"For Woman who are menstruating: Take a handful of almonds, about 2 ounces of ginger juice, some banana, some raisins, and blend it into a beautiful drink. When you get your first cramp, let this be your morning drink." Yogi Bhajan 09/09/90
Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan *All of this information is reprinted from www.3ho.org, Happy, Holy & Healthy Organization!!!
An authentic System with Immediate Benefits.
Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness, was brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1968. Yogi Bhajan taught that, through the practice of Kundalini Yoga and meditation, your glandular and nervous systems are stimulated, and your capacity for creative potential is heightened. You gain inner vitality to compensate for the adverse effects of stress so you can excel in life.
Kundalini yoga classes are a dynamic blend of postures, pranayam, mantra, music and meditation, which teach you the art of relaxation, self-healing and elevation. Balancing body and mind enables you to experience the clarity and beauty of your soul.
No previous experience in yoga is required for you to achieve results with your very first class. Men of great knowledge actually found out about the chakras – their workings, their petals, their sounds, their infinity, their co-relationship, their powers. They found that the life of a human is totally based on these chakras. This total science gave birth to Kundalini Yoga.
"Yogi Bhajan, The Aquarian Teacher"
by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa:
Yogi Bhajan pointed to me and said to the class he was teaching at Claremont College, "See, Shakti's doing it; if she can do it, anybody can do it!" That was in 1969. I still consider myself one of the least physically coordinated people on the planet, and yet, here I am, twenty-seven years later, not only doing Kundalini Yoga, but teaching it, and writing a book about it, because I sincerely believe, if I can do it, anybody can do it! The physical exercise part of Kundalini Yoga is just one aspect of this Yoga of Awareness.
Among the many outrageous quotes from Yogi Bhajan is,
"If flexibility of the body is the only yoga, then clowns in the circus are the best yogis."
Important as the physical body is, and as desirable as flexibility is, there is much more to be gained from yoga, there is your entire happiness and success in life.
When you buy a new automobile, a toaster, or a VCR (almost anything with moving parts) the manufacturer provides a book of instructions. The owner's manual recommends procedures to get maximum efficiency. It lists checkpoints and times for periodic maintenance. It tells you what to look for if it's not working properly and it suggests how to avoid future problems.
So where are the instructions for your care and maintenance?
When you were born you didn't come neatly packaged with a tag tied around your big toe, labeled "Care and Feeding."
Though a human being is surely one of the most complicated mechanisms ever created, still an instruction manual isn't provided with each newborn baby. Perhaps the manufacturer assumed that mothers would study directly with the experts to learn how to care for the new arrival. And who are these "experts"? Not the psychologists and pediatricians, not well-meaning friends and neighbors, mothers and grandmothers (though the latter probably have learned a lot through trial and error).
The trained experts, the people who developed the finest methods to care for, maintain, and get maximum mileage out of this human mechanism (not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), were the yogis.
Detailed information on the care and feeding, maintenance and preservation of a human being was revealed to the yogis thousands of years ago. They have been custodians of this technology ever since. They are the expert mechanics, scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers for the intricate human machine in all its aspects: body, mind, and soul.
The Science of Kundalini Yoga
For thousands of years this yogic knowledge was carefully handed down by oral tradition from Master to disciple. The Master spoke, the student memorized and practiced. Eventually a portion of this vast body of knowledge leading to enlightenment, or self-mastery, was written down.
Some of these sacred teachings can be found in ancient Vedic texts. There's a yogic art and science to all aspects of human life. There's a yogic way to get up in the morning; there's a yogic way to go to sleep at night. A way to eat, and a way to breathe!
This legacy of technical and spiritual knowledge that Yogi Bhajan studied and mastered in India is the gift he brought to the West.
The Yogi's Gift
Kundalini Yoga was always kept very secret. It was never taught publicly until 1969, when Yogi Bhajan challenged the ages-old tradition of secrecy.
He spent many years in India learning, mastering and perfecting the habits and practices of Kundalini Yoga. It sometimes took months of waiting patiently and being tested in many ways before a Teacher would reveal anything at all to him. Yet he has offered to share these ancient secrets with us, openly and honestly. His motive? Compassion. He wants us to stop suffering.
He sees the reality of our inner beauty,power, and potential and he wants us to discover it for ourselves! Yogi Bhajan started teaching Kundalini Yoga in easy-to-digest yogic "tidbits." We want to share these teachings with you that same way. We want to make it as simple and easy as I can for you to apply them in your daily life so you can feel better, look better and be a happier person!
It is the Birthright of every Human Being to be Healthy, Happy and Holy.
Of all the technology and wisdom that Yogi Bhajan could have taught from his vast storehouse of mastery, he chose to teach Kundalini Yoga because it is so effective, comprehensive, and "do-able."This is a yoga for householders, for people who have to cope with the daily challenges and stresses of holding jobs, raising families, managing businesses. It gives results in the shortest possible time. It does not require you to leave your home, become an ascetic or sit in a cave. Kundalini Yoga is for everyone who wants the skills to cope successfully with the challenges of living in this day and age and you don't have to be a pretzel.
