Residential Meditation Teacher Training
- 8 Day residential meditation course
- All meals on site included
- Beautiful mountain side location
- 100 hour certified Meditation course
- Course program
- Course venue: Yoga Dharma Veliko Tarnovo
- Principle teacher Martin Thompson
- Next course 31/8/26-7/9/26
“I would recommend anyone who is looking at training in meditation to train with Yoga Dharma as the teaching is of an exceptionally high standard”

YOGA DHARMA BG
Located in a peaceful hamlet within a nature reserve this is the perfect spot for your meditation course. With over 20 years running residential yoga courses you are in safe hands.
CERTIFIED COURSE
Our course will equip you with exceptional knowledge and skills setting you apart. Having trained hundreds of yoga teachers you are assured of the best.
TRUE ESSENCE OF YOGA
“Yoga Dharma is the true essence of Yoga, there is a strong embodiment of both the physical and philosophical elements of the truth of yoga. They are a wealth of knowledge that in my view supersedes the cost of their teachings”
RESIDENTIAL MEDITATION TEACHER TRAINING VENUE
Our centre is set high within a tranquil nature reserve with views amazing views in all directions. We are in the secluded peaceful hamlet of Gartsite with just a few locals for neighbor’s.
SECLUDED LOCATION
We have big dedicated yoga studio, large unoverlooked grounds, an orchard, a small swimming pool and loads of space to meditate.
THE CENTRE
There is a student space in the cellar with large comfy sofas, a projector and loads of movies and a library of authentic books. All rooms have private bathrooms.
INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY
All equipment is provided including mats, props and towels to keep luggage to a minimum. We can supply paper and pens if needed. We have WIFI throughout the centre.
MENUS
We are all vegetarian and vegan and can cater for most diets. We use local farmers as much as possible who produce seasonal crops. Apart from your main meals we also supply drinks and snacks throughout the day.
AW-STRUCK
“I spent a week in Bulgaria with Yoga Dharma as part of my 200hr Teacher Training Course. I had a wonderful time and was awe-struck by the beautiful surroundings. It was an extremely peaceful environment, as we were situated up in the hills. The purpose-built yoga studio is a joy to practice in and the house itself is charming. We had wonderful teachers who were able to both challenge and inspire us. Having never visited Bulgaria before, I am already keen to return“









AUTHENTIC & VERIFIABLE
Developing a consistent and regular meditation practice is fundamental to the integrity of teaching. This will be achieved through a structured approach closely guided by the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and verifiable Tantric systems. This ensures safe and effective results. Your ability to guide students in a meditation practice will largely depend on your personal experience.
Sutra 1. ATHA YOGANUSSASANAM
“Now the exposition of yoga is being made. The science of Yoga laid out in these Sutras is based on instructions passed on by a lineage of Teachers.
Yoga is a science based not on mere logical thinking, but by empirical proof.”
WHY MEDITATE?
“When neurons fire together, they wire together – mental activity actually creates new neural structures… What flows through your mind sculpts your brain. Thus, you can use your mind to change your brain for the better.” – Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
“Meditation is self-directed neuroplasticity, by directing the change of your brain by inwardly and consciously directing attention in a particular way. You’re using the mind to change the brain.”
CHANGES BOUGHT ABOUT BY MEDITATION
Research has shown that there are several ways that meditation can change the brain’s structure and function:
- Enlarges the prefrontal cortex
- Shrinks the amygdala
- Thickens the hippocampus
- Increases overall grey matter
- Enhances high-amplitude gamma brainwave activity
Major changes in the structure of the brain can take many years. Some studies mentioned above showed changes starting to occur after just a few weeks of meditation practice.
MEDITATION PRACTICES INCLUDE:
- Ajapa Dharana
- Kundalini pranayama
- Antar Mouna
- Chidakasha Dharana
- Prana Dhyana
- Nadi Shuddhi
- Ajapa Dharana
- Pratyahara Vayu
- Saguna Dhyana
- Nirguna Dhyana
THE HISTORY OF MEDITATION
We Yoga school so our methods and traditions are Sutric and Tantric. The philosophy and techniques we discuss and use come from verifiable sources which we encourage students to explore, don't just take our word for it.
The history of meditation is varied with many traditions which include, Tibetan, Buddhist, Zen, Western Christian methods, Chinese and many more. Although we are a Yoga centre we encourage discussion in all areas of meditation.
THE SCIENCE OF YOGA
The science of yoga is thoroughly explored and discussed and includes:
- Pratyahara
- Prana Dhyana
- Granthis
- Patanjali's 5 mind states
- Kundalini
- Mudras
- Koshas
- Bandhas
- The Bhagavad Gita
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- The Yoga Sutras
- Laya Yoga
- Yama
- Dharana
- Samadhi
- Niyama
MEDITATION COURSE COURSE OVERVIEW
The course provides the knowledge and skills to run rewarding meditation classes while developing personal growth. Your knowledge and expertise will enable you to stand out as a teacher of authenticity and integrity.
WHY CHOOSE MARTIN?
- 20 years running Yoga Dharma UK
- 20 Years running Yoga Dharma BG
- 20 years running highly successful yoga teacher training courses
- 20 years running highly successful yoga retreats
- 20 years running successful residential yoga teacher training
CONTACT MARTIN

- 00447787357306
- 00359876102654
- askyogadharma@protonmail.com
- Гърците (Gartsite), 5035 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria