What is a Mantra?

‘Man‘ means the mind, tra is the method, technique or tool to deliver or carry across, and the purpose of chanting mantra’s  is really to clean the window of the mind.   Mantra’s  have shades  of meaning, in that we don’t take the words literally, but the power of the mantra is in the sound vibration.   You will be guided to different mantras on your life journey, vibrational prayers/affirmations that connect you back to the heart.  Chanting them regularly allows our vibration to link and connect to the energy of the uni verse (one verse)  which is sound light and energy.    Click here for Meditation Challenge

'We are creating with every word we speak, and even with every word we think. When we chant a mantra we are choosing to invoke the positive power contained in those particular syllables. Whether it is for prosperity, peace of mind, increasing intuition, or any of the other multitude of possible benefits inherent in mantras, simply by chanting them we are setting vibrations into motion that shall have an effect. It doesn’t actually matter if we understand the meaning of the sounds or not.'
     The Flow of Eternal Power by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa -

Ganesh Mantra Meditation

New Meditation Challenge starting Sept 07 2014!  It will be shorter this time - 14 days, and we will all do the same meditation, rather than our 40 day challenges when we get to pick our own.

I have chosen to meditate on the Ganesh Mantra.  We will be chanting Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha 108 times.   It is the mantra of new beginnings and  helps removes obstacles both within and without.  With this meditation we connect with the first chakra so when you make the choice to chant this mantra you are aligning yourself with moving forward in your life and getting things done.  Instead of making excuses to ourselves about what is not working, this mantra helps us focus on our goals rather than the challenges.  It is best done first thing in the morning and should take about 8 minutes, followed by a few minutes of silence.  You can download the music from Spirit Voyage or ITunes,  I like the version from Deva Premal's CD - Mantras for Precarious times, or you can use a Mala or click onto the You Tube video below.  I started this mantra at the beginning of summer and I can say it really propelled me forward.  Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.  Click here to Sign Up

Vispassana Meditation

I recently spent a weekend at a Vispassana Meditation Retreat at UBC, hosted by the West Coast Dharma Society here in Vancouver. Vispassana is one of India’s most ancient forms of meditation, rediscovered by Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The word Vispassana means ‘to see things as they are’; it is a way of self transformation through self observation. This is a silent retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditations as well as a Dharma talk by the teacher. You can sit on a chair or take a cushion and sit on the floor. I think what I got most out of the weekend was the reminder of loving kindness to oneself and others, and the mindfulness of actions whether it is walking or eating, and again that being present with everyday activities. Walking in the Zen garden inspired me to come home and be creative in my own garden. Just to spend that time for myself was a treat and I didn’t have to go very far. The next Meditation weekend is in October, for more information click here.

Day 38 - Headaches

Here are 3 videos using Kundalini Yoga and Meditations to help if you have a headache, lifestyle considerations and prevention.

Day 31 - Gong Meditation

Today is Gong around the World Day. Organizers are asking you to play or listen to a gong to help uplift the whole planet. The sound of the gong creates deep relaxation and it stimulates the glandular system to a higher level of functioning. The gong changes the feelings that are blocked by cutting the thoughts that sustain and recreate the feelings. This can be a bit frightening, arousing, exciting or delightful depending on the individual. Check it out and see how it effects you!

Day 28 - Water and Meditation for Emotional Balance

How much water have you drunk today?  Emotions and the need for water are intricately connected.  When there is an inbalance of water in the system and the kidneys are pressurized, there is a tendency toward anxiety and upset behaviour.  From a scientific point of view, water is the medium that increases electrical potential across  cell membranes, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. 
If you find yourself upset, worried or don't know what to do drink a glass of water, preferably at room temperature and then try the meditation below.  The combination of drinking water, followed by applying pressure at the armpits with the raised shoulders and a Neck Lock, creates a tight  lock on the entire upper body.  Combined with a natural slowing of the breathing rate, this locked posture forms an automatic 'brake' that is applied to the brain.  The brain cannot continue its previous pattern of thinking, and within a short amount of time a balance is restored.  Those with high blood pressure, a neck injury or heart disease should consult their physical before practicing this meditation.

