Opening the Heart Through Yoga and Daily Life with Bill Mahony
Location - In-Studio at Yoga Kula or Online
Saturday, June 13 - 11:00 AM–12:30 PM – PDT
What if yoga were not only something we do on the mat, but also a way of bringing more kindness, connection, gratitude, and love into every part of our lives? Bhakti Yoga, often called the Yoga of the Heart, teaches that deepening our practice is not just about becoming stronger, more flexible, or more peaceful—it is also about opening our hearts and learning to recognize the sacredness of life all around us. In this workshop, Professor Bill Mahony will introduce the essential teachings of Bhakti Yoga through the wisdom of the Narada Bhakti Sutras, a classic yogic text on the nature of love and devotion. No previous study of yoga philosophy is necessary. Together, we'll explore how Bhakti Yoga can deepen all of our other yogic practices. Asana becomes more than physical exercise. Meditation becomes more than stress reduction. Pranayama becomes more than breath control. Through the lens of bhakti, these practices become ways of cultivating appreciation, presence, connection, and an open heart.
We will reflect on questions such as:
What is Bhakti Yoga?
How can love become a spiritual practice?
How do the teachings of bhakti support us during difficult and uncertain times?
How can yoga help us feel more connected to ourselves, our families, our communities, and the natural world?
What does it mean to live with the spirit of "How can I serve?"
The teachings of Bhakti Yoga invite us to see life differently—to notice beauty where we once overlooked it, to meet others with greater compassion, and to recognize that every moment can become an opportunity for connection and gratitude. In a world that often feels divided and overwhelming, Bhakti Yoga offers a simple yet powerful path toward belonging, meaning, and inner fulfillment. It reminds us that beneath our differences, we are all connected and that love can become a guiding force in how we practice, how we live, and how we relate to the world around us. Join us for this inspiring exploration of the Yoga of the Heart and discover how the wisdom of Bhakti Yoga can bring greater joy, purpose, and connection into everyday life.
Bill Mahony is an internationally respected scholar, yoga teacher, and longtime practitioner of yoga philosophy, meditation, and Sanskrit. Known for his warmth, clarity, and engaging teaching style, Bill has spent decades helping students understand how ancient yogic teachings can enrich modern life. His ability to make profound spiritual teachings accessible and relevant has inspired practitioners around the world. Bill is a professor of Religious Studies at Davidson College. As a professor, he teaches courses on contemplative and devotional sensibilities of religions originating in India, with an emphasis on the philosophies of yoga. Bill is the author of Exquisite Love: Reflections on the Spiritual Life based on Nārada’s Bhakti Sūtra and The Artful Universe.
For more information, visit his website www.billmahony.com
Time: 11:00AM - 12:30PM PDT Please use this time converter to check your time
Cost: $25
Location: Yogakula 1666 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley - please arrive 15 minutes before the event begins
Online: We will use zoom.
Future access: We will make the workshop recording available to you 48 hours after the event