Kundalini Yoga is the original of the twenty-two schools of yoga and is called the "mother yoga." It works on your entire nervous and glandular system. The word "kundalini" means awareness, and manifesting the hidden potential of that awareness. In the yogic tradition Kundalini energy is portrayed as a coiled serpent lying dormant at the base of the spine. To raise the Kundalini means to awaken and enliven this creative energy.
"God is in us, therefore we do not say, 'In God we trust.' We say, 'In God I dwell.' The gap between man and God has to be eliminated." ... Yogi Bhajan
Kundalini Yoga is an effective way to both strengthen and stretch the muscles. The increased flexibility gained through Kundalini Yoga will help prevent injury and avoid pain. In addition, because Kundalini Yoga incorporates the physical aspects of yoga, along with the mind and spirit, into an integrated system, you gain a working understanding of the mind/body connection. The meditations you will learn will improve your concentration and focus which will improve your ability to function at your best. Finally, you will feel refreshed and attentive after each session indicating a stronger and more balanced immune and nervous system.
"You are not a soul, you are not a mind, you are not a body. You are the controller of all three." ...Yogi Bhajan
Kundalini Yoga is based upon the great wealth of teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D. Kundalini Yoga was never taught publicly until 1969 when Yogi Bhajan first brought the Kundalini technology to the United States. Today Kundalini Yoga is practiced all over the world.
Class Format We use the following mantra (Adi Mantra) to begin class by "tuning in" to the golden chain of teachers:
Ong
Namo
Guru
Dev
Namo
Creative Force
I Call Upon
Infinite Teacher
Divine Energy
I Call Upon
"I call upon the Divine Creative wisdom of the Infinite."
The main "kriya" (set of Kundalini Yoga exercises) begins. Each exercise usually lasts from 3 to 7 minutes. The kriya will rejuvenate a component of your mind / body / spiritual system. It could be a particular muscle group, your glandular system, nervous system, organs or your mind. At the end of the kriya you will be consolidated into a new and healthier physical and mental state.
"You have come from Infinity, to finite, to merge back into Infinity. This is your temporary place. Its a motel." ... Yogi Bhajan
Deep relaxation follows the kriya. In Kundalini Yoga it is as important to relax as it is to move the body. This is when your body is able to integrate the positions you have just practiced and heal itself.
Meditation follows the relaxation. Your body will be transformed as a result of the kriya. Your mind and emotions will now become calm and clear, allowing clear direction of your attention. You will sense and develop your "quiet mind" and your ability to concentrate.
Closing the class. After loosening the muscles and raising your energy, we will project that feeling of vitality to others by closing with the following blessing:
"May the long time sun shine upon you All love surround you And the pure light within you Guide your way on." Followed with three Long Sat Nam (Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaat Naaam)
A few answers to some of the questions you may have about Kundalini Yoga:
How Does Kundalini Yoga Work? According to the tenets of Kundalini Yoga, as prana (the subtle life force carried to us by air) enters the body, it awakens human healing energy, or kundalini energy. The purpose of Kundalini Yoga exercises is to circulate this human prana, or kundalini energy, and to eventually return it to the cosmos. When we consciously raise the kundalini, it activates chemicals in the brain and a healthful change in consciousness is experienced. It may be subtle or it may be spectacular. It doesnt matter what your level of physical ability is - if you can breathe and move your body, you will experience Kundalini Yoga. The real proof that a person has raised their kundalini manifests in a happier attitude towards life, relationships, and the self.
What Do I Bring to Class and how do I prepare?
-Wear clothing that is made of cotton, linen or another natural, breathable material. It's important to allow your body to breathe and perspire naturally while performing Kundalini asanas. -Dress modestly. Make sure your top and bottoms adequately cover you even while bending over. You don't want to have to worry about exposing yourself in class. -Go with light colored clothing. White clothing is traditional for practicing Kundalini Yoga. -The color white is good for the body energetically and for the nervous system. White contains all colors( spin a wheel with all colors and you'll see white), it balance your aura, in the psychological level represents purity, peace, calmness and balance. -It is not a requirement you dress white, it is just recommended. -It is best to not wear socks, bring a bottle of water and dont eat at least two hours prior the class. If you have to eat something, eat a piece of fruit.
How Long Until Changes Occur? "Somebody is telling you, or you are telling yourself (mostly you are telling yourself), that 'you are wrong' - this is your mantra. But if you are not right, you would not have been born. You are a fully matured soul, sent on the earth for the test of facing the lessons of earth and returning back home victorious." ... Yogi Bhajan
Positive effects as a result of practicing Kundalini Yoga occur in as little as 3 minutes. 3 MINUTES: Increased blood circulation begins, distributing enhanced endocrine secretions in the body. 7 MINUTES: Brain patterns begin to shift and the magnetic field surrounding the body increases in strength. 11 MINUTES: The nervous system begins to clear. 22 MINUTES:The subconscious mind begins to clear. 31 MINUTES: Endocrine secretions totally balanced as is the ethereal energy of the chakras (junction points of body and spirit). These changes persist throughout the day and are reflected by positive changes in your mood and behavior.
