Our Vision
Our vision is a world of healthy, energized people, caring about each other, and especially the children — having food, growing intellectually, and achieving their educational goals, leading fulfilling lives, and being able to offer the same opportunities to others who are less fortunate
Our Mission
Support educational opportunities to underprivileged children so they can live fulfilling lives and, in turn, continue to support others who are financially unable to pursue their educational goals.
Achieve our Vision through donations from members of our yoga community and the community at large.
Inspire people of all ages of the numerous benefits of yoga that lead to a healthy, spiritual life.
Promote wellbeing and mindfulness by guiding yoga practitioners in performing asanas (poses) correctly and safely, and in learning the proper techniques of meditation.
About Us
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the ‘lockdown’ that followed, Naraindra Prashad decided to take his yoga classes online. He had been teaching yoga at Canada’s largest health club for ten years, until all the facilities were forced to close because of the global pandemic. At the time, Naraindra had recently completed a yoga pilgrimage to Rishikesh, North India where he was introduced to philanthropist and yoga teacher, Kapil Dev Bist who is also the principal of Khushi Charitable Society, a school for underprivileged children in Rishikesh. Naraindra encouraged Kapil Dev to join him in conducting online classes that he had started for his yoga students who were eager to continue their yoga practice during the lockdown. Demand for more classes increased and classes grew from twice per week to daily, with the addition of four more yoga teachers. To date, through the charitable activities led by Naraindra Prashad, East Meets West Yog continues to thrive in its philanthropic work as set out in its ‘Mission.’
Our Yoga Classes
We offer a variety of virtual classes to individuals from every corner of the globe, accommodating for various time zones. Classes are offered in a variety of styles described below, all of which include yogic warm-ups and pranayama (breathing exercises).
Yogic Warm-Ups & Gentle Yoga
Gentle therapeutic movements and warm-up exercises, suitable for any age group. Helps you to develop awareness of your body by focusing on the joints and limbs, and appropriately stretching the muscles and Read More...
Hatha
The word Hatha is derived from the Sanskrit “ha” meaning “sun” and “tha” meaning “moon”, and is understood to mean uniting and balancing of these two energies. Hatha yoga offers a total life philosophy, incorporating how Read More...
Ashtanga Inspired
Through the inspiration of Ashtanga (Power) Yoga we guide you through the techniques of postures such as Virabhadrasana (Warriors) Utthita Parsvakonasana (Side Angle) Trikonasana (Triangle), and other more advanced asanas, as well as Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) sequences.
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Meditation & Yoga Nidra (Sleep)
Meditation, like any other skill takes consistent practice, and for beginners it is usually helpful when guided by an experienced teacher. At East Meets West Yog we offer meditation practices that are suitable for Read More...
Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) is a deep relaxation technique and a form of meditation. Also referred to as psychic sleep, yoga nidra is a state between sleeping and waking. The body becomes fully relaxed as you focus your awareness inward by listening to a set of instructions as you would in any guided meditation.
Pranayama
Prana is the Sanskrit word for vital energy or life force; the force which exists in all things, both animate and inanimate. It is more than just the air we breathe or the oxygen we take into the body. Read More...
Kids Yoga
Our Kids Yoga classes introduce yoga in a playful and gentle manner to promote confidence, discovery and friendship amongst kids of all ages and from all parts of the world. As they become more comfortable with Read More...
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga also known as the Path To The Heart is practiced through chanting, devotional mantras, and kirtan. Surrendering is not only necessary but also a subsequent consequence of Bhakti yoga practice. Read More...
