This course is for yoga teachers and serious students of yoga who want to explore the concept of dharma—one’s nature, purpose, and role in the world—from the perspective of classical yoga philosophy.

It's especially valuable for those who want to deepen their understanding of yoga beyond physical practice and reflect more clearly on questions of meaningful work, contribution, and life direction

Curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to engage with classical teachings are the only prerequisites.

Students will learn how the yoga wisdom tradition approaches one of life’s most practical questions: how to discover and live one’s dharma.

Through clear philosophical explanations, guided reflection exercises, and discussion, participants gain a framework for thinking about their nature, their values, and the role they are meant to play in the world.

Yoga teachers will also gain language and ideas they can share with students who are exploring similar questions.

Finding Your Dharma is a guided exploration of one of the most practical ideas in yoga philosophy: the concept of dharma—the alignment between your nature, your values, and the role you play in the world.

The course combines short lectures, discussion, and reflection exercises so that participants can explore these ideas in a thoughtful but practical way.

Before the Live Sessions

Participants receive access to two short pre-recorded classes that introduce the philosophical foundation of the course.

These lessons explore questions such as:

• What does the yoga tradition mean by dharma?
• How does yoga philosophy understand human nature?
• Why do so many people feel misaligned in their work or life?
• How can classical teachings help us think about purpose in a modern context?

These lessons provide the conceptual framework that the live sessions build upon.

Live Session 1 — Understanding Human Nature

The course begins by examining how yoga philosophy understands the nature of the self and the qualities of human personality.

Topics include:

• The yogic understanding of the self
• How different qualities of nature influence personality and motivation
• Why certain environments or activities feel energizing while others feel draining
• How understanding one’s nature provides the foundation for discovering dharma

Participants begin reflecting on their own natural tendencies and strengths.

Live Session 2 — Clarifying Values

The second session focuses on values and ethical orientation.

We explore questions such as:

• What do you truly care about?
• What kind of contribution feels meaningful to you?
• How do personal values shape the way we approach work and responsibility?

Through guided exercises, participants begin identifying the principles that matter most deeply in their lives.

Live Session 3 — Dharma and Life Circumstances

In the third session, we look at how nature and values interact with real-world circumstances.

Topics include:

• Career choices and meaningful work
• Responsibilities and social roles
• Why misalignment between nature and environment creates frustration
• How the concept of dharma helps illuminate life transitions

Participants explore where alignment—and misalignment—may exist in their own lives.

Live Session 4 — Integration and Practical Application

The final session focuses on bringing the insights together.

Participants reflect on:

• How their understanding of dharma has evolved
• What kinds of work or contribution might best fit their nature
• How to move forward with greater clarity and confidence

The goal of the course is not to hand you a ready-made answer about your purpose.

Instead, participants leave with a clear framework for thinking about dharma—one that can continue guiding reflection and decision-making long after the course ends.

Throughout the Course

Participants will receive:

• Worksheets and guided reflection exercises
• Opportunities for discussion and questions
• Practical tools for applying yoga philosophy to everyday decisions

Yoga teachers often find the course especially valuable because it provides language and philosophical context they can share with students who are exploring questions about purpose, work, and meaningful action.

Live online course
April 18–19 and May 1–2
12:00–1:30 PM ET

Includes:
• Four live interactive sessions
• Two pre-recorded lessons
• Worksheets and guided reflection exercises

Tuition: $197
Early registration: $147

Yoga teachers may receive 8 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education credit.