Bhakti Lounge the heart of yoga (formerly Urbanedgeyoga)

Story of a warrior – Negotiating the battlefield of lifePosted by admin on October 31st, 2009

Title: Story of a warrior – Negotiating the battlefield of life
Location: 324 Bloor street w, Unit 1
Description: Where do you think the ancient knowledge of yoga as known to modern humans was revealed ? In the mountains, next to a river or in an ashram ? None of the above – this sacred knowledge was revealed in the middle of a great battle field.

Have you heard the story of the great warrior Arjuna to who the ancient knowledge of Yoga was revealed ? If not, then please join us to hear this ancient story of Arjuna negotiating the battlefield of life…the story is full of intrigues and twists that will leave you wanting for more. So sign up to hear about the Story of a warrior.

Source : Bhagavad Gita As it is and Mahabharata

Please RSVP at www.BhaktiLounge.com to reserve a spot.

Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-11-04
End Time: 20:30

Baking 101 – Vegan Desserts and PiesPosted by admin on October 31st, 2009

Title: Baking 101 – Vegan Desserts and Pies
Location: 324 Bloor street w, Unit 1
Description: We talk about how wonderful Broccoli is but, at the end of the day, we know what really wins people over is a creamy pie smothered in caramel or perhaps pecans. Good old fashioned crisps become interesting again when spiked with aniseed, and juicy pears are poached in sauce and, because we couldn’t resist it.

Whoever said being Vegan meant sacrificing yummy desserts or eating repetitive foods. Join us for these fun sessions every Friday – treat yourself to a sweet delight. Combine that taste with savoury cakes and pies and that makes for a perfect friday evening. Here we will demonstrate a variety of recipies and you will get a chance to experiment in the kitchen

The recipes are for novice bakers, professional bakers, once-in-a-while bakers, and just anyone who wants to spend a little time in the kitchen preparing something nice (and most of the time, somewhat easy)

Proposed class plan
Nov 6 – Indian Vegan desserts
Nov 20 – Asian desserts
Nov 27 – Fruit based healthy desserts

Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-11-03
End Time: 20:30

Kirtan 101 – Kirtan and SpiritualityPosted by admin on October 31st, 2009

Title: Kirtan 101 – Kirtan and Spirituality
Location: 324 Bloor street w, Unit 1
Description: Kirtan 101 – Learn to play instruments, sing chants and enjoy vegetarian feast.

In this first session the audience will be introduced to the definition of Kirtan and the key differences between a Kirtan and an ordinary song. We will provide an introduction to the classical Indian instruments that are traditionally used in Kirtan. The speakers will present the basic beat for eastern instruments. Specific attention and focus will be around introducing the ‘Mridanga – Ancient drum of the east’ to the audience and enabling them to practice some basic Mridanga notes.

The participants will practice and learn to sing the some ancient mantra or Kirtan like

Do not miss this rare chance. RSVP to reserve a spot or contact me at bhaktilounge.heartofyoga@gmail.com for questions.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-11-02
End Time: 20:30

Inner Environmentality – The Heart of Environmental ConsciousnessPosted by admin on October 9th, 2009

Title: Inner Environmentality – The Heart of Environmental Consciousness

Location: Ryerson university, student centre, 55 Gould street
Link out: Click here
Description: We have created a civilization based on limited resources that are quickly disappearing. It’s not a question of whether our resources will run out, rather the question is when will they run out. In response to this crisis we have entered into a new era of “green” businesses, “green” products, “green” economies and “green” energy. Environmental protection is now on the agenda at UN conferences and the G8 forum alike. Even Hollywood is showing signs of environmental consciousness: last year Wall-e hit the top of the box office, bringing its forward-looking narrative of ‘earth scare’ to billions of viewers worldwide.

Join us this November for an interactive workshop with Devamrita Swami. In this workshop, Devamrita Swami will explain how our lifestyle is a reflection of our consciousness—a materialistic frame of mind leads to an exploitative mentality, and thus a tendency to consume more than necessary, which ultimately leads an unsustainable lifestyle and a disturbed environment. Even if the whole world goes green, if we are unable to transform this consciousness of overconsumption, we will be faced with the same global crises again and again. We must alter this exploitative mentality.

About the speaker

Devamrita Swami is a monk, author and Yale graduate. He is the founder of Institute of Sustainability in New Zealand, and travels around the world raising environmental awareness through his workshops. He is eager to show us how to avert global environmental crises using spiritual techniques. He is an advisor on Spiritual Economics to the Russian chamber of commerce and the author of several books. This is his third annual tour of Toronto. In the past two years he has addressed over 1000 people on topics as diverse as yoga, vegetarianism, spiritual economics etc. Last year when visiting Toronto, he presented at York University, University of Toronto and several other yoga studios around downtown. Check out the past InSpirit events.
He was born 1950 in New York City. At the age of thirteen, he received a scholarship to prep school in the mountains of New Hampshire, where he studied until at seventeen, he received a scholarship to Yale University. In 1972, Devamrita Swami graduated from Yale University. At this time he came in contact with the ancient teachings of the east. He discovered that the knowledge presented in these books was the beginning of his real education. His attraction to this transcendental information was immediate and the effect profound. Ever since Devamrita Swami travels around the world constantly to fulfill invitations by prestigious universities and companies.

