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

Elevation

I have been so busy that I haven't had the time to blog here...but I thought I'd at least drop you all a line and tell you what is up for TONIGHT at 7pm.  

To paraphrase Yogi Bhajan, we are spiritual beings here to have a human experience, not human beings here to have a spiritual experience.  So since we are blessed to be in the physical human form...and after all it takes at least 8.4 million incarnations to get to this point...and 100,000 times that to be capable of achieving self-realization...we've got to work with it so it performs for us.

There are many ways to do that, but one way is to adjust, align and balance the physical form so that we can better serve our spiritual natures.  When we do this, we are creating a healthy and obstruction-free pathway through which the kundalini energy can flow.

Tonight we are going to do just that....and practice a meditation for prosperity.  What could be better than that????

Bring a mat, blanket, a donation (15 recommended), and a friend...

and enjoy the company of like minded souls.  for more info www.eaglerockkundalinicenter.com

sat nam,

Raghubir

The Radiant Body- Prosperity's Best Friend

Radiant.  Royal.  Charismatic. Courageous. Magnetic. Prosperous. Exceeding expectations. Heroic.  These are just some words to describe the character of a person with a well developed RADIANT BODY.  If you have every felt that you wanted to be around a person because they seem confident and fearless,  with an inner grace and strong presence, chances are you were responding to their Radiant Body. The 10th body can attract good things to you; like long term success, prosperity, and opportunities that are in alignment with your soul.


"No one else can limit you.  If you want to limit yourself, you can. Otherwise the entire resources of the Universe are yours to use." - Yogi Bhajan


This week is the last of the classes designed to explore each  of the Ten Bodies. After sitting around drinking Yogi tea and chatting with everyone after last week's class, I decided (and everyone agreed) that we should do a little combination class on Prosperity and the 10th Body.  


"One prosperous thought is more powerful than a thousand thoughts of failure." - Yogi Bhajan


When the radiant body is strong, you have the courage, endurance and grit to keep up in the face of ANY and ALL challenges.  You can go beyond your limitations, either real or imagined, and excel. A strong Radiant Body gives you Courage.  The word courage means "with heart".  The radiant body takes the heart energy and carries it to INFINITY.  


The Radiant Body also makes you magnetic so that you can attract what you want, the people who can help you, and the  gives you the energy to carry things through to completion. You can see how the Radiant Body is so closely connected to your prosperity.  When you desire prosperity that exceeds your wildest dreams, a strong radiant body is the best friend you can have.


This Thursday night,(May 3rd) be prepared to SHINE! Among other things, we're going to do a few meditations that will open the flow. Bring a blanket, mat, cushion and whatever else you need to do yoga and meditation.  Classes are on a donation basis ($15 suggested) and are from 7-8:30. Tea is served afterwards and you are welcome to stay and chat.  For more information visit the website.


Sat Nam, 
Raghubir

SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES-9TH BODY

Sat Nam Everyone,

I've been SO busy this week, I am only getting to this pre-class blog NOW 4 1/2 hours before class.  It's perfect because in order to KNOW about something, you have to read about it.  If you really want to LEARN about something, then it helps to write about it because it helps to organize your thoughts.  And this is what I do every week as I prepare the class...I write about it so I can really learn about it.  And then, I teach it in order to Master it.  This Mastery or Mystery is the key phrase for this Subtle body. Having not had the chance to sit down and write about it until right now felt strange because this is a sequence of events that I have chosen to do for this class that helps me develop my SUBTLE BODY.

When your ninth body is strong, you are long-term in your thinking and you are calm.  You have an elevated perspective.  You walk into a room and you can suss out what's going on and therefore act accordingly.  When you are doing something refined like the arts, you are exercising your subtle body.  Subtle Body strength equals refinement.  People who are aggressive, loose cannons, and very reactive tend to have challenged subtle bodies.  They also can't see the forest for the trees, or they act like a bull in a china shop.  

If you work on developing the art of reading people then you are exercising a subtle body art.  You can't take things at face value and looking deep into the way people relate to one another is a good example using the subtle body.  When you develop the subtle body, you pick up things easily and can tune into situations easily and quickly.  

