Programs

Spiritual Diary

in person and online

December 14th; 2:30pm-4 pm; $30

December 16th – January 22rd, Mondays 5:00pm. $95

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.

Introduction to Meditation

January 10th-February 7th, Fridays 5.45-6.45pm, $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

Pranayama practice

January 11th – 19th, 6am-7am, $85 (online)

Start your mornings with an invigorating  practice!

The challenge will include Sun Salutations to warm up the body, 40 minutes of pranayama (Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma), and guided relaxation. These practices help to strengthen the respiratory system, increase stamina and  keep good physical health. They also help keep the mind calm and peaceful.

You have to be well  familiar with these practices  in order to participate in the course. If you have any questions regarding the course  please contact us and we will be happy to help you

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 9 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 and Vedanta philosophy

Paths to Self-Discovery 

(in-person and online)

January 17th – February 14th

Fridays, 6.30-7.45pm; cost: $65

In this course, we will use the Bhagavad Gita text as a background to discuss the following topics from the tradition of Vedanta:

-Karma Yoga and the philosophy of Karma and Reincarnation

-Jnana Yoga and the concept of Brahman

-Mantra and Sacrifice

Pre-requisite: Please familiarize yourself with the Bhagavad Gita and read the text before the start of the course (Bhagavad Gita books are available at the Sivananda Yoga Center; you can order them online or at the Centre).

Teacher: Maheswari has been practicing Yoga since an early age. She has been teaching Yoga and Vedanta courses for over twenty years. Maheswari has knowledge and an innate ability to connect with students and help them gain insights into the sacred teachings of this tradition.

Urban Yoga Retreat

January 19th , Sunday 8am-6.30pm; $108

Please register by FRIDAY, 17th January!

Escape the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in a yoga and meditation retreat. The schedule follows the ashram’s routine.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

January 26th, Sunday, 7 am-10 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.