Yoga

Article by Ayaz Khan

The word Yoga means “yuj” which means “yoke” or “to unite”. Yoga and its various forms such as Raja Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga or Ashthanga Yoga, all ultimately lead an individual’s consciousness to ‘yoke’ with that of the universal consciousness. Yoga enables a person to think clearly and perform his/her everyday tasks with equal clarity and concentration. A person’s ability to deal with the changing circumstances dramatically increases when he/she regularly performs Yoga. Meditation is an integral part of the Yoga routine. Meditation enables a person to delve inside himself/herself and become more aware of the surroundings and as a result, is able to concentrate on many things at once. Meditation, when it is done with music becomes more effective. Yoga instructors around the world are waking up to the healing properties of the music in Yoga. Spirit voyage is an online music stores that offers a host of meditation music CDs and Yoga DVD which assist a person in delving deep into this beautiful centuries old phenomenon. Crossing the Hour by Yogi Bhajan and Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Practice by Nicki Doane are perfect Yoga DVD which will surely aid a person.

Kundalini Yoga lays special emphasis on meditation and it has risen to become one of the most formalized style of Yoga that is currently taught throughout the world. A typical Kundalini Yoga class lasts for 60-90 minutes and has been divided into the following sections : 5-10 minutes of warming up, 30-45 minutes of Kriya, 5-15 minute lay-out and 11-31 minutes of meditation. A Kundalini Yoga session typically comprises of six major components : 1) tuning-in with the Adi Mantra, 2) pranayam or warm-up, 3) kriya, 4) relaxation, 5) meditation and 6) close with the blessing song, “May the Long Time Sun Shine Upon You”. Practicing this entire session on proper Yoga mats helps in practicing some of the most difficult poses, without running the risk of injuring the body. These Yoga mats or Yoga rugs also assist us in another aspect. There is a tremendous amount of energy that resides in the body of a person. During the entire process of Yoga, a considerable amount of positive energies are re-vitalized. Yoga mats prevent these positive energies generated within the body from coming in contact with the earth, and getting neutralized..

A perfect Kundalini Yoga session must begin and conclude in the same way. There is a specific purpose of these tasks and they should be done correctly. Before actually beginning the Yoga routine, a person must sit quietly and focus on his/her breath. But unlike the normal breaths, these breaths must be from the belly. A person is required to calm down and create a virtual space around his/her body. In the next step, the tuning-in, a person must chant the “Adi mantra”. While sitting down in a meditative posture with an erect spine and hands clasped making a sixty degree angle with the chest while the thumb touches the heart. While focusing on the third eye point, one must chant “Ong na Mo” which means “I call on the infinite universal consciousness.” The vibration which occurs in us automatically tunes into the higher consciousness. The next chant is the “Guru Dev Na Mo” which means “I call on the divine wisdom”. This chant connects us with our higher selves.

Now, since the session connects us with our higher selves, we need to honor this. Proper Yoga clothes do just that. They not only enable us to be at par with our higher selves but also enable us to practice the Yoga without any inhibitions. The Yoga clothes are durable and will last long. Concluding a Kundalini Yoga routine is another important aspect. The concluding exercises brings a person back to reality. The set of exercises are a series of stretches and finally a meditation. The meditation should be done by concentrating at the heart center. A happy conclusion is to sing this song: “May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide your way on”. Repeat. Then chant three long Sat Nam’s. “Saaaaaaaaaat” is long and “Nam” is short.

Sprit Voyage boast prominent artists like Liquid Mind, Dya Singh and Guru Shabad Singh Khalsa who have rendered their soulful voices into music CDs like Into grace and Dya Singh 300 which amply help a person in his desire to know Yoga. Yoga has been phenomenal in helping shape the lives of the people to make them healthier, happier and holier.

About the Author

The author writes for Spirit Voyage, an online music store that offers different CDs and DVDs for practicing kundalini Yoga and other yoga forms. It also offers Yoga Mats and Yoga Clothes.