The practice of Kundalini Yoga is essentially linked to meditation. Meditation is simply being, observing what is and thus transcending what is. Being not the person nor body or mind, we can objectively distinguish thought and emotion as energy passing through. This energy comes and goes and what we perceive as our lives unfolds as a result. In the case of most people, all this happens unconsciously; a yogi however is aware of that process and uses his awareness to direct it to the best of his ability. When he feels overpowered by negative energy, for instance, instead of going and shouting in anger at his neighbour he will do a cleansing practice and find peace within. Once he attains peace within, he needs to practice no more; he can go out into the world and live an inspiring life; for all he does and all he does not will be touched by that peace and all conflict will cease around him. But then, inevitably, something will pull the yogi out of his meticulously attained kingdom and he will have to begin again. And he will continue his work until the purpose of time is fulfilled within him and he can fully grasp the magnificence of being. Of what comes then, I will not speak, for I do not know. This is a way, however, to live a life of inner harmony and beauty, going through the dark but coming out brighter, stronger.
So how does it all look in practice, on the mat? What do we do, how do we begin, to have a great Kundalini Yoga experience?
We begin each practice of Kundalini Yoga with simply calming down and becoming aware. We want to notice what is happening within us; whether there is some internal turmoil, whether we feel wonderful or whether we can feel nothing at all – it matters not. What matters is that we are here and now, and we are beyond all that is, was or may yet be. We take a couple of minutes to regain control of ourselves using our breath and we choose what we want to practice, perhaps setting and intention if such transpires. Then we tune in with the beginning mantras, 3 x Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo and 3 x Aad Guray Nameh, Jugaad Guray Nameh, Sat Guray Nameh, Siri Guru Deve Nameh. Chanting these mantras, aside from being a tradition, calls upon our inner guidance and invokes a protective energy from our spirit. This is a simple and yet profound way to connect with the energy of the practice and make it effective, through us, in our life. Then we begin a series of warm-up exercises if they are needed. The purpose is to prepare the body for the challenges of the main practice, but also to improve general circulation of energy before we start something more sophisticated. When we feel we are prepared, we do the main kriya we have chosen for the practice, giving our best in every exercise but respecting the limitations of our body. This we follow immediately with relaxation, lying down on the mat and simply allowing the weight of our body to drop into the floor, the mind to wander and the breath to relax. We do this not so much as to rest, but to allow the energy that we have moved to settle down in its rightful place. Once we have worked our body, it is time for the mind and therefore – a meditation. This is where the beauty and power of Kundalini Yoga truly come in; this is how we can overcome our shadow and become whole again. Then we finish by chanting the ending mantra, 3 x Sat Naam and bowing in humility and gratitude to the intelligence responsible for all creation.
This is the why of the practice, and the how. It works because it works, because inner peace is our natural state and we don't need to do anything to attain it. Yoga is not some ancient formula that gives you extra powers. It a simple and yet profound technique that helps to get rid of everything that stands between you and your self. It is not required to practice yoga to be yourself. But you will find that it helps; to find your way when you are lost, to push your boundaries when you are stuck.
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