Scripture Study: The Wisdom and Beauty of the Upanishads, 2 of 3-part

Online | $5-15 sliding scale | Each session offered individually

3 consecutive Mondays ⋅ 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Monday, FEB 3
Monday, FEB 10
Monday, FEB 17

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

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 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.

Scripture Study: The Wisdom and Beauty of the Upanishads, 3-part

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

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

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 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.

Scripture study: Living Divinity; Interweaving The Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita, part 3 of 3-parts

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.

The Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras complement each other beautifully, providing a holistic approach to spiritual growth. While the Gita offers philosophical insights through storytelling, the Sutras present a systematic path to inner transformation. By studying them together, we gain greater insight into daily living and a richer understanding of yoga’s ultimate goal – union with the Divine Self.
Join Kalyani on an illuminating journey exploring how two of India’s most revered spiritual texts offer guidance for navigating life’s challenges and attaining inner peace. This series will delve into the intersecting wisdom of these timeless works, revealing practical tools for living.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering for participants to learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time for reflection, and share how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path.
All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions.

  • Monday, 12/2 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sign up
  • Monday, 12/9⋅ • 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sign up
  • Monday, 12/16 • ⋅6:00 – 7:00 pm Sign up

Kalyani Carlee Cohen Barr first found herself at the Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) in 2001 and began teaching Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and meditation in 2005 after receiving her certification with Swami Ramananda at IYI Bacalar, Mexico. The name Kalyani is a spiritual name given to Carlee by Swami Ramananda which signifies a state of auspiciousness, recognizing blessings, and bliss. Kalyani has attended numerous workshops and trainings over the years, including Pranayama, meditation, Mantra, Mudras, Dharma, nutrition, Yoga Therapy for Cancer and Chronic Illness (YCAT), Yoga for the Special Child (IYINY), and Anusara Yoga. She is now certified in Raja Yoga (IYISF), weaving the yoga sutras into her teachings. Kalyani has led classes and small group sessions for musicians of all ages at Interplay Jazz Camp in Vermont, has co-lead a retreat in Northern India, has led “Yoga Day” classes for 150 students, and has appeared on Canadian public television. She co-founded Simply Yoga in South Florida. “Yoga has many facets that contribute to a peaceful, happy, healthy life. Yoga has transformed my life on many levels, and my favorite thing is sharing this gift with others.” Join Kalyani to find your breath and balance, and enjoy the benefits of increased energy, health, and overall well-being.

Scripture study: Living Divinity; Interweaving The Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita, part 2 of 3-parts

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.

The Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras complement each other beautifully, providing a holistic approach to spiritual growth. While the Gita offers philosophical insights through storytelling, the Sutras present a systematic path to inner transformation. By studying them together, we gain greater insight into daily living and a richer understanding of yoga’s ultimate goal – union with the Divine Self.

Join Kalyani on an illuminating journey exploring how two of India’s most revered spiritual texts offer guidance for navigating life’s challenges and attaining inner peace. This series will delve into the intersecting wisdom of these timeless works, revealing practical tools for living.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering for participants to learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time for reflection, and share how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path.

All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions.

  • Monday, 12/2 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sign up
  • Monday, 12/9⋅ • 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sign up
  • Monday, 12/16 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sign up

Kalyani Carlee Cohen Barr first found herself at the Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) in 2001 and began teaching Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and meditation in 2005 after receiving her certification with Swami Ramananda at IYI Bacalar, Mexico. The name Kalyani is a spiritual name given to Carlee by Swami Ramananda which signifies a state of auspiciousness, recognizing blessings, and bliss. Kalyani has attended numerous workshops and trainings over the years, including Pranayama, meditation, Mantra, Mudras, Dharma, nutrition, Yoga Therapy for Cancer and Chronic Illness (YCAT), Yoga for the Special Child (IYINY), and Anusara Yoga. She is now certified in Raja Yoga (IYISF), weaving the yoga sutras into her teachings. Kalyani has led classes and small group sessions for musicians of all ages at Interplay Jazz Camp in Vermont, has co-lead a retreat in Northern India, has led “Yoga Day” classes for 150 students, and has appeared on Canadian public television. She co-founded Simply Yoga in South Florida. “Yoga has many facets that contribute to a peaceful, happy, healthy life. Yoga has transformed my life on many levels, and my favorite thing is sharing this gift with others.” Join Kalyani to find your breath and balance, and enjoy the benefits of increased energy, health, and overall well-being.

Go to Top