For more than a century, ideas from Eastern spiritual traditions have shaped how people in the West understand spirituality. These teachings influenced movements like Unity and helped give rise to today’s “spiritual but not religious” paths.
In this five-session class, author and teacher Philip Goldberg explores how Eastern wisdom made its way into Western culture — and why it still matters. We’ll look at how teachings from India and other Eastern traditions were introduced through books, teachers, and spiritual leaders, then adapted by artists, thinkers, and everyday seekers.
You’ll learn the original meaning of key spiritual ideas that are often misunderstood today, such as karma, non-attachment, and mindfulness. We’ll also explore different types of meditation and spiritual practices, and how they can be used in everyday life in healthy, grounded ways.
What You Will Learn
·How Eastern spiritual ideas first entered Western culture
Why these teachings resonated so deeply in America
The role of books, teachers, and cultural leaders in spreading Eastern wisdom
How Eastern and Western spiritual ideas overlap—and where they differ
What “Perennial Philosophy” means and why it matters
Key differences between meditation, mindfulness, and yogic practices
The four main yogic paths and how they support spiritual growth
How Eastern teachings shaped modern spiritual movements, including Unity
How to thoughtfully integrate these teachings into daily life or spiritual leadership
Practical Takeaways
A clearer understanding of spiritual concepts you may already use
The ability to spot common misunderstandings and spiritual oversimplifications
Language you can use to explain these ideas to others with accuracy and care
Tools for choosing spiritual practices that truly fit your life
Greater confidence in blending wisdom from different traditions
A deeper appreciation for experience-based spirituality
Whether you’re a seeker or a spiritual leader, this course offers profound understanding and practical tools for living a more awakened life.
Philip Goldberg is an acclaimed author and teacher who explores how Eastern spiritual traditions have shaped Western culture. His books, American Veda and Karmic Relief, are trusted guides to understanding modern spirituality with depth and clarity.
This is a weekly class that meets at 7pm on Wednesday evenings:
February 18
February 25
March 4
March 18
March 25
Choose the registration fee to join the class:
Full Rate: $200
Reduced Rate: $175
Student Rate: $150