In the beginning of every Kundalini Yoga practice we tune in with a mantra and end the session with another one. By doing so we connect ourselves with the vibration of the frequencies of all the masters before us. This is called the golden chain.
It is like choosing your favourite radio channel: By tuning in you turn the dial of your mind and switch to the channel that will give you the clearest reception for Kundalini Yoga and the elevated consciousness that comes along. The science of mantra teaches us that by chanting specific syllables we can change our frequency. By the chant of ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO in the beginning of our Kundalini Yoga practice, we connect ourselves on an energetic level with the purest inner guidance and with the vibration of the Kundalini Yoga masters from whom we inherited this sacred technology.
"We live in a sea of energy. Energy vibrates. There's a particular vibratory frequency corresponding to every sound in the universe. By vibrating a particular combination of sounds (syllables), you tune in to various levels of intelligence or consciousness. You're choosing programs all the time, whether you know it or not."
Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa
Tune In with the Adi Mantra:
Sit in easy pose, bring your palms together at the heart center. Apply a light pressure between your palms, the fingers are pointed in a 60 degree angle. Feel a firm pressure at the center of the sternum, where the hands touch your chest. This pressure stimulates a nerve ending which is connected to the brain. We call it the "mind nerve". This mudra - this position of the hand - is called prayer pose. It brings the two polarities of both hands together and helps with concentration. The spine is long and straight. Eyes are closed. Chin is slightly tucked in. Connect to your breath for a while, before you chant. Take a deep breath in and chant the whole mantra while you exhale. Adjust the length of the mantra according to your breath. Repeat the mantra three times.
The ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO is called the Adi Mantra:
ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO
ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO.
ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO.
Translation:
I bow to the creation, I bow to the teacher within.
Afterwards it is highly recommended to chant the Mangala Charan Mantra for protection.
AAD GURAY NAMEH, JUGAD GURAY NAME, SAT GURAY NAMEH, SIRI GURU DEVEH NAMEY
AAD GURAY NAMEH, JUGAD GURAY NAME, SAT GURAY NAMEH, SIRI GURU DEVEH NAMEY
AAD GURAY NAMEH, JUGAD GURAY NAME, SAT GURAY NAMEH, SIRI GURU DEVEH NAMEY
Translation:
I bow to the primal source of creation
I bow to the wisdom through the ages
I bow to the true source of creation, the true identity of self
I bow to the great, unseen wisdom
Tune Out:
At the and of each practice we tune out with the mantra SAT NAM. Sit in easy pose, bring your palms together at the heart center. Apply a light pressure between your palms in prayer pose. Feel a firm pressure at the center of the sternum, where the hands touch your chest. The spine is long and straight. Eyes are closed. Chin is slightly tucked in.
Inhale deeply and chant while exhaling. The SAT is long, the NAM is short.
SAT NAM
SAT NAM
SAT NAM
SAT NAM can be translated as "true Identity" or "true essence". This mantra connects you to the infinite part of your SELF - your soul. It is the short cut of SA TA NA MA which represents the cycle of life and death.
SA - Infinity
TA - Life
NA - Death
MA - Rebirth
This mantra has a calming and grounding effect. It is one of the most important mantras in Kundalini Yoga. In only two syllables it summarises what the science of Yoga is about: To remember and to eventually find our true essence.
If you have any questions about tuning in and out, I am happy to assist.
Sat Nam!
