WAHE GURU - An expression of the Etheric

ETHER

" If a person has the akasha tattva (the etheric element) predominating, then he will be the happiest, most carefree being in the world. Yet, the operations of the akasha tattva are not perceptible to our sense organs. "-Yogi Bhajan

The ether tattva/element is without form. It connects all of us. Our collective small selves all join as one through the element of ether. It corresponds with the Fifth Chakra which is located in the throat.  The fifth chakra is about speaking the truth, but it also includes the ears and hearing the truth. 

Ether is the tattva of the teacher.  When we speak the truth, we bring the subtle vibration of the Shabd into manifestation...  and through the vibration of sound, we bring the truth into our material reality. 

"The operations of a particular tattva comprise the entire body-system. There are main centers as well as subsidiary centers of operation. The chief center of operation of the akasha tattva (ether) is the throat—the space between the collar-bone and the nape of the neck. This is the vyama-granthi region of the body, which comprises the following principal glands: thyroid, parathy­roid, salivary, and tonsils. The essential secretions of these glands help mold our minds and keep them nourished. In vyama-granthi, sattva guna predominates. For this reason, a person with a supremacy of the vyama-granthi in his body possesses a mind in tune with the Supreme Consciousness. The vyama-granthi of females is much stronger than that of males. Therefore, in a woman we find that endearing qualities such as affection, love, unselfishness, and steadfastness are conspicuously present."-Yogi Bhajan

Chant Wahe Guru. Speak and be the living TRUTH. 

WAHE is an expression of awe and ecstacy. GURU is the teacher...that which brings us from darkness into the light. WAHE GURU is the projection of the complete ecstatic awe in the presence of the Divine.  Wahe Guru is a trikutee mantra  which expresses the nature of GOD - the generating, organizing and delivering principles.  In Kundalini Yoga, WAHE GURU is the gurumantra which triggers the divine in YOU.

Tonight at 7, we will dive into the ethers.  Bring a mat, blanket, a friend and a donation ($15 recommended) for an evening of Kundalini yoga and meditation and Gong. For more info visit the website.

Sat nam,

Raghubir

“See the brotherhood of all mankind as the highest order of Yogis; conquer your own mind, and conquer the world. There is one awareness among all created beings. One who recognizes the One Lord among all beings does not talk of ego. All human beings have the light of the Lord and are the same. Only by subduing one’s pride and ego could one see this light in all.”  Guru Nanak 

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  

CONDITIONING OR CREATIVITY? BALANCING THE WATER TATTWA

"SAINTS AND SAGES HAVE TAUGHT MANKIND THAT whatever elements are found in the constitution of the Infinite Universe will also be found in the human body. The Universe is the entire Cosmos; and we are a microcosm of the entire Cosmos. If we were to take a thimbleful of sea water and examine it closely, we would find by chemical qualitative analysis that the constituents of the sea water in the thimble are identical to those of the vast ocean. Similarly, the constituents of our individual bodies are iden­tical to those of the Universe. It would be a strange finding if some element were found inside the human body which differed from the elements of the Universe. For there is One Creator who has created this Creation; and all manifested things are born from the One Source of all. "- Yogi Bhajan

When we talk about the five tattwas, we are talking about the building blocks of our physical existence.  These five elements maintain health and balance of our physical bodies.  Each tattwa (element) controls a body system. Last week, we discussed the EARTH TATTWA which is responsible for the bones, teeth, marrow and the flesh;  the physical structure of our body. People with a predominance of this tattwa usually have a body heavy with an excess of blood, flesh, and fat. They are often lazy, but also patient, and they keep away from all conflicts and anxiety-producing concerns.   

This week we will work with the WATER TATTWA. The kidneys, sex glands, and the lymphatic system are physi­cal manifestations of this tattwa. People with a predominance of this element are very amiable and have a very sweet disposition when dealing with others.  It is closely related to the second chakra which is located in the area of the sex organs and commands those energies dealing with creation, passion,  and flexibility.  The Water Tattwa is all about emotions....subconscious or otherwise... and Thursday night we'll be practicing a meditation to put those emotions in check. 

COMPULSION OR CHOICE?  CONDITIONING OR CREATIVITY? How do YOU want to use your energy?  Creativity begins at the second chakra, the center of our passions.  When we process our emotions in a healthy way, we have control of these passions and can use them for our betterment.  Just like a water filtration system, we can remove the toxins and debris from our bodies and minds in order to live a pure and healthy life.  Getting rid of non useful and destructive emotional patterns is essential if we want to have authentic relationships with ourselves and others.

With the help of Kundalini Yoga and meditation, we can activate this filtration system so we can ENJOY more productive, positive and healthy lives.  7:00 on Thursday night.  Bring a mat, blanket, cushion or whatever else you may need for yoga and meditation.  Classes are donation basis $15 recommended.  Bring a friend. Bring a desire to make powerful and lasting change in your life.  For more information visit the website.

PLEASE NOTE THAT BECAUSE OF THE SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION IN NEW MEXICO, CLASS WILL NOT BE HELD ON THURSDAY JUNE 14 OR JUNE 20.  CLASSES WILL RESUME JUNE 27.

Sat Nam

Raghubir Kaur

Earth Tattwa

"The yogi is one who has a union with his Supreme Consciousness. If flexibility of the body is the only yoga, then clowns in the circus are the best yogis." - Yogi Bhajan

The earth tattva is the heaviest of all the five tattvas. When we think about strengthening the Earth Tattva, we need to think in terms of strengthening our discipline, establishing a sense of security, and engendering a relationship with Mother Earth.  So in order to heal your Earth Tattwa, you could say that you need to "get earthy" and seek stability.

The characteristics of this tattwa are density, coldness, dryness, and a pungent smell. When this stabilizing tattva is healthy, there is a heaviness, compactness, and steadiness to every part of your life.  It's good to keep in mind that your body is made up mostly of the Earth Tattwa...but also that all the tattwas work together to bring you health and vitality.

Last week, I mentioned that the 5 tattwas (5 elements) are directly linked with the first 5 chakras and the Earth Tattwa is linked with the first Chakra. One of the main goals of Kundalini Yoga is to balance the 5 tattwas in our bodies as well as balancing the energy in the chakras.  So even though we are focusing on one tattwa at a time, we are essentially working the whole system.

The first chakra is, like the Earth Tattwa, responsible for survival and security. Those individuals who do not have a good flow of energy in this chakra are often battling to stay above water, are always in a tailspin about money, and are most of the time on edge.  This center has to do with elimination and release and when we hold on to what we should eliminate this definitely "cramps our style"...pun in tended!  When you can freely eliminate what you no longer need, you life is much more in balance and you can move forward more easily. A balanced first chakra gives you a sense of security and being grounded and a stable base from which to operate your life.

Both the earth tattwa and the first chakra allow you to be connected to the earth.  A good way to do that would be walking barefoot on the earth and trying to do things in which you have the opportunity to enjoy nature.  When you feel your connection with Mother Earth, you can fearlessly allow your spirit to soar above the clouds.

Our set tonight will concentrate on the first chakra and the earth tattwa. You will have a better sense of how being grounded and open in that part of your body will make you feel lighter and brighter.  Our meditation, the Isht Sodhana Mantra Kriya, is a very special one, because it uses the perfect mantra for the Earth Energy.  It connects the earth and the vastness of the ether right through the heart....and just for the record, its an excellent prosperity tool for attracting opportunities.  

Tonight at 7....bring blankets, a mat, a friend. Donation only (15 dollars recommended) For more info, visit the website.

Sat Nam

Raghubir Kaur

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