Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, is an exciting and intense experience. We begin each class by chanting Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. Ong Namo means reverent greetings and Guru Dev Namo is calling on the guiding wisdom of the universal creative consciousness. Class follows this format: warm up exercise, breath work, a kriya(specific set of exercises), deep relaxation and a meditation. The experience of the yoga prepares the student for meditation. Brain scans before and after meditation show positive changes in brain chemistry.
The breath(prana) itself is a miracle .The combination of hand positions(mudras) and chanting heal old wounds and prepare the body to withstand future challenges. We hold the breath in to master life and hold the breath out to conquer fear. Stress is tension over time. Kundalini Yoga and meditation use different breathing techniques to manage stress and prevent disease.
Music is very much a part of the Kundalini experience. Music is played during deep relaxation and also guides the student when chanting.
We are grounded on the earth but we are also part of the ether. We realize that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience. We learn to take care of our physical bodies, our temples.
I encourage students in the process of developing their own daily practice of Sadhana-early in the day,if possible.