Kundalini Class Format

Tuning into the Teacher within - Chanting the Adi Mantra, ONG NA MO GURU DEV NA MO. Links us to the golden chain of spiritual masters who have preceded us. They are always there to serve and guide us. Be patient and quiet enough to receive their guidance. Cultivate this subtle awareness, and it will be more valuable than you can imagine.

Sit with a straight spine, either in a comfortable cross-legged position on the floor or in a chair with both feet on the ground. A pillow under the sit bones prevents slumping and helps keep the spine straight. Try sitting on natural fabric for a great vibration.

Hands are in prayer pose. Lightly press the palms together flat at the center of the chest, under the breasts, thumbs resting on the sternum. Fingers are pointing up, at a slight angle outward. The pressure on the sternum stimulates the "mind nerve" that connects to the brain. Pressing the palms together balances the two hemispheres of the brain. Both help concentration and focus.

The Chin is slightly down and pulled back, which straightens the spine, expands the chest and opens the heart center. This is called neck lock or jalandhar bandh.

MEANING OF THE MANTRA - ONG NA MO GURU DEV NA MO

1. ONG - the active, creative aspect of the universe, NA MO - to call upon, GURU DEV - divine wisdom, NA MO - to call upon. The breath - The mantra is optimally chanted all on one long deep breath. It is OK to take a short sip of air through the mouth between the first NA MO and GURU DEV. But it is not permissible to take a long breath through the nose.

2. TO PREPARE - To prepare, center yourself with hands in prayer pose and take several long deep breaths. When you are present to your breath in your body and fairly relaxed, you are ready to begin.

3. TO CHANT - Inhale deeply and chant. ONG - Vibrate the sound in the nasal passages, upper palate, back of throat and in the center of the head. Ong is extended and forceful. It is a nasal sound incorporating o, n and g, not oooooong. If properly vibrated it stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands to secrete, which actually opens us up to our higher channels. NA MO - Na is short and Moooo is extended. (Rhymes with NO). GURU DEV - Gu is short almost G. Roo (as in Runes) is also short. Deeeeeeeev is extended. Pronounced like the E in Evan.NA MO - the same as the first. Chant the mantra at least 3 times.

After tuning in there will be a series of warm-ups followed by a kriya (meaning action) as this is an ancient system for a particular outcome. The kriya, or the theme, will be different each class to introduce students to the many technologies of Kundalini Yoga. Then a long relaxation allows the body, mind, and spirit to integrate, and a meditation will follow. At the closing of each class or Kundalini yoga session it is customary to close the sacred space by chanting this simple tune twice.

"MAY THE LONG TIME SUN SHINE UPON YOU, MAY ALL LOVE SURROUND YOU AND THE PURE LIGHT WITHIN YOU, GUIDE YOUR WAY ON"

End with a long "SAT NAM"(meaning “Truth in Identity”)
It is pronounced like "Sut Nom" as in Sut like but and Nom like mom. S

Some helpful guidelines and reminders:

A. Always practice yoga on an empty stomach, allowing two to three hours after a heavy meal.
B. Wear comfortable clothing, such as a shirt and pants with loose fitting waistband.
C. Yoga is always practiced barefooted.
D. The studio is equipped with the various props needed for a yoga class (community day you will need a mat and a shawl for relaxation).
E. The Studio is a cell free zone. Please be sure to turn off phones and pagers.
F. Drink plenty of pure or spring water after class.
G. Most important, this is your yoga practice, because classes may have students with varying levels. Directions (and alternate poses) are given to meet the needs of all students. Always listen to your body.
H. If you feel fatigue during class, respect this feedback. Feel free to rest in easy pose, child's pose, or corpse pose.