When you walk into a Kundalini Yoga session, you'll notice a lot of people wearing white scarves and turbans around their heads. Many religious and spiritual traditions, including Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism, wear head coverings as a sign of faith. Kundalini Yoga, which has its roots in Sikh Dharma, borrows some of the faith's customs, such as mantra chanting, early morning sadhana (practice), not shaving one's body hair, and wearing turbans, to name a few. Although head coverings are not required in Kundalini Yoga, here are some reasons why you might want to consider wearing one.
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Covering the head focuses the energy at the third eye.
Yogi Bhajan, the founder of Kundalini Yoga in the West, stressed the necessity of wearing a head covering during practice to focus and contain your energy as well as clarify your thoughts, resulting in a meditative focus at your third eye, or Ajna Chakra.
A snugly-tied turban creates a natural cranial adjustment.
A neatly tied turban, according to Kundalini technology, stabilizes the many small bones in the skull that affect our neurological system and electromagnetic field. A light pressure on the cranium, according to proponents, induces a sense of serenity and wellness.
A turban can symbolize your devotion to your practice.
Covering your head and sitting in front of an altar or sacred area, for example, might help establish the tone for a deeper practice by indicating a shift from the physical to the spiritual realm. When I sit in front of my altar, which is decorated with photos of gurus and departed loved ones, light incense, anoint my wrists with essential oils, and cover my head, I find that I am preparing my body and mind to relax and embrace my practice with joy and reverence.
Why wear white?
According to Yogi Bhajan, your aura extends nine feet around your body, but the color white extends it by an additional foot, offering more protection from bad energy and allowing you to send your positive energy outward to inspire others and attract prosperity into your life.
Why do gurus wear white?
Wearing full white clothing, according to Yogi Bhajan, increases our auric brilliance by at least one foot. That is a positive development. Negative influences are automatically filtered by a strong aura, which gives us a strong and solid identity and projection.
Wearing white is also an exercise in awareness, as keeping white clothes clean necessitates extra awareness and care. Here's a sample of Yogiji's thoughts on wearing white:
“We wear white because every particle of stuff or material has a foot and a half aura, which is a straightforward scientific fact.” A three-and-a-half-foot halo surrounds each animal. Every person possesses a nine-foot aura. And if we wear cotton and white, this color treatment adds an extra foot of aura to our aura.
“So, I have faith in my kids, but if they act like animals, they will still have a margin, an edge.” And that is the crux of the matter. You must dress in natural fibers and white clothing. It's called auric color therapy, and it's pure color therapy.”
“We chose this color to represent our heritage and to aid our growth. We ask that you wear white so that you can mirror what is going on outside while also going within yourselfthat is what white clothing can accomplish for you.
“When you're dressed entirely in white, your entire face reflects, making it harder to become intimate.” Wearing white forces the other person to deal with you on a higher level, since he or she must concentrate in order to progress.
“Wearing white from head to toe is the most difficult thing on the world, but it is also the most effective cure.” Live in a white room if you truly want to put yourself to the test. It will wow you with what it can do to you in a week. You'll be a different person from one Sunday to the next without accomplishing anything.
“Some folks believe we're planning a vacation. We're not planning to take anyone for a ride. We dress in yellow. We're dressed in blue. We're familiar with these hues and how they react. We are not a formal group. Put on a yellow house turban first, then a white house turban in your own living room. You'll notice a change. Don't bother asking me. Colors elicit an uncontrollable flow of inspiration, creativity, and expansion in your subconscious mind. Colors have an impact on our perception of reality.
“We wanted to create a system for all the colors that was quick, progressive, spiritual, and technological, therefore we chose white as one of the seven colors.” White may be just one color to you, but it is the whole balance of seven colors to me.”
Long-Sleeved Peasant Tops or Tunics
Yogi Bhajan advised his disciples to dress modestly, gracefully, comfortably, and with flexibility of movement in mind. To glide in and out of positions without exposing their midsections, many Kundalini yogis today wear kurtastraditional Indian-style blousesor long peasant-style tops. The Parvati Peasant Top from Spirit Voyage is an excellent example of a simple yet sophisticated Kundalini Yoga blouse.
Turbans
Kundalini Yoga is known for its head coverings. During yoga and meditation, Yogi Bhajan taught his students that tying hair on top of the head and covering it allowed them to harness the inflow of energy, eliminate thoughts from the mind, and focus. Long Time Sun Apparel's Modern Cotton Turban is a less difficult-to-tie alternative to a traditional turban.
