What Is Kundalini Yoga??
Kundalini Yoga 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 is the interplay of mutliple yogic tools such as breath, mantra, posture, and rhythm to clean the body and open the subtle pathways.
Is Kundalini Yoga safe?
There is a common misconception about Kundalini Yoga being safe. It is very much safe and very much secure. The Kundalini energy is very powerful because it makes the complete human being and must be treated with respect and reverence. Kundalini represents coiled energy at the base of the spine that when activated through kundalini yoga techniques it gives a great sense of awareness and spirit. We call it Cherdhi Kala- Ever Rising Spirit. The kundalini when actived means an awareness of Spirit. Through the practice of specifically formulated kriyas we can activate this relationship to spirit and live with higher sense of awareness. That is Kundalini Yoga- the Yoga of Awareness.
Why Chanting?
Chanting is a form of yogic technology that elevates the spirit and helps sustain the 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 Yogas 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 themself (and of course the group consciousness!)
We start out each class with a Tune in Mantra that helps lead the class.
Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Namo is a conjugated form of saying Namaste which means I bow or I give salutations
Ong is the primal sound, Universal Creativity
Guru Dev as a sound connects us with the deep transparent energy of the teacher that lies within each one of us.
We give salutations to both and open the space for the teachings to come through
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
Once again we use another form of the conjugated verb Namaste- Nameh- giving salutations
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
Guray is a difficult one to translate for its in its personal experience that the translation comes alive
It could mean 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 out tune out 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 a seed mantra Sat Nam - your True Name