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.
september
26sep(sep 26)6:30 pm24oct(oct 24)7:45 pmIntroduction to MeditationIn-Person and Online
Event Details
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Event Details
Introduction to Meditation
September 26th-October 24th, Fridays 6.30pm-7.45pm; $85
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
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Register27sep1:00 pm2:15 pmBhagavad Gita Course ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Event Details
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Event Details
Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari (ONLINE)
September 27th- November 15th (8 classes) ; Saturdays 1pm-2.15pm $120
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.
Students will receive Zoom link for this course two days before the course start date.
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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Register28sep7:00 am10:00 amIntensive Asana Class
Event Details
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Event Details
Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan
September 28th, 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.
Time
7:00 – 10:00 am
Price
$55
Register
Register Now30sep7:00 pm9:30 pmKirtan and Bhakti with Shell and Anton
Event Details
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Event Details
September 30th, Tuesday, 7pm-9:30pm; $50
The evening will start with Breath of Bhakti workshop, followed by an uplifting kirtan.
Breath of Bhakti is designed to introduce participants to the essence of living and breathing Bhakti Yoga — the path of faith, trust and love. Through discussion, storytelling, and reflection, we will explore how Bhakti can be (and already is) woven into daily life, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of background, lifestyle or abilities.
This workshop is designed for people from all walks of life — householders (Grihastha Yogis), professionals, seekers — anyone who wishes to deepen their spiritual connection and cultivate trust, love, and devotion in their lives. You do not need prior experience in Yoga or Bhakti practices to participate. Alternately, if you’re an experienced student, this program will help you enrich and enliven your practice.
The evening will continue with Kirtan.
Facilitators; Shell and Anton have been living Yoga for a combined 35 years with a special love for the practice of Kirtan. Their first pilgrimage to India strengthened their resolve to provide Kirtan to their community and they have been offering it since 2017 throughout the Yoga community. Through the guidance of their beloved teacher and Guru Sri Prasad Rangnekar based in Mumbai India, they have been encouraged to share the beauty of the live musical mantra call and response chanting which helps calm the mind and fuel the heart.
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Register Nowoctober
04oct1:00 pm4:00 pmIntegrative Approach to Fear and Anxiety
Event Details
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Event Details
Integrative Approach to Fear and Anxiety with Saraswati
Saturday, October 4th 1pm-4pm; $50
Many of the challenges we face in daily life come from the way our minds interpret and react to experience. Both Yogic philosophy and modern psychology describe how unhelpful patterns of thinking can create suffering, and how we can learn to shift them.
In this workshop, we will:
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Practice simple breathing and meditation to calm and focus the mind, and explore why these tools help with inner transformation.
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Reflect on common patterns of distorted thinking, drawing from both Yogic wisdom and psychology, and examine how they contribute to fear, stress and disconnection.
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Learn the “cognitive triangle” – the interplay of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – as a practical path for change.
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Practice reflections and exercises from both traditions to begin reshaping old patterns into more helpful ways of relating to ourselves and others.
Teacher: Saraswati has been a long-time staff member of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta organization and is the director of the Toronto Yoga Center. She has taught Yoga to students of all ages for many years. Saraswati also has a background in social work and psychotherapy, and she is happy to facilitate workshops focused on supporting mental well-being.
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REGISTER06oct(oct 6)6:00 am10(oct 10)7:00 am5Day Morning Pranayama PracticeONLINE VIA ZOOM
Event Details
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Event Details
5Day Morning Pranayama practice
October 6th – 10th, 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 Now08oct7:30 pm8:00 pmSound Bath (with Reiki and Yin Yoga)
Event Details
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Event Details
Benefits of this session:
• Deep relaxation and stress relief
• Enhanced emotional release
• Improved mood, clarity and self awareness
• Strengthening pain relief and immune system
• A profound sense of holistic well-being
No prior experience needed! Just come as you are and allow yourself to be held and restored.
Vishwa Panchal
Vishwa is a Reiki Level 2 practitioner, intuitive healer, and artist from India. She recently graduated with a degree in Interior Design, incorporating her creative spirit into every healing space she holds. Guided by her natural sensitivity to energy and her deep understanding of the chakra system, she offers holistic healing sessions. Currently, she is working on a children’s book that introduces the concept of chakras in a simple and heart-centered way. Vishwa’s intention is to help others connect deeply with their inner light.
Shakti (Beverly Horii)
Shakti is an experienced yoga practitioner and dedicated teacher. With a background in architecture and expertise in feng shui, she has recently begun weaving sound healing into her yoga sessions. Passionate about collaboration, Shakti enjoys working alongside fellow energy workers to create rich, multi-layered experiences that blend various healing modalities for the benefit of her students.
