Spiritual Study: The Three Limbs of Yoga: The Alchemical Power of Adversity part 3 of 3

Online | $5-15 sliding scale | free for active teachers

Please register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.

3 Mondays: January 12, 19, & 26 | Offered individually

The study and practice of Kriya Yoga offer a simple and practical path that helps us cultivate resilience and reduce suffering. In fact, Patanjali designed this practice for householders like us, while the eight-limbed path was intended for highly realized beings. We will study Yoga Sutras 2.1–2.9 to explore how a three-part process can help us respond skillfully to the stresses and conflicts of modern life. We will also consider how we can not only thrive but transform when adverse events push us beyond our edge.

The Yoga Spiritual Study series is an offering in which participants learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages from scriptures of Yoga and other ancient and contemporary spiritual texts, 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.
3 Mondays, January 12, 19, and 26, 2026 – 5:30-6:30 pm PT
These sessions will not be recorded.

Book Monday, JAN 12th

Book Monday, JAN 19th


Gary 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 and has a Certificate of Yoga Philosophy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has studied yoga at Esalen Institute, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and Satchidananda Ashram. Gary published his first book entitled: “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Illuminations Through Image, Commentary and Design.” The book provides a new approach to studying and living the Yoga Sutras by using imagery, poetry and quotation to illuminate the heart of the Sutras. Gary Kissiah also has practiced corporate law for over 20 years. After Gary’s book on the Yoga Sutras was published, he began to get speaking invitations and teaches workshops on yoga philosophy, ethics and law for Yoga teacher training programs. Gary was on a Yoga Alliance Committee that drafted a new Code of Conduct and was on the Board of Directors of the Integral Yoga Institute-San Francisco. garykissiah.com

Spiritual Study: Our First and Foremost Duty

Online| $5-15 sliding scale | Free for active IYISF teachers

Please register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.

In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami Satchidananda states that we have a “first and foremost duty.” He writes, “We should analyze all our motives and try to cultivate selfless thoughts.”

How do we see our thoughts clearly?
Why is this our foremost duty?

Join us for a short talk and discussion. This session will not be recorded.


Swami Vimalananda Ma, RYT500, is an Integral Yoga sannyasi – monk. She has been involved with Integral Yoga since 1971 and Director of the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute from 1992-2011. She specializes in teaching yoga philosophy and spiritual counseling.

Spiritual Study: Resist or Surrender

Online | $5-15 sliding scale | Free for active IYISF teachers

Please register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.

How do we interact with our world, maintain our inner peace, and still be responsible citizens?
So many changes are happening so quickly—many of which raise questions. These shifts impact us financially, environmentally, and emotionally. What will their long-term effects be?

Do we resist or surrender?
How do we live in the world, yet not be of it?
What is the Yogic perspective?

Join us for a short talk and discussion. This session will not be recorded.


Swami Vimalananda Ma, RYT500, is an Integral Yoga sannyasi – monk. She has been involved with Integral Yoga since 1971 and Director of the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute from 1992-2011. She specializes in teaching yoga philosophy and spiritual counseling.

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