The Yoga Hour

Patanjali’s Step-by-Step Approach to Spiritual Realization and Conscious Living

The eight limbs of yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutra, the classic text by the sage Patanjali, offer profound insights that support spiritually conscious living in every area of our lives. Dr. Christopher Key Chapple, author of Yoga and the Luminous: Patanjali’s Spiritual Path to Freedom, joins Rev. O’Brian for an engaging exploration of spiritual realization in daily life. Discover how the inward journey of yoga practice can transform how we live.

Love, Discern, Serve, Meditate: Four Ways to Awaken

While the goal of awakening is the same, the yoga tradition recognizes that spiritual seekers have different temperaments and thus require different approaches to spiritual realization. Br. Prabodh Chaitanya, resident of Acharya of Chinmaya Mission in San Jose, California, joins Rev. O’Brian for an exploration of how the traditions of Yoga and Vedanta go beyond a “one size fits all” approach and provide for the unique needs of seekers, while still maintaining a clear focus on the goal. Consider what your spiritual inclinations reveal about you and how your individual need for expression can be met on your path.

Our Relationship With the Infinite: Insights Into Higher Realities

Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, joins Rev. O’Brian in an exploration of higher realities. Discover what we can know about our essence of being and our relationship with the Infinite that supports us to actualize our innate capacities and experience excellence in all areas of life.

Awaken Fully Now and Fulfill Your Divine Destiny

Rev. O’Brian welcomes Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, who will share about the certain destiny of every person to awaken spiritually—how we can realize our true nature and live with purpose in harmony with the divine plan for our lives.

Purushartha: Four Essential Goals for Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential

The science of yoga provides a philosophy and method for realizing our full potential, which includes achieving a life of meaning, prosperity, happiness and freedom. Recognizing our innate desire to prosper both materially and spiritually can help us find the balance, freedom and joy that conscious living brings. Join Rod Stryker, yoga and meditation teacher, and Rev. O’Brian for an insightful conversation about spiritual awakening and fulfilled living.

You Can Change Your Life: Insights From the Yoga Sutra for Purifying the Heart-Mind

Nicolai Bachman, Sanskrit scholar and author of the book The Yoga Sutras: An Essential Guide to the Heart of Yoga Philosophy, joins Rev. O'Brian for a penetrating look into the nature of suffering and how it presents opportunities that orient us toward true freedom. Be prepared to embrace your highest good.

Mysticism in Yoga and New Thought

Mysticism is a connecting link between Yoga and New Thought that provides a doorway to understand how the great sages declare the presence of harmony at the core of all religions. In this hour with Rev. Paul John Roach and Rev. O’Brian, two mystic poets, discover the practices of mysticism that allow us to enter the heart of God.

Spirituality, Vegetarianism and Well-Being

While diet does not determine our degree of spiritual awareness, it plays a central role in our sadhana, or spiritual practice, by influencing our bodies, our minds and our relationship with life. Ven. Jian Hu, Abbot of the Chung Tai Zen Center in Sunnyvale, California, joins Rev. O’Brian for an inspiring look at how vegetarianism can make a profound difference, both individually and globally.

Embodied Virtue: Hatha Yoga Insights Into the Yamas and Niyamas

The Buddha is quoted as saying, “the mind thinks but the body knows.” Yoga honors the way that wisdom is revealed in the body as well as the mind. Discover the power of consciously embodying spiritual principles on all levels of your being, including the physical, and experience the profound support available to you right where you are. Rev. O'Brian will be joined by Hatha Yoga instructor Carol Parvati Knight.

Ojas: The Key to Radiance and Vitality

Ojas is the physical counterpart to subtle energy. As the pure essence of our bodies’ tissues, it supports and maintains the immune system and enhances our strength and vitality. It is an essential part of our experience of bliss and shines forth as radiance. Join Rev. O’Brian and Cynthia Copple, Ayurvedic practitioner and director of Lotus Holistic Health Institute, to learn how to increase ojas.