Lifelong Learning
If you would like to learn more about different aspects of yoga and related subjects, here are our workshops, events and specialized courses. From cooking workshops to philosophy, hatha yoga to chanting and ayurveda, all the programs are designed to help you achieve improved physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
We add new topics and dates frequently. Check back regularly, or follow us on Instagram for updates.

june
07jun1:30 pm4:30 pmJapanese Cooking Workshop

Event Details
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Event Details
Japanese Cooking Workshop
with Nalini
Saturday, June 7th, 1.30pm-4.30pm, $65
In this hands-on workshop, Nalini will teach you how to make your own sushi and a variety of delicious small plates typical of Japanese home-style cooking.
On the menu:
- Inari Sushi – sweet-savory tofu pockets filled with seasoned rice
- Classic Maki & Temaki Rolls – customizable with fresh, colorful ingredients
- Non-Fried Pumpkin Croquettes (Kabocha Korokke) – crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside, all without the deep fryer
- Plus: light sides like simple soup, Japanese pickles, and sweets to round out the meal
Open to all who would like to expand their menus and spend an afternoon in good company learning a new skill.
Bring your aprons and chopsticks!
Teacher: Nalini has long time yoga practitioner and staff at the Sivananda yoga Center. She is originally from Japan and will bring her expertise to all yogis in order to craft meals that are balanced and nutritious.
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Register09jun(jun 9)6:00 am13(jun 13)7:00 am5Day Morning Pranayama PracticeONLINE VIA ZOOM

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Event Details
5Day Morning Pranayama practice
June 9th – 13th, 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.
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Register Now10jun8:00 pm9:30 pmFull Moon Kirtan

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Event Details
Full Moon Kirtan with Narada
June 10th, Tuesday, 8-9.30pm; $30
The full moon amplifies the potency of mantras, making it a powerful time to connect deeply with yourself and others. The synergy of the full moon’s energy with ancient sacred mantras can facilitate meditation and help open the heart. Everyone is welcome to enjoy kirtan in a welcoming and supportive community.
Musician: Narada (Timmy Martin Sarker) is a Bangladeshi-Canadian vocalist and guitarist. His healing music infuses ancient Sanskrit chanting into contemporary rhythms, creating a unique brand of conscious music that uplifts and inspires. Narada’s music closely follows the Kirtan genre, allowing the audience to experience a deep state of relaxation and rejuvenation by connecting with his music.
Narada is heavily influenced and inspired by classical Indian music and the Eastern philosophy of meditation. He creates soulful, vibrant musical pieces by incorporating the knowledge acquired from these age-old traditions. Before the pandemic, Narada extensively travelled and performed in various cities in Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Saint John’s) and internationally (U.S.A., India, Colombia) to hone his skills and connect with his audience.
Over the past three years, Narada has released 12 soundtracks under the album Chants of Ecstasy. He is currently working on his next album, collaborating with musicians across the globe. Narada has also been conducting concerts for Canadian and international audiences.
Please check Narada’s music here: https://youtu.be/
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REGISTER21jun(jun 21)7:00 am22(jun 22)12:00 pmCertified Pranayama Training Course

Event Details
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Event Details
Certified Pranayama Training Course: Understanding the Science and Practice of Breath Regulation
June 21st and 22nd; $375
Schedule: Saturday: 7am – 2pm with a break for lunch; Sunday: 7am – 12 noon with a break for breakfast
Open to Yoga teachers of all traditions and yoga practitioners with regular pranayama practice. 10 continuing education hours and certificate of completion recognized by Yoga Alliance is awarded to all students who complete the course
This course offers a structured approach to understanding pranayama, the yogic practice of breath regulation. Open to yoga teachers of all traditions as well as yoga practitioners with a regular practice, the course provides both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students will study the concept of prana (vital life force) and examine how the energy body interacts with the physical and mental states through breath. The curriculum explores how specific breathing patterns influence the autonomic nervous system, affect physiological and psychological functioning, and can be applied to support emotional regulation and physical well-being.
Course content includes:
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The physiology of breathing and its connection to the nervous system
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Mechanisms of prana and its role in yogic and scientific models
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How specific pranayama techniques activate or calm different systems in the body
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Application of breath regulation for stress, anxiety, and attention
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In-depth study of practices and techniques such as anuloma viloma, kapalabhati, bhastrika, and kumbhaka
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Safety, contraindications, and how to adapt practices to different populations
Pranayama is increasingly recognized as a somatic intervention with measurable health benefits. Research has shown that slow and regulated breathing can improve heart rate variability, reduce cortisol levels, activate the vagus nerve, and enhance parasympathetic function. These changes are directly linked to improved mental focus, emotional balance, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and trauma-related conditions.
Despite this evidence, pranayama remains underutilized in mainstream therapeutic settings. As noted in The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, many people living with trauma require body-based interventions to help regulate the nervous system. Breath control is one such tool, yet most clinical recommendations are limited to basic techniques like square breathing or longer exhalations. This course addresses some of that gap by offering a more comprehensive understanding of pranayama’s therapeutic potential, rooted in both traditional yogic frameworks and contemporary research.
TEACHER: Mayavan is an experienced Yoga teacher and dedicated student of Yoga who has spent many years in dedicated practice and service to his community. Mayvan is a director of Yoga Salai, a yoga center in Scarborough, and holds a Master’s degree in Yoga from Annamalai University, where he also serves as a faculty member.
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Register Now21jun(jun 21)1:00 pm19jul(jul 19)2:15 pmBhagavad Gita CourseIN PERSON AND ONLINE

Event Details
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Event Details
Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari
June 21st – July 19th; 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.
Time
Saturdays, 1:00 – 2::15pm
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Register29jun7:00 am10:00 amIntensive Asana Class

Event Details
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Event Details
Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan
June 29th, Sunday, 7 am-10 am; $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.
Time
7:00 – 10:00 am
Price
$55