Meditation for Emotional Balance
Sit in Easy Pose.  Straighten your spine and relax the shoulders.  Keep the chest lifted throughout the meditation.  Place your arms across your chest and lock your hands under your armpits with the palms open and against the body.  The thumbs may be outside the armpits.  Close your eyes

Raise your shoulders up toward your ear lobes as far as possible and hold them there.  Apply a Neck Lock by contracting back of the neck and throat.  The chin is pulled back toward the neck without tipping the head forward.  If you are doing it correctly, you will feel that the cervical vertebrae are in alignment with the spine.  Stay alert throughout the meditation to maintain the Neck Lock and raised shoulders, which are the essential components of the 'brake' you are applying to the brain.  Your breath will automatically become slower.

Begin with 3 minutes and gradually build up to 11 minutes.

Day 25 - Meditations for Addiction

Most of us are addicted to something, it can be our thoughts, our 'poor me' or other stories we tell ourselves, food, shopping as well as drugs and alcohol etc.
Here Tommy Rosen demonstrates the Meditation for Stress Relief & Clearing Emotions of the Past, followed by the powerful Sodarshan Kriya.  Overcoming Addiction himself  he found that asking for help,  embracing the 12 step program and incorporating Yoga into his life is essential for Recovery. 

Day 13 - Childrens Meditation

Here is a meditation Snatam Kaur did with the children but it is fun for adults too.  The words are
Gobinday, Mukanday, Udaaray, Apaaray, Hariang, Kariang, Nirnaamay, Akaamay

Day 02 - Happy Mothers Day

Here is a Short Kriya as well as a beautiful Meditation to Neutralize Tension.

Ether Tattva Meditation

If you are wondering what Meditation to commit to, here is the official Meditation for this years Summer Solstice. It is being done for 90 days but you can commit to 40 days and if you like to sing you will love it!

Healing Meditation for Earth Day - Apr 22

Here are a few ideas to celebrate the blessings of our Mother Earth this weekend.

1.  Get out into nature, hike or hug a tree or both
2.  Get your hands into the earth and plant a container of lettuce or herbs
3.  Get some fresh vegetables from the farmers market on Saturday and prepare a locally grown organic meal for Sunday
4.  Do something nice for the Environment, go through your cupboards and replace toxic cleaning products with eco friendly ones.
5.  Join in a Global Meditation - The Siri Gaitri Mantra (Ra Ma Da Sa, Sa, Say So Hung).  This a healing Mantra and has 8 sounds that stimulate the kundalini to flow in the central channel of the spine and in the chakras and one of my favourites. 
You can do this meditation at home and chant along with the beautiful voice of Snatam Kaur (video below) or come on out to Bonsor in Burnaby and join us for the 8.00am class.

Raa - means the energy of the Sun,   It energizes and purifies
Maa is the energy of the Moon.  It is a quality of receptivity, coolness and nurturing
Daa is the energy of Earth.  It is secure, personal and the ground of action
Saa is the impersonal  Infinity. 
Say So Hung - I am thou

Posture:  Sit in easy pose or on a chair with a straight spine
Focus:  Eyes closed and focused at the 3rd eye point
Breath:  The breath will come automatically as you chant.    Inhale deeply before you begin chanting.
Mudra:  Have the elbows tucked against your ribs.  Extend the forearms out at a 45 degree angle out from the centre of your body.  The palms are flat, facing up, the wrists pulled back, fingers together and thumbs spread.  Consciously keep the palms flat during the meditation.

Mantra:  Raa Maa Daa Saa, Saa Say So Hung.  Pull in the Navel Point powerfully on So and Hung.  The Hung isn't long and drawn out - clip it off forcefully as you pull in the navel. 

