Professor Lee Geo-ryong, a Living Witness of Indian Philosophy's Yoga Philosophy
“The journey to find my true self has begun”
In the midst of a busy life, one suddenly thinks, ‘Who am I really?’ ‘What is true happiness?’ Faced with these fundamental questions, we often lose our way.
For those individuals, the open class on yoga philosophy titled ‘Yoga, The Death of Ego’ held by the Yoga Meditation Department at Seoul Cyber University was like an oasis.
A Special Philosophical Journey with 57 Participants
On August 27th, the open class on yoga philosophy held at Seoul Cyber University was not just a simple lecture. It would be more appropriate to describe it as a journey into the deep world of yoga philosophy with a total of 57 participants. Although participants came from various backgrounds, everyone shared a common goal: a sincere desire to find their ‘true self’.
Professor Lee Geo-ryong, Delivering the Essence of Indian Philosophy
Leading this open class, Professor Lee Geo-ryong is indeed a living witness of Indian philosophy. Having obtained his master's and doctoral degrees in Indian philosophy directly in India, and having served as the vice president of the Seoul Buddhist Graduate School and the dean of the Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, one can feel the weight of this lecture just by looking at his credentials. Especially, his lecture, which won the 2019 ICCR Distinguished Indologist Award, was a time to share wisdom of life beyond mere knowledge transfer.
An In-Depth Practical Journey Composed of Two Sessions
Session 1: The Mystery of Sitting Postures that Unite Body and Mind
The first session was ‘Learning Sitting Postures (asana) for Meditation’. Initially, it seemed like simply learning how to sit, but in reality, it had a much deeper meaning. From Hatha Yoga postures like Padmasana, Ardha Padmasana, to the Seven-Point Sitting Posture of Master Nam Hoi-geun, it was a time to experience the philosophical meanings behind each posture one by one.
Session 2: The Amazing Healing Power of Breath
The second session was ‘Breath Training (pranayama) and Mantra Yoga (mantra-yoga)’. By directly practicing various breathing techniques such as Kapalabhati, Nadishodana, Ujjayi, and Bhastrika, it was a time to experience how simple breathing can bring about profound changes.
The Modern Significance of Yoga Philosophy
As stated by Lee Min-young, the head of the Yoga Meditation Department at Seoul Cyber University, this open class was “a class that anyone can join, even without specialized knowledge of yoga.” However, the philosophical depth contained within was by no means light.
The core message of yoga philosophy that true freedom begins with liberation from the ego became a living wisdom rather than a mere theory. All participants actively engaged, leading to a high level of response.
Seoul Cyber University’s Yoga Meditation Department Invites Distinguished Professors in Various Fields Starting in 2025
The Yoga Meditation Department at Seoul Cyber University was established in 2025. The department has invited distinguished professors in various fields. Professor Lee, who led this open class in the field of yoga, teaches meditation methods that achieve balance and harmony of body and mind through chakra meditation courses. Lee Min-young, the head of the Yoga Meditation Department at Seoul Cyber University, stated, “The Yoga Meditation Department will continue to provide the best education for everyone who wants to explore yoga and meditation.”
The Message of Yoga Philosophy to Modern People
Even after the three-hour open class ended, a lingering feeling remained in the hearts of the participants. One participant said, “I didn’t just learn yoga movements; I felt like I gained a new perspective on life.”
Although the title ‘The Death of Ego’ initially felt somewhat heavy, I now understand that it is a gateway to true freedom and peace.
This open class on yoga philosophy at Seoul Cyber University was not just a one-time event. It was a warm invitation for all of us living in modern times to ponder the fundamental question, “Who am I really?” and to embark on a journey to find the answer together.
I hope that meaningful programs like this will continue at the Yoga Meditation Department of Seoul Cyber University, and that more people will encounter the deep wisdom of yoga philosophy.
Written by Healing News Hye-seon Oh Ji-hyun