Music for Kundalini Yoga

Another element that is unique to Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, is the music.

The only kind of music that you will find in any Kundalini Yoga class is Kundalini Yoga music (music used by Yogi Bhajan, as well as other Kundalini mantras put to music, and new 3HO songs - from The Aquarian Teacher). 

Why do we only play Kundalini Yoga music? This is how Yogi Bhajan explained it:

“Kundalini Yoga is to create inner energy, not provoke outer energy. Music must be within a certain rhythm. Music that is more physical or mental than spiritual can stop the rhythm. Ours should be more spiritual. Commitment to self is not a joke. Commotional music is not required. If the music is not soothing, if it creates commotion, it is not allowed. A yoga class needs elevation, projection of the proper combination and permutation of words which push you through…..Kundalini Yoga is not a pop festival, nor is it a rock and roll concert. It has those subtle projections through which the person can go inward. When you are teaching, be with the purity of the essence as you have been taught.”

It is just like opening a locked door with the right key, all the Kundalini Yoga music and mantras that we play in class has the correct vibration that will help students to raise their energy properly, and create a safe and sacred passageway for one to reach inside to one’s self.

Rakhe Rakhanhar by Singh Kaur is a classic example of Kundalini Yoga music that has the correction vibration. Click on this video to experience the sun energy that is conveyed in Rakhe Rakhanhar. 

You can also visit Spirit Voyage to sample more Kundalini Yoga music. 

The Structure of a Kundalini Yoga Class

Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan follows a certain structure because this way we can be sure to stimulate our energy safely, effectively, and gain the results/benefits that we want.This structure together with the hands-off teaching policy (Yogi Bhajan specifically instructed that we verbally correct students and never adjust students' postures by physical touch) will allow students the time and space to go within and understand their true Self. That is why Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan is presented in the way that was handed down by Yogi Bhajan. We want students to have an experience of their higher Selves in a safe and sacred space, without anyone pushing his/her own agenda on the students, or forcing them into anything that they are not comfortable with.

For those who are curious and  have never taken a single Kundalini Yoga class, here are the details of a Kundalini Yoga class: 

1. Every Kundalini Yoga class begins by tuning in with Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo (Adi Mantra)

We are made of energy. To unlock the energy in our body we need the right key. The correct sound and rhythm that we create with our own voice is the key to unlock the energy inside us. The mantras given by Yogi Bhajan are the correct keys, and these mantras will for sure have a positive effect on the body and mind.

Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo is a mantra that is chanted 3-5 times at the beginning of every class. Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo can be translated as "I bow to the divine teacher within me and all around me", or "I bow/pay respect to this learning process that takes me from not knowing (my Self) to knowing (my Self)".

Chanting this mantra will vibrate the skull, stimulate the pituitary gland, and cause chemical changes in our blood stream. This helps us to relax, put our mind in a meditative state and connect us to the teacher/wisdom in us and of the past, present and future. As you can see, Kundalini Yoga is not just some physical exercises, it is a personal journey toward knowing your true Self. 

Here is a video of senior teacher, Sangeet Kaur, leading the tune-in before starting the Double Gong Healing session.

2. Warm-up

Warm-up consists of a series of short exercises. It is up to the teacher to decide the exercises for the class. Warm-up may take about 10 minutes and usually include stretches and breath work (pranayam). We should always warm up the muscles properly, open up the circulation to get energy flowing and to make sure that we don't injure ourselves.  

In this picture, master teacher, Adi Singh is leading students through some warm-up exercises.

3. Kriya

A kriya is a specific set of yogic exercises that were put together to create specific results. Yogi Bhajan left us with countless kriya sets, each for a specific purpose. For example, there are kriya for the kidneys, kriya for flexibility, to build strength and stamina, kriya to get rid of fear, kriya to get rid of anger, kriya for prosperity, for the auric field...etc. 

It is up to the teacher to select the kriya for the class. However, a properly trained Kundalini Yoga teacher will never alter the kriya and deviate from the original teaching. This way students can learn to raise their energy correctly and safely.  

 This picture above shows an example of a kriya in Kundalini Yoga. 

 Here in this photo, master teacher, Sevak Singh, is demonstrating an exercise from a kriya.

4. Relaxation

After practicing a kriya we need to lie down to let the energy settle down and to let the body adjust to the changes we experience from the kriya. Be sure to let go of all the tension in your body and let your breath become normal. Some teachers will play mantra music and some teachers play the gong during relaxation

In this video, Sadhana Kaur is playing the gong for students after a kriya.

5. Meditation

After a nice rest, our mind and body are ready for meditation. Again, it is up to the teacher to select the meditation for the class and present it exactly the way it was taught by Yogi Bhajan because the correct posture, hand position (mudra), eye focus, breath and mantra will create the specific results that we want in each meditation.

Just like the kriyas, Yogi Bhajn left behind countless meditations that work on different aspects of the Self.
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In this picture, Haritej Kaur is demonstrating a meditation for balance and clarity.

6. Ending the class with the  Long Time Sun Shine Song

Finally, at the end of the class, we bless ourselves and each other with the Long Time Sun Shine Song and long Sat Nam, completing this cleansing, uplifting, self-discovery process with beautiful energy.

