COURSE

Yogic Wisdom For Modern Times

In this course, we will examine the origin, meaning, and practical relevance of popular terms within the yoga tradition. Specifically, we will illuminate 10 words which have become integrated into contemporary culture. We will utilize ancient texts and modern research to present a universal approach toward applying the essence of these words into all our affairs. We will acknowledge these profound words as a spiritual path toward individual illumination and collective transformation. We will view the principles inherent to these words as a design for living to deepen our understanding of life, love, and yoga. Students will learn the unique history and contemporary relevance of words from the yoga tradition which have become integrated into popular culture. Students will learn how to practice the timeless wisdom of yoga philosophy within all modern situations. Students will learn how to internalize the principles of these lessons as a means to quiet the mind and open the heart.

Wisdom Health & Happiness Visualization Self-Compassion Consciousness Spirituality Happiness Yoga Spirituality Hinduism Religion Energy Spiritual Intuition

Meet your Teacher

Brian Hyman

Malibu, CA, USA

Brian Hyman is a yoga therapist, meditation teacher, and wellness content creator. He has been interviewed for his innovative work by LA Voyage, Sivana, Origin, and Mindful Yoga Health. His podcast interviews include Yoga and Recovery, Sober Gratitudes, Sobriety Corps, and Stories of Inspiring Joy. His writing about wellness has been published by Mantra Wellness, Whole Life Times, Insight Timer, and Yoga Digest. He is a contributing author for the book “Inside the Warrior,” which details practice methods of notable male yoga teachers around the world. Brian began teaching yoga and meditation in 2010 after earning advanced certifications in Holistic Vinyasa and Bhakti Yoga. His extensive experience includes leading thousands of groups at yoga studios and wellness centers, and working with treatment facilities for addiction recovery. He has led trainings, workshops, and retreats. His yoga classes are Hatha-based, with elements of Bhakti, Ayurveda, and Tantra. His guided meditations are influenced by the Five Mindfulness Trainings (taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh), the Eight Limbs of Yoga (outlined by Patanjali), the Five Elements of Ayurveda, the Seven Chakras, and the Yamas (moral codes) and Nimayas (self-disciplines) of Raja Yoga. Brian has created dozens of original guided meditations for Insight Timer. His popular audio courses include “Recovery: Principles for a Purposeful Life,” “Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude,” and “Yogic Principles for Transformation.” His video course "Meditation for Everyone: Calm, Balance, and Peace" is available on Udemy. His yoga and meditation tutorials are on Yoga30. Brian has made the healing benefits of yoga accessible and affordable to anyone in need through Strand Street Yoga, 12-Step Yoga, Yoga at the Pagoda (at Four Seasons Hotel), and Yoga for Recovery. Brian has served as Yoga Ambassador for lululemon, Manduka, Yoga Earth, and Yoga Start. He has offered yoga classes at benefits and fundraisers to support A Place Called Home, Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, Relay for Life, Support for the Kids, and Unlikely Heroes. Brian has been the lead yoga instructor at a prominent addiction treatment facility in Malibu, CA since 2012. He is currently writing a book about his personal journey with yoga and recovery. Brian enjoys spending time in nature with his daughter, Lilia, and being of service to organizations that support equality, animal rights, and world peace. Brian is forever grateful for all of his teachers and students – past, present, and future. More info: www.brianhymanyoga.com.

10 Days

1.4k students

4.9 stars

14 min / day

Wisdom

English

Lesson 1

Connecting To The Source Of Creation (Aum Or Om)

AUM (also known as “OM”) is the sound or essence of Creation. It is the beginning of all things. In this lesson we examine the letters A-U-M. We look at each sound within this sacred mantra. We study specific lessons and stories from the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads and find similarities between what is taught in these ancient texts and how these teachings can be applied to contemporary living.

Lesson 2

Acknowledging Oneself & Others (Namaste)

Namaste is to bow, recognize, and honor the Divine within ourselves and others. We will look at the history and meaning of this word. We will discuss why such a turning inward to honor the essence of oneself and others is important. We will discuss how this gesture is enacted with the hands and heart. We will also look at similar words in various cultures and discover how all traditions possess a principal word with transcendent meanings.

Lesson 3

Developing A Daily Practice (Sadhana)

In this lesson, we will discuss how living a meaningful life is the result of a daily practice. We will discuss the importance of discipline and action. Specifically, we will define what a daily, spiritual practice consists of, and how to create and maintain such a practice. We will look at religious and spiritual traditions for inspiration on this topic, as many accessible examples throughout history can be found.

Lesson 4

Being Intentional With Our Lives (Sankalpa)

This lesson will teach how to set a goal, so that we do not meander through life without direction. We will learn what it means to set an intention in all areas of life, including financial, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. We will learn about the value of progress rather than perfection when we follow a clear intention.

Lesson 5

Finding Our Purpose (Dharma)

We will discuss what it is we are individually here on Earth to do. We will identify unique skill sets, so that we can fulfill our Divine purpose in the world. We will also learn that all sentient beings have a role to play which contributes to the rhythm of the cosmos. We will talk about individual and collective dharma.

