Why do Kundalini Yoga?

Practicing Kundalini Yoga has the ability to transform and to heal many common struggles such as depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness and apathy to an elevated state of consciousness, presence, acceptance, understanding, patience and an experience of bliss. All of this without the use of substances, hyperventilation or hypnosis! It is a coming-together of ancient yogic technologies and wisdom of the body. Many get up after class and say, why don’t I do that everyday? Many of us forget what we were worried about before the start of class, and see everything in a much better perspective.

What is a Kundalini Yoga class like?…What will I be doing?:

A Kundalini Yoga class is often a combination of the following yoga practices:

Kriya: sequences of movements and exercises designed for a variety of purposes such as, releasing stuck energy in the body, help with digestion, circulation, strength and flexibility.

Mantra: a practice of repeating sacred sounds or words that are ancient technologies of awakening. Many of the mantras used in Kundalini Yoga are in the language of Punjabi. They are derived from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh sacred scripture which was written by Guru Nanak and the Sikh Gurus, incredible masters that accessed infinite consciousness. It is said that when we chant these sacred words, we too can awaken. Many of them have purposes such as healing, acceptance, manifestation, prosperity, and self-love. But as with all meditations, listen deeply and discover what it is for yourself.

Pranayama: Breath practice. The most common breathing techniques in Kundalini Yoga are long deep breathing, breath of fire (an even gentle breath, about 2-3 breath cycles per second), alternate nostril breathing (closing one or the other nostril).

Relaxation: Laying down in a restorative relaxed posture. Usually the Gong is played or silence time is given for approximately 7-20 minutes, depending on the class. This is a very important step, and often goes by very quickly in most peoples experience. The yoga practice can create many new feelings in the body, energy pathways and sensations. To fully integrate and receive the benefits, it is important to allow the body to achieve a truly deep state of letting go and relaxation. The nervous system then learns this, remembers that it exists and can access it when needed. This is a powerful antidote for chronic pain sufferers and those with continuous anxiety. The gongs vibrations, in addition to feeling pleasurable and allowing a letting go of the ego, have been known to support remission from disease and shrink tumors. All that being said, I will be gentle with the sound to not hurt anyones ears during the gong playing.

Meditation: Most often in sitting posture, meditations may involve combinations of mantra or silence, mudra (hand positions), pranayama or eye focus.

The following mantras are used to structure the opening an closing of class:

We tune-in, an create the container for each class, with the following mantra:

“Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” (3x)

“Ong” is the creative energy of the cosmos and the consciousness of the Creator. It evokes energy, activity, and shakti—the generative force of life. Note that the sound is not “Om.” “Namo” means to bow to or to call on. It evokes respect and receptivity. It is the type of bowing that grants dignity through acknowledging a higher consciousness and discipline. “Ong Namo” calls on your consciousness to become subtle and receptive to its own higher resources. It instructs the conscious and the subconscious to let go of the restrictions imposed by the ego. “Guru” means wisdom or teacher. It does not mean a personality, but the source of knowledge of the kind that transforms you, alleviates pain, and increases your awareness. The word can be broken into parts: “Gu” means darkness or ignorance; “Ru” means light or knowledge; so a “Guru” is something which can transform your “Gu” to “Ru”! “Dev” means subtle, etheric, divine, or belonging to the realms of God. It implies sophistication and wisdom. “Guru Dev Namo” calls on the subtle wisdom that guides you. If the limited individual ego in which we normally live is a small pond, then “Ong Namo” releases us into a vast and endless ocean. “Guru Dev Namo” gives us the experience of the wisest seaman and their charts, to guide us to the many ports we are to serve and experience.*

*From: https://www.3ho.org/kundalini-yoga/meditation/complete-adi-mantra/

Followed by the Mantra for protection:

“Aad Guray Nameh
Jugaad Guray Nameh
Sat Guray Nameh
Siri Guru Dayvay Nameh”

I bow to (or call upon) the primal wisdom.

I bow (or call upon) to the Truth that has exists throughout the ages.

I bow to (or call upon) True Wisdom.

I bow to  (or call upon) the Great Divine Wisdom within.

Closing class with the blessing:

“May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide your way on. ” 2x

“Sat Nam” 3x