Currently based out of New Zealand, he is the author of several books like Searching for Vedic India, Perfect Escape, Beyond the barriers of limited science and Spiritual Greed. His strategic guidance has proved invaluable to students and professionals seeking to balance their spiritual and professional life. Main stops on his global circuit are Australia, New Zealand, the USA, South Africa, Russia, India, Argentina, Chile, the UK, Scandinavia, and Central Europe.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-11-12
End Time: 21:00

Chant and be happy – A mantra meditation workshopPosted by admin on October 9th, 2009

Title: Chant and be happy – A mantra meditation workshop
Location: Multifaith centre, 569 Spadina Ave
Date: 2009-11-11
Time: 18:30 – 21:00

Description: Everyone wants to be happy. Some of us seek happiness through family, career or social life. Others look for it in politics, arts, academia, natural healthy living or many other activities. All of these endeavors represent our endless quest for satisfaction and pleasure. However, the basic problem in our search for happiness is that all of these sources of pleasure are limited and temporary. Mantra meditation enables us to expand our pleasure beyond present limitations. Through the mystical power of transcendental sound, inner happiness can be experienced instantly and directly because it operates beyond the boundaries of time and space and emanates from the core of our being.

Mantra meditation is a process for reviving our original, pure consciousness through the medium of transcendental sound. In this workshop, Devamrita Swami, an Urban Monk who has practiced Mantra meditation for nearly 40 years, will explain to us how to use these sound vibrations to attain extraordinary states of happiness. Mantra meditation is a very simple process that can be easily adopted by anyone. This workshop will enable participants to experience the uplifting power of sublime sound through chanting and singing timeless Sanskrit mantras. Our voices will be accompanied by eastern instruments like the mrdnga drum, karatals (hand cymbals), and harmonium.

About devamrita Swami
Devamrita Swami is a monk in the renounced order of life with profound spiritual practices that go back 35 years. He is an advisor on Spiritual Economics to the Russian chamber of commerce and the author of several books. This is his third annual tour of Toronto. In the past two years he has addressed over 1000 people on topics as diverse as yoga, vegetarianism, spiritual economics etc. Last year when visiting Toronto, he presented at York University, University of Toronto and several other yoga studios around downtown. Check out the past InSpirit events.

He was born 1950 in New York City. At the age of thirteen, he received a scholarship to prep school in the mountains of New Hampshire, where he studied until at seventeen, he received a scholarship to Yale University. In 1972, Devamrita Swami graduated from Yale University. At this time he came in contact with the ancient teachings of the east. He discovered that the knowledge presented in these books was the beginning of his real education. His attraction to this transcendental information was immediate and the effect profound. Ever since Devamrita Swami travels around the world constantly to fulfill invitations by prestigious universities and companies.

Currently based out of New Zealand, he is the author of several books like Searching for Vedic India, Perfect Escape, Beyond the barriers of limited science and Spiritual Greed. His strategic guidance has proved invaluable to students and professionals seeking to balance their spiritual and professional life. Main stops on his global circuit are Australia, New Zealand, the USA, South Africa, Russia, India, Argentina, Chile, the UK, Scandinavia, and Central Europe.

Insights from an Urban Monk – Devamrita SwamiPosted by admin on October 9th, 2009

Event Fee

Title: Insights from an Urban Monk – Devamrita Swami
Location: Urbanedgeyoga 324 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1W5
Date: 2009-11-10
Time: 18:30 – 21:00

Description: Toronto is one of the world’s prime commercial and cultural hubs. Life here is bustling with activity and it’s a rare treat to meet someone who is not caught up in this race against time. Join us this fall for a special meeting with an urban mystic, Devamrita Swami, a Yale graduate, Monk and an author.
Born in New York City, at seventeen, he received a scholarship to Yale University. In 1972, Devamrita Swami graduated from Yale University and came in contact with the ancient teachings of the east and his spiritual teacher A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami. The knowledge presented in these ancient texts set him off on a Journey of self discovery that spanned 40 years including an 8 year trying to present Spiritual knowledge behind the Iron curtain.
Today Devamrita Swami is a monk in the renounced order who travels around the world constantly to fulfill invitations by prestigious universities and organizations like Columbia University, University of Toronto, York University, Russian chamber of commerce to name a few. He is the author of several books like Searching for Vedic India, Perfect Escape, Beyond the barriers of limited science and Spiritual Greed. His strategic guidance and workshops have proved invaluable to students and professionals seeking to balance their spiritual and professional life. Travelling 11 months a year, main stops on his global circuit are Australia, New Zealand, the USA, South Africa, Russia, India, Argentina, Chile, the UK, Scandinavia, and Central Europe.
In the past two years he has addressed over 2000 Torontonians on topics as diverse as yoga, environmental consciousness, vegetarianism and spiritual economics.

