Yogi Bhajan - Infinity and ME - Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan

INFINITY and Me

Kundalini Yoga as Taught by Yogi Bhajan

Compiled and Illustrated by: Harijot Kaur Khalsa

Yogi Bhajan Photo by: Satsimran Kaur

Desktop Production: Khalsa Design Group

Published by: Kundalini Research Institute, Espanola, New Mexico

Copyright Yogi Bhajan, 2004. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the express written permission of the author. Please direct your inquiries to: KRI at PO Box 1819, Santa Cruz, NM 87567 or see www.kriteaching.org.

Acknowledgernent

The technology of Kundalini Yoga was brought to the West from India by the grace of the Siri Singh Sahib, Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji (Yogi Bhajan). The teachings in this manual are entirely his gift. We gratefully acknowledge his gift and inspiration to serve our highest human potential. Any errors or omissions in this manual are entirely the fault of the Editors and the Illustrator and by no means reflect upon the perfection and comprehensiveness of the teachings.

Many years ago, a devoted student named Siri Ved Singh Khalsa made a commitment to follow Yogi Bhajan all over the world to record all of his public lectures and classes. Today, because of this commitment, we have thousands of hours of Yogi Bhajan's recorded teachings to experience and to share. May Siri Ved Singh be blessed and remembered for all time for this great good deed.

INTRODUCTION

For Beginners

If you are a beginning student of Kundalini Yoga, practicing for less than six months, or if you have been practicing without the aid of a certified 3HO Foundation teacher, please read this introduction before you begin to practice from this instruction manual.

Sadhana Guidelines

This manual has been prepared as a supplement and extension to Sadhana Guidelines, in which Yogi Bhajan, who brought the science of Kundalini Yoga to the West, explains yoga, meditation, and the Kundalini. Also important for beginners are the descriptions of the basics of Kundalini Yoga: asanas (postures), mudras (hand positions), bhandas (energy locks), and mantras (sound currents) written by Gurucharan Singh Khalsa. For copies of this manual contact:

Ancient Healing Ways, P.O. Box 130, Espanola, NM 87532, 1-800-359-2940, www.a-healing.com

The Teacher

Kundalini Yoga is a spiritual discipline which cannot be practiced without a teacher. However, it is not necessary for the teacher to be physically present when you practice. To establish a creative link with the Master of Kundalini Yoga, Yogi Bhajan, be sure to tune in to his energy flow using the Adi Mantra, Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo.

Tuning In

Every Kundalini Yoga session begins with chanting the Adi Mantra: Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. By chanting it in proper form and consciousness, the student becomes open to the higher self, the source of all guidance, and accesses the protective link between himself or herself and the divine teacher.

How to recite the Adi Mantra:

Sit in a comfortable crosslegged position with the spine straight. Place the palms of the hands together as if in prayer, with the fingers pointing straight up, and then press the joints of the thumbs into the center of the chest, at the sternum. Inhale deeply. Focus your concentration at the thirdeye point. As you exhale, chant the entire mantra in one breath. If your breath is not capable of this, take a quick sip of air through the mouth after Ong Namo and then chant the rest of the mantra, extending the sound as long as possible. The sound Dev is chanted a minor third higher than the other sounds of the mantra.

As you chant, vibrate the cranium with the sound to create a mild pressure at the third-eye point. Chant this mantra at least three times before beginning your Kundalini Yoga practice.

Pronunciation

The O sound in Ong is long, as in go and of short duration. The ng sound is long and produces a definite vibration on the roof of the mouth and the cranium. The first part of Namo, is short and rhymes with hum. The O, as in go is held longer. The first syllable of Guru is pronounced as in the word, good. The second syllable rhymes with true. The first syllable is short and the second one long. The word Dev rhymes with gave.

Definition

Ong is the infinite creative energy experienced in manifestation and activity. It is a variation of the cosmic syllable Om which denotes God in His absolute or unmanifested state. God as Creator is called Ong.

Namo has the same root as the Sanskrit word Namaste which means reverent greetings. Namaste is a common greeting in India, accompanied by the palms pressed together at the chest or forehead. It implies bowing down. Together Ong Namo means I call on the infinite creative consciousness, and opens you to the universal consciousness that guides all action.

Guru is the embodiment of the wisdom that one is seeking. The Guru is the giver of the technology. Dev means higher, subtle, or divine. It refers to the spiritual realms. Namo, in closing the mantra, reaffirms the humble reverence of the student. Taken together, Guru Dev Namo means, I call on the divine wisdom, whereby you bow before your higher self to guide you in using the knowledge and energy given by the cosmic self.

Mental Focus

The following pages contain many wonderful techniques. To fully appreciate and receive the benefits of each one you will need mental focus. Unless you are directed to do otherwise, focus your concentration on the brow point, which is located between the eyebrows at the root of the nose, the third eye point. With your eyes closed, mentally locate this point by turning your eyes gently upwards and inwards. Remain aware of your breath, your body posture, your movements, and any mantra you may be using, even as you center your awareness at the place of focus.

Linking the Breath With a Mantra

A mantra is a sequence of sounds designed to direct the mind by their rhythmic repetition. To fully utilize the power of mantra, link the mantra with your breath cycle. A common mantra is Sat Nam (rhymes with But Mom). Sat Nam means Truth is my identity. Mentally repeat Sat as you inhale, and Nam as you exhale. In this way you filter your thoughts so that each thought has a positive resolution. Mantra makes it easier to keep up during strenuous exercises and adds depth to the performance of even the simplest ones.

Pacing Yourself

Kundalini yoga exercises may involve rhythmic movement between two or more postures. Begin slowly, keeping a steady rhythm. Increase speed gradually, being careful not to strain. Usually the more you practice an exercise, the faster you can go. Just be sure that the spine has become warm and flexible before attempting rapid movements. It is important to be aware of your body and to be responsible for its well-being.

Concluding an Exercise

Unless otherwise stated, an exercise is concluded by inhaling and holding the breath briefly. While the breath is being held, apply the mulbandha or root lock, contracting the muscles around the sphincter, the sex organs, and the navel point. Then exhale and relax. This consolidates the effects of any exercise and circulates the energy to your higher centers. Do not hold the breath to the point of dizziness. If you start to feel dizzy or faint, immediately exhale and relax.

Relaxation between Exercises

An important part of any exercise is the relaxation following it. Unless otherwise specified, you should allow one to three minutes of relaxation in Easy Pose or lying on the back in Corpse Pose after each exercise. The less experienced you are or the more strenuous the exercise, the longer the relaxation period should be. Some sets end with a period of deep relaxation which may extend from three to eleven minutes.