Structure for a
Kundalini Yoga Class
Tuning In Mantras
We begin the class with the Adi Mantra Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. This mantra connects you to the infinite spark of consciousness inside yourself; to your inner teacher or wisdom. It sets up a sacred space for your practice and helps to guide your practice with awareness.
We then chant the mantra Aad Gureh Nameh, Jugaad Gureh Nameh, Sat Gureh Nameh, Siri Guru Day Vay Nameh. This mantra clears doubts and opens us to guidance. It cleans out negativity and brings light to our aura.
Warm Ups
After we have tuned in with the mantras, we usually prepare our bodies for the practice with a variety of warm ups.
Kriyas
After the warm up we practice a Kriya. Kriya means completed action. A Kriya will have postures, breath, mantras, a point of focus and relaxation that are brought together in a specific sequence, which will bring a specific result. A Kriya removes the blocks and brings about a state of spontaneous flow. There are thousands of kriyas to choose from which work on all aspects of the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Relaxation
At the end of the kriya, students are guided into a state of relaxation, which helps them integrate the benefits of the kriya.
Meditation
After relaxation, we practice a meditation. Once again there are many different meditations in Kundalini Yoga to practice to bring your body, mind and soul into balance and harmony.
Prayers & Mantra at the end of class
We end the class with a prayer called the Long Time Sunshine Prayer. It is a beautiful way to end the class. We follow this prayer with chanting 3 long Sat Naam’s. The words to the prayer are: “May the Long Time Sunshine upon you. All love surround you and the pure light within you, guide your way on.”
How to Prepare for Class
It is important to come to the class with an empty stomach. Ideally do not eat for 2 hours before the class. It is fine to drink water.
Wear comfortable clothes made of natural fibre.
Bring a yoga mat and blanket for relaxation and water to drink.
Let the teacher know if there is any medical reason that may prevent you from practising kundalini yoga fully. It is important never to aggravate an existing injury. If there is any concern whether yoga is suitable for you, contact your health care professional.
It is up to you to listen to your body when practising yoga. You have to discern how much your body can do during the yoga. If for some reason, you need to come out of the pose, if you are able to, come back into the posture as soon as you can.
Please do not practice kundalini yoga under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You must let your teacher know if you are pregnant. There are certain postures and breath techniques that are contraindicated in pregnancy. It is generally recommended to go to a specialist class for pregnancy that tailors the class to suit your needs.
Ladies during their menstrual cycle need to avoid inverted postures, leg lifts and any strong breathing practice such as the breath of fire.