Yoga for Beginners

April 9th – May 7th, Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:00pm. $120

This course builds on the foundation laid in our Yoga 1 course and gives the opportunity to build up a solid practice, including all the basic postures and breathing exercises.

Emphasis is placed on holding postures longer and making smooth transitions between postures. You will also discover some variations of the basic Yoga postures.

This is an ideal refresher course for those who have lapsed in their practice. It is also suitable for experienced practitioners who are new to Sivananda Yoga Center.

Introduction to Meditation

April 25th-May 23, Fridays 6.30pm-7.45pm

In person and Online

Meditation is an invaluable tool for emotional balance and peace of mind. This course will provide step to step guidance for starting a meditation practice. It is helpful for those who are just starting  as well as those who would like to renew their commitment to this 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

The Course includes theory and practice, and is interactive: participants are welcome to ask questions.

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

*Online participants will receive a Zoom link two days before the course

Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari

April 26-May 24; Saturdays 1pm-2.15pm $75

Explore the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, a foundational scripture of Vedanta philosophy, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Together, we will discuss selected verses, drawing inspiration to apply their timeless teachings on life, duty, devotion, and self-realization in our daily experiences. All levels are welcome to enrich their understanding of Yoga as a holistic way of life, finding clarity, purpose, and inner peace. Join us as ancient wisdom meets modern life, unveiling timeless truths for a more fulfilling existence.

Teacher: Maheswari has been teaching yoga and philosophy at the Sivananda Yoga Center and ashram for over twenty years . She is an experienced and compassionate teacher who connects with students of all levels.

Adapted Yoga Teacher Training with Mayavan

April 26th Sat 9am-3pm (with lunch break)

April 27th Sun 9am-3pm (with lunch break)

TEACHER: Mayavan is an experienced Yoga teacher and dedicated student of Yoga who spent many years in serious practice and service to his community. He is a director of Yoga Salai and holds a master’s degree in Yoga from Annamalai University where he also serves as a faculty member.

Weekend Yoga Retreat at Mansfield

May 2nd – 4th, 2025 (Fri-Sun)

Cost: $325  ($100 non-refundable deposit)

Please register by SATURDAY, 26th April!

The retreat is held at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre, near Barrie, 1 1/2 hours north of Toronto, Ontario. Join us to experience the harmony, peace, and balance that yoga brings in a setting that invigorates the body and calms the mind. No previous yoga experience is required. The Center will organize a carpool. Everyone is welcome! The accommodation is at the main Field Center, in rooms with four beds. Below is the option for accommodation with cabins with ensuite bathrooms.

• Day program  (Saturday) $100    For the day program please register here
• Weekend program fee $200     For the weekend program please register here

Accommodation (cabins with ensuite bathroom ) can also be booked directly with the Mansfield Outdoor  Center  (please check their website: https://mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca/accommodation). The fee of $200 for the Yoga Retreat program is paid directly to the Yoga  Center.

For full SCHEDULE please check Retreat page:  https://sivanandacanada.org/toronto/weekend-yoga-retreat-ontario/

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

May 5th – 9th, 6am-7am, $55 (online)

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

In order to benefit from this program, it is important to participate in all 5 sessions.

Teacher: Mayavan has been a dedicated yoga practitioner since childhood. He holds a Master’s degree in yoga therapy and is the director of Yoga Salai, a community-based yoga center in Scarborough.

Yoga for Fascia Stretch and Release with Padmini

May 10th,  Saturday: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: $38

Fascia is connective tissue in the body that supports muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones,
organs, blood vessels, and nerves. It plays a key role in flexibility, mobility, and posture.

In this workshop, yoga poses (asanas) will be held in a yielding and meditative manner
for longer periods in order to stretch and loosen fascia in selected areas of the body. To
enhance the benefits of the asanas, breathing exercises and a  short meditation will also be
included.

Benefits:
. improved mobility and range of motion
. improved flexibility
. improved circulation
. removal of blockages, which allows Prana, the vital energy, to flow more freely
. deep relaxation and inner stillness
. reduction in stress and tension

This workshop is suitable for yoga students of all levels.
Please feel free to bring your own blocks, cushions, belts, bolsters, and/or blankets.

