Teacher Training
Yoga Nidra Teacher Training (YNTTC)
A 250-hour hybrid teacher training with Swami Yogaratna Saraswati, in the Satyananda tradition of the Bihar School of Yoga. A flexible version: foundation and theory online or at the ashram, then a two-week residency in Gokarna, training you to teach traditional Yoga Nidra in full.
The training
About the course
The 250-hour YNTTC is a rare course in the authentic tradition of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It equips dedicated practitioners to master the theory, self-practice, therapeutic applications and instruction of traditional Yoga Nidra.
Many teachers use Yoga Nidra as a short relaxation at the end of a class. Practised in full, it is a method for working with the nervous system and the subconscious mind.
It is for dedicated practitioners who want to go beyond offering Yoga Nidra as a short relaxation, and learn to guide the complete practice with knowledge and confidence.
The course teaches the practice as set out in the Satyananda tradition, in full, and takes it one step beyond relaxation.
Prerequisites
Who can enrol
- Completion of the 5-day Yoga Nidra Foundation Course with Swami Yogaratna, or with a Bihar School / Satyananda-tradition teacher.
- Or long-term regular practice in another meditation tradition, subject to an interview with Swamiji.
- One to two years of consistent, unguided Yoga Nidra practice (without a recording), and familiarity with the subconscious mind.
- Required texts: Yoga Nidra and A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Practices of Yoga and Kriya, both by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
The lineage
Foundations of the course
The authentic lineage
Rooted in the tradition of the Bihar School of Yoga, the very place where the Yoga Nidra technique, as it is known globally today, was discovered and refined by Swami Satyananda.
Professional expertise
A working understanding of the Yoga Nidra structure, the script, and its effect on the nervous system.
Philosophical depth
Connect with the ancient roots of Tantra and traditional yogic philosophy.
Living the yoga
An authentic immersion into the yogic lifestyle at a traditional ashram in India.
Meet your teacher
Swami Yogaratna Saraswati
Swamiji brings over 40 years of experience as a sannyasin (nun) and teacher within the Satyananda lineage.
She is known for her work applying Yoga Nidra as a tool in therapy, and has taught across South India and overseas.
The curriculum
Core curriculum
The 250 hours cover four areas:
- Mechanics & theory: the subconscious, neurophysiology, the stress response, and the Tantric origins of the practice.
- Instructional mastery: voice modulation, crafting rotation scripts, setting the Sankalpa, and managing group energy.
- Applications & therapy: using Yoga Nidra for specialised relaxation, healing, and advanced psychic-sleep techniques.
- Integrated yogic lifestyle: daily asana, pranayama, mantra chanting, Meditations from the Tantras, and an hour of karma yoga a day.
- Practice teaching: leading a live five-day Foundation Course for real students during the residency.
- Two assistants support the course, one for administration and one for assignment correction (often students on the training themselves).
On completion you receive the Shankar Prasad Ashram certificate.
The ashram
The ashram experience
The residential phase of the training takes place at Swami Yogaratna’s ashram near Gokarna, South India, where yoga is lived as a complete way of life.
The ashram offers simple, basic living conditions. We are not a resort, we are not a guest house, we are an ashram. Silence is kept from 9 pm to 9 am.
Over the two weeks you study Yoga Nidra and practise it daily, with a simple vegetarian diet, in a quiet, natural setting.
The daily routine
The daily ashram routine
- Early-morning chanting to begin the day, a tool for mental cleansing, energetic balance and heart-opening.
- Morning practice: asana and pranayama in the Bihar School of Yoga style.
- Chanting: the vibration of mantras as a tool for energetic balance and heart-opening.
- Karma yoga: selfless service and community work as an integral part of the yogic path.
- Nourishing vegetarian diet: three daily meals of home-cooked, simple and sattvic Indian food.
- Evening satsangs (discussions), mantra chanting and short meditations from the Tantras.
- In-depth study: theory and practice sessions under the close personal guidance of Swami Yogaratna.
The path to certification
Program structure
A hybrid course: a foundation and theory phase, online or at the ashram, then a mandatory two-week ashram residency.
