Why Surya?
What sets us apart
Yoga, taijiquan and meditation with Surya Montréal - an experience of connection
There are many yoga studios in Montreal – and that’s of great value, because each person has his or her own needs, affinities and rhythm. Finding a place where you feel comfortable and at ease is essential if you are to commit to a lasting practice.
We’d like to introduce you to what makes Surya Montréal unique: from authentic, modern teaching to a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We see yoga, qigong / taichi and meditation as true tools for inner transformation.
Authentic practices
At Surya Montreal, we practice three main disciplines that are rooted in rich traditions and complement each other: Suryashtanga Yoga, Taijiquan (Qigong / Taichi) and Creative Meditation.
Our yoga practice is based on the authentic tradition of Ashtanga Yoga, as defined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, and handed down by the great master T. Krishnamacharya.
Our Taichi style is the traditional lineage of Hunyuan Taijiquan, taught by the great master Feng Zhiqiang. It is an internal style, yin in nature, emphasizing inner connection and fluid, conscious movement.
Inspired by several meditative traditions, creative meditation is accessible to beginners and very profound for advanced practitioners. Various elements of meditation, such as conscious breathing and concentration, are also central to our yoga and taichi classes. Our dedicated meditation sessions guide you towards deep interiorization and peace of mind.
These three disciplines are taught in the same spirit: authenticity, awareness and openness. We see yoga, taiji and meditation as genuine tools for inner transformation.
Quality teaching
The traditions of yoga, qigong/taichi and meditation have proved their worth over the centuries: they respond to a fundamental need for overall health, harmony and a quest for the meaning of life. At Surya, we respect the foundations of these ancestral traditions, while adapting them intelligibly to the challenges of the modern world. Our pedagogy has been developed through extensive research and includes techniques not found in any other yoga school.
The Surya Montreal team of teachers is trained at Surya World, under the direction of Stéphane Chollet, a leading expert in the field. All our teachers have extensive personal practice experience and rigorous training, enabling them to offer precise, accurate and inspiring advice. Not only do they guide you carefully through the exercises, they also explain different techniques and their benefits.
At Surya, you’ll benefit from quality teaching, rooted in ancient traditions and enriched by a contemporary, scientific understanding of the body, breath and mind. We also offer themed workshops, retreats and even expeditions to Asia to connect with the roots of the practice.
A bright space, a welcoming atmosphere
Surya Montréal is also a lively, warm and inspiring place. Our practice room is bright and naturally decorated with plants, creating a calm, soothing atmosphere conducive to refocusing.
We attach great importance to the quality of human relations. Here, everyone is welcome, whatever their age, physical condition or experience. There’s no competition or pressure to perform: you practice at your own pace, respecting your needs and current abilities. Our attentive and experienced instructors will provide you with personalized advice, and can suggest adaptations if necessary.
We also encourage personal exchanges outside the class. Whether it’s through informal moments after sessions, or during brunches, discussion evenings, or special events. We like to cultivate a lively, open community.
Finally, our approach goes beyond individual well-being. At Surya, we believe that working on oneself opens the door to altruistic actions. Our aim is to make a positive impact on society, through solidarity and environmental actions. We are convinced that a peaceful person naturally contributes to a more just and harmonious world.
Specific questions and answers
I'm interested in your classes. When can I start? Do I have to wait for a new session to start?
You can start at any time of the year! We adapt our classes so that new students can integrate easily.
Ideally, contact us before your first class or arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so that we can explain a few basics and welcome you in the best possible conditions.
I'm a complete beginner. Which course would you recommend to get me started?
Most of our classes are suitable for all levels. The yoga postures and taichi movements are not very difficult to perform, so you should be able to follow right from the start if you don’t have any physical problems that limit your range of movement. If you do have physical limitations, please contact us in advance so that we can give you personalized recommendations.
After just a few sessions, you’ll notice rapid progress and you will be more and more comfortable performing the exercises.
Do you offer different types of yoga? Are the exercises always the same from one class to the next?
All our yoga classes follow the principles of Suryashtanga Yoga. The structure of each session includes warm-ups, a sequence of fluid movements (sun salutation), static postures and a guided relaxation. Each class relies on basic exercises that are repeated regularly, while we incorporate variations to deepen the practice over time.
This approach, which favours a certain routine, allows you to familiarize yourself with the practice, so that you don’t have to concentrate all the time to follow the teacher. Instead, it allows you to listen more and more consciously to your body and breath, and to deepen your inner connection with yourself.
What’s more, each class is tailored to the needs of the participants, and to various factors that influence our energy, such as the season. Finally, although all our instructors teach within the same framework, each brings in his or her own personality and experience, offering richness and diversity that makes each session unique.
I already practice Ashtanga Yoga. Are your classes Mysore style, the school of Pattabhi Jois?
No. Our yoga practice is inspired by the philosophy and teachings of Patanjali’s Asthanga Yoga (yoga in eight branches). As defined in the Yoga Sutras, the principal aim of yoga is to calm the mind. Physical postures (asana) are just one of the eight branches. Others include ethical principles, breathing and different levels of concentration.
Pattabhi Jois’ asana series are physically very demanding for people who don’t train at a high level. That’s why we’ve selected some of the most effective postures in terms of health benefits, while still being relatively easy. These postures are also part of the Mysore style, but we practice them in a gentler way and with specific intentions, to encourage a meditative mindset.
I've heard that Taichi is recommended for the elderly. Why is that? Is it interesting for younger people too?
Taichi is renowned for its benefits on balance, flexibility, coordination and overall vitality – all essential aspects of healthy aging. Its slow, fluid movements, combined with conscious breathing, reduce the risk of falling, soothe the mind and improve circulation.
It is not only a very beneficial disciplin for the elderly: younger people also benefit from a complete, gentle yet demanding workout that develops core strength, concentration and stress management – all of which help to live better in today’s modern society.
I've already practiced Chen style taichi. What's the difference with Hunyuan style?
The Hunyuan style incorporates the principles and techniques of the traditional Chen style while adding elements of Qigong. It was developed by Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang, a direct disciple of Grandmaster Chen Fake and Qigong Grandmaster Hu Yaozhen.
This unique combination emphasizes fluidity, energy flow and a holistic approach, while remaining true to the martial roots of Taichi. You’ll find many movements similar to those of the Chen style, but with a more yin, internal intention. The form (a sequence of predefined movements) will therefore seem familiar to you, while presenting a few differences from what you may have practiced before.
Does your meditation resemble mindfulness meditation we often hear about?
The meditation we practice at Surya, called Creative Meditation, is different from the simple observation of thoughts typical of Mindfulness. It includes visualization techniques to harmonize and balance our emotions.
By soothing the emotional, it becomes much easier to calm the flow of thoughts and enter a state of deep tranquility. It’s a guided approach, accessible to all, which brings not only mental calm, but also positive, regenerative energy.
I've already been practicing yoga (or taichi, or meditation) for a long time. Do you offer advanced classes?
Yes, we do offer courses for advanced practitioners. However, we recommend starting with a few classes for all levels to familiarize yourself with our way of practicing. Each school or style has its own specificities and, as we aim to deepen internalization during practice, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic movements and techniques first.
Do you have any further questions? Please contact us!
903 Saint-Zotique Street East
Montreal, Quebec H2S 1M9
- (514) 431-5248
- montreal@surya-world.org
