3 consecutive Mondays ⋅ 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Online | $5-15 sliding scale | Each session offered individually
Monday, FEB 3
Monday, FEB 10
Monday, FEB 17
Sri Aurobindo said that the Upanishads are the supreme work of the Indian mind and are the highest expression of its genius. In its beautiful poetry and profound stories the Upanishads explore the great questions of the human condition: what is the nature of the true Self, how do we overcome suffering and find happiness, and what is the purpose of life? In these sessions we will explore the history of the Upanishads, examine some of the main Upanishads, and discuss these great questions.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering in which participants learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time to reflect upon them, and share with each other how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path. All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions.
Gary Kissiah was introduced to Eastern philosophy in college when he discovered the writings of Alan Watts which led to studies in Zen and Zen-inspired poetry. Gary found yoga in 2000 as a way to recover from back trauma and has been studying and practicing yoga since that time. Gary has a Certificate of Yoga Philosophy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has studied yoga at Esalen Institute, Big Sur California, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India and Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Virginia. Gary has photographed many spiritual sites and experiences in his travels throughout Asia.
After four years of study and writing, he published his first book entitled: “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Illuminations Through Image, Commentary and Design.” The book provides a new and inviting approach to studying and living the Yoga Sutras by using imagery, poetry and quotation to illuminate the heart of the Sutras. The second edition of the book has recently been published. After Gary’s book on the Yoga Sutras was published, he began to get speaking invitations and now teaches workshops on the yoga philosophy, ethics and law for Yoga teacher training programs. Gary is on the teaching faculty of Breathe Together Yoga of Los Gatos, California. Gary co-leads spiritual trips to Nepal, India and Tibet with Jennifer Prugh of Breathe Yoga. Gary was on a Yoga Alliance Committee that proposed a new Code of Conduct and was on the Board of Directors of the Integral Yoga Institute-San Francisco.
Gary has practiced corporate and business law for over 20 years. He has been a corporate partner with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, a large international law firm, and a Senior Attorney with Microsoft. Gary recently taught a series of five Webinars on yoga law through Yoga Alliance. These covered the top ten things you need to know about the law, independent contractors and employees, liability, Internet laws, and opening a yoga studio. Gary currently represents yoga studios, teachers and wellness businesses. garykissiah.com