200-Hour Vinyasa and Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India

Train in the birthplace of yoga with BinduSar Yoga, a respected yoga school in Tapovan, Rishikesh, teaching since 2009 and home to more than 1,900 graduates worldwide. Our 22-day residential course gives you the skills, confidence, and depth of understanding to teach Vinyasa Yoga and the Ashtanga Primary Series safely and with authority, for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

What You Will Gain

By the end of the course, you will be a certified teacher ready to lead inspiring classes for students of every level. You will:

Learn how to teach ashtanga or vinyasa classes with confidence
Master alignment and hands-on adjustments, learning to guide students safely and with confidence
Deepen your practice in backbending and hip-opening asana, with clear progressions for every body
Explore pranayama and meditation with experienced teachers, and build a practice you can share
Study the roots of yoga through the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and the Upanishads, in a way that connects ancient wisdom to modern life
Understand the body through yoga anatomy, so you can teach with precision and care
Learn Ayurveda and the yogic diet, the foundations of balanced and healthy living
Develop your teaching voice through practice teaching, communication skills, and class sequencing
Learn essential Sanskrit so you can use traditional terms correctly and comfortably
Learn how to sequence asanas to teach your vinyasa classes.

Beyond the Mat

Your training is also a cultural journey. Take part in traditional festivals and fire pujas, and join optional excursions to ashrams, temples, waterfalls, and anatomy labs. Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganges at the foot of the Himalayas, is a living classroom.

Authentic Wisdom, Adapted for the Western Mind

BinduSar Yoga is rooted in India, but our teaching extends beyond it. We also run teacher training immersions across Europe, in cities such as Bucharest, Budapest, Cluj, Vienna, and Prague. Teaching in both worlds gives us a rare understanding of how Western students learn, question, and apply yoga in daily life. You will receive the traditional teachings as they were passed down, from the Yoga Sutras to the Bhagavad Gita, and learn to translate them into clear, practical, and relatable language for modern students. The result is a teaching style that stays true to tradition and speaks directly to the people in your classes, wherever you teach.

Who Is This Course For?

This program is designed for intermediate and advanced practitioners who want to deepen their knowledge and step into teaching. Experienced students are supported to build on what they already know and develop their own authentic style.

New to Yoga?

If you are just beginning your journey, we welcome you to start with a week of our drop-in classes in Rishikesh. It is a gentle way to build strength, familiarity, and confidence before joining the full 24-day residential certification.

Vinyasa and Ashtanga teacher training
200 hours
Rishikesh, India

2026.

November 25 - December 16

2027
February 01- 21
March 01 - 21
April 01-21
May 01-21
September 01-21
October 01-21

Module 1- Introduction to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Meaning and philosophy of Ashta (eight) and Vinyasa
Origin and lineage of Ashtanga Yoga
Understanding Parampara (teacher–student tradition)
Difference between Ashtanga Vinyasa and other yoga styles
Mysore style vs. Led class practice
Discipline, consistency, and self-practice (Svādhyāya)

The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga)

A structured study of Ashtanga Yoga based on the original Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, focusing on real life application and transformative teaching methods.

Module 2- Tristhana: The Three Pillars of Ashtanga

Asana – alignment, stability, and comfort
Pranayama – Ujjayi breathing
Drsti – nine traditional gaze points
How Tristhana creates meditation in movement

Module 3- Vinyasa System & Breath

Meaning of Vinyasa Krama (intelligent sequencing)
Synchronization of breath and movement
Counting Vinyasa (traditional Sanskrit count)
Importance of rhythm, flow, and bandha awareness
Common mistakes in vinyasa practice

Module 4- Bandhas (Energy Locks)

Mula Bandha – pelvic floor awareness
Uddiyana Bandha – abdominal lift
Jalandhara Bandha – throat lock (introductory understanding)
Bandhas in asana and pranayama
Energetic and physiological effects of bandhas

