YOGI BHAJAN

For thousands of years Kundalini Yoga was maintained as a secret oral tradition passed only from master to disciple. Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga, brought the sacred teachings to the West in 1969, since when thousands of people around the world have embraced the practice and lifestyle teachings of Kundalini Yoga to enrich and transform their lives.

Kundalini Yoga is known as the yoga of awareness and it awakens us to our true nature and potential. It is a spiritual not a religious practice - a holistic philosophy which brings about the union of mind, body and spirit, from which we derive the practical benefits of rejuvenation and healing.

All forms of yoga are beneficial and each different form can be thought of as facets of a diamond. Kundalini Yoga has been described as the diamond itself because subsumed in it are elements of all other forms. Ideal for people with responsibilities in work, the family and the world, it is available for everyone and can be combined beneficially with any other therapy, healing or spiritual discipline.

In Kundalini Yoga there is a distinct beginning, middle and end to each practice and a strong merging of energy within the group which gives a wonderful experience of completeness and wholeness.

While the basic structure of classes remains the same, there is great variety in the content and some Kundalini Yoga kriyas are more physically demanding than others. However, Yoga is not competitive and, while everyone is encouraged to go beyond some of their perceived boundaries, individuals work to their own differing capacities. Intention, focus and breathing are all important and will bring many benefits - the body will simply do what it can. Classes are therefore suitable for beginners as well as the more advanced.

At Sohan Jalaiai, personal attention is given during classes and afterwards, particularly to newcomers.

Whatever form the class takes, we are always working on aspects of body, mind and spirit as described in Yogi Bhajan’s system of the Ten Spiritual Bodies and 8 Chakras.

A KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS INCLUDES

• Pranayama (breathing)
• Asanas (postures)
• Mantras (sounds)
• Mudras (hand positions)
• Mental Focus
• Deep Relaxation

Sound healing by Gong is regularly included during deep relaxation. Also, some classes include discussion about yogic/spiritual philosophy and its meaning and relevance to our everyday lives. There is also an opportunity for further discussion and questions after the class has finished.

TYPICAL STRUCTURE OF A KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS

• Tune in with mantra, to focus our attention and to bring all to a common vibration.
• Introduction to the theme of the class in terms of its physical, emotional and spiritual focus.
• Warm up exercises followed by a Kundalini Yoga Kriya (a series of exercises in a particular sequence as given by the Master)
• Deep Relaxation with Gong healing
• Meditation
• Tune out with mantra to complete the cycle