Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. Yoga is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
The eight limbs or the Ashtanga Yoga are:
• Yama: ethics, restraint and ahimsa
• Niyama: cleanliness, ascetism
• Asana: posture
• Pranayama: breath control
• Pratyahara: sense withdrawal
• Dharana: concentration
• Dhyana: meditation
• Samadhi: non dualistic state of consciousness in which the mind becomes still, one pointed or concentrated while the person remains conscious while becoming one with the object of their meditation
Hatha Yoga
The word “hatha” may esoterically be said to derive from the Sanskrit terms “ha” meaning “sun” and “tha” meaning “moon”.
Hatha Yoga translates to “union of the opposites through a force.” It is the science of balancing the solar-lunar and pair of opposites that exists within each of us for a more intimate connection to the Self.
Hatha yoga is powerful and transformative practice of postures (asanas),
breath (pranayama), gestures (mudras), locks (bandhas), meditation sounds (nadausandhana), and cleansing process (Shat kriyas) for magnifying the physiological functions of the body in order to prepare it for attaining mental steadiness and realizing spiritual goals.
The asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga improve the functionality of the body… bringing clarity to the mind and a deeper connection to our spirt…
The actual practice can be gentle or dynamic or somewhere in between, no matter what the aspirant can physically do a regular practice of Hatha Yoga, can restore health and bring joy and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit and is said to be a perfect companion to Kundalini Yoga 💕🙏💕
Kundalini Yoga – The Yoga of Awareness
Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, is an ancient and one of the most powerful styles of yoga. It supports us to become physically, emotionally and mentally resilient by developing a strong nervous system, a healthy glandular and a resilient immune system so that we embrace a life full of confidence.
Kundalini Yoga is for everyone and is one of the most transformative yoga practices today. It is based on a set of exercises that is designed specifically to target certain areas of your body in order to strengthen them and help them release toxins.
Each lot of exercises are referred to as a ‘set’ or a ‘kriya”.
A typical class has the following format….
First we tune in chanting the Adi Mantra (Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo – I bow to the Creative Wisdom, I bow to the Divine Teacher within)
Followed by The Mangala Charan mantra …It is a mantra of protection and is recited to invoke the protective energy of the universe. This mantra is chanted directly following the Adi Mantra when tuning in to a Kundalini class.
Aad Guray Nameh
Jugaad Guray Nameh
Sat Guray Nameh
Siri Guroo Dayvay Nameh
I bow to the Primal Wisdom
I bow to the Wisdom of all the ages
I bow to the True Wisdom
I bow to the Great Invisible Wisdom
After tuning in with the above mantras the class proceeds as follows:- ( Each Kundalini yoga class is unique)
Warm ups ..stretches and possibly strong breath work. (Not always, depends on the teacher)
A Kriya (yoga set) chosen by the teacher (main component of the class) to work on specific areas of the body, mind, and spirit that gives the aspirant a unique result upon completion..
Deep relaxation 💕
The class ends with a meditation..👌
The class seals the practice with a chant of Sat Nam (truth is my identity) 🙏
The word ‘kundalini’ refers to our potential. The practice of kundalini yoga is both a technology and a science for all aspects of human living based on the realisation that our true strength comes from within, Kundalini Yoga deepens and expands our awareness on all levels so that we may awaken our full potential and grace.
A class leaves you with an overwhelming sense that you have nurtured your whole being and experienced something unique. You do not need to be in perfect physical condition or share any particular belief system to practice Kundalini Yoga 💕