Programs

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

July 27th, 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.

Introduction to Meditation

August 1st-29th, Fridays 6.30pm-7.45pm , $75

Meditation is an invaluable tool for emotional balance and peace of mind . This course will provide step-by-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

-Mechanics of the mind: How the mind works and how meditation helps

-Mantras as tools for meditation

• Online participants will receive a Zoom link two days before the course

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.

THE FOUR PATHS OF YOGA with Padmini

September 10th, Wednesday 6.30pm-8.30pm, $38

Traditionally, there are four different approaches to spiritual growth, each suited to different temperaments and inclinations:

• Karma Yoga (Path of Action): Focuses on performing one’s duties with integrity and dedication while surrendering the results to a higher power and for the greater good.
• Raja Yoga (Path of Mind and Body Control): Emphasizes discipline through practices such as breath control (pranayama), concentration (dharana), and meditation (dhyana) to achieve physical , mental and spiritual growth.
• Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Centers on love and devotion, expressed through a deep connection with the world. around us, often represented by a personal deity. Practices include chanting, prayer, and rituals to cultivate a profound spiritual bond.
• Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge and Inquiry): Involves self-reflection, contemplation, and philosophical study to understand the true nature of the Self .

In modern times, many people primarily follow one path—often focusing on physical postures and breathing exercises. However, in the Sivananda Yoga and Vedanta tradition, all four paths are encouraged to support the balanced development of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life.

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.

Weekend Yoga Retreat at Mansfield

Sept 19th-21st, 2025 (Fri-Sun)

Cost: $325  ($100 non-refundable deposit)

The retreat is held at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre, near Barrie, 1 1/2 hours north of Toronto, Ontario. Join us to experience the harmony, peace, and balance that yoga brings in a setting that invigorates the body and calms the mind. No previous yoga experience is required. The Center will organize a carpool. Everyone is welcome! The accommodation is at the main Field Center, in rooms with four beds. Below is the option for accommodation with cabins with ensuite bathrooms.

• Day program  (Saturday) $100    For the day program please register here
• Weekend program fee $200     For the weekend program please register here

Accommodation (cabins with ensuite bathroom ) can also be booked directly with the Mansfield Outdoor  Center  (please check their website: https://mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca/accommodation). The fee of $200 for the Yoga Retreat program is paid directly to the Yoga  Center.

For full SCHEDULE please check Retreat page:  https://sivanandacanada.org/toronto/weekend-yoga-retreat-ontario/

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.

Teen Meditation

(ages 14-17)

September 27th – October 25th; Saturdays 11am-12 noon

Cost: by donation

The Teen Meditation Course helps teenagers learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions and introduces basic techniques for finding inner calm. The course includes simple meditation practices, and teens are encouraged to continue practicing at home. There will also be time for questions and open discussions about mental health topics that interest the group. No prior meditation experience is required. The course is open to all and offers a safe, supportive space to explore practical ways to improve and maintain mental well-being .

Teacher: Saraswati has been a long-time staff member of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta organization and is the director of the Toronto Yoga Centre. She has led children’s and teen yoga camps and taught yoga and meditation to youth in various Toronto settings, including community agencies, schools, and youth detention facilities. Saraswati has a background in child and youth counselling and a long-standing interest in mental health support for children and adolescents.

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.

Yoga for Fascia Stretch and Release with Padmini

November 8th,  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.