Workshops and Events

Chanting workshop with stories from the Ramayana with Ramdas

Saturday, March 14th, 1pm-3pm. $35

Join us for a cozy afternoon of tea, kirtan, and stories from the Ramayana.

During this workshop, we will sing a series of uplifting Rama and Hanuman chants – both traditional and more modern songs. In between, we will hear stories from the Ramayana, a sacred Hindu text that tells the story of Rama, a divine incarnation. With the help of monkey god Hanuman and his brother Lakshman, Rama sets out to rescue his abducted wife Sita and restore peace and order (dharma) to the world. Rich with meaning and spiritual lessons, the story of Rama will give us the opportunity to explore themes such as duty, devotion, and goodness.

Whether you already have the chanting bug or it’s your first time, we hope you’ll join us to soak in the good vibrations and hear heartwarming stories.

What is kirtan? Kirtan is a form of chanting rooted in the Bhakti Yoga tradition of India, where sacred mantras are sung in an accessible call-and-response style. By combining music, rhythm, and repetition, kirtan helps quiet the mind, open the heart, and foster a sense of community.

Teacher:  Ramdas has been involved with the Sivananda tradition for several years, teaching yoga, singing kirtan, and participating in satsang. Ever since hearing kirtan for the first time, he has felt connected to its uplifting vibration. He hopes to share what he has learned and help others experience the benefits of chanting.

Raja Yoga Sutras with Sarasvati

March 14th – April 4th, Saturdays 1pm-2.30pm; $85

Raja Yoga is a branch of yoga often referred to as the psychology of yoga.  In this course, we will discuss selected verses from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of classical Yoga philosophy. Topics of study will include the nature and functions of the mind, the five categories of mental modifications (vrttis), the sources of suffering (kleshas), and the eightfold path of Yoga (ashtanga yoga).

Some familiarity with Yoga philosophy is helpful, but the course is designed to be welcoming and accessible to beginners

Teacher: Sarasvati is a senior teacher in the Sivananda Yoga organization and currently serves as the director of the Sivananda Yoga Center in Toronto. She has taught the Raja Yoga Sutras in Advanced Teacher Training courses and is happy to share the knowledge with students through discussions and study of the classical yoga texts and commentaries.

5Day Morning Pranayama practice

March 16th – 20th, 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.

Asana Variations with Mayavan

Sarutday, March 21st, 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm; $55

This workshop shows how to use variations within the classical twelve-posture sequence

You will learn:

• How to modify postures for different levels and physical needs
• How to introduce progressive variations safely
• Variations for building strength and variations for building flexibility
• How to maintain focus while adding movement
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The class includes a full  practice of the twelve basic asanas with selected variations integrated throughout, followed by time for questions.

Suitable for students and teachers who want practical guidance on how to progress within the classical sequence.

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 centre in Scarborough.

Intensive Asana Class with Mayavan

April 5th, Sunday, 8 am-11 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.

Introduction to Meditation

April 17th – May 15th, Fridays 6:30pm – 7:45pm; $85

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

Yoga for Fascia Health with Padmini

April 18th,  Saturday: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: $38Fascia is the connective tissue that provides support and structure throughout the body. It directly
influences:
-flexibility
-mobility
-range of motion
-posture
-ease and depth of breathing
-circulation
-the flow of vital energy (prana)

This workshop will nourish and nurture the fascia. It consists of a brief discussion of fascia, and a yoga
practice of breathing exercises, long-held meditative postures, and a short meditation. The workshop will
also provide the extra benefits of improved body awareness, physical and mental relaxation, stress
reduction, improved mental clarity, and improved concentration.
Yoga experience would be very helpful, but is not necessary.

Teacher: Padmini has been practicing and teaching yoga for many years and holds teacher certifications in hatha yoga, yin yoga, meditation, chair yoga, and prenatal yoga. She is committed to inspiring and helping people attain and maintain health, well-being, and inner peace.