Flowy Pants
Kundalini yogis cover themselves in white from head to toe. That means wearing comfortable white pants is essential, especially when sitting in meditation for up to 62 minutes at a time! The 3 Tier Flow Pants from the Om Collection are form-fitting but modest, with three layers that prevent see-through.
Elegant White Tops
Yogi Bhajan was born in traditional India, a matriarchal society in which women were revered as goddesses and mothers were regarded as their children's first teachers. Throughout his teachings, he maintained this sacrosanct image of women. The White Bat Top from Aryasense is elegant yet relaxing, with plenty of freedom for a complete range of arm movements.
Harem Pants
Harem pants are a Kundalini yogi's best friend since they are flexible, comfy, and modest. They allow your legs to easily transition from full Lotus to backbend to Plow. Many Kundalini yoga movements need you to hold your legs up in the air, and harem pants' fitting ankles prevent them from sliding down. White Harem Pants from Spirit Voyage Yogi are a good option.
What is white tantric yoga?
Tantra Yoga in the form of White Tantric Yoga is a type of Tantra Yoga. Before you get too aroused, keep in mind that this isn't about sex. (That's Red Tantric, by the way.) White Tantric is an ancient group meditation method, according to Kundalini Yoga practitioners, that can help you remove deep subconscious obstacles and heal your body and spirit. Furthermore, proponents claim that it works quicklyone day of White Tantric Yoga is believed to be equivalent to a year of meditation alone, and the effects can endure up to 40 days.
Dark Tantric, on the other hand, may be dubbed “black magic”manipulation yoga performed for selfish ends.
What religion does Kundalini Yoga follow?
Kundalini yoga (kualin-yoga) is derived from kundalini, which is defined in Vedantic culture as dormant energy at the base of the spine that is activated (by yoga, blunt force trauma, breath work, or psychological trauma leading to spiritual awakening) and channeled upward through the chakras in the process of spiritual perfection. Kundalini is thought to be a power related with Shakti, the divine feminine. Shaktism and Tantra schools of Hinduism have inspired Kundalini yoga as a yoga school. It gets its name from a concentration on kundalini energy awakening through frequent mantra, tantra, yantra, yoga, or meditation practice.
Is namdhari a Sikh?
Namdhari, also known as Kuka, is an austere sect of Sikhism, an Indian religion. Balak Singh (17971862) started the Namdhari movement, which did not believe in any religious rituals other than repeating God's name (or nam, for which reason members of the sect are called Namdharis).
Where is Kundalini yoga from?
Harbhajan Singh Puri, a Pakistani-born economics major, boarded a plane with a one-way ticket from Punjab, India to Toronto, Canada in 1968. At the age of 16, Yogi Bhajan, as he would later be known around the world, was declared a master of Kundalini yoga, and he was the first to openly teach Kundalini yoga to the public, revealing a lineage hitherto shrouded in secrecy. Yogi Bhajan founded the 3HO, which stands for “Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization,” a nonprofit dedicated to spreading Kundalini yoga principles, in 1969.
Kundalini is a technique that is a bit outside the box for most Westerners who equate yoga with a flowing physical activity. While physicality is one facet of Kundalini yoga, it also incorporates spiritual elements, such as mantras like “Sat Nam,” which means “truth is my essence,” pranayama, or breath control, meditation, and kriyas, or repeated body motions designed to enhance energy flow. Turbans and white garments are worn by both teachers and students. According to Yogi Bhajan, the color white is cleaning, expands the aura, and protects against negative energy. The crown chakra, the physical body's topmost energy point, is protected and contained by the head covering. Kundalini yoga can be performed by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness level, due to the range of practices offered in a Kundalini class, particularly those that draw more on the subtle body.
Kundalini has an interesting and fascinating history. The technique is derived from Raj Yoga, which has been practiced in India since 500 BC and is recorded in the famous Vedic collection of scriptures known as the Upanishads. Kundalini yoga is distinct from other kinds of yoga in that it is descended from a Sikh tradition, a religion created in 15th century Punjab that promotes love, equality, and service to others and is distinct from Hinduism and Islam. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, studied and practiced yoga, and Yogi Bhajan, a Sikh, combined their teachings. Many of the meditations in the Kundalini practice stem from the Sikh tradition, thanks to the junction of yoga and the Sikh heritage through Guru Nanak. For example, Guru Nanak's enlightenment experience while learning with the yogis inspired him to employ the mantra Sat Nam in Kundalini yoga.