Module 5. Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) – Detailed Study

Purpose: Detoxification, alignment, and strength

Surya Namaskara A & B (detailed breakdown)
Standing sequence – alignment and transitions
Seated postures – forward bends, twists, hip openers
Finishing sequence – backbends and inversions
Closing sequence and rest
Benefits and contraindications of each posture
Modifications for beginners and injuries

Module 6. Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) – Introduction

(Full study in 300-hour / advanced modules)

Purpose of the Intermediate Series (introduction to the practice)
Nervous system purification
Backbends and energetic challenges
Safe preparation and progression
When and how to introduce Intermediate poses

Module 7. Anatomy & Physiology for Ashtanga Yoga

Functional anatomy of spine, hips, shoulders, knees
Muscles used in Surya Namaskar and standing postures
Joint safety and injury prevention
Breath mechanics and diaphragm function
Understanding flexibility vs. stability
Common Ashtanga injuries and how to avoid them

Module 8. Pranayama in Ashtanga Tradition

Ujjayi pranayama (practice and refinement)
Introduction to traditional pranayama sequence
Breath retention (basic understanding)
Contraindications and precautions
Pranayama as preparation for meditation

Module 9. Drishti & Mental Focus

Nine traditional drishtis
Role of gaze in concentration and balance
Developing internal awareness
Using drishti to calm the mind

Module 10. Meditation & Mind Training

Seated meditation techniques
Breath awareness meditation
Mantra and silent observation
Integrating meditation with Asana practice
Dealing with restlessness and resistance

Module 11. Teaching Methodology

How to structure a Led Ashtanga class
Introduction to Mysore-style teaching
Verbal cues vs. hands-on adjustments
Sequencing principles
Voice, presence, and confidence as a teacher
Ethical responsibilities of a yoga teacher

Module 12. Adjustments & Assists

Principles of safe hands-on adjustments
Consent and communication
Common adjustments in Surya Namaskar and Primary Series
Energetic vs. mechanical adjustments
Use of props in Ashtanga (when and why)

Module 13. Sanskrit & Chanting

Opening and closing Ashtanga chants
Meaning and pronunciation
Basic Sanskrit posture names
Importance of sound and vibration

Module 15. Ayurveda in Ashtanga Yoga

Foundations of Ayurveda: Dosha, Prakriti & Agni
Ashtanga Ayurveda: The Eight Branches
Dinacharya & Ritucharya
Ayurvedic diet & yogic nutrition
Ayurveda for yoga practice & lifestyle

Self-Practice & Assessment

Daily guided and self-practice sessions
Teaching practicums
Posture demonstrations
Written and practical assessments
Feedback and personal growth review

register now
Fee: 1400 USD (Twin room sharing)
1790 USD (Single room)

1300 USD (Single room with no AC)

Reservation & Payment

To reserve your place, a 200 USD deposit is required.

All room prices include -

- Full board: (3 meals, tea and snacks, and tuition)

- Excursions to Aarti and Kunjapuri temple visit.

- Pick-up from Dehradun (DED) airport.

- Use of yoga mats, props, and other yoga items.

- Ayurveda consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor.

You can pay the remaining balance upon arrival at the school within the first two days.

Payments can be made through:

PayPal
Wise
Bank Transfer
Secure Payment Links provided by the school

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

Course Fees
Training fees are non-refundable once you have joined the course.

Enrollment Fee

Your initial enrollment fee is non-refundable. However, it remains valid for one year from the date of registration, so you may use it to join a course in another month within that year.

Transfers

A transfer to another course month is allowed once only.
Transfer requests must be sent to us in writing by email at least 30 days before the start of your course.
Requests for cancellation or transfer cannot be accepted within 30 days of the course start date.

This policy applies from the day of registration.