Teacher: Padmini is an experienced Sivananda Yoga teacher with a special interest in Hatha Yoga. Padmini has been practising and teaching at the Yoga Centre for many years and is dedicated to supporting students in their practice by offering her knowledge and guidance.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

May 11th, Sunday, 7am-10am; $55

(Intensive asana classes are offered once a month . To register for a package of 3 and receive 20% discount please click HERE)

Deepen your practice with an engaging three-hour class that combines practice and theory, taught by special visiting teacher Mayavan. Suitable for intermediate students, this class is an opportunity to challenge yourself and go further in your practice. And don’t worry: the time flies by! You will leave feeling uplifted and full of energy.

This class will allow you to:

• Fine-tune your practice, through personalized corrections
• Strengthen the legs, open the hips and mobilize the spine
• Tap in to more energy through the practice of Sun Salutations and dynamic asanas
• Increase overall strength and stability through standing poses
• Achieve steadiness and comfort in classical asanas
• Gain practical knowledge about the yoga practice and yogic lifestyle

Teacher: Mayavan has devoted his life to learning and teaching the art and science behind yogic practices. He has spent the past three decades in dedicated practice and service to his community. He holds a Masters in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University in India and has earned the prestigious designations of Yoga Siromani, Yoga Acharya and Yoga Baskara. Mayavan is the director of Yogasalai, a yoga centre in Scarborough.

Kirtan and Chai with Narada

Saturday, May 17th, 1-2.30pm; $38

Join us for an afternoon of chanting and connection. We will learn simple kirtan and use music to express our inner journey. As we share our experiences, enjoy a warm cup of chai served by our center staff. No experience is needed – just an open heart!

We look forward to seeing you all!

Teacher: Timmy Martin Sarker, also known as Narada, is a Bangladeshi-Canadian vocalist and guitarist whose music blends ancient Sanskrit chants with contemporary rhythms, creating a unique and uplifting kirtan-inspired sound. Influenced by classical Indian music and meditation traditions, his work invites deep relaxation and emotional connection. He has performed across Canada and internationally, including the USA, India, and Colombia. His album Chants of Ecstasy, featuring 12 tracks, has been praised by listeners for its healing and soulful energy. Narada is currently collaborating with global artists on a new album and continues to perform worldwide. Listen here.

Integrative Approach to Managing Stress and Anxiety with Saraswati

Saturday,May 24th  1pm-3.30pm; $55

Learn practical techniques to manage stress and anxiety. This workshop explores the sources of stress and suffering from both Western and Yogic perspectives. Through reflection exercises and guided practices, you will develop skills that you can apply in daily life to build a more supportive connection with yourself and others. No prior yoga experience is required.

Chanting  Yoga Retreat: May25th , Sunday 9am-3.30pm; $150  (Please register by FRIDAY, May18th!)

Escape the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in  Ayurveda and Yoga retreat. Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary Vedic disciplines that have many therapeutic benefits for the health of the body and mind. This urban retreat will start with meditation , followed by Yoga class and workshop on Ayurvedic nutrition and cooking. We will all share breakfast and Ayurvedic lunch . You don’t have to be familiar with meditation to participate and should have a basic practice of yoga postures and breathing techniques.

SCHEDULE:

• 9am Meditation
• 9.30am Yoga Class
• 11am Vegetarian Breakfast
• 11.30 Chanting, kirtan and mantras workshop with Narada
• 2.30 Vegetarian Lunch
• 3.30 pm Tea

Meditation level 2

May 30-June 27, Fridays, 6:30pm-8:00pm, $75

In Person at the Yoga Center and Online via Zoom

Yoga for the Hips and Legs with Padmini

Saturday, June 14th, 1-3pm; $35

Tightness in the hips, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes is addressed in this
workshop with specific yoga poses (asanas) and breathing exercises that:

⁃ stretch and open up these tight areas
⁃ promote balance and stability
⁃ promote flexibility and range of motion
⁃ relieve physical and mental tension
⁃ promote efficient breathing
⁃ promote mental focus

This workshop is suitable for yoga students of all levels.
Runners and cyclists may find it especially beneficial.

Teacher: Padmini is an experienced Sivananda Yoga teacher with a special interest in Hatha Yoga. Padmini has been practising and teaching at the Yoga Centre for many years and is dedicated to supporting students in their practice by offering her knowledge and guidance.