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Kundalini Yoga* The Yoga of Awareness "Yoga
is the science to unite the finite with Infinity, "No
matter how good the diet is, we tend to "The
more Prana (breath of life) the body
"When
your breath is eight times a minute you
For
thousands of years yogis 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.
Kundalini Yoga was always kept very secret. It was never taught
publicly until 1969, When Yogi Bhajan challenged the ages-old
tradition of secrecy.
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. Kundalini Yoga is the path
of discovery of the source of the prana in us and teaches
us how to use it. In Kundalini Yoga we harness the mental,
physical and nervous energies of the body and put them under
the domain of the will, which is the instrument of the soul.
Kundalini Yoga perfects the finite life while connecting it
to the infinite experience. Kundalini
Yoga Basics NOTES FOR BEGINNERS KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS FORMAT As
a beginning Kundalini Yoga student, you should go at a pace
that suits your flexibility and endurance. Practice at home
- a one-hour morning practice will prepare you for your day.
If you can practice at the same time each day, you will find
that you improve rapidly. Take one to three yoga classes a
week and one workshop a month to establish a firm foundation
for an effective program that fits your needs, goals, capacity
and lifestyle.
Mantra
is vibration. Energy vibrates. There’s a particular
vibratory frequency corresponding to every sound in the universe.
By vibrating a particular combination of sounds (syllables),
you tune-in to various levels of intelligence or consciousness.
The mantra translated above can be read as: "I open myself
to the experience beyond my limited self. Let my unlimited
spirit and consciousness guide me. I call on the subtle knowledge
of my own highest mind to uplift me with what I learn"
or "I bow to the Creator, to the Divine Teacher within." A kriya is a specially designed sequence of yoga exercises, each lasting from one to three minutes. This series will "work out" a certain component of your mind and body system - be it your glandular system, your nervous system, your organs or your muscular system. At the end of the series, you will be consolidated in a new physical and mental state.
BREATH OF FIRE This is a commonly used breath done in Kundalini Yoga. It is done by pumping the navel point in and out while breathing rapidly through the nose. On the exhale, the navel is pulled in. At first it is easier to focus on the exhale and start at a slow rhythm. Eventually you want to have a rapid, equal and consistant breath. This breath strengthens the nervous system, purifies the blood and energizes the body. THE BANDHAS The Bandhas - gateways to developing core strength, sensitivity, and subtlety - are fundamental to Kundalini Yoga.* The Bandhas, or locks, are fundamental to Kundalini Yoga. Learning and developing the skill and internal awareness necessary for the practice of the three body locks bring both depth and effectiveness to yoga practice. The locks, specific contractions of core areas of the body, are indicated in many Kundalini Yoga meditations and kriyas (sequenced yoga exercise sets). Applying the body locks properly will help you clear blockages that impede the open flow of energy through your physical body, chakras, and subtle bodies. With a steady flow of energy, you can bring harmony and balance to your life, you can have access to your core values, and you can express yourself with integrity. Applying the body locks heightens your awareness. NECK
LOCK The neck lock, Jalandhar Bandh, is a basic lock applied throughout Kundalini Yoga exercises unless you are moving the head, as in neck rolls, or are otherwise instructed. Apply the neck lock during most pranayam, breath control, practices and meditations, and while chanting. To
apply the neck lock: The neck lock is automatically applied by the shift of relative position between the chin and chest. Do not force your head forward or down. It is common for new yoga students to stretch the neck when other parts of the body are not flexible. When you apply the neck lock, you allow your neck to be open and maintain its natural structure, which helps you maintain better spinal posture in general. The neck lock also "seals" the energy that is generated in the upper areas of your brain stem, so it becomes easier to focus and meditate. The Knot of Shiva - Jalandhar Bhand, applied consciously and correctly, is said to help "untie the knot of Shiva." This "knot" or gateway is located at your brow point. When the energy of this knot is untied and flowing, you feel free of time and space. You associate yourself with the timelessness and non-duality of the soul and the Divine essence. DIAPHRAGM
LOCK Your diaphragm muscle forms both a physical and energetic barrier between your heart and your lower torso. Below this barrier are your lower chakras, the ones that relate to behaviors that are more unconscious or reactive. Above this barrier are your upper chakras, the ones that relate to behaviors that are more conscious and aware. To apply the diaphragm lock:
The diaphragm lock, Uddiyana Bandh, helps to strengthen your digestion by increasing the fire element, the element of transformation in your abdominal region. This helps your heart center - your heart chakra - to open and flow with energy. When your heart chakra is open, you have the ability to be sensitive, compassionate, and kind. The Knot of Vishnu - When you apply Uddiyana Bandh correctly and consciously, it is said to "untie the knot of Vishnu," The knot of Vishnu is located at the heart chakra, the area of your rib cage, heart, lungs and thymus gland. When the energy is no longer knotted at this center, but is flowing and open, it is said you can feel the playfulness of your life, and the larger cosmic plan with perspective and relaxation. Videos
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Class starts on time. 
*Consultation
with a health care professional should occur before applying adjustments
or treatments to the body, consuming medications or nutritional
supplements and before dieting, fasting or exercising. None of
these activities are herein presented as substitutes for competent
medical treatment.