practice. His wisdom brought a deeper understanding of the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga, making the training incredibly enriching."
How to Apply
If you would like to apply, simply send us your name and country of residence to receive the application form.
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
