More Fireworks...

Our personality is dependent on which of the five gross elements predominates in our nature. The agni‐ granthi, or fire center, manifests through the spleen, liver, pancreas, and adrenal glands. Just as the heat of the sun makes life possible on Earth, the heat of the agni tattva sustains life in the body. The day this internal fire goes out means death to the individual as surely as this world would die if the sun refused to shine. Persons with a supremacy of this agni tattva are very vigorous, full of perseverance, and become untiring workers. They have a wonderful capacity for leadership and a directness of manner and speech.”

– © The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, January 1, 1973

Sat Nam Everyone....

Last night I am sure many of you heard or saw fireworks...and as things are, we are working on the Fire Tattwa for tonight's class.

I have been away at Summer Solstice in the high desert north of Espanola on a sacred and powerful piece of land known as Ram Das Puri.  In such a place, where the heat and the dryness is so intense at times, you feel as though you are only a few miles from the sun.  Every year, for the last 5 years, a tattwa has dominated the program; this year's element was ETHER.  And just like ether, it's hard to describe what ensued. 

Two years ago, FIRE was the "featured" element... and just like the summer solstice experience of 2010, tonight's planned class is going to pack a punch.

I'm paraphrasing here, but Yogi Bhajan said that the AGNI-GRANTHI or fire center has an enormous amount of power and just like fire, it can either cook for you or burn your house down. And as the digestive fire commands our digestive system, we can use this element to help us to fully digest life's experiences.

Fire transforms and it heals.  Naturally occurring forest fires remove undergrowth and stimulate seeds to burst open and take root. A similar thing happens inside of us.  We have the capacity for internal combustion that burns karma, fuels our momentum to thrive, and gives us access to our true power located in the third chakra.

The time is NOW for self-discipline, upping your practice, and setting boundaries.  It's no joke...everything is moving at a faster pace now and the times require an upgrade of your operating system.  Your Fire Tattwa, which is associated with the Third Chakra can give you the sustainability to move with the times and excel.

The third chakra is sometimes referred to as the WILL OF THE SPIRITUAL WARRIOR.   It is the center of personal power and commitment.  When you talk about inner strength, inner balance, and good health, you are talking about the Third Chakra in action (located in the Navel).  If you have digestive problems, little or no conviction to your beliefs, emotions, or wishes...then you need to work on your third chakra and fan the flames of your Fire tattwa.  If you have inner anger, greed, shame, despair and see obstacles in every direction, then working on this chakra/element is the place to start.  

Tonight we'll be working on the third Chakra/Fire tattwa.  The navel center is your beginning --the first place through which you are fed. Your job is to accumulate energy in the navel point because it is your "reserve" power.  The Kundalini energy is initiated here through the movement of breath, prana, apana, and exercise and the energy ignites in what is referred to as "white heat". The energy is sent down to the first chakra and awakens the dormant Kundalini energy resting at the base of the spine.  And lastly, one of the most important aspects of this tattwa is that is a doorway to the HEART/AIR TATTWA...where higher consciousness begins.

Class begins promptly at 7, but no one will be turned away. Donation only ($15 recommended) and bring a mat, cushion, or blanket for support.  We will relax at the end with a long gong relaxation...but be prepared to stir the embers in you.  for more info visit www.eaglerockkundaliniyoga.com.

See you later,

Raghubir  

ELEMENTARY... MY DEAR WATSON

"There can be many trips, but there is only one way to reach higher consciousness; that is the way of righteous living.  There is no other way, every other way will be hanky panky.  But the moment you decide, come what may, I am going to give myself to the way of righteousness within me, you will be surprised to see that everything else in theis whole world will fall into place for you"-Yogi Bhajan

Sat Nam Everyone,

In our Thursday night classes, we are now going to explore the TATTWAS for the next six classes which will take us to July 12th.  During the month of June, I will be in New Mexico at the Summer Solstice and so there will not be classes on June 14th and 21st.  Classes will resume on June 28th. 

Regarding the Tattwas, first we'll approach them as a group by balancing the whole lot of them tonight and then one by one each subsequent week.  This is also a good way to simultaneously delve into the chakra system because, as you will see,  they are very much connected.

As explained in Yogic philosophy, all living matter is comprised of five elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether. These are known as the five tattvas. These five tattvas correspond with the first five chakras. The remaining three (because in Kundalini Yoga, we speak of eight chakras) are beyond the gross elements and therefore do not correspond with the earthly elements.

Each of these tattwas have projections: greed, lust, anger, attachment, and negative ego/pride.  You can't ever get rid of these projections because they are as much a part of you as the tattwas but you can channel them so that they can work for you.

The Earth tattwa is greed so instead of being greedy to possess things, you can be greedy to become a more illumined soul, to spread the truth to all people and to become a great teacher or saint. It is related to the first chakra which all about security, survival and habit.

The Water tattwa is lust so instead of being lustful to exploit the human body, you could look upon others with dignity and respect.  You could transform lust for exploitation to lust for service.  This element is connected to the second chakra which is the center of creativity and passion.

The Fire tattwa is anger. Instead of directing anger at others , you could turn that anger on your own negativity and self-destructive tendencies.  Fire is connected to the third chakra or the navel center, the will of the spiritual warrior, a center of personal power and commitment. 

The Air tattwa is attachment and so instead of being attached to earthly possessions, try to be attached to the idea of a happier and healthier life for all so that no one has to suffer.  You could be attached....but try being attached to the Whole Universe!   Air is the fourth chakra, the heart; the location of love, compassion, service and kindness.  Its the balance point between heaven and earth and an energetic location of great power.

The Ether tattwa is negative ego or pride. You could be an narcissistic egomaniac...or you could use that energy to identity with something greater than yourself.  Have pride in the INFINITE and at how amazing it is that you are a human.  Ether is connected to the fifth chakra which is the throat, the projective power of the word.  This is the center for truth and effective communication.  Authenticity.

Your personality comes from which one of these five tattwas predominates....and your well-being is dependent on the balance of all of them. As we go deeper into this subject matter week by week,  tattwa by tattwa, you will gain a better understanding of "what you are made of" and learn how you can increase your awareness, your productivity, and your happiness by working with them.

So come tonight at 7 as we open the door to this fascinating and useful subject matter.  The yoga sets and meditations are designed to give you the experience of each individual tattwa inside of your physical and spiritual body. Bring a mat, cushion, or whatever you need to practice Kundalini Yoga and meditation.  Long gong meditation/relaxation follows. We enjoy tea and conversation afterwards...and classes are on a donation basis ($15 recommended) but no one will be turned away.  For more info go to the website.

Sat Nam,

Raghubir Kaur