Toronto Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

May 5 – June 2 (Wednesdays), 8:00 – 9:00 pm, $65

Meditation is an invaluable tool for keeping the mind peaceful and focused. In this course Ken Whiteley will guide us in all the steps necessary for successful meditation practice. Special focus will be placed on mantras, the sacred sounds used to tune the mind to higher vibrations. Each class will include theory that will cover meditation methods and background philosophy, as well as the opportunity to engage in the actual meditation practice.

Topics covered  include:

• What is meditation and what are the benefits?
• How to start a meditation practice: The three fundamentals.
• Meditation for beginners and tips for those who are returning practitioners
• Mechanics of the mind: How the mind works and how meditation helps
• Mantras as tools for meditation

Please find a quiet place where you can take the course so you can enjoy the effects of the practice.

May 10 – 14, 2021 (Mon to Fri), 8:00 – 9:00 am, $35

A beautiful way to begin your day! Start each morning, Monday to Friday, by enjoying some gentle yoga.

We will  start with some easy warm-up movements and simple breathing exercises. Then we will practice some  yoga postures and conclude with relaxation.

If you are new to yoga – or have not practiced for a while – this course is a great way to build flexibility and strength while steadying the mind.

May 15 -16 (Saturday & Sunday), 3:00 – 5:00 pm, $100

Pranayama is one of the key practices within the Yoga discipline. The availability of ancient literature and modern scientific evidence is sparse on this subtopic of Yoga. This two day workshop consisting of both theoretical and practical components is unique in combining ancient wisdom with modern science based on his first hand research.

The attendees will be able to:

1. Get acquainted with the ancient literary excerpts on Pranayama.
2. Understand the biological and molecular mechanisms of Pranayama.
3.  Learn the clinical and social applications of Pranayama.
4. Get to practice key exercises from both the Pranayama tradition and new exercises designed by Dr. Sundar.

Learn more

Dr. Sundar Balasubramanian is a cell biologist currently studying mechanisms involved in resistance to cancer therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina, USA. He is also a Yoga Biology researcher, and is a pioneer in the scientific study of Pranayama. He is the Founder of PranaScience Institute.

May 17-26th , 6:00 – 7:15 am, $65

Start your mornings with an invigorating practice!

The challenge will include Sun Salutations to warm up the body, 40 minutes of pranayama (breathing exercises), as well as guided relaxation.

These practices help to strengthen the respiratory system, increase stamina and  keep good physical health. They also help keep the mind calm and peaceful.

Here are some of the benefits of pranayama:
-Optimal gas exchange (O2 and CO2)
-Oxygenation of tissues thanks to breath retention
-Harmonization of metabolic rates and chemical balance of the body
-Clearness of mind and stimulation of the parasympathetic system
-Improvement of digestion and fortification of the immune system

The program includes 1 introductory session for novice practitioners and those who would like to refresh their knowledge of the practice:

In order to benefit from this program, it is important to participate in all 10 sessions.

Cost: $ 65
Advance registration required.

May 17 – 21 (Mon to Fri), 8:00 – 9:00 am, $35

A beautiful way to begin your day! Start each morning, Monday to Friday, by enjoying some gentle yoga.

We will  start with some easy warm-up movements and simple breathing exercises. Then we will practice some  yoga postures and conclude with relaxation.

If you are new to yoga – or have not practiced for a while – this course is a great way to build flexibility and strength while steadying the mind.