For the physical exercises, if you can breathe, and just lean in the right direction, you'll be benefited. I told you, if I can do it, anybody can do it.)
What does Kundalini Yoga do?
The practice of Kundalini Yoga balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system and enables us to harness the energy of the mind and the emotions, so we can be in control of ourselves, rather than being controlled by our thoughts and feelings. Kundalini Yoga is a precious gem of sacred knowledge and power. I am going to show you some of its many brilliant facets. It can make your life shine. It is like a magic jewel that I can give to you and still keep for myself. In fact, sharing it makes it brighter for me!
The Goal
Kundalini Yoga is designed to give you "hands on" experience of your highest consciousness. It teaches a method by which you can achieve the sacred purpose of your life. This can be described in many ways, such as:
• Experience your inner light of consciousness.
• Experience your own highest consciousness
• Discover your real Identity
The practices enable you to merge with or "yoke" with the universal Self. This merging of individual consciousness with universal consciousness creates a “divine union” called "YOGA."The practice that leads to this state of self-mastery is also called "yoga." So the road and the destination have the same name, "yoga."
There are many different kinds, or schools of yoga "Many Paths, One Goal." Those who practice yoga are called "yogis" and those who master yoga are also called "yogis."The technology of Kundalini Yoga applies its science to our bodies and minds, and is aimed at spirit which has no boundaries, no discrimination. Therefore it is for everyone. It is universal and nondenominational.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Kundalini Yoga is not a religion. Kundalini Yoga is a Sacred Science. It is sacred because it deals with the GOD in you. It is scientific because it provides a technology, a method by which anyone who practices it can experience that divine identity within. The way you choose to worship that God is your religion. Yes, Kundalini Yoga does requires FAITH (not belief), just as a course in chemistry requires the faith of the student to do the laboratory experiments so he can prove the validity of the formulas for himself.
Long Term Gain / Short Term Gain
As you work toward achieving the goal of "Yoga" or liberation, you become more capable, more confident and more efficient in whatever you're doing in your external life. Simultaneously, you become progressively more aware of yourself on all levels. It's a win/win situation!
Secrets of Power
To fully appreciate the value of this great gift Yogi Bhajan has brought us, we need to understand why, for thousands of years, the Yogis kept it secret. They preserved and carefully guarded the knowledge of the inner and outer workings of a human being, very cautiously revealing the technology, selectively passing it down verbally from Master to chosen disciple. They were selective because knowledge gives power, and power can corrupt.
Traditionally, disciples had to spend many years proving their trustworthiness and ethical purity to receive the sacred science of Kundalini Yoga. Only after the student demonstrated humility, self-discipline, and obedience would the Teacher reveal the secret Kriyas.
Yet Yogi Bhajan has taken it upon himself to share his knowledge openly with everyone. He has done this in order to prepare humanity for the major changes that the planet is going through. The world we knew even ten years ago has totally changed - geographically, socially, economically, morally. We have already crossed from the Piscean Age into the Age of Aquarius. As he has said, "What used to work, won't work anymore!" It's a new Age already, and this ancient technology of Kundalini Yoga can give us the awareness and the strength to make our transition smoother.
The Power of Prana
Kundalini Yoga deals specifically with the most powerful thing in the universe, the basic life energy, prana. Prana is the sub-atomic energy, the life force. It was known to yogis for thousands of years, long before the scientists split the atom. It is prana that you receive with every breath. It's mighty powerful stuff! Kundalini Yoga is the path of discovery of the source of the prana in us and teaches us how to use it.
Why practice Kundalini Yoga?
People decide to practice Kundalini Yoga for many reasons. Possibly your chiropractor suggested it. Or your psychologist, physician, or next-door neighbor recommended it to help you relax, cope with stress, and find peace of mind. Or, perhaps you're simply curious. It doesn't matter what your reason, you are welcome! Be warned: If you genuinely practice it, you will find yourself and your life changing. If you don't want to change, if you're totally content with yourself and your life as it is now, then don't go any further. If you want to explore the possibilities of your highest potential, then keep reading.
Kundalini Yoga is much more than just a system of physical exercises. It is a dynamic, powerful tool for expanding awareness. Approach it with respect, with reverence, and with openness.
"DOING IS BELIEVING."
Let the words on these pages help you take the next step on your personal journey of self-discovery. You are, indeed, a unique and wonderful being with a very special destiny. Let Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness, help you achieve your personal best!
AQUARIAN SADHANA
What is Sadhana?"
