Class Description

Yama & Niyama Class with Acharya Kamal

The philosophy of yoga extends beyond movements on the mat into questions about how we live, relate to others, and care for ourselves. In this class, we will learn Yama and Niyama—the foundation and heart of yoga practice—and explore together how to apply them in our daily lives.

Yama and Niyama are not merely ethical rules, but inner attitudes and practices for a clearer and more stable life. Acharya Kamal explains the meaning of each principle in an accessible way and guides students to understand them in connection with their own lives. The class goes beyond philosophical explanation and includes brief reflections, meditation, and practical approaches so that students can experience the teachings through both body and mind.

This class is open to those new to yoga philosophy, and it will also be a valuable time for those already practicing yoga who wish to more deeply understand its roots and direction.

Beyond movement-focused practice, let's cultivate together a perspective that sees all of life through the lens of yoga.

Recommended For

• Those encountering yoga philosophy for the first time but wanting to understand it easily
• Those who want to apply Yama and Niyama to their actual lives
• Those who want to learn the essence of yoga beyond asana in greater depth
• Those interested in meditation and self-reflection

Class Structure

1. Review of Previous Class · 20 minutes
   We review the topic from last class and share experiences based on the given practice assignments.
   For example, if we learned Ahimsa last class, we discuss together how each student practiced Ahimsa in their daily life over the week.

2. Main Class · 40 minutes
   Each class focuses on one teaching from Yama and Niyama.

3. 5-Minute Break

4. Discussion · 35 minutes
   We deepen our understanding through explanation and discussion.
   We include time to think beyond simply hearing the concept and connect it to your own life.

5. Meditation · 20 minutes
   The class concludes with meditation.
   It is a time to quietly internalize what we have learned and deeply experience the philosophical teachings within your own experience.

Curriculum

Thursday, May 7: Ashtanga from Patanjali Sutra, general understanding of Yama and Niyama, and Ahimsa
Tuesday, May 12: Yama - Satya, Truthfulness
Thursday, May 14: Yama - Asteya, Non-stealing
Tuesday, May 19: Yama - Brahmacharya, Moderation
Thursday, May 21: Yama - Aparigraha, Non-attachment
Tuesday, May 26: Review and Discussion of Yama
Thursday, May 28: Niyama - Saucha, Purity
Tuesday, June 2: Niyama - Santosha, Contentment
Thursday, June 4: Niyama - Tapas, Self-discipline
Tuesday, June 9: Niyama - Svadhyaya, Self-reflection
Thursday, June 11: Niyama - Ishvara Pranidhana, Surrender
Tuesday, June 16: Review and Discussion of Niyama

What's Included

1. English/Korean Subtitles: The instructor's words appear with Korean subtitles.
2. Korean/English Subtitles: If a student speaks in Korean, the instructor sees English subtitles.
3. Personal Practice Record provided in PDF/DOCX file
4. Class Summary provided in PDF file for each session
5. Recording available for 7 days for missed classes