Philosophy Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.