Sometimes in Kundalini Yoga meditations, the description reads "will give you the ability to see the unseen and hear the unheard".  This is a quality of the ninth body.  When your subtle body is developed, you "just know".   The Subtle body is also around the feet which is why you may have wondered why in India, people will touch the feet of those who are revered and respected. 

How can you strengthen the 9th body? Here are some ways:

1) Mantra 2) Speak Kindly  3)do a meditation for 1000 days  4)strengthen your digestion 

5) get involved in the arts or practice your art  4) connect with the energy of Guru Tej Bahadur the 9th Sikh Guru.

"Whenever the Soul desires to leave the physical body, the Arc body and all the other bodies remain behind because they have no combination.  The Physical body's pranic connection with the Pranic Body totally breaks and the Soul leaves with the Subtle Body.  That means your identity is gone.  Your physical body remains but YOU are gone. We call it death. 

But do you understand what that indicates? If in subtlety you become very refined and in activity you become very subtle, very subtle, you are very near to your Soul.  The Sppirit and the Subtle Body are very much related. There's a direct relationship between the Subtle body and the Spiritual body. They never leave each other. So anything you do which is refined - refined art, refined acts, refined speech, anything which is not gross- will put you nearer to the Soul.  That's rather a simple way of reaching your God-consciousness" - Yogi Bhajan

Tonight's class is at 7pm and is designed to activate the Subtle Body. Bring a blanket, cushion, mat, ....even a friend; whatever you need to be comfortable for yoga and meditation.  Donation (suggested $15) only.  SEE YOU LATER!  Check the website for more info. YOGI TEA served after class.

Sat Nam,

Raghubir

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU APRIL 19TH AT 7PM

“When the breath of life becomes short, you become short-tempered. When the breath of life becomes long and deep, you understand who you are."-Yogi Bhajan

What is Prana? What is this Breath of Life? We talk a lot about it in Kundalini Yoga and this week we are working on the PRANIC BODY so I think it's only reasonable to discuss what it is, how to get it, and how to use it. The Eighth Body (since each week we systematically going over the ten bodies, body by body) is the Pranic Body; Prana being "the life force energy that interpenetrates every atom of your form and indeed the universe" (Yogi Bhajan) that is contained in the air we breathe.

"Praana comes through the air. Some people think it is oxygen. That is not true. Oxygen is always there. If you pump the body with oxygen, will a person live forever?"- Yogi Bhajan

You have an infinite supply of energy available to you at any given time and you can get it through your breath. YOUR BREATH. It is yours and yours alone and you have to care for it. If you breath shallowly, you'll feel old, even if you are not technically an "old" person. You are likely to be anxious, nervous, and worry some.

"When the breath is shallow, all problems come in. All this caffeine, nicotine, all these drugs are the problem of the shallow breath".-Yogi Bhajan

In this culture, we have also replaced our pranic consumption with food consumption; trying to get our energy from the food we eat instead of directly from the Infinite Cosmos. That's why there is such an epidemic of sugar and sweet addiction as well as overeating. Most of the overconsumption of sugar and food in general is by shallow breathers.

"If you do not breathe consciously for 11 minutes a day, you lose 40%

of the vitality of life. This 40% you cannot recapture by any medicine or any exercise. But if you do breathe consciously for 11 minutes and make it very long, deep and slow, that can do exactly what no miracle can do, because your life is based on the breath of life." - Yogi Bhajan

Pranic energy is what gives you fearlessness, self-confidence, security, boundless energy, mental mastery. When you are lacking in it, you may feel isolated and alone; maybe even abandoned...not to mention exhausted and worn out. Pranic energy is obtained mainly from breathing consciously. When you breathe in a shallow and unconscious manner, you are cheating yourself out of the most powerful force available to you.

"Praana is the most powerful and most creative thing God ever created because out of Praana came life"- Yogi Bhajan

Naturally, a class on The Pranic Body will give you an ENORMOUS amount of energy and this is what we will be up to this Thursday night. Remember the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th bodies? (The negative, positive, and neutral minds?). Well... the mastery of the Pranic Body will also give you mastery over the MIND. Have you ever heard that in order to change the mind, all you have to do is to change the breath? A simple mechanical breath pattern (pranayam) can transport you from a bad place to bliss.