Can I do Kundalini yoga on my period?
It's important to note that practicing asanas during your period isn't required. You may take a break from asanas for the first two days. That isn't to say that you can't use other approaches like pranayam, yoga nidra, or meditation. There will be advantages for all. If you decide to practice, it is critical that you pay attention to and listen to your body. Instead of pushing or straining, try these gentler poses that you can hold for a bit longer. In general, practicing poses that allow one to feel more grounded, ease emotional disturbances, and acquire inner strength are beneficial.
Warm up by performing preliminary movements 1 to 12, arm motions, leg movements, and knee movements. Swami Satyananda's pawanmuktasan series 1, 2, and 3 are also suggested. If there is no significant bleeding or cramping, Surya namaskar (Sun Salutation) can be performed. However, it should not be done in a hurry. Another option is Chandra namaskar (Moon Salutation), which is more relaxing, harmonious, and tranquil at this time and aids in the cultivation of the feminine parts.
Forward bends provide a gentle massage to the abdomen and pelvic region, which can help reduce congestion, heaviness, cramps, and heavy bleeding. They also help to relax the mind. Paschimottanasan (Forward Bend), Ardha paschimottanasan (Half Forward Bend), Ugrasan (Ferocious Pose), Vajrasan Yoga Mudra Type 1 (Child's Pose), Shashankasan (Hare/Moon Pose), and Janu Bhalasan are only a few examples (Standing forward bend). Practice these positions at 50-60% of your maximum capacity, or with the assistance of cushions or bolsters. Do not overextend yourself or perform hard forward bends. With the knees farther apart, Vajrasan Yoga Mudra Type 1 and Shashankasan can be practiced. Back discomfort, cramps, and congestion can all be relieved by gently twisting movements. Leg movement type 2, vakrasan (Twisted Pose) type 1, preparation movement 2 and 3, and moderate twists in sitting poses are all examples. Avoid twisted poses with a lot of force.
Back pain and pelvic discomfort can be relieved by gentle backbends, especially when supported. Supta Vajrasan (Sleeping Thunderbolt) (sitting on heels or with heels apart) and Supta Titaliasan (Sleeping Butterfly) (bolstered) are two examples. The Vajrasan series is also beneficial for releasing back strain and reducing pelvic congestion. You can practice the entire series or just a handful of the poses. Strong backbends should be avoided.
Legs up the wall poses help to free up the pelvic region and clear stagnant blood from the legs without raising the pelvic region. Straight up the wall, separated to a comfortable distance, or with the soles of the feet together are all options.
Other beneficial poses are Marjariasan (Cat Pose) and Vyaghrasan (Tiger Pose), both of which relieve back pain and pelvic stress. Sulabh Pawanmuktasan (Simple Gas Release Pose), with knees apart, to relieve back pain, Sulabh Koormasan (Simple Tortoise Pose), Simple Pigeon, and simple supine spinal twists. Titaliasan (Butterfly) to tone the pelvis, Sulabh Pawanmuktasan (Simple Gas Release Pose), with knees apart, to relieve back pain, Sulabh There are thousands of asanas to choose from, so this isn't an exhaustive list; simply remember the criteria and essential points when selecting and practicing asanas.
How does it feel when Kundalini awakens?
Kundalini awakening is characterized by the following characteristics. Sensations of ‘energy' moving or imprisoned in specific regions of the body, most commonly the chakra points. This process may become ‘visible' to the experiencer in some way. The energy is too strong or uncomfortable to tolerate, and it is frequently accompanied by shaking, jerking, or spasms.
What is red tantric yoga?
Tantra is separated into two types: red tantra and white tantra. White tantra is a solitary practice that combines yoga and meditation. The sexual practice of red tantra is called red tantra.
While both techniques make use of sexual energy, the goals of the two are very different. The purpose of red tantra is to form a stronger link with a partner, whereas the goal of white tantra is to form a stronger bond with yourself.
According to Piper, you can't have red tantra without white tantra, despite what the Western practice of tantra might suggest.
“Red tantra is your chance to apply all you've learned in your solo practice to a conversation with a partner,” Piper explains. Is there no time for solo practice? There's no way you could bring that up with a partner.
“Tantric yoga may still make you a better lover,” adds Rose, who has helped clients overcome addictions to porn or erotica, premature ejaculation, and erectile problems through the practice.