Class Description

Yama & Niyama Class with Acharya Kamal

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

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. Rather than stopping at philosophical explanation, the class is structured so that you can experience what you've learned through your body and mind via brief reflections, meditation, and practical approaches.

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

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

Recommended for:

• Those approaching 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 more deeply
• Those interested in meditation and self-reflection

Class Structure

1. Review of Previous Class · 20 minutes
   We review the topic from last time and share experiences based on the given practice assignment.
   For example, if we learned Ahimsa in the previous class, we discuss together how each person 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 understanding through explanation and discussion.
   We include time to connect concepts to your own life, not just to listen to ideas.

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

Curriculum

Thursday, May 7: Patanjali Sutra's Ashtanga, 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-Study
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 if students speak in Korean, the instructor sees English subtitles.
3. My Practice Record PDF/DOCX files provided
4. Class Summary PDF files provided for each session
5. Recorded class videos available for 7 days in case of absence