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 core of yoga practice—and explore together how to apply them in our daily lives.

Yama and Niyama are not merely ethical codes, but inner attitudes and practices for a clearer and more stable life. Acharya Kamal will explain the meaning of each principle in an accessible way and guide students to connect and understand them in relation to their own lives. The class goes beyond philosophical explanation and is structured to allow students to experience the learned content through body and mind via brief reflections, meditation, and practical approaches.

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

Let us cultivate together a perspective that views your entire life as yoga, beyond movement-focused practice.

Recommended for Those Who:

Wish to encounter yoga philosophy for the first time but understand it easily
Want to apply Yama and Niyama to your actual life
Wish to learn the essence of yoga more deeply beyond asana
Are interested in meditation and self-reflection

Class Structure

1. Review of Previous Class · 20 minutes
   We review the theme learned last time and share experiences based on given practice assignments.
   For example, if Ahimsa was learned in the previous class, we discuss together how each student practiced Ahimsa in their daily life throughout 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 understanding through explanation and discussion.
   Rather than simply listening to concepts, we include time to reflect and connect them to your own life.

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

Curriculum

Thursday, May 7: Ashtanga of Patanjali Sutras, Overview of Yama and Niyama, and Ahimsa
Tuesday, May 12: Yama - Satya, Truthfulness
Thursday, May 14: Yama - Asteya, Non-stealing
Tuesday, May 19: Yama - Brahmacharya, Restraint
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: Even when students speak in Korean, the instructor sees English subtitles.
3. My Practice Record provided in PDF/DOCX file
4. Class Summary provided in PDF file for each session
5. Recording available for 7 days in case of absence