How To Change Habits. There are specific periods of time required to break old habits (or patterns) and develop new ones. Often a student of Kundalini Yoga chooses a specific kriya/meditation to affect a desired change and then practices those for a specific number of days. 40 Days To change or break a habit. 90 Days To confirm a new habit. 120 Days The new habit is who you are. 1000 Days You have mastered the new habit.
Testimonials
"It was great to take your class!! I felt very comfortable and well guided through the different kriyas and meditations. Many were new to me, so it helped a lot to see you demonstrating them and thoroughly explaining the different parts of our bodies we have to focus the attention to."
Patricia Buraschi/Sukh Atma Kaur Fashion Designer Brooklyn, NY
"The first day I met Akalsukh he gave me the hint I was looking for in the past years: to control my mind instead of letting it control me and to give my problems to God instead of hangingon to them myself. These helped me a lot to get healthy as I followed also his advise to set a schedule to do pranayam and meditation everyday with discipline. So far I have been achieving a better well being following his guidance. Every time I see him he has a new advise that has positive results on myself trying to get over my sickness and stress that developed over the past years of overworking my body and mind. He did also numerology that helps me understand my barriers and also develop my strengths very well. I hope to take his kundalini lessons as soon as they start in the City!"
Marga Carmona-Carriedo Construction Manager-Urban planner Brooklyn, NY
"I am also a teacher of Kundalini Yoga in Colombia, I met Akalsukh in Miami, where we were practicing together every day during one week. His commitment, his faith and devotion, plus the deep understanding he has about the teachings and practice are a source of inspiration for all of us that have choosen this path. Thank you Akalsukh for that beautiful week we shared together. Sat Nam!"
Narayan Kaur Director of Proyecto-Eretz Retreat Center La Calera-Colombia
"Akalsukhs's life story ads so much to his credibility as a teacher: having been through the toughest of times and tests of life, Akalsukh carries the wisdom to share with people and help them find their destiny no matter their circumstances. Combining the wealth of knowledge of many spiritual disciplines and techniques and applying them in his practice, Akalsukh never stops to learn new modalities for his personal development as a teacher and for the benefit of his students/clients. Having Akalsukh as a teacher is an unbelievable luck for any student seeking spiritual unfolding. Sat Nam."
Denis Karenkin (aka Dharaminder) fellow teacher-trainee Kundalini Yoga Teacher /T.T.at Kundalini Yoga East New York, NY
"Akalsukh is a dedicated and knowledgeable yogi who has devoted himself to the teaching and learning of Kundalini Yoga in the lineage of Yogi Bhajan. He has a clear and demonstrated passion for improving the lives of others using the technology of Kundalini Yoga and his energy and enthusiasm for these teachings will uplift your soul."
Marc Di lorio Kundalini Yoga Teacher-KRI Brooklyn, NY
"After meeting Akalsukh at the 3HO Winter Solstice 2008 yoga festival I was struck by his ability to consistently transcend time and space and share the Kundalini Yoga teachings in a way to lift a person up. He embraces his own and others' barriers with humanity with humility and connects deep with spirit to exude connection with joy and gratitude. His exuberance for the teachings will be of great benefit to all he meets".
Lisa Barley (aka Chand Kaur) Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher- KRI Professor of Communication at Eastern Michigan University Ann Arbor, MI USA
"This workshop has benefited me greatly since I want to learn to be easygoing, forgiving, compassionate and unconditionally loving towards all life without exception, including oneself.
I enjoyed the Authentic Healing Kundalini workshop. I was able reach down inside and release those emotional attachment that no longer serve me. I made a deeper connection with myself and connected with the groups energy. It was amazing!!"
-Aleah, Montclair NJ
"Akalsukh's Kundalini workshop is definitely worth doing whether you're an experienced yogi or just curious about Kundalini. The 3.5 hr workshop gave me meditative techniques for practicing inner peace in everyday life and the exercises really build physical strength and energy."
- Heidi Camuti , Verona NJ
"This was my husband's and my first experience with Kundlini Yoga and are looking forward to our next. Not knowing what to expect, we jumped right in making no judgments, making no comparisons and deleting our need to understand. We were present and soaked up the total integrated experience."
-Carla, Edgewater, NJ
"My introduction to Kundalini Yoga by Akalsukh has been a wonderful addition to my spiritual journey. My connection with Spirit has increased, I've demonstrated an increase in abundance and peace and I have learned not to steer the river, just enjoy the journey. Thank you Akalsukh for sharing your deep devotion with us."
-Lisa C.
"It's enlightening!"
-Maria Elisa
When students were asked in a survey...What do you take home with you from this workshop?..they said: It is improving my physical and spiritual state. reconnection with freeform movement. I took home a sense of peace and well being. To invite compassion to be a greater part of my life. I really enjoyed the venus kriyas with my partner and the experience in class was fun and loving! a wonderful feeling of being okay. physical energy, strength, and calmness. A sense of well-being surrounded by positive energy. I took how with me a sense of peace and calmness. I enjoyed the group mediation and all those who participated. I love the community. Meditating with a group helps solidify the experience. Peace of mind. knowledge and release. peace! sense of happiness. Uplifting, positive energy. Peace
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