Getting up for sadhana in the morning is a totally selfish act- for personal strength, for personal intuition, for personal sharpness, for personal discipline, and overall for absolute personal prosperity." --Yogi Bhajan
Group Aquarian Sadhana entails about 20 minutes of Japji, a meditative prayer by Guru Nanak (done in chant), 20 to 40 minutes of Kundalini Yoga, followed by 62 minutes of mantra/ chanting meditation. Done regularly, it can be highly transformative, expansive and elevating. While sadhana can be done individually, doing sadhana in a group develops group consciousness. By the end of morning sadhana, when everyone's energy has intermingled and merged, it is easy to communicate and be on the same wave length. We experience this effect throughout the day. There will be fewer misunderstandings in the area of communications.
Taken directly from The Aquarian Teacher: KRI International Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Level 1 by Yogi Bhajan, PhD, Master of Kundalini Yoga, 2005.
Sadhana means a practice of self-discipline that allows one to express the Infinite within one’s self. It is a time each day to notice the patterns that lead away from higher consciousness and to transcend those patterns.
Morning Sadhana – Cleaning the SubconsciousThe 108 yogic scriptures called the Kundalini Upanishads, call for at least two-and-a-half hours of sadhana before the rising of the sun. The duration of two-and-a-half hours is determined by the law of karma: everything you give, you receive back ten-fold. So if you dedicate one-tenth of each day to your higher consciousness, your whole day is covered by the returning energy.
To exercise before sunrise is important because the angle of the sun to the Earth is very good for meditation. Also there is much prana in these hours, and the body rhythms are more set to support physical cleansing than during the rest of the day.
Few people are awake and busy, so the clutter and bustle of daily activities does not interfere with your practice.Though many challenges may come to stop this constant early morning practice, as we conquer each one, we will build our willpower, confidence, and ability to concentrate. This is no small accomplishment. If at the same time each day, we tune all of our mental and physical rhythms to each other, then the entire day flows better.
Besides this, if we learn to meditate at the same time every day, this natural rhythm will make it easier and easier. In meditation, we are clearing the subconscious of fears. As each fear comes up and we look upon it neutrally, the fear loses its power over us. We become more flexible and feel more free. Most fears were learned at a particular time of day. So these fears tend to occur most intensely at the time of day they were originally experienced.
By meditating at sadhana time, we slowly attract the anxieties from all other parts of the day. Normally we react to anxieties on their time and conditions. In meditation, the effects of old fears come to us on our time and under our conditions.
Since they come at the same time each day, it becomes easier and easier to deal with each one. Eventually the mind is cleared of the clouds of fear and begins to see the light and power of creative consciousness.
Then the morning meditation clears out the daily worries and projections so no further long-term subconscious fears can accumulate.
After practicing a regular sadhana for some time, the effect begins to seep into the deeper parts of the mind. This might take 40 days or one and a half years. It depends on the individual, the intensity of the effort, and the starting condition.
The subconscious mind finally gets the message. It understands that we are sincere, that meditation is a priority, that every day at this time we begin to wake up automatically without the aid of an alarm, and that even when traveling we will meditate every day on time. The subconscious begins to support us, and sadhana begins to feel effortless. The subconscious, which directs about 60 percent of our activities and responsesby habit, has now acquired a habit to have the consciousness of sadhana.
Overcoming the Duality of the Mind
Yogi Bhajan:
“When I tell you to get up and meditate in the ambrosial hours, it seems odd. Why should you get up at 3:30 am? Because you require those two hours to work out your own mind, so that the rest of the day you can work out your life. Amrit vela naam jaap. Rise in the ambrosial hours and meditate. Be with God. Whenever your mind will be in duality, you will be in trouble. There is no way you can function. ‘Should I go north? Should I go south?’ If you can’t decide which way you are going to go, you are going to sit right there. You’ll neither go north nor south. That’s called duality. Life is a gift of God, and duality is a waste of that life….Whenever you have duality, you will be in trouble. That’s the law. Nobody can change it. To have no duality and to have oneness and clarity of mind, you have to keep your mind clean, smart and healthy.
Spiritual Fitness:
In terms of the body and posture there is one law for sadhana:“Get up, set up, and keep up.” If you don’t set up for the day, if you don’t posture yourself, ready to engage the day, how are you going to keep up?
And how are you going to have a set up if things are already happening before you even get up?
So, first you have to get up before things are happening. Then you can set yourself in a posture, attitude, and commitment: ready to engage. Then you have the potential to keep up. If you keep up, you will start having a momentum above Time.
Integration & Commitment:
Another element in the sadhana process is commitment. Yogi Bhajan once said that 90 percent of today’s insanity comes from a lack of commitment and the lack of a capacity to commit.
Commitments set the values of the self.
Sadhana acts as a counselor to the two sides of the self. It encourages a central self to become bilingual and translate the languages of the two sides. Sadhana creates a meditative mind which can absorb all the stimuli in the environment, compute it, and then act wisely instead of just reacting. The inner observer can understand logic as well as intuition, activity as well as rest, science as well as art. We must develop the bilingual self, fully prepared with a clean sense of values and a deep capacity for commitment. This capacity comes through sadhana. For further understanding, it simply needs to be experienced.
