The Yoga Hour

Study, in the spiritual tradition of yoga, is more than reading books or gathering information. Although the study of scripture is important, the key to study is the practice of self-inquiry, applying and testing out in our own experience what we are exploring. Religious Studies professor and longtime practitioner of yoga Dr. Kusumita Pedersen returns to The Yoga Hour with Rev. O’Brian for an in-depth look and some surprising insights about the role of study on our spiritual journey.

Self-discipline is the commitment we make and the actions we take to live a higher way by choosing that which pleases the soul and supports the expression of our innate divine qualities. The resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission in San Jose, California, Br. Prabodh Chaitanya, joins Rev. O’Brian for an exploration of what self-discipline really is, how we can accomplish it, and how it will help us fulfill our divine destiny.

The mystic poet Rumi reminds us to “work at least as hard on the inside as we do on the outside.” In the Yoga tradition, the spiritual practice of Brahmacharya literally means “to walk with God.” Sometimes considered to be only about our sexuality, the greater context is how we use our vital force, or life energy, in ways that are consistent with our spiritual goals. The Rev. Dr. Harry Morgan Moses, director of SpiritWorks Center for Spiritual Living and author of It’s So Easy When You Know How, joins Rev. O’Brian for insights into the inner way.

Rev. Masayo Tsuruta from Seicho-No-Ie, Truth of Life Movement, joins Rev. O’Brian for an insightful look at our potential for unconditional happiness through the practices of contentment and gratitude. How is it possible to walk through the challenges and sorrows of life and still know real happiness? Spiritual practice provides the key.

Michael Nagler, author of The Search for a Nonviolent Future: A Promise of Peace for Ourselves, Our Families, and Our World and founder of the Metta Center for Nonviolence Education, joins Rev. O’Brian for an empowering look at how the principles and practices of ahimsa, or nonviolence, can positively transform our lives today and bring us hope for the future. Discover why this spiritual practice is a foundation for all the others.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.