Price
$50
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REGISTER18oct1:00 pm2:30 pmHeadstand Workshop
Event Details
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Event Details
Headstand Workshop with Anantya
October 18th, Saturday, 1pm-2:30pm; $35
Headstand is the first of the 12 yoga poses practiced in our open class sequence.
This posture benefits the brain, spinal cord, and sympathetic nervous system, and strengthens the circulatory and respiratory systems.
If you are struggling with this pose, come for this workshop and receive additional assistance and support. We will review the eight steps for coming in and out of the pose safely and systematically and how to overcome common mistakes.
Teacher: Anantya has been a long time teacher who teaches regularly at Sivananda Yoga Center. He is able to connect with students of all levels and assist them in their yoga journey.
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Register25oct1:30 pm4:30 pmAyurvedic Cooking Workshop with Dr Sonal Bhatt
Event Details
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Event Details
Ayurvedic Cooking Workshop
Saturday, October 25th; 1:30 – 4:30 pm, $75
Participants will learn how to use shad rasa – six tastes, the most important aspect of Ayurvedic nutrition and how to incorporate many tastes in one meal. Balanced dish includes right amount of each taste: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent, which helps achieve optimum health and vitality.
To stay balanced and aligned with nature’s seasonal changes, we will learn how to cook balance meal with all six tastes and all required balance nutrients with traditional highly recommended recipes in Ayurveda.
Menus will cover Tri-Doshic recipes for all body types which will be cooked with all healing herbs and spices.
Dr. Sonal Bhatt M.D.
Dr. Sonal Bhatt M.D. (Ayurveda) 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, Panchkarma specialist, teacher and researcher in India, Canada and North America for over 30 years. She is currently practicing and teaching Ayurveda and offering holistic health services in Toronto.Tel 1-647-283-9070 www.ayurvedafortotalhealth.com
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Register26oct7:00 am10:00 amIntensive Asana Class
Event Details
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Event Details
Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan
October 26th, 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
Register
Register26oct4:00 pm8:30 pmUN-WFP Fundraiser
Event Details
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Event Details
UN-WFP Gaza Fundraiser
October 26th, Sunday, 4-8pm, Cost: by donation
Join us in supporting fundraising efforts for the UN World Food Programme project in Gaza.
UNWFP continues to deliver food in Gaza, despite extremely challenging circumstances. You can learn more about their work here: UNWFP Palestine Emergency.
As yogis, we carry a social responsibility to contribute where we can. You may donate directly to this project at: Donate Here. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada.
REGISTRATION : Kindly email us ([email protected]) a confirmation of your donation (screenshot or e-mail), which will serve as your ticket for entry to the fundraising event.
SCHEDULE:
4-5.30 pm Yoga Class (limited to 20 students, in order of registration)
5.30-7.30 Satsang, followed by Kirtan with Narada
7.30pm Dinner
FACILITATORS: Staff and senior center teachers, along with Narada . Narada’s music weaves ancient Sanskrit chants with contemporary rhythms, creating a profound sense of devotion. All are invited to participate in the Kirtan. To hear some of Narada’s music, listen here
november
12nov7:00 pm8:30 pmMeditation WorkshopIN PERSON and ONLINE
Event Details
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Event Details
Introduction to Meditation
Wednesday, November 12; 7:00 – 8:30pm; $35
Meditation can be practiced by anyone. With regular practice, it can have many benefits:
. reduced stress
. anxiety management
. improved focus and attention
. lowered blood pressure
. improved sleep
. improved memory
. emotional balance and peace of mind
In this workshop, you will learn about meditation, how to start a meditation practice, and how
to incorporate it into your daily life. You will also have an opportunity to practice meditation. This workshop is suitable for beginners and is a good introduction to our five-week meditation course.
Teacher: Padmini is an experienced Sivananda Yoga teacher who 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.
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REGISTER22nov1:00 pm3:00 pmYoga for Fascia Stretch and Release
Event Details
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Event Details
Yoga for Fascia Stretch and Release with Padmini
November 22nd, 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.
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Register Now23nov7:00 am4:30 pmUrban Hatha Yoga Retreat
Event Details
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Event Details
Urban Hatha Yoga Retreat with Mayavan
November 23rd , Sunday 7 am-4.30 pm; $108
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Register Nowdecember
06dec1:00 pm3:00 pmYoga for the Lower Back
Event Details
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Event Details
Yoga for the Lower Back with Padmini
Saturday, December 6
1:00 – 3:00pm; $38
Lower back tightness and aches are often the result of sitting or standing for long periods of
time and/or of insufficient physical activity. To address the tightness and aches, this workshop
will include breathing exercises (pranayama) and focus on specific asanas (yoga postures) and
exercises that:
– stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissue in the back
– stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissue in the legs
– strengthen core muscles
– promote flexibility and range of motion
– relieve physical and emotional tension
– promote efficient breathing and mental focus
This workshop is suitable for yoga students of all levels.
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.