The Yoga Hour

Poet and Zen Buddhist priest Zoketsu Norman Fischer joins Yogacharya O’Brian for a practical and inspiring conversation on practices for training the mind—drawn from the Tibetan Buddhist teachings of Lojong, then viewed through the lenses of Zen and Yoga! Pithy and sage instruction such as, “This time, get it right!” can provide an opening for greater awareness and joy in the moment.

Poet and Zen Buddhist priest, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an experiential exploration of the power of poetry to open our hearts and minds. As an art form, poetry can use words to take us where words cannot go. A conversation and some poems to reflect on writing as art, as encounter, as spiritual practice, as a way to connect, and a way to separate.

Yoga has been called the "art of living." Art and spiritual practice can both bring deeper attention, awareness, inspiration, and creative energy to our lives. The juncture where the two meet—spiritual practice and art—can provide a profound opening to greater insight. Artist, professor, and yoga practitioner Junco Sato Pollack, whose textile works are on permanent display at the Museum of Art and Design in New York, joins Yogacharya O’Brian for an exploration of the connection between art and spiritual practice.

Millions of people today are practicing some form of yoga. Along with the individual health and spiritual benefits from yoga practice, we are also seeing some new developments for applying the principles and practices of yoga on a global scale. Dr. Christopher Chapple is a leading voice today on yoga and ecology and the potential that exists for this ancient practice to inspire the practice of modern-day yogis to participate in planetary healing. Join Yogacharya O'Brian and Dr. Chapple to learn more about this inspiring development.

Teachers of the path of Kriya Yoga brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda proclaim that it is possible by wholesome living, development of intellectual and intuitive abilities, meditation practice, and divine grace to experience rapid spiritual growth that results in illumination of consciousness in a few years. Paramahansa Yogananda’s direct disciple, Roy Eugene Davis, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to share insights and practices from this path of intentional living for spiritual awakening.

Teachers of the path of Kriya Yoga brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda proclaim that it is possible by wholesome living, development of intellectual and intuitive abilities, meditation practice, and divine grace to experience rapid spiritual growth that results in illumination of consciousness in a few years. Paramahansa Yogananda’s direct disciple, Roy Eugene Davis, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to share insights and practices from this path of intentional living for spiritual awakening.

Kriya Yoga, brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920, has taken firm root in many countries around the world today. A universal path that welcomes people from all backgrounds who are interested in Self-realization, Kriya Yoga’s practical, nondenominational, and scientific approach to spiritual development account for its wide appeal. Yogacharya O’Brian is joined today by Harald and Marlies Reiske, the founders and directors of Kriya Yoga Center Germany who will share their experiences of living the practice of Kriya Yoga and teaching it to students in Germany.

Generally understood as a path to healing and wellness, Ayurveda, which means “life knowledge,” is actually a comprehensive approach to well-being that includes our spiritual development. Cynthia Ambika Copple, dean of Mt. Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to share some of the essential principles and practices of Ayurveda that support spiritual growth. Learn what you can do that will quicken your spiritual awakening.

The arrival of Yoga in America, especially through the influence of Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda, profoundly impacted the way we experience religion and spirituality in the West. Once considered a mysterious and esoteric practice suitable to only a few, yoga and meditation are now embraced by millions every day for everything from stress relief to a path of enlightenment. Phil Goldberg, author of the book America Veda, which includes extensive research on this subject, joins Yogacharya O’Brian to take a fascinating look at how practices in the West are also influencing the way yoga is taught and experienced. Discover some fascinating and important questions about tradition that are arising as a result of these changes.

Swami Nirvanananda brings the path of bhakti yoga, the way of devotion, and karma yoga, the way of selfless service together. In this conversation with Yogacharya O’Brian, learn how universal love and oneness with Spirit can be the guiding principles for our lives today. This segment will include some original chant music with Swamiji.