Kundalini Mantras to Open & Close
In the tradition in which I teach, Kundalini Yoga, we tune in and finish each class or yoga session with certain chants. This is the same in Kundalini Yoga classes all over the world. We use mantra - that word meaning MAN - mind and TRA - tool. So it is a tool we use to harness the mind.
Many women would like to take their yoga practice home with them, especially over holiday breaks when there is no class, so here on this page I present the mantras that we use in class.
Of course you can do exercises without tuning in before and closing consciously after and you will still get some benefits. However, the mantras open up your intuitive consciousness and subtle senses in a way that makes your session all the more profound and effective. It also sets up a rhythm and a habit which serves you and brings present more parts of you into your experience. Your baby will love to hear it too. Try it out for yourself.
The Kundalini Yoga mantras are:
TO BEGIN and TUNE IN:
ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO
Chanted long, once on each breath, 3 times. ONG is the infinite energy and the source from which it emanates both. NAMO is to name it, to identify it, bow down to it. GURU is an in-tuition, a deep inner common sense and wisdom. DEV means divine, so this principle is beyond personality and variables, true in all cases. NAMO - I identify that, I name it, bow down to it. So.. "I connect myself in reverence with my own source, with the natural intelligence that creates all life. I align myself with my own inner wisdom and deep common sense." This builds trust.
AAD GUREH NAMEH
JUGAD GURUEH NAMEH
SAT GUREH NAMEH
SIRI GURU DEVEH NAMEH
Chanted once on each breath, 3 times. This is also called the protection mantra. AAD GUREH NAMEH - I bow down to the primary principle of guidance. JUGAD GUREH NAMEH - I bow down to the guidance that is passed down through time. SAT GUREH NAMEH - I bow down to the true guidance. SIRI GURU DEVEH NAMEH - I bow to the guidance that is great, that is divine.
With this mantra imagine a field or circle of energy or light or sensation around you, keeping you and your baby safe.
TO CLOSE YOUR SESSION:
MAY THE LONG TIME SUN SHINE UPON YOU
ALL LOVE SURROUND YOU
AND THE PURE LIGHT WITHIN YOU
GUIDE YOUR WAY ON
This is a sung prayer.
SAAAAT NAM
A long Sat (truth) short Nam (is my identity), sung 3 times, one breath for each time.
Another couple of remarks and tips:
if possible, create a space in your home to which you can return again and again to practice. Notice how this place gathers an energy, so that after a time just sitting there will relax you.
after doing however many exercises you want to or have time to do, LIE DOWN AND REST!! Every active session finishes with the receptive form of yoga - deep relaxation. Ideally you should lie in full rest (on your side if pregnant and it´s uncomfortable on your back) for about 10 or 11 minutes. If you use a relaxing piece of music of approximately that length it works well.
after relaxation you can practice a meditation from class. Or, simply, sit and breathe long and slow and deep, maybe with your hands on your belly, or crossed over the centre of you chest. Feel and connect with your heart centre, the area in the centre of your chest.
perhaps most importantly, if you don´t have time for the whole procedure, or even a shortened version of it, just sit and be natural in your place for a few minutes. Chuck the rule book out the window and just be! That in itself of of immense value and beauty.