Class Schedule
Toronto Time
| Day ( Canada / Us) |
Time ( Canada / Us) |
Day (India) |
Time (India) |
Class Type | Class Discription |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. | Monday | 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | Hatha w/Yogic Warmup & Parnayam | Warmup exercises to activate joints, stretch muscles, and stimulate blood flow; followed by more energetic movements; concluding with breathing exercises (pranayama) |
| Tuesday | 7:45 – 9:00 a.m. | Tuesday | 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Yogic Warmup & Pranayama | A gentler class that activates joints, stretches muscles, and stimulates blood flow; followed by pranayama (breathing exercises). |
| Wednesday | 8:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. | Thursday | 6:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. | Ashtanga Inspired / Dynamic/Energetic | Class begins with warmup exercises to activate muscles and joints, gradually increasing to more challenging movements and postures that incorporates pranayama (breathing exercises) providing cardiovascular stimulation. Open to all levels of practitioners wishing to take on the challenge, allowing for modifications as needed. |
| Thursday | 8:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. | Friday | 6:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. | Yogic Warmup, Pranayama, Meditation & Nidra | A gentler class that activates joints, stretches muscles, and stimulates blood flow; includes pranayama (breathing exercises) and yoga nidra (yogic sleep). |
| Friday | 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Friday | 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | Yogic Warmup & Pranayama | Warmup exercises to activate joints, stretch muscles, and stimulate blood flow; followed by more energetic movements; concluding with breathing exercises (pranayama). |
| Saturday | 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. | Saturday | 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | Hatha w/Yogic Warmup & Pranayama | Yoga warmup exercises to activate joints, stretch muscles and stimulate blood flow, followed by more energetic movements incorporating pranayama (breathing exercises). |
| Sunday | 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. | Sunday | 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Ashtanga Inspired / Dynamic / Energetic | : Warmup exercises to activate joints, stretch muscles, and stimulate blood flow, pranayama (breathing exercises) followed by more energetic movements. |
Our instructors are highly trained in all branches of yoga.
KAPIL DEV BIST
Kapil Dev holds a Master’s Degree in Yogic Science from Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Haridwar. He learnt Yogic sciences and traditions under the guidance of spiritual masters in Rishikesh, staying in ashrams, and gurukuls, completing intensive yoga philosophy, Vedanta, and Tantra studies. He is a graduate in English Literature, Economics and History from H.N.B. Garhwal University, Rishikesh, and also completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Uttarakhand Open University. In 2008, Kapil started teaching yoga and meditation at yoga schools in India and Europe. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, he has been teaching virtual yoga/meditation internationally. Kapil also serves as Principal for Khushi Charitable Organization, a school for underprivileged children in Rishikesh.
SUNIL BIST
Sunil is a certified yoga instructor with training in Hatha, Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga. After completing his teacher training certification in 2016, he taught yoga in Mumbai for one year. He also taught for eight months in China and led yoga workshops in Indonesia. He currently teaches privately, and at yoga schools and ashrams in Rishikesh. Sunil has a B.A. in Sanskrit Grammar, and an M.A. in Yoga Science, both from Haridwar Sanskrit University. He is also an Astrologer and Vedic Priest and his hobbies are spiritual discussions, football and reading.
PAUL GOMES
Paul completed his 200-hour teacher training through Rishikesh Yog Van school, registered with Yoga Alliance, USA. As a team member Paul currently provides advice, input and support for the general operations of East Meets West Yog. Paul is also a Certified Financial Planner.
ANKIT JOSHI
Ankit leads our Bhakti Yoga sessions with kirtan and mantra chanting. At the tender age of 12 (seventh grade) Ankit joined the Gayatri Ved Vidyalaya Gurukul. A gurukul is an ancient Indian residential education system where the students live with or near the guru. Ankit then moved on to the Swami Narayana Ashram in the ninth grade where he had the opportunity to study music. He completed his Grade 12 at Punjab Sindh Kshetra Sadhu Mahavidyala Sanskrit University Rishikesh. Ankit is very enthusiastic about music and singing, his greatest hobby. He is known in Rishikesh for leading and participating in the Aarti ceremony at Triveni wharf and Swami Narayana jetty; both popular places for visitors to Rishikesh.
SAGAR KHANDURI
Sagar was born is Rishikesh—the world capital of yoga. After completing 12th grade at S.P.N. Inter College, he began his yoga journey. At age 18, Sagar went to PSKSD Sanskrit University, where he learnt yogic lifestyle and completed his yoga certification. He further deepened his knowledge of yoga through connecting with an ashram in Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh. Sagar learnt yogasana and pranayama, before starting to teach at the Ashram, as well as other yoga studios in Rishikesh. He continued to further his education at an NGO, Khushi Charitable Society where he studied since the age of seven. He now enjoys volunteering and giving back to Khushi by sharing his knowledge and expertise with the younger children of Khushi. Sagar completed his Masters in Yogic Science from Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Haridwar in 2023.
NARAINDRA PRASHAD
Naraindra is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the Yoga Alliance of Canada. He has an Applied Specialization in Mindful Meditation from the University of Toronto and has completed 50 hours of Pilates Teacher Training. He taught yoga at the largest health club in Canada, Goodlife Fitness, for ten years, as well as various yoga studios in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2019 he travelled to Rishikesh, North India, the yoga capital of the world where he stayed at an ashram, participating in lectures and other activities in various ashrams, while taking in the beauty and spirituality of the Holy Ganges that sits at the foot of the beautiful Himalaya Mountains. Naraindra stays current and informed by attending a variety of programs in yoga and yoga philosophy, as well as yoga conferences. Naraindra is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and prior to his full-time involvement in ‘yoga life’ he held various management roles at the University of Toronto for twenty-five years.
