Calendar
June 2024
Detox and juice fasting
Fasting is recognized as a powerful purification technique for the body but also as a deep spiritual practice. Come and join us for this retreat designed to cleanse the body and purify the mind. The supportive group setting as well as the ashram practices of yoga and meditation in a beautiful natural setting will create for you an enjoyable, renewing, and rejuvenating experience.
All the juices and vegetable broths will be freshly prepared from organic produce.
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June 3 – 7 week retreat
June 7 – 9 weekend retreat
Yoga and Vitality
understanding will eventually lead you to a more satisfying and profound experience in your practice of yoga and meditation.
Topics covered will include:
- How to make the asanas (postures) steady and comfortable
- Steps towards greater physical and mental flexibility
- Improve your asana practice through deep relaxation
- Prana, pranayama and increased concentration
- Nadis (energy channels), chakras and experiences in the astral body
Click here for registration
June 10 – 14 week retreat
June 14 – 16 weekend retreat
Certified Adapted Yoga Training with Anjaneya (Micheal Hutkins)
This program teaches how to make hatha yoga accessible for people needing a more gentle approach, modifications, or adaptations, due to health issues, ageing, injuries, or other physical or mental limitations. You will learn how to adapt asanas and asana choices to offer the same benefits in a way that can be tailored to individuals, or a groups special needs.
You will study:
- Philosophy of asanas
- Joint exercises
- How to safely modify asanas while maintaining their benefits
- Teaching philosophy for a gentle/accessible class
- Philosophy of ageing
- How to adapt to common chronic diseases
- Working with injuries
- Learn to teach a complete class in a chair and standing for those who can not access the floor.
- Learn to teach a class using a chair or wall for support when necessary.
- Learn to teach an adapted classical hatha yoga class (Gentle yoga)
- Learn to teach seamlessly to a group of individuals that might be in all the above categories
Program Schedule
Friday
- 3:00pm Check-in
- 4:00pm Hatha Yoga Class
- 6:00pm Dinner
- 7:30pm Satsang (silent practice, mantra chanting, talk) *
- 10:00pm Lights Out
Saturday
- 5:30am Wake Up Bell
- 6:00am Satsang* or Silent Walk
- 8:00am Hatha Yoga Class
- 10:00am Brunch
- 10:45am Karma Yoga
- 12:00pm – 6:00pm Practice and theory Adapted yoga workshop
- 6:00pm Dinner
- 7:30pm Satsang*
- 10:00pm Lights Out
Sunday
- 5:30am Wake Up Bell
- 6:00am Satsang* or Silent Walk
- 8:00am Practice and theory Adapted yoga workshop
- 10:00am Brunch
- 12:00am – 3:00pm Practice and theory Adapted yoga workshop
- 3:00pm Room Check-Out
Anjaneya (Michael Hutkins) is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist with 25 years of experience in Sivananda yoga. He teaches and offers yoga therapy in Gatineau/Ottawa as well as sharing courses in Canada and the USA.
Click the link to register for
Body - Mind Balance Retreat
Essence of Vedanta with Swami Govindananda Saraswati (Part 1)
“Who am I?” Discover the deepest answer to this essential question and undertake a journey that will lead you to the source of happiness and joy inside you. During this retreat, we will explore our true nature (which is existence, knowledge and bliss absolute), study meditation techniques and learn fundamental philosophical principles such as discrimination and detachment to make better choices, be less affected by events and face the ever changing nature of our lives with solid grounding, clarity and tranquility of mind.
Topics covered will include:
- Brahman: the principle of oneness
- The power of Illusion (Maya)
- False identifications (Upadhis)
- Who am I (Atman)
- Vedanta meditation technique: Neti Neti
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
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International Yoga Day Open House – Free and open to all.
Join us for a free yoga and nature day – a day to recharge and relax in the beautiful Laurentians mountains. Draw new energy through the yoga practice.