Bring a blanket, yoga mat, cushion, friend, and anything else you need for yoga, deep breathing exercises, and long GONG meditation/relaxation. Classes are always by donation only ($15 suggested) and begin promptly at 7 although you will not be turned away if you are "late". Stay for Yogi Tea and conversation afterwards...and I hope to see you on April 19th at 7pm. If you have any questions, call 323-365-1109 OR visit the website.

Sat Nam,

Raghubir

PS. MANY OF THESE QUOTES BY YOGI BHAJAN CAME FROM A TERRIFIC BOOK PRAANA, PRAANEE, PRAANAYAM. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. If you are interested in purchasing this book, please visit the Kundalink website for this and other items to assist you in your Kundalini Yoga practice. Put EAGLEROCK in the discount code box and get 10% off applicable items, including this book.

Are You Tired, Listless.....Poop Out at Parties?

THE SEVENTH BODY-THE AURA

Well, the answer is NOT Vitamitavegamin!!!! That's for sure! If you are feeling tired and under the weather...if you can't focus and feel like you are "not yourself"..then you should get to know your AURA.

What is the AURA? It is the electromagnetic field that surrounds the body that includes the arc line, the radiant body and the subtle body. It's very much like the magnetic field that surrounds the earth protecting it's atmosphere. EVERYBODY has an Aura. It's somewhere between three and nine feet if you are a human and it extends out in every direction. It is a protective body and it gives you the ability to uplift yourself and others. When its strong it serves as a container for your life force. It can attract positivity and repel negativity from other people, from germs and illness, and protect you from dangerous or destructive situations.

The Auric Body is related to the Pineal Gland and the immune system. A healthy Pineal gland brings intelligence and intuition and a healthy immune system brings radiant good health!

If you want to increase your intuition or improve your health, strengthen the Aura. When you increase the flow of prana (life force energy) through the meridians in your body, you are boosting the electromagnetic energy in your Auric Body.

If you feel paranoid and don't trust yourself, you definitely need to strengthen your Seventh Body. Insecurity is a sure sign that your Aura needs some work. If you feel threatened by crowds or by the energy of others, you need to expand and strengthen your Aura. If it is weak, then you'll easily get sick because all illness goes into the Aura first. Conversely, if your auric body is strong, you can repel illness and negativity...so a strong Auric Body will keep you very healthy of body and mind.A person with a strong seventh body knows exactly who they are. They can make up their own minds.

In your travels through the world of Kundalini Yoga, you may have wondered why Kundalini Yogis (and Yoginis) wear white. This is the explanation that Yogi Bhajan gave as an answer to a question about the wearing of white natural fiber clothing taken from The Beads of Truth from Spring 1981:

"We wear white because it's a simple scientific fact that every piece of matter or material has a foot and a half aura. Every animal has a three and a half foot aura. Every human has a nine foot aura. And if we wear the cotton and we wear the white, this color therapy gives us one extra foot of aura. So, I trust my students will behave right, but in case they behave like animals, they will still have a margin, an edge. And that is what it's all about. You have to wear a natural fiber and you have to wear white. It's a pure color therapy and it's called auric color therapy"

Three ways to expand and balance your aura: 1)Wear white 2)Meditate and 3) take a cold shower. A cold shower can completely clean and energize your auric field in a few minutes.

If you are in a profession where you help others, keeping the Auric field strong is essential so you don't get worn out and depleted. If you have ever met someone that you would describe as charismatic, what you are feeling is their large Aura. People who have charisma make you feel uplifted by their presence. They generally exude a warmth that makes you want to be with them.

Tonight at 7:00 pm we are working on the Auric Body through exercises and meditations that will increase your pranic energy and expand your electromagnetic field. We are in the midst of our series on the Ten Bodies....7 down, 3 to go! Come prepared to do some yoga, meditate and relax deeply with the Gong. Mats, cushions and blankets; bring what you need to be comfortable. I'll serve Yogi Tea afterwards. Donation only ($15 suggested) and all proceeds go back into the teachings. Working on the Seventh Body makes you feel really great; expanded and relaxed...ready to face the week ahead. I look forward to seeing you later....for more info visit the website. Bring a friend and a desire to feel better!

Sat Nam,

Raghubir

for more information, call 323-365-1109