What Is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, is an ancient system of yogic technology that elevates the spirit and helps heal the body.
What is yogic technology?
Where as much of the mainstream forms of yoga include postures (asana) and breath (pranayam), Kundalini Yoga is a form of yoga that uses Kriyas- specifically designed sets for a specific outcome. Kriyas are the interplay of mutliple yogic tools such as breath, mantra, posture, and rhythm to clean the body and open the subtle pathways. The effect is clarity and awareness.
Is Kundalini Yoga safe?
There is a common misconception about Kundalini Yoga being safe. It is very much safe and very much secure. All yogas are going towards the same goal, to release the potential energy that's stored at the base of the spine- known as the kundalini.
Kundalini derives from the word "Kundal" which means curl of the hair. This curl shares the way in which the Kundalini energy comes up the spine, often personified like a snake because of its "wiggling" motion upwards.
Historically and traditionally this term is meant devotionally. That "kundal" refers not only to the curl of a hair, but the curl of the hair of the beloved. This beloved in the old devotional traditions of India is in the longing and yearning for God. This devotional tradition expresses that we are all parts to the whole, that the creator and the creation is one and the same. As our consciousness progresses, we come to experience and realize this like the saints and masters of all the spiritual faiths have learned and live by. Its now our time to experience it, rather than pay homage to those saints and masters.
Kundalini Yoga based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan is actually very safe. In this tradition classes are taught as he originally taught them without any personal changes. Its a precise science and so follow as he orignally gave them. The exercises in the class help to open the subtle channels of the body while also promote healthy physiology of the main organ systems of the body. In doing so, we do not release this beautiful energy for a drug like experience, but actually build the bodies innate ability to release it naturally integrating the process the whole time. Yogi Bhajan communicated to us that there is one issue with those who practice Kundalini Yoga, that those who practice diligently, one thing comes up, that no one person can conquer the one practices Kundalini Yoga. Such a capacity of self esteem and confidence with the humanness of compassion and humilty wells up that they emit love. They become a whole human.
Why Chanting?
Chanting is a form of yogic technology that elevates the spirit and helps sustain that relationship. In the ancient times when yoga was not allowed to practice openly and kept secret, devotion was the form of spirituality that was practiced. No matter what the authorities whom held the yogic scriptures could do, they could not stop the spirit of a longing heart. We use mantras to chant with. Mantras literaly means waves of the mind, and are universal messages that elevate us to the infinite. Mantra is different than affirmation in which affirmation works to calm the mind and the psyche with a repetitive nature, Mantra elevates the mind and the psyche to experience the Oneness in our life. Mantras are certain formulated phrases, or words, often of an ancient language transmitted by highly elevated souls. When these masters were asked to describe their experience of being in Oneness- they gave these mantras and said go experience for yourself!What can I expect from a yoga class?
There are many forms of Kundalini Yoga based on different lineages. This form of Kundalini Yoga is based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and 3HO- the Healthy Happy Holy Organization. What this means is that when you practice this form of Kundalini Yoga, there will be the same structure in every class taught all around the world. The variability will only be in the sets the teacher decides to teach for that day and the teacher (and of course the group consciousness!)
We start out each class with a Tune in Mantra that helps set the sacred connection for the class. It connects us to the great masters that have come before as and also gives salutation to the divine teacher within each one of us.
Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
The second Mantra we use to Tune in with is for protection
Ad Guray Nameh
Jugad Guray Nameh
Sat Guray Nameh
Siri Guru Dayv-ay Nameh
Ad means the primal time
Jugad means the time and space throughout
Sat means truth
Siri Guru Dayv- ay is the transparent aspect like we mentioned before with Guru Dev
Namo means to honor
Guray can mean many things and translated a variety of ways, but its in the personal experience that this word comes alive. Its often translated as light, or wisdom, or Guru for that matter but is a very experiential word in the this mantra.
This is how we start the class. Throughout the class will be filled of yoga exercises with music and fun. Then a meditation to flow into the vast and subtle space and experience the oneness when the channels of the body is open and clear. Following a brief relaxation, we set a prayer and intention for healing as we sing this song
May the Long Time Sun Shine Upon You
All Love Surround You
and the Pure Light Within You
Guide Your Way On.
We close the class with the seed mantra Sat Nam - your True Name