In this special celebration of the International Yoga Day join us at the Sivananda Yoga Camp in the pristine natural environment of the Laurentian mountains. Come and experience the power of yoga to bestow physical and mental health, elevate our mind and uplift our spirit, allowing us to to commune with humanity in the name of World Peace. You can choose from the following two options:
Program 1 (morning)
- 10.00 AM: Yoga Class
- 12.00 AM: Vegetarian Lunch
- 2.00 PM: Lecture on Yoga
Program 2 (afternoon)
- 2.00 PM: Lecture on Yoga
- 4.00 PM: Yoga Class
- 6.00 PM: Vegetarian Dinner
- 7.30 PM: Meditation, Mantra chanting and talk on Yoga: Yoga for world peace.
Click here for Registration
Yoga for Peace
Topics covered will include:
- Mantra chants concert for peace
- Inner peace for outer peace
- Special meditations and visualizations on Peace for all
- Techniques to develop a calm and serene mind
- Bonfire: spreading light to the whole world (weather permitting)
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Karma Yoga Retreat
Karma Yoga is the path of selfless actions. It leads to purification of the mind through letting go of attachment to the outcome of one’s actions. Karma yoga opens the heart to unconditional divine love through serving others selflessly. Join this retreat and experience the joy of the practice of Karma Yoga. Special discount if you would like to participate in the retreat as a karma yogi
(minimum 3 hours). Please communicate with us @ [email protected].
Click here for Registration
Essence of Vedanta: The art of self-enquiry: part 2
“Who am I?” Discover the deepest answer to this essential question and undertake a journey that will lead you to the source of happiness and joy inside you. During this retreat, we will explore our true nature (which is existence, knowledge and bliss absolute), study meditation techniques and learn fundamental philosophical principles such as discrimination and detachment to make better choices, be less affected by events and face the ever changing nature of our lives with solid grounding, clarity and tranquility of mind.
Topics covered will include:
The 3 energies of nature: 3 Gunas
Samsara: Karma and Reincarnation
The three states of being
Viveka and Vairagya: fundamental qualifications for knowledge
Vedanta meditation technique: Sakshi Bhav (witness attitude)
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
Click here for Registration
July 2024
Yoga and deep relaxation
prevent being “stressed out”.
Topics will include:
- Positive thinking and meditation for overcoming mental stress
- Tips on giving up artificial stimulants in daily life
- Controlling the emotions through manta chanting
- The art to letting go
- Physical, mental and spiritual levels of final relaxation
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July 1 – 5 week retreat
July 5 – 7 weekend retreat
Tattva Boddha with Swami Govindananda Saraswati
Vedanta begins with the question: what is the goal of human life? The final answer is that we want unlimited, infinite happiness. Tattva Boddha, one of the introductory texts (prakara granthah) written by Shankaracharya, the main propounder of Vedanta, presents the student with the basic principles of this philosophy.
The topics will include:
- Sadhana Chatushtaya: 4 qualifications for reaching liberation (Moksha)
- Shatsampat: 6 prerequisite qualities for the study of Vedanta
- Enquiry into the truth: discriminating between the real and the unreal
- The Self and the 3 bodies
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
Click here for registration
Yoga, Mind and the Brain with Swami Jnaneshwariananda
- How Asanas and pranayama change the functioning of the brain.
- What happens in the brain when we experience joy and pain?
- How to cultivate the brain through mental training?
- Exercises in Self-observation and Self-knowledge.
Swami Jnaneswariananda has a Phd in Biomedical Engineering and is an excellent teacher of anatomy and physiology and yoga philosophy. She is a senior teacher and director of the
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm and is part of Sivananda Institute of Health and Yoga (SIHY), the health branch of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers. She teaches with great enthusiasm and humor.
Click here For Registration
Tattva Boddha: with Swami Govindananda Saraswati (part 2)
Vedanta begins with the question: what is the goal of human life? The final answer is that we want unlimited, infinite happiness. Tattva Boddha, one of the introductory texts (prakara granthah) written by Shankaracharya, the main propounder of Vedanta, presents the student with the basic principles of this philosophy.
The topics will include:
- The 3 states of being.
- The 5 koshas: 5 levels of existence
- The law of karma (3 types)
- Moksha: Liberation from Samsara (cycle of birth and death)
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
Click here for Registration
The Meditation Experience with Kanti Devi, Yoga Acharya
Disengage from the distractions of your busy life and dive into a 5- day yoga and meditation retreat in the peaceful setting of the Laurentian mountains. Along with daily yoga classes, nutritious meals and nature walks, you will learn how to establish a good meditation practice that can help you regulate your emotions and give you more clarity and balance in your life. You will feel rejuvenated and equipped to continue your inward journey at home. This retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners.