World Vegan Day celebrationsPosted by admin on October 9th, 2009

Title: World Vegan Day celebrations
Location: Multifaith centre, 569 Spadina Ave
Link out: Click here
Description: Join us for a day of fun and celebration as Toronto joins the rest of the world in celebrating the World Vegan Day. Veganism is not just a healthy lifestyle choice, but people are now becoming increasingly aware of the direct correlation between what they eat every day and the health of the planet. As the World meat production has quadrupled in the past 50 years, environmentally conscious consumers are concerned not only with food miles, over-packaging and pesticide use, but also question the environmental sustainability.

Join us on Nov 5th for Spiritual concerts, Vegan feast and cooking demos, Educational Displays, Insightful talks and signup for : TORONTO MEATLESS CHALLENGE – Nov 5 -12

Pledge to be Vegan for 1 Week from Nov 5 to 12. If you are already Vegan – then signup to help someone stay Vegan. Not only will your efforts go a long way to save the environment and save thousands of innocent animals, it will win you a free Ticket to the ‘Inner EnvironMentality’, a special event with Devamrita Swami-A monk, Yale graduate, author and the founder of Institute of sustainability.

Fun Activities to do on Nov 5th
* Display Contest: You are invited to form teams of 3-5 people and prepare a special display to demonstrate the impact and correlation between Veganism and Environment. The winning team will claim a gift hamper of environmental books and free vegan dinners during our special events. Contact us @ bhaktilounge.heartofyoga@gmail.com for contest details.

* All Day Easy Vegan cooking demonstrations: The recipes and cooking demonstrations will not only be vegan but also Ayurvedic or Yoga friendly. Ingredients and vessels will all be provided, come with an appetite!

* Presentation on ‘Higher Taste – Recipe for Conscious living’ by a special guest speaker who has done phenomenal work on Veganism and Environmentality.

* Mantra concert: A live band of spiritual musicians adept at playing classical ancient eastern instruments who will give a live on stage performance to get the crowd rolling.

* Yoga for life: Relax and build up appetite for the yummy dinner by trying some invigorating yoga
Start Time: 17:00
Date: 2009-10-05
End Time: 21:00

Mantra mondaysPosted by admin on October 9th, 2009

Title: Mantra mondays
Location: Urbanedgeyoga 324 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1W5
Link out: Click here
Description: The basic problem in our search for happiness is that our sources of pleasure are all limited. Mantra meditation provides information about how we can expand our pleasure beyond our present limitations. It deals with a pleasure principle that operates beyond the bounds of time and space and emanates from the very innermost part of our being.

So hold up MONDAY EVENINGS in your calender for Mantra Meditation. This is an experiential workshop series where you get the opportunity to learn ancient eastern instruments like cymbals, Mrdidangas (percussion instruments), harmonium, tambourines and much more. Each class will have a part where a new mantra will be introduced to you along with a special tune or melody to which you could sing or play it.

And last but not the least, each class will be followed by a delicious vegan meal.

Please RSVP to reserve a spot.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-10-26
End Time: 20:30

Mantra mondaysPosted by admin on October 9th, 2009

Title: Mantra mondays
Location: Urbanedgeyoga 324 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1W5
Link out: Click here
Description: The basic problem in our search for happiness is that our sources of pleasure are all limited. Mantra meditation provides information about how we can expand our pleasure beyond our present limitations. It deals with a pleasure principle that operates beyond the bounds of time and space and emanates from the very innermost part of our being.

So hold up MONDAY EVENINGS in your calender for Mantra Meditation. This is an experiential workshop series where you get the opportunity to learn ancient eastern instruments like cymbals, Mrdidangas (percussion instruments), harmonium, tambourines and much more. Each class will have a part where a new mantra will be introduced to you along with a special tune or melody to which you could sing or play it.

And last but not the least, each class will be followed by a delicious vegan meal.

Please RSVP to reserve a spot.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-10-19
End Time: 20:30

Ultimate Reality : Life beyond this universePosted by admin on October 9th, 2009

Title: Ultimate Reality : Life beyond this universe
Location: Urbanedgeyoga 324 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1W5
Link out: Click here
Description: Whats the truth about you ? Physicists, doctors, chemists, anthropologists, linguists and many other great thinkers have tried to define this reality based on their experiences and limited knowledge. But scientists and philosophers come and go and theories change opening up new possibilities and hence a grand new definition of reality. But how can we live a real life and chase a ‘Real Goal’ if we dont know who we are, where we came from and where we go ? How to we distinguish the real or permanent – ‘Sat’ as explained in ancient sanskrit from the temporary or non-permanent ‘Asat’ or maya.

So this month we venture up on a journey to discover Reality and explore through a series of interactive workshops four cornerstones of reality :

Oct 9 : Medical Reality : Birth death and rebirth
Oct 16 : Changing Reality : Karma – a tool to take control of your destiny
Oct 23 : Virtual Reality : computers, illusions and the mystery of the matrix
Oct 30 : Ultimate Reality : Life beyond this universe

Please join us for interactive discussion, mantra meditation and delicious vegan feast.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-10-30
End Time: 20:30