55-Day Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training and Wellness Immersion in Goa, India

The 500-hour Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training at Om Yoga Shala is a traditional course taught in the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya and Sri Pattabhi Jois. You'll learn the primary and intermediate series in depth, including Sanskrit counting, hands-on adjustments, and proper alignment. The course is designed for a Western audience, with a clear structure that includes daily asana practice, philosophy, anatomy, and teaching practicum.

A typical day starts at 7:00 a.m. with morning prayer, followed by a pranayama and silence session (Antar Mauna). Then comes a two-hour asana class focusing on the primary series, with preparatory practices designed by the school to help you progress. After breakfast, there are theory sessions on philosophy (Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Advaita Vedanta, the Bhagavad Gita) and anatomy (skeletal and muscular systems). Lunch is at noon, and afternoons include self-study, more theory, and then a second Ashtanga practice in the evening. Dinner is at 18:00, and students are encouraged to be in bed by 22:00.

The curriculum is extensive. You will study the Yoga Sutras (first two chapters), the Mandukya Upanishad, the concept of Pancha Kosha and Pancha Prana, and the chakras and nadis. Anatomy covers everything from bones and joints to key muscles used in yoga, like the iliopsoas and rotator cuff. Teaching practice is built into the course—you'll learn to lead classes, give feedback, and observe others, with real-world teaching experience before you finish.

The school's philosophy is that yoga is not just physical. Sanjeev emphasizes self-awareness and self-exploration, and the course encourages you to question your conditioning. The setting is a key part of the experience: the shala is on a hill slope with views of the river and paddy fields, and the beach is a 15-minute walk. There are three dogs and two cats that are part of the community, adding to the homey feel. Sundays are free days, perfect for beach trips or exploring the local markets.

Sanjeev Dutta, the lead teacher, is an engineer who left his business to teach yoga. He's been practicing for 17 years, trained in Hatha, Iyengar, and Kundalini, but his core practice is Ashtanga Vinyasa. He's known for his deep knowledge of the Yoga Sutras and Vedanta. Shivani, another teacher, is an experienced Ashtanga teacher who covers anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology. The food is vegetarian, with meals served three times a day, and dietary needs can be accommodated. After 55 days, you'll be ready to teach anywhere in the world, with a globally recognized qualification.

What's included

- 54 nights accommodation in shared or private AC rooms - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) except Sunday - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Teacher training course and certification - Course manual - Pre and post retreat support from the team - WiFi connection - Daily yoga, pranayama, and meditation sessions - Philosophy and anatomy lectures - Teaching practice and feedback

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities or treatments not included in the itinerary - Private class (optional add-on, 5 USD) - Meals on Sunday - Airport pickup (extra cost)