Kanti Devi ( Yoga Acharya)
Direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda since 1969 she is the yoga Acharya of the centers in South America and Canada. She is known for her charisma and dedication.
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Deepen your yoga practice
Topics covered will also include:
• Benefits of asanas on the various body systems
• Asana variations to increase the flexibility of the spine, hips and shoulder girdle
• Challenge yourself – try out some new variations
• How to balance muscle length and muscle strength
• Strengthening of back and abdominal muscles to improve your standing posture
• Increased vital capacity through deep breathing
• Evacuate stress and tensions away through asanas
Click here for Registration
Kaavadi Festival
Day program only
See the web site: https://sivanandacanada.org/temple/
Yoga Alignment principles and Practice with Stephen Weiss
Most students practice yoga with the common goal of finding ease and grace in their movements and strength and stability in their postures. Aligned postures are fundamental to achieving this while increasing health and vitality. Correctly aligning asanas unleash the wisdom and healing power of yoga. Alignment begins with knowledge and is followed by its application into our postures.
These workshops are committed to sharing the knowledge of alignment. They are fully experiential, on-the-mat, and presented in a yoga class setting. The specific principles of postural mechanics and alignment are explored using cutting edge application of anatomy and exercise physiology. Yet, all concepts and principle remain consistent with classical yogic philosophy.
Students will:
- Learn practical, easier ways to set up postures
- Deepen and advance their practice with safety
- Understand how to follow the natural design of the body
- Recognize common postural misalignments that cause injury
- Make time on the mat a personalized therapeutic experience
Topics covered:
- Importance of alignment
- Fundamental alignment and mechanical principles
- Soft tissue anatomy and stretching
- Ligament physiology
- Muscle physiology and stretching
- Foundation and orientations of postures
- Principles of full body alignment
Steven Weiss, MS, DC, ERYT, C-IAYT is a holistic chiropractor, nutritionist and certified yoga therapist.
Steven’s approach to teaching anatomy, yoga mechanics and postural alignment is always hands on and experiential. His goal is for the students to be able to immediately apply the principles explored in their practices and teaching. He is the author of The Injury-Free Yoga Practice, Integrative Alignment Yoga Therapy, and Yoga Alignment Principles and Practice.
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Hatha Yoga Inspirations with Swami Sivadasananda, Yoga Acharya
A unique special program with Swami Sivadasananda, Yoga Acharya assisted by Swamis and senior teachers
Special discount for Sivananda TTC graduates (Dorm or Tent)
Booking: write to [email protected], give TTC place and TTC number
Special workshops of correction of postures to deepen your skills and knowledge (Only for Sivananda TTC graduates). Based on Sivananda Yoga Asana Adjustment Manual (available only for this program)
- Typical beginners’mistakes and limitations
- Anatomical detailed vocabulary for the asana classes
- Preparatory variations or exercises
- How to advance in the basic postures
- Advanced variations to improve the basic postures
- Be aware of the gunas
Daily at 8am: Asana class with special focus on pranayama, sun salutations and the main asana sequences
Daily at 2 pm: lecture topics: From the new book Hatha Yoga Inspirations – Lectures by Swami Vishnudevananda
- The Higher Effects of Asanas
- The Nature of Pranayama
- The Mind and the Senses
- Bondage and Freedom
- The Experience of Inner Peace
Daily at 4 pm: special correction workshops for TTC graduates,
Asana classes, alignment workshops with Stephen Weiss
Swami Sivadasananda, Yoga Acharya,
is a senior disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda and has been teaching training courses and workshops, around the world for many years with profound knowledge and a dynamic and precise teaching style.
Steven Weiss, MS, DC, ERYT, C-IAYT
is a holistic chiropractor, nutritionist and certified yoga therapist.
Steven’s approach to teaching anatomy, yoga mechanics and postural alignment is always hands on and experiential. His goal is for the students to be able to immediately apply the principles explored in their practices and teaching. He is the author of The Injury-Free Yoga Practice, Integrative Alignment Yoga Therapy, and Yoga Alignment Principles and Practice.
