Workshops and Events

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

February 16th – 20th, 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.

Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari (ONLINE)

February 17th -March 17th; Tuesdays 7pm- 8pm $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.

Participants will receive the Zoom link a few days before the course.

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.

Raja Yoga Sutras

March 7th – 28th, Saturdays 1pm-2.30pm; $85

Raja Yoga is a branch of yoga often referred to as the psychology of yoga.  In this course, we will discuss selected verses from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of classical Yoga philosophy. Topics of study will include the nature and functions of the mind, the five categories of mental modifications (vrttis), the sources of suffering (kleshas), and the eightfold path of Yoga (ashtanga yoga).

Some familiarity with Yoga philosophy is helpful, but the course is designed to be welcoming and accessible to beginners

Teacher: Saraswati

Chanting workshop with stories from the Ramayana with Ramdas

Saturday, March 14th, 1pm-3pm. $35

Join us for a cozy afternoon of tea, kirtan, and stories from the Ramayana.

During this workshop, we will sing a series of uplifting Rama and Hanuman chants – both traditional and more modern songs. In between, we will hear stories from the Ramayana, a sacred Hindu text that tells the story of Rama, a divine incarnation. With the help of monkey god Hanuman and his brother Lakshman, Rama sets out to rescue his abducted wife Sita and restore peace and order (dharma) to the world. Rich with meaning and spiritual lessons, the story of Rama will give us the opportunity to explore themes such as duty, devotion, and goodness.

Whether you already have the chanting bug or it’s your first time, we hope you’ll join us to soak in the good vibrations and hear heartwarming stories.

What is kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting rooted in the Bhakti Yoga tradition of India, where sacred mantras are sung in an accessible call-and-response style. By combining music, rhythm, and repetition, kirtan helps quiet the mind, open the heart, and foster a sense of community.

Teacher:  Ramdas has been involved with the Sivananda tradition for several years, teaching yoga, singing kirtan, and participating in satsang. Ever since hearing kirtan for the first time, he has felt connected to its uplifting vibration. He hopes to share what he has learned and help others experience the benefits of chanting.

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

March 16th – 20th, 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.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

March 22nd, Sunday, 8 am-11 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.