Programs

Introduction to Meditation

October 2nd- 30th, Fridays 6:30pm – 7:45pm; $120

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

Pranayama weekend with Mayavan; $55

Pranayama class: October 3rd and 4th,  Saturday and Sunday 7-8am (online)

Workshop: October 3rd, Saturday, 4 pm-6 pm (at the center or online)

Classes are suitable for beginners, as well as students who would like to return to a steady pranayama practice.

Morning Pranayama classes will begin with gentle stretches and simple movements to help release tension and prepare the body for sitting. We will then do gradual pranayama practice.

We will explore:

• Anuloma Viloma / Nadi Shuddhi – alternate nostril breathing for balance and steadiness
• Bhramari – humming breath to calm the mind
• Ujjayi – to increase awareness of the breath and for inner focus
• Introduction to Kapalabhati – introduced gently and in a beginner-friendly way

We will also introduce simple mudras (hand gestures) and explain how they can support concentration and stillness.

Why practise pranayama?

Pranayama is the yogic practice of working with the breath and prana, or life energy. Regular practice can help steady the mind, improve focus, balance energy, and prepare us for meditation.

Workshop will include:

• individual corrections and guidance
• time for questions and discussion
• practical tips for home practice
• support in developing a simple personal routine

Handouts will be shared before the class. They will include the practices we will cover, their traditional benefits, and suggestions on how to prepare.

Teacher: Mayavan is a Sivananda Yoga teacher and director of Yoga Salai, a community-based yoga center in Scarborough. He holds a Master’s in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University, India, where he serves as a faculty member. Mayavan has been practicing and teaching Yoga since childhood.

Pranayama Workshop with Mayavan

October 3rd, Saturday 4pm-6pm; $38 (at the centre or online)

This workshop is part of our Pranayama Weekend and can be taken individually or as part of the full package, which also includes the online morning practice sessions.

This workshop offers an opportunity to deepen your pranayama practice with individual guidance and corrections. Pranayama can support steadiness of mind, balance of energy, concentration, and a deeper connection to the inner practice of yoga.

Often, students learn the techniques but rush through the process or miss important details, which can reduce the benefits of the practice. In this workshop, we will slow down and explore techniques such as Kapalabhati, Anuloma Viloma, Bhramari, and Ujjayi with more care and attention.

We will also discuss how to choose the right pranayama for different situations. While a regular practice may include the traditional foundational techniques, at times we may need a different approach depending on the state of our mind and energy, the demands of the day, or the particular stage and circumstances of life.

The workshop will include time for questions, discussion, practical tips for home practice, and support in developing a simple personal routine.

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.

AYURVEDIC YOGA RETREAT at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Sunday, October 4th: $108; 10am-4.30pm

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

October 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.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

October 18th, Sunday, 8am-11am; $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.

Bhagavad Gita Course with Maheswari (ONLINE)

October 22nd – November 19th; Thursdays 5pm- 6.15pm $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.

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.

Yoga for Deep Release
with Padmini

Saturday , October 24th, 1pm-3pm, $38

In this workshop, you will move slowly through more relaxed, longer-held yoga postures (asanas) to allow fascia, the deep and less flexible connective tissues, time to stretch. You will also practice breathing exercises, and a short meditation.
Goals:
. release physical and mental tension
. improve flexibility, mobility, and range of motion
. support bone and joint health
. develop ease in the body
. unblock stagnant energy in the body
. cultivate mental focus
. bring a sense of equanimity

Teacher:  Padmini has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation at the Toronto Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre for many years. She teaches with ease, precision, and dedication. She aims to inspire students to attain and maintain health, well-being,
and inner peace.

October 24th – November 21st, Saturdays 1:00pm – 2:30pm, $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.

Bhagavad Gita , level 2

October 28th – November 25th, Wednesdays, 5pm-6.15pm; $120

Deepen your knowledge and yoga practice through the study of the Bhagavad-Gita, one of the core scriptures of Yoga.

The Bhagavad-Gita is a conversation between Arjuna and his teacher Krishna on a variety of philosophical themes. We will read and discuss selected verses from the Bhagavad-Gita, taking inspiration and connecting them to the situations we face in our daily lives.

This course will explore the second part of the Gita. It is open to students who have completed the first course or have studied the text before.

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.

Ayurvedic Nutrition and Cooking Course with Dr. Sonal Bhatt

(A 10-hour certificate of completion is awarded after successful attendance)

November 28th and 29th, Saturday and Sunday: 1pm – 6pm) ; Cost $385

Schedule:  1pm-2.,30 pm Theory;  3pm-6pm cooking session (followed by meal!)

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of Ayurvedic nutrition and food combinations that promote health and digestion. Students will learn how to plan well-balanced, nutritious vegetarian meals made from grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, and seeds. dairy products, fat, spices and herbs, based on Ayurvedic principles.
Ayurveda, a traditional holistic, natural healing science of health from India, has been practiced for over 5,000 years and teaches us how to live a healthy, balanced life. Ayurveda emphasizes diet as the most essential part of a healthy life.

The course is open to everyone, including yoga teachers, yoga practitioners, and individuals seeking to adopt a healthy vegetarian lifestyle and learn about balanced food according to the principles of Ayurveda.

Course overview (theory):

• Balanced diet based on Ayurvedic principles.
• The twelve Ayurvedic food groups.
• Sources and balance of the six tastes (shad rasa).
• Food combinations using Ayurvedic principles.

• Understanding of vegetarian proteins for the maintenance of
essential proteins in the diet.
• Use of Ayurvedic herbs and spices to enhance and regulate
digestion.
• Importance of the concepts of Agni and Ama.
• Concept of fasting (Upvasa).
• Planning well-balanced, nutritious meals.

Cooking workshops overview:
• Menus will cover Tri-Doshic recipes for all body types.
• Recipes will be cooked using healing herbs and spices.
• Proper food combinations used to enhance the digestion.
• Preparation of nutritious sweets and healthy hot and cold drinks.