Click the link to register for
Booking for TTC graduates: Special descounts in dorm or tent,
write to [email protected], give TTC place and TTC number
Viveka Chudamani : the Crest-Jewel of Discrimination with Swami Govindananda Saraswati
Vedanta is truly the “Science of Life”. Shankaracharya, the great interpreter of Vedanta, not only gave us his commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, but also many primary texts which introduce the seeker into the joys of Vedanta. One of the greatest texts he has written as an introduction to Vedanta, is the Viveka Chudamani.
The topics will include:
- Adhikari: qualifications of the fit student
- Adyaropa: superimposing the unreal over the real
- The essential Guru-disciple relationship
- Vedantic meditation: tat tvam asi (that thou art)
- Vichara: self-enquiry about who am I
- Unity in diversity
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
Click here for Registration
August 2024
Yoga and Nature
Click here for registration
2-4 August weekend retreat
Philosophy special course Viveka Chudamani : the Crest-Jewel of Discrimination with Swami Govindananda Saraswati
Vedanta is truly the “Science of Life”. Shankaracharya, the great interpreter of Vedanta, not only gave us his commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, but also many primary texts which introduce the seeker into the joys of Vedanta. One of the greatest texts he has written as an introduction to Vedanta, is the Viveka Chudamani.
The topics will include:
- Adhikari: qualifications of the fit student
- Adyaropa: superimposing the unreal over the real
- The essential Guru-disciple relationship
- Vedantic meditation: tat tvam asi (that thou art)
- Vichara: self-enquiry about who am I
- Unity in diversity
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
Click here for registration
2-4 August weekend retreat
Ayurveda: Healing for body and mind with Ayurvedic Dr. Sonal Bhatt
Experience Ayurveda presented and taught by an authentic Ayurvedic Doctor Sonal Bhatt. Learn how to take care of your body and mind with the help of this ancient holistic system of medicine that has been practiced in India for more than 5000 years. Ayurveda (the science of life) promotes a holistic approach to health by creating harmony between the body and mind. Open to all with or without experience or knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga.
- Monday August 5: Arrival
- Tuesday-Introduction to Ayurveda
- Wednesday-Discover your Ayurvedic Constitution.Learn about your body and mind’s personality through the Ayurvedic perspective on the three Doshas and the three Gunas.
- Thursday-Ayurvedic cooking class
- Friday-Preparation of herbal home remedies: We will learn the benefits of Ayurvedic home remedies and we will make some Ayurvedic home remedies.
- Friday – departure
Dr. Sonal Bhatt is a highly qualified Ayurvedic physician and Panchakarma specialist from one of the leading Ayurvedic universities in India, Jamnagar Ayurvedic University. She is also a Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultant from CSNN Toronto. She has been practicing as an Ayurvedic consultant, Panchakarma specialist, teacher, and researcher in India, Canada, and North America for over 30 years. Dr. Bhatt is director and owner of Sonal’s Ayurveda Panchkarma Centre in Toronto and currently practicing and teaching Ayurveda and offering holistic health services. Dr Bhatt will be available to give private consultations.
Click here for registration
5 – 9 August Week Retreat
Yoga and Vitality
During this retreat, we will learn the concepts of prana (vital energy), pranayama (control of the life force) and asanas (postures) to better understand the philosophical and energetic principles underlying the yoga practice. Developing this understanding will eventually lead you to a more satisfying and profound experience in your practice of yoga and meditation.
Topics covered will include:
- How to make the asanas (postures) steady and comfortable
- Steps towards greater physical and mental flexibility
- Improve your asana practice through deep relaxation
- Prana, pranayama and increased concentration
- Nadis (energy channels), chakras and experiences in the astral body
Click here for registration
9 – 11 August weekend retreat
Patanjali Sutras: part 1: Samadhi Pada : the Path towards liberation with Swami Govindananda Saraswati
“There is something beyond the mind. That the Self or Consciousness”. Raja Yoga, the royal path of mind control, is the most comprehensive and scientific approach to Self-Realization. The precepts and doctrines of this ancient science were first compiled and explained by Patanjali Maharishi, the greatest psychologist of all time.