RAJKUMAR SHARMA
Rajkumar Sharma was born in Rishikesh, North India. In 2023 he completed hi Masters in Yogic Science from Uttarkhand Sanskrit University, Haridwar. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna (H.N.B.) Garhwal University, and completed a naturopathy program as well as a yoga program, both from Khushi Charitable Society. Rajkumar is a Dance Instructor at the Khushi Charitable Society and choreographs and trains the children for dance competitions where they have always placed in the top three. Rajkumar is enthusiastic about all styles of dance.
MEGHA DABRAL
Megha Dabral was born and raised in Rishikesh, North India, where the Holy Ganges flows at the foot of the Himalaya mountains. She obtained her 200-hours teacher’s training certification from AATM Yogashala in 2018 and in 2020 she completed her masters in Yogic Science from Uttarkhand Sanskrit Uniiversity in Haridwar. Megha has been learning yogasana from her guru for many years; this is her passion, and she continues to keep herself up-to-date since she feels yoga is an infinite journey and learning is endless. She started teaching asanas in government schools in 2017, and after seeing her passion for yoga, her guru offered her an opportunity to teach at his yoga school where she is now one of the faculty members, leading yoga classes on a daily basis. During the Covid-19 pandemic and due to the lockdown, Megha was unemployed, however EMWY (East Meets West Yog) provided her with an opportunity to teach virtually. She continues to teach with EMWY and has also returned to ‘in-person’ teaching at her guru’s yoga school.
Karma Yoga
As part of our mission to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children, we have chosen to support Jyotir Gyan Bhavan, Khushi Charitable Society, and the Oaks of Righteousness. These organizations support our mission of helping underprivileged children in other parts of the globe, achieve an academic education to help them lead more fulfilling lives that will enable them to offer the same opportunity to others in the future.”
To: “Click on the links below to these two charities”
When we think only of sincerely helping all othrs, not ourselves, we will find that we receive all that we wish for, - Heart Of A Budha
If we fail to look after others when thry need help, who will look after us? - Heart Of A Budha
Naraindra Prashad has a Bachelor of Arts degree with major studies in commerce and economics from the University of Toronto. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with many years of experience in the corporate sector, then for the final twenty-five years of his career serving in management roles in various faculties and departments at the University of Toronto. Naraindra also held the position of President of the Alumni Association, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and is currently on the College of Electors at the University of Toronto, representing his Alma Mater. He has been a volunteer for other organizations serving the needs of children and seniors. Naraindra’s passion for yoga and wellness inspired him to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through the Yoga Alliance of Canada. He also pursued an Applied Specialization in Mindful Meditation from the University of Toronto and completed 50 hours of Pilates Teacher Training. He taught yoga at the largest health club in Canada, Goodlife Fitness, for ten years, as well as various yoga studios in the Greater Toronto Area. Shortly after migrating to Canada as a teenager, Naraindra underwent life-saving surgery, and with a ‘new lease’ on life he believes it is time to serve the underprivileged in society, but especially children so that they too may have fair opportunities in their lives. With a firm educational background, it is the children who can move the world forward! Naraindra is also an avid gardener and uses this passion and skill to raise funds for charity.
Rohanie Singh is a long-time resident of Toronto, Ontario. In 1975 she emigrated to Canada from Guyana. She holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto and has been a realtor for the past 17 years. Rohanie has volunteered with many different charities. However, the Khushi school is one that speaks to her heart and soul. In the future, she hopes to volunteer annually in person.
Ram migrated to Canada from Guyana in the early 1980s. He married his childhood sweetheart Geeta and they are the proud parents of three children and six grandchildren(so far).On a professional level, he has been working with an IT company specializing in the Banking Industry since 1988. Ram has volunteered with many organizations, including the St Vincent De Paul Society in his neighbourhood, Scarborough Village Theatre, and various shelters in Scarborough. He and his wife travel to India frequently to visit their Guru in the Sri Narayani Golden Temple in Tamil Nadu.
Effective January 2024 : Quarterly contribution for classes is $75 (Canadian or US currency), $60 or 50 Euros. This allows you to participate in all classes that we offer per week. For contribution in other currencies please email us.