Our Inner Journey Tuning In
One of the goals of yoga is to balance the five tattvas. The tattvas are the elements that make up our human existence and indeed all life - AIR, WATER, FIRE, EARTH AND ETHER. The elements are related to the chakras. Each chakra embodies the energy of one or more elements. The astrological signs each embody the energy of one of the elements. When we work with the energies that are available at any specific time, it is easier to tune into, align with and tap the energy of that element. The...
Sa Ta Na Ma Meditation for Evolutionary Change
We all say we want to change. Well at least we want things to be different in our lives. We want to be happier and at peace within ourselves. We want more satisfying relationships. We want to be healthier. We want more meaningful work and to be more prosperous. We want to break destructive habits and stop indulging in certain addictive behaviors. The question is how can we effect these changes in our lives. Yoga recognizes that if we want to make changes in our lives, we have to change...
rd Chakra Yoga and making and breaking Habits
The ability to make and break habits is associated with the navel center or third chakra. When our navel center is strong we have the will to make decisions and to keep them. There are many navel exercises and sets. Many of these can be found in my manual Transitions to a Heart-Centered World. Breath of fire is a great navel breath as is 4 part energizing breath. You will find the instructions for the 4-part breath on the Yoga Technology website Do this 3-5 minute exercise 3 or more times a...
From Anger to Forgiveness
For your own personal processing, I recommend a book called From Anger to Forgiveness by Earnie Larsen. It is short, concise, to the point, easy to work with and cheap only 6 . For me, one of the most interesting and liberating lessons of the book was the revelation that past anger is often disguised as problems that we do not often associate with anger-depression, having the fidgets, being secretive, feeling victimized, being a workaholic, undefined agitation and smoldering rage. I personally...
The Navel Chakra and Kundalini Yoga
Yogi Bhajan teaches that the seat of the Kundalini is in the navel center. Reflecting on my experience over the last 22 years of practicing Kundalini Yoga preceded by 8 years of Hatha yoga , I have often had an intuitive urge to return to the navel center. The answer to the question at hand, whether it is about me or a student, is often strengthen your navel center. The navel center is the focus of many spiritual disciplines. The Taoists start and return to the navel center while practicing the...
Bhanda Exercise
Sit on the heels with the knees spread wide apart, palms on the thighs Apply rootlock and relax it Apply diaphragm lock and relax it Apply neck, tongue and eye locks and relax them Pull the locks while holding out the exhale Repeat in rhythmic alternation for 3-11 minutes Stay very present to the energy movement along the spine Notice how the slight movements and adjustment to your position effect the flow of energy Apply the same concepts as above - ACTIVATE, ALLOW AND ALIGN and, make sure to...
Mantra for Tuning In
ONG NA MO GURU DEV NA MO is the mantra we use in Kundalini yoga to tune us to the frequency of our higher self or inner master. We begin each practice of Kundalini yoga with this mantra. This sacred mantra opens us to our spiritual channel. It also links us to all the spiritual masters who perfected this sacred science. By establishing a link with the Masters of Kundalini yoga, we are protected as we practice this sacred technology, as well as guided in our practice. The transmission of...
Meditation to Switch Channels and for Emotional Balance
Yogi Bhajan says that it is good to do this meditation when one is worried or upset and doesn't know what to do, or when one feels like screaming, yelling or misbehaving. This exercise will produce quick release of stress, foster emotional balance and help create a quiet space within. It will help you switch channels, or tune into the channel of peace and silence the neutral mind. Use it 1 to access the cosmic channel, 2 distinguish between the peace zone and the rational mind or conflict zone,...
The Millet Tofu Diet
The 'Millet Diet', or, 'The Siri Singh Sahib's Weight Loss Diet', was formulated by Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Yogi Bhajan's wife , author of A Taste of India. Says Yogi Bhajan, When I went through this diet, millet took care of my high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high tryglycerides, and fifty pounds of excess weight. A booklet describing the diet, including recipes is available at the 'Ancient Healing' Website After being on this diet myself for only 40 days I lost 3 inches in circumference, 4...
With the Millet Tofu Diet by Devinderjit Kaur
Due to popular demand, we are sending you the first version of the Millet Diet as written up by Devinderjit Kaur or Peggy Sue of the Kundalini Yoga List. If you have any comments or suggestions please write to her directly at mcrae rockisland.com and cc me - rattanak concentric.net. This diet is specifically recommended for losing weight and for getting rid of addictions to sugar. Millet is an Earth food in the system of elements. Eating millet will thus, over time, help release the craving for...
Infinite Experiences
The practice of Kundalini yoga will open you up to lots of new experiences. You may feel tingling in your body. You may have experiences related to cleansing of your physical body and subconscious mind. Your awareness will expand and you will be aware of more thoughts, insights, feelings and sensations. I get letters asking my opinion about what someone has experienced. I do not give my opinion or interpretation of what someone else has experienced. My advice is to be with your experiences....
Shabad Kriya Bedtime Meditation
Many people have difficulty going to sleep even though they are tired. There are many reasons for insomnia. When the mind is too active, we have a hard time going to sleep or even if we do go to sleep, we are restless and do not sleep deeply. There are many theories and opinions about how much sleep a person needs and it certainly varies according to state of health, activity and circumstances. But most of us would agree that the deeper and more peaceful the sleep, the more rested we feel the...
Nabhi Kriya Navel Power
A Lie on your back, arms by your side, palms down. Or hands under your buttocks to protect the small of your back. The small of the back is remain touching the floor during these exercises. Placing the hands under the buttocks helps make this possible. Inhale as you lift your right leg up to 90 deg. or perpendicular to the ground. Exhale as you lower it. Inhale raise your right leg. Exhale lower it. Continue lifting alternate legs with deep, powerful breathing. The original directions were 10...