Source Text
By concentrating on the lotus of the heart, there arises a state of sorrowless joy, which is infused with inner light. Such a state anchors the mind in a state of freedom. Yoga-sūtra-bhāṣya (1 : 36)
Patañjali refers to the fact that the unlimited threefold cosmic energy is blocked by the absence of kriyāśakti – the power of action. Awakening kriyāśakti allows one to overcome the causes of suffering and thus walk the path to liberation. Kriyā yoga is therefore that yoga which awakens the universal power of action. Yoga of Action (Kriya Yoga) has three components: Tapas – discipline (heat or intensity), Svadhyaya – refinement (self-study), Ishvara Pranidhana – surrender to God Its purposes are to disarm the causes of suffering and achieve samadhi. Pātañjalayogasūtra II (1–2)
Kriyā is always full of passionate intensity, self-awareness and full of surrender to the supreme goal. This is the right place for your heart.
To achieve this flow, each exercise must be a natural answer to its predecessor. This ‘answer’ can only be found if one possesses a clear vision of where the class should lead you to. This oneness of your vision, the class, and your skillful action requires a wealth of experience, as well as a long and deep journey into yourself until you find the strength to lead others on your own secret paths up the mountain.
He was always very strict in the timing and order of the kriyās’ performance. Performing an exercise in a predefined manner helps the student discover their boundaries and overcome their individual attachments. Krishnamacharya, the grandfather of modern Ashtanga (aṣṭāṅga) Yoga, once said that success in yoga cannot be achieved by following one’s likes or dislikes, as this only serves to change an exercise according to one’s own limitations. All this is indeed true for those students who cannot listen to the subtle voice inside their hearts. Just in this case we will make an exception, because I believe in you.
want you to discover your nature, because this nature, in its highly personal flavour, is what the world thirsts for. It is your duty to reveal it to the world. There is just one commandment on this higher path of practice: You must always, and by all means, seek out the expression of you that is the highest, most lovable, truest, clearest, and most desired on your way to a brighter world. Do not be overwhelmed; achieving this is easier than you might think – you must simply act from your heart. In doing so, all will be achieved with ease. By acting contrary to your heart, it will be impossible to achieve regardless of how hard you try.
In this bīja nyāsa, we position the seed sounds of the five elements within the revered suṣumnā and allow their vibrations to expand.
Assume a meditative posture, comfortable but upright. Fold your hands in front of your heart, feel your centre, softly sing OM, and let this OM travel through your body from the base to the cosmos. This OM represents the teacher, guide, mother, father, and soul.
The teacher is both the means and goal. Every action begins with, is pervaded by, and finally rests in, the teacher. Without this teacher, Kundalini Yoga can be harmful and nothing will be attained. Always remember the teacher, both in the beginning and the end. This teacher is your heart. The one teacher, manonmanī, the place beyond mind. Before you even chant the mantra, take a few breaths with your hands folded in front your heart. Sink into the cavity of your innermost being. Repose at the bottom of your heart. Silently remember the teacher. The flame, beautifully burning without smoke. An eternal light in the dark, illuminating the path.
Bhrāmarī Prāṇāyāma Bhrāmarī, also known as the humming bee breathing, is a breathing technique that brings deep joy and serenity to those who practice it. It can be likened to a wedding with one’s inner self. That self vibrates in this sweet and honey-like sound, a sound that is like an eternal rushing river, without beginning or end. When practicing bhrāmarī, imagine yourself as a being made of this one sound. However, the sound that you try to adhere to cannot be heard with your ears. Instead, it’s an inner, delicate sound that you must search for in the subtle dimension within. When you hum, try to listen to the more subtle sound, which shines from the joy of your ever-expanded being.
AI Summary
Kriyas and Classes in Kundalini Yoga by Clemens Biedrawa presents key insights from the Yoga tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.
Core Themes:
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Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.
This entry was generated from Readwise highlights. Expand with additional context as appropriate.