Philosophy Courses

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

August 11th – 15th, 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 the Hips and Legs with Padmini

Saturday, August 16th, 1-3pm; $38

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.

Introduction to Raja Yoga

(in person and online)

August 26th Tuesday; 6.30-8.30pm; cost: $35

Raja Yoga is a branch of yoga often referred to as the psychology of yoga. It focuses on how the mind works and offers a psychological framework from the perspective of the broader Vedantic tradition. Some of the Raja Yoga topics are: What is the mind? What is a thought? What are the different functions of the mind? It also explores principles and practical techniques for observing, understanding, and guiding the mind. The goal is not to control the mind in a rigid way, but to develop awareness that can lead to greater self-understanding and a more balanced way of living.

Teacher: Saraswati is the director of the yoga center and senior staff of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta organization. She has been teaching yoga, meditation and philosophy for many years and is happy to share the knowledge.

Ayurvedic Nutrition and Cooking Course with Dr. Sonal Bhatt

(Certificate of completion is awarded after successful attendance)

September 25th – November 16th ; Cost : $950  (24 teaching hours and 10 class Yoga pass)

Theory: Thursdays 6.30pm-8.30pm (25th Sept; 2nd Oct; 9th Oct; 16th Oct)
Cooking workshops: Saturdays or Sundays 1.30-4.30pm (26th Oct, 2ndNov, 8th Nov, 16th Nov)

We will meet each Thursday, 6.30-8.30 pm to learn theory and then each Saturday or Sunday, 1.30-4.30pm for cooking sessions.

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive 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.

This 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):

• Learn a 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 protein 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.

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.

Integrative Approach to Managing Stress and Anxiety with Saraswati

Saturday, October 4th 1pm-4pm; $55

This workshop explores the sources of stress and suffering from both Western and Yogic perspectives. Topics will include the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; common mind traps from both Western psychological and yogic perspectives; and how to recognize, understand, and begin to change deeply ingrained thought patterns that no longer serve us. Through reflection exercises and guided practices, we will focus on practical skills that can be used in daily life to build a more supportive connection with yourself and others. No prior yoga experience is required.