Part I
Foundation & theory
Online, live or self-paced through recordings, or in person at the ashram. Initial intensive lectures, then weekly Tuesday check-ins, 8–9 pm IST.
Part II
Ashram intensive, two weeks
A mandatory two-week residency at Shankar Prasad Ashram in Gokarna (or elsewhere as organised): the ashram routine, advanced techniques, practice teaching, and leading a live five-day Foundation Course.
Certification
Shankar Prasad Ashram certificate
Awarded on completion of the course and all assignments.
Throughout the program
Personal mentoring & practicum
Guided teaching practice to build full confidence, with individual feedback from Swami Yogaratna on script construction, vocal quality, word choice and presence.
Outcomes
What the training covers
Facilitation skills
Master the precise use of voice and language. Learn techniques to help students achieve total relaxation and connect with their innate self-healing and higher consciousness.
Advanced techniques
The further applications of Yoga Nidra and Tantric meditations, as developed by Swami Yogaratna from the core teachings of Swami Satyananda.
Confidence through practice
Build readiness through extensive peer-to-peer facilitation and practice with friends and family, so you are fully prepared to work with real-world students and clients.
Personal mentoring
Individual feedback and close guidance from Swami Yogaratna on how you transmit and guide the practice.
Commitment & registration
Fees & what’s included
Fees depend on room type
Please enquire for current fees and room options.
Included in the course fee
- Tuition & training, full access to every learning phase: live and recorded foundational content online, and all practical training at the ashram.
- Ashram accommodation, 14 nights at the Shankar Prasad Ashram in Gokarna, in simple, charming heritage buildings surrounded by lush gardens and an organic farm.
- Transfers, group shuttle from Goa Airport (GOI/GOX) to the ashram on arrival, and return transport on completion (at pre-scheduled times).
- Nourishing meals, three vegetarian meals daily, featuring organic produce from the ashram’s own farm, plus tea, coffee and filtered water.
- Course materials & mentoring, all relevant study materials and personal mentorship, including individual feedback from Swami Yogaratna.
- Ashram activities, traditional fire ceremonies (havan) every Saturday, sunrise and sunset meditations at the beach or temple, and group sea swims.
- Certification, a Yoga Nidra Teacher Certificate issued by Shankar Prasad Ashram, awarded on completion of all assignments and the practicum.
Not included
Airfare, a recommended flight is suggested to the group on registration, though participants may arrive independently for the shuttle or directly at the ashram.
Personal expenses, any independent travel, sightseeing or activities outside the official course schedule.
India entry visa, participants are responsible for their own e-Visa or regular tourist visa.
Health & travel insurance, mandatory for all participants.
Acceptance into the program is by interview with Swami Yogaratna.
In their words
From past students
“The Yoga Nidra taught by Swamiji touches many layers, from the physical level to the deepest parts of the subconscious. Swami Yogaratna is a highly experienced teacher with a genuine passion for sharing her knowledge.”
“I enjoyed the accessible and practical content, and the light in Swami Yogaratna’s eyes. Her knowledge was shared with generosity and clarity. I recommend this practice to anyone seeking wellness of mind and body.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I had waited a long time for the chance to study Yoga Nidra, and this was a wonderful and accessible option. Highly recommended. Thank you.”
“An extraordinary educational and spiritual experience. Swami Yogaratna gives deep, personal guidance to every student, weaving together theory and the practical application of Yoga Nidra, Hatha Yoga and Karma Yoga.”
“I really enjoyed my stay and, without much effort, organically I was able to keep my silence there. I find the style of your teachings traditional and modern at the same time — traditional because of the focus on chanting and the daily schedule, modern because of how dynamically you are running the ashram.”
“Thank you so much for such a deep and enriching experience. I have learned so much and enjoyed so much.”
“Thank you for a very enriching session tonight. I sat up feeling light like never before.”
“Thank you for the wonderful course you are conducting — I am enjoying it. And thank you for the beautiful notes that you are sending. I really appreciate it.”
Take the next step
Enquire about this training
Admission is by a short interview. Tell us about your practice and background, and we’ll guide you through dates, room options and registration.