Lesson 6

Taking Right Action (Karma)

Karma means action. We will discuss how our actions align with our purpose in life. We will talk about what we do with the gift of life which we have been given. We will look at how we live our lives when nobody is looking. We will discuss free will and the power of choice. We will talk about right action. We will also talk about Karma Yoga as the yoga of selfless action.

Lesson 7

Being Of Service (Seva)

We will discuss the benefits of being other-centered, rather than self-centered. We will discuss the parameters and rewards of being of service. We will talk about humility, humanity, and honesty. We will also discuss how service is exemplified through specific intentions, individual purpose, and acting in alignment with a collective purpose.

Lesson 8

Harnessing The Force Of Life (Prana)

In this lesson, we will discuss the breath as a force of life. We will rely on ancient scriptures which explain the breath as the ultimate life force. We will look at different sources of energy and ascertain which ones can be replenished and which ones deplete our resources. We will also realize the steadfastness of the breath as it is with us the moment we enter the world and remains with us until the moment we transition.

Lesson 9

Learning To Concentrate (Drishti)

In this lesson, we will talk about the significance of single-pointed focus. We will talk about concentration on the yoga mat and how to take this idea off the mat into the world. We will discuss the benefits of monotasking, rather than multitasking. We will learn how to place our attention in the right places and upon the right things so that we are aligned with our purpose in life.

Lesson 10

Remaining Calm (Upeksha)

Upeksha is to be equal-minded. We will look at its significance as a means to calm the mind and as part of a path that leads to true love. We will talk about how to cultivate the qualities of upeksha in everyday situations. We will learn about tolerance and indifference. We will also learn about remaining stable and solid in all circumstances.

4.9 (111)

Recent Reviews

Nancy

April 13, 2025

Thank you for providing such a remarkable course. The content, and sequence of content, was so interesting, informative, and useful. I had no idea of the depth, breadth, and benefits of the Yoga principles and philosophies. I look forward to learning more. Thank you again for developing this excellent course.

Marcus

January 10, 2024

Insightful and calming, a good starting place for direction

Kerry

October 17, 2023

Fabulous! A simple accessible explanation of profound and useful concepts. Thank you!

Moriah

September 4, 2023

Very helpful. I learned a great deal. Thank you.

Lane

August 17, 2023

Transformative. I think I have finally found a spiritual path that will work for me: yoga. I understand it so much better now.

Greg

July 28, 2023

Brilliant, thank you so much 🙏😊

Annemarie

July 20, 2023

What an amazing course. I am so grateful to have experienced these wonderful classes. Thankyou Brian.

Jill

June 8, 2023

A thoughtful course extending much more of the yoga practice beyond the mat. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience with us.

Bee

April 26, 2023

Such beautiful wisdom to be used everyday 🙏🫶🏼😊

Heidi

March 21, 2023

Paula

January 13, 2023

Thanks Brian for the beautiful course. It feels that it was as much of a learning for us as it was for you. Happy to share the journey, thanks for the opportunity. Namaste 🙏

Tommy

December 8, 2022

Very informative! Well said! I enjoyed these lessons very much and will listen to them again. Thank you.

Jennifer

August 30, 2022

I have not come across a course that describes the Yogic concepts of living so well. Thank you for taking the time to give this to us! 🙏❤️

Hisham

July 31, 2022

A deep course. I needed to listen to most of the lessons more than once to personalize with the teachings in them, which is the same case with the 2 courses I attended earlier to Brian. The course is full of teachings that cultivate results (fruits) when we work them, practice them..not only listen to them. Thank you Brian

LynnJT

July 8, 2022

Thank you for the “transformative” instruction. I thoroughly enjoyed each day, especially day 10, as it gave me deeper understanding of others. I am in so much gratitude for that. Namaste.

vjh

June 2, 2022

This is a wonderful course. It's a " formula", if you will, for leading a joyful, purposeful life. I will come back to this again and again. Thsnk you.

Fee

May 30, 2022

Wonderful journey into the yogic path thank you

julianne

September 29, 2021

Absolutely life changing and beautiful namaste

Ian

September 29, 2021

by Brian Hyman

10 min

4.7

• GUIDED

10-Minute Morning Practice

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7 min

4.6

• GUIDED

7-Minute Morning Meditation

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4.7

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Find Calm, Balance, & Peace

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9 min

4.8

• GUIDED

St. Francis Prayer & Meditation

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6 min

4.7

• GUIDED

6-Minute Bedtime Bodyscan

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5 min

4.6

• GUIDED

5-Minute Morning Meditation

Brian Hyman

9 min

4.8

• GUIDED

Journey To Stillness

Brian Hyman

9 min

4.7

• GUIDED

Finding Our Purpose In Life

Brian Hyman

5 min

4.5

• GUIDED

Morning Motivation

Brian Hyman

9 min

4.6

• GUIDED

Quieting The Mind To Explore Our Identity

Brian Hyman

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