Our Vision
Our vision is a world of healthy, energized people, caring about each other, and especially the children— having food on the table, growing intellectually and achieving their educational goals, leading fulfilling lives, and in turn offering opportunities to others.
Our Mission
Achieve our Vision through our Yoga teaching
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
Support educational opportunities to underprivileged children so they can live fulfilling lives and, in turn, continue the support of others.
About Us
Kapil Dev Bist and Naraindra Prashad, founders of East Meets West Yog, both Yoga teachers, met in Rishikesh, India—the Yoga capital of the world. On Naraindra’s return to Canada from his Yoga pilgrimage in Rishikesh, he and Kapil Dev continued to stay connected through their love for Yoga. The inspiration of taking their Yoga classes online grew out of the COVID-19 health crisis, and to the growing demand they had to add more classes and more instructors.
In addition, as a result of the global pandemic, Yoga Alliance, USA, allowed the Teacher Training Certification Program to be taught online for the very first time since its inception. Kapil and Naraindra partnered to offer the Yoga Teacher Training program online, and in July 2021, 18 new Yoga Teachers successfully completed the program. A new training session starts in January 2022. Naraindra and Kapil are passionate about the ancient science of Yoga, focusing on blending traditional with modern, while sharing physical and mental health benefits.
Our Yoga Classes
We offer a variety of virtual classes to individuals from every corner of the globe. We accommodate for various time zones, and classes are offered in a variety of styles described below, most of which include yogic warm-ups and pranayama:
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...
Private Classes/Consultations
We offer one-on-one and semi-private, yoga, meditation and nidra sessions.
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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...
Once a month we engage in Bhakti Yoga through music and kirtan.
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 – 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 – 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 - 9:45 p.m. | Thursday | 6:00 - 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 - 9:45 p.m. | Friday | 6:00 - 7:15 a.m. | Yogic Warmup, Pranayama, Meditation & Nidra | A gentler class that activates joints, stretches muscles and stimulates blood flow; followed by pranayama (breathing exercises). |
| Friday | 8:45 – 10:00 a.m. | Friday | 6:15 – 7:30 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 - 7:45 p.m. | Hatha w/Yogic Warmup & Pranayama | 60 minutes of Yoga followed by 30 minutes of Zumba. Yoga warmup exercises to activate joints, stretch muscles and stimulate blood flow, then more energetic movements incorporating breathing exercises (pranayama). Finally, 30 minutes of Zumba to close of the practice with some cardio fun. |
| Sunday | 8:15 – 9:30 a.m. | Sunday | 5:45 – 7:00 p.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. |
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 monthly Bhakti Yoga sessions with kirtan and mantra chanting. At the tender age of 12 (7th grade) Ankit joined the Gayatri Ved Vidyalaya Gurukul where young boys study to become Vedic priests. 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 9th grade where he had the opportunity to study music. Recently, he completed his Grade 12 at Punjab Sindh Kshetra Sadhu Mahavidyala Sanskrit University Rishikesh. Ankit has been gifted with a melodious voice and is very passionate about music and singing, his greatest hobby. He is well-known and well-respected in Rishikesh for leading and participating in the Aarti ceremony at Triveni wharf and Swami Narayana jetty; both popular places for visitors to Rishikesh. Ankit teaches music to the children at Khushi Charitable Society and is looking forward to his upcoming studies in Delhi, where he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Indian Music.
SAGAR KHANDURI
Sagar was born is Rishikesh—the world capital of yoga. After completing12th 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 then connected with an ashram in Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh in order to deepen his knowledge in yoga; he learnt Yogasana and Pranayama, before starting to teach at the Ashram, as well as other yoga studios in Rishikesh. Sagar continued to further his education at an NGO, Khushi Charitable Society where he studied since the age of 7. He now enjoys volunteering and giving back to Khushi by sharing his knowledge and expertise with the younger children of Khushi.
NARAINDRA PRASHAD
Naraindra is a certified yoga instructor (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 teaches yoga at fitness facilities and yoga studios in the Greater Toronto Areas. In 2019 he travelled to Rishikesh, North India, the Yoga Capital of the World where he stayed at the Yoga Niketan Ashram, participating in lectures and other activities in various ashrams, while absorbing the beauty and spirituality of the Himalaya Mountains and the River Ganges. He continues to stay 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 roles in the corporate sector and educational institutions.
RAJKUMAR SHARMA
Rajkumar Sharma was born in Rishikesh, North India. 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 passionate about all styles of dance and incorporates yoga movements and postures in the cardio-dance classes.
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 the Khushi Charitable Organization, and the Oaks of Righteousness organization—both of which we believe share our goal in helping children achieve academic education to lead more fulfilling lives that will allow them to offer the same opportunity to others in the future.
To: “Click on the links below to these two charities”
Monthly contribution for classes is $20 (Canadian or US currency) or 15 Euros. This allows you to participate in all classes that we offer per week. For contribution in other currencies please email us.