Topics will include:
- The 5 types of thoughts (vrittis)
- Basic techniques of thought control (Viveka and Vairagya)
- The power of Om
- Main obstacles to meditation and technics to remove them
- Samadhi: the experience of realizing the Self
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
Click here for registration
Yoga and Meditation: The Power to Transform Your Life
You wish to make positive changes in your life but you are facing seemingly insuperable resistance from your mind or your surroundings? This retreat has been designed especially for you. Through the systematic practice of yoga postures, breathing and relaxation, combined with mantra chanting and meditation, you will build up the inner strength necessary to transform your life.
You will also study and practice the powerful science of positive affirmations, which you will be able to use at home to create a better life for yourself and your loved ones.
Some of the topics will include:
- Fundamental steps of physical and mental meditation
- Positive meditation for health
- The nature of thoughts and how to control them
- Finding peace within
Click here for registration
Patanjali Yoga Sutras: part 2: Sadhana Pada : the Raja Yoga practice with Swami Govindananda Saraswati
“There is something beyond the mind. That the Self or Consciousness”. Raja Yoga, the royal path of mind control, is the most comprehensive and scientific approach to Self-Realization. The precepts and doctrines of this ancient science were first compiled and explained by Patanjali Maharishi, the greatest psychologist of all time.
Topics will include:
- The Kleshas: 5 sources of suffering
- Ashtanga Yoga: 8 steps towards liberation
- Yamas and Niyamas: the ethical foundation of yoga
- Essential principles of Hatha Yoga
- Attention, Concentration and Meditation
Swami Govindananda Saraswati is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda with 30 years experience teaching Yoga and Vedanta philosophy. He is a gifted and charismatic teacher well appreciated for his humor and his unique ability to dispense complicated philosophical teachings to be easily understood by all. He holds degrees in Physics and Education.
Click here for registration
The Power of Thoughts
Some of the topics will include:
- Discover the nature of thoughts
- Thoughts and the subconscious mind
- How habits are formed and how to change them
- Learn to discriminate between positive and negative thoughts
- Meditative methods to control our thoughts
Click here for registration
5-Day Ayurvedic Nutrition and Cooking Certification Course with Dr. Sonal Bhatt
Departure date: September 1st
Ayurvedic nutrition theory, dietary principles and meals. Learn how to plan and cook well-balanced, nutritious vegetarian meals. Certification upon completion. Dr. Sonal Bhatt is a highly qualified Ayurvedic physician and Panchakarma specialist from one
of the leading Ayurvedic universities in India, Jamnagar Ayurvedic University. She is also a Registered Holistic Nutritional Consultant from CSNN Toronto. She has been practicing as an Ayurvedic consultant, Panchakarma specialist, teacher, and researcher in India, Canada, and North America for over 30 years. Dr. Bhatt is director and owner of Sonal’s Ayurveda Panchkarma Centre in Toronto and currently practicing and teaching Ayurveda and offering holistic health services. Dr Bhatt will be available to give private consultations.
Retreat Schedule:
- Arrival (Monday August 26th)
- 4.00pm: Yoga Class
- 6.00pm: Dinner
- 7.30pm: Satsang
Daily Schedule:
- 5.30am: Wake up
- 6.00am: Satsang
- 8.00am: Yoga Class
- 10.00am: Brunch
- 10.45am: Karma yoga (selfless service)
- 12.30 – 2.00pm: Lecture on Ayurvedic theories
- 2.00-3.00pm: Break
- 3.30pm-5.30pm: Ayurvedic Cooking Workshop
- 5.30pm-6.00pm: Kitchen cleanup
- 6.00pm: Dinner
- 7.30pm: Satsang
Departure (Sunday September 1st):
- 5.30am: Wake up
- 6.00am: Satsang or silent walk
- 8.00am: Yoga Class
- 10.00am: Brunch
- 11.00am: Departure
Click here for registration
Krishna Jayanti
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From stress to joy and contentment: a stress management retreat
where you live! You will return home with fresh perspectives and new skills to incorporate into your daily life to prevent being “stressed out”.
Click here for registration