Thank you for reading, we hope this article helps everyone learn about Kundalini Yoga. If you are in Phoenix, please come join us and have an experience of your true Self. Sat Nam! 

Kundalini Yoga: A Cleansing Process

Sometimes some students may have a more intense experience with Kundalini Yoga than others, especially when they do not fully understand how this technology works and not used to all the changes (inside and out) that come from practicing Kundalini Yoga.  

If you are one of these students, just know that most things that we experience from Kundalini Yoga are absolutely normal.

On the physical level, students may sometimes feel tingling sensation on their bodies during or after an exercise. This is a normal effect. Kundalini Yoga stimulates the energy flow inside the body. The tingling sensation may be a result from the energy channels inside the body opening up to the flow. Coughing and sneezing can also happen from the cleansing process during Kundalini Yoga. 

(Note: If you feel intense pain, dizziness, or something feels wrong, stop what you are doing immediately. If you have a physical condition, please consult a doctor before engaging in any Kundalini Yoga practice.) 

Sometimes students may experience recurring thoughts or emotions during class. Sometimes these thoughts or emotions are intense, and you may suddenly find yourself feeling angry, agitated or even feeling like crying. These are all normal effects of Kundalini Yoga. Becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions and learning to release them is part of the journey towards understanding yourself. Kundalini Yoga will bring us face to face with everything that we need to learn about ourselves in order for us to grow and excel: the good, the bad, and even the ugly!

Some thoughts and emotions are deeply buried inside of our subconscious mind they have been affecting our lives without us realizing it. Kundalini Yoga will bring these thoughts and emotions to the surface, and helps us to release these thoughts and emotions that no longer serve us. So it is alright if you suddenly feel like crying in the middle of a Kundalini Yoga class. 

Kundalini Yoga provides the tools and a safe space for us to cleanse ourselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Do not be intimidated by the cleansing process. Keep taking classes to help yourself let go of the past, and allow yourself to grow. You can always ask a teacher questions or for guidance. Support yourself by drinking a lot of water after class and throughout the day. Get enough sleep and treat yourself to healthy and nutritious food. Learn to breathe deeply and properly, it can be helpful in dealing with emotions. Lastly, learn to accept yourself and allow your inner light to shine through!  

Attention New Students

For a limited time, Yoga Phoenix is offering new students a special deal: anyone who has never taken a Kundalini Yoga class at Yoga Phoenix can now enjoy two weeks of unlimited number of classes for $21.

Just download and print out this coupon, and bring it to Yoga Phoenix on your first visit. 

You can also purchase this option from our website through this link. Register online under "Special Events" section, look for the title "New Student's 2 Weeks Unlimited Classes" 
(Note:Day of purchase marks first day of the 2 weeks).
  
Please note that this offer is for regular classes only, it does not apply to workshops, concerts, and special events. 

Our class schedule is available online, you can follow thins link to view our schedule. 

Yoga Phoenix is located at 2308 N Richland St, Phoenix AZ, 85006. You can see our location here on Google Maps.

The front entrance of Yoga Phoenix.

A rock garden graces the front yard of Yoga Phoenix.

If you have questions please email us: info@yogaphoenix.com or call us: 602-271-4480. 

We offer Kundalini Yoga classes everyday of the week.

Want to know more about Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan? Follow this link to our blog post and read about it.

We look forward to seeing you in class! Many blessings and Sat Nam! 

What is Kundalini Yoga as Taught by Yogi Bhajan?

Are you new to Kundalini Yoga? If so, here are some basic information to help you learn more about Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan: 

What to look for when choosing a Kundalini Yoga class?
When searching for a Kundalini Yoga class, make sure that it is the "real thing". Ask the teacher or the people in charge of the yoga center to make sure that it is Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, and the teacher is IKYTA certified (International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association). 

(Correction: Kundalini Yoga teachers are IKYTA certified, not KRI) 

How to prepare for a Kundalini Yoga class?
Bring an open mind to class, allow yourself to experience and learn something new. Also remember the reason why you want to take the class: for your own well-being. Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan is all about helping people to be their true selves, so that people can truly be happy in life.

Wear comfortable clothing to class. You may notice that the teacher and some students have their heads covered or dress all in white. This is to protect one's energy and to expand one's auric field. You may choose to do so to enhance your experience with Kundalini Yoga, however it is not an obligation. 

What to expect in a Kundalini Yoga class?
All Kundalini Yoga classes follow a certain structure:

• Tune in with the Adi Mantra (Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo)
• Pranayam (breathing exercise) and/or appropriate warm-up exercises 
• Kriya (a set of yoga exercises that have been put together to create specific effects) 
• Relaxation (sometimes the teacher will play the gong for relaxation) 
• Meditation
• Ending prayer and Long Sat Nam

What to do after class?
Many places offer yogi tea (a healthy and delicious tea made from spices) after a Kundalini Yoga class. Feel free to hang out with the teacher and fellow students, enjoy a healthy cup of yogi tea and socialize. This is also a good opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the practice.