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Rishikesh, India

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Schedule

How you spent a day with yoga

07:00 - Praṇayama & Bandha Practice

08:00 – 08:30 - Tea Break

08:30 – 10:30 - Ashtanga Practice

10:45 – 11:30 - Breakfast

11:30 – 13:30 - Anatomy & Yoga Philosophy

13:30 – 16:30 - Lunch & Rest

16:30 – 17:30 - Adjustments & Alignment

17:30 – 19:00 - Asana, Meditation & Teaching Practice

19:00 - Dinner

Saturday is a resting day.

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Teaching Methodology

1. Eligibility and Ashtanga practice requirements:

To join our Ashtanga course, you must be able to practice at least half of the Ashtanga Primary Series. You do not need to master the complete Primary Series before joining. If you find certain postures, such as Marichyasana D, or some other asanas difficult, it is absolutely fine. Our teachers will guide you and help you improve your practice step by step.

However, you should have a good foundation in Ashtanga and be comfortable practicing at least half of the Primary Series. We recommend developing a regular practice in the coming months so you can come well prepared for the training.

2. Vinyasa Flow and creative sequencing.

About 50% of our course focuses on Vinyasa sequencing and the fundamentals of asanas, breathing exercises, bandhas, and building a yoga practice. Our creative Vinyasa sequencing method is closely connected to the Ashtanga Primary and Second Series. We design sequences by keeping specific Ashtanga postures at the center of the practice.

Through carefully planned Vinyasa sequences, students work progressively towards developing the strength, flexibility, mobility, and understanding required for these postures. This approach allows students to work on challenging asanas individually and progressively before integrating them into their traditional Ashtanga practice. This is called peak flow practice.

The purpose of this method is to help students make faster and more effective progress in Ashtanga. Rather than spending many years repeating the same series and struggling with particular postures, students learn how to approach these asanas intelligently through systematic preparation and creative sequencing. Of course, individual progress depends on consistency, practice, and physical readiness.

You will also learn the principles of sequencing and how to design your own Vinyasa classes. Our intention is to help you develop both a strong personal practice and the ability to create meaningful classes for your future students.

3. Teaching practice and feedback

Every day, one hour is dedicated specifically to teaching practice and creative sequencing. Students prepare their own sequences, develop class plans, and get the opportunity to teach.

Our teachers review their work and provide feedback to help them improve their teaching skills. Practical teaching focuses on both Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow, includes Hatha Yoga, and applies yoga in a therapeutic context.

During the course, you will work towards developing a strong Ashtanga practice. With regular practice and proper guidance, students can make significant progress, and some may also progress towards practicing parts of the Second Series. This depends on each student's individual preparation and physical readiness.

4. Daily Ashtanga practice and Vinyasa flow.

We have daily yoga practice sessions every morning. These are usually conducted as traditional led Ashtanga classes or Mysore-style self-practice, depending on the schedule and learning objectives. In the evening, we generally practice Vinyasa Flow, Yoga therapy, or Hatha Yoga. This combination gives students the opportunity to experience the discipline and structure of traditional Ashtanga while understanding how Vinyasa sequencing can support their personal practice and teaching.

5. Yoga philosophy:

We have an intensive yoga philosophy program with a strong focus on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. For us, yoga is not only about practicing asanas. Understanding the philosophy behind the practice and why we practice yoga is equally important. The study of the Yoga Sutras helps students develop a deeper understanding of the mind, consciousness, and the purpose of yoga. We believe this knowledge is essential for anyone who wishes to become a good yoga teacher, as it brings greater depth and meaning to both personal practice and teaching.

Why choose BinduSar Yoga Rishikesh?

A comfortable stay in a clean, hygienic environment
Teaching experience of 20 years in Europe and other international locations, so you learn what works for teaching in your own local market
Airport support from New Delhi to our school and back, arranged through our contracted agency. Students pay the transport cost, but you travel with peace of mind and safety, while Dehradun airport pick-up is free.
A doctor on call in the house
Training that prepares you to start your teaching career straight after the course