Time:  11 - 31 minutes

To End.  Inhale deeply and hold the breath as you offer a healing prayer to mother earth.  Then exhale and inhale deeply again, hold the breath and offer your prayer once more.  Then lift your arms up high and vigorously shake out your hands and fingers.

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Siri Gaitri Mantra - Ra Ma Da Sa

Day 29 - Happy Halloween

What a beautiful day with the sun reflecting light on the amazing fall colours.  We tend to think of the colour Orange during this time as we enjoy seeing all the pumpkins and possibly carving them into faces.  Orange is associated with our second chakra, the element of water and our ability to tune into our own feelings and creativity.  It is also associated with fun and social activities so if you are feeling a bit blah it is time to boost up your Orange Energy.  Wear something Orange, watch a comedy, cook up something tasty, drink a cup of Orange Pekoe Tea, or include Sat Kriya with your Meditation practice.
While meditating perhaps you can contemplate what brings you joy in your life. 

Day 06 - Smiling Buddha Meditation

Day 04 - Liberation Kriya with Gurmukh

Feel like you need a challenge? Try this Meditation.

Global Sadhana with Snatam Kaur & Gurmukh

If you are wondering what meditation to do why not join the thousands of Yogis and Yoginis around the world for this Global Sadhana which will take approximately 15 min. It starts with Sitali Pranayam for 3 minutes, followed by a Chanting Meditation for 11 minutes. Sitali Pranayam has a powerful cooling relaxing effect while maintaining alertness. It is said that doing 26 of this breath by itself in the morning and evening will help detoxify the body. A very well known practice, it soothes and cools the spine in the 4th, 5th and 6th vertabrae. This breath is often used for lowering fever and helps reduce any emotions that are disrupting you, so a good one to do if you are angry or upset. It involves making a taco with your tongue (curling it) on the inhale and exhaling through the nose. The second meditation is chanting Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Jio. Wa - Bliss Ge - Here and Now Guru - From darkness into light Jio - Soul. The affect of this mantra and meditation tunes you into the Divine Energy that is accessible to all of us. Hand position is: hold the hands in front of the heart centre, right hand on top of the left, both palms face down.The right thumb is bent and comes under the left hand and touches the left palm.The left thumb is bent and also touches the left palm. The bent thumbs are pressed together so the thumb nails touch. Look at the tip of the nose. You can sing along here with Snatam Kaur, or download the sound track from Spirit Voyage.
 Click here for instructional video

So Darshan Chakra Kriya - Meditation

Balancing Head & Heart Meditation

Meditations for Addiction

Quick Stress Release for Emotional Balance

It has been easy to get caught up in the Emotions of the past week and I know some of you have struggled with Meditation and staying focussed.    It is important to take a break from watching the news, go for a walk or do something  to nurture yourself, and try the following Exercise.
First drink a glass of water. 
Sit in Easy Pose, place the arms across the chest and lock hands under the armpits, palms open and against the body.  Raise the shoulders up tight against the earlobes and apply Neck Lock, close the eyes. 
The breath will automatically become slow.  Continue for 3 minutes.

This meditation is very good when one is worried or upset and doesn't know what to do. 
When we feel emotional or out of focus we need to give attention to our body's water balance and breath.  Humans are approximately 70% water, and behaviour depends upon the relation of water and earth, air and ether.  Breath, representing air and ether is the rhythm of life.  Normally we breath 15 times a minute, but when we are able to rhythmically slow down the breath to only 4 breaths per minute, we have indirect control over our minds, promoting a calm mind regardless of the state of affairs. 
When there is a water imbalance in the system, and the kidneys are under pressure it can cause worry and upset.  Drinking water, pulling the shoulders up to the ears and tightly locking the entire area creates a solid break that can be applied to the four sides of the brain.  After 2 or 3 minutes, thoughts will be there, but one does not feel them.  This is a very effective metion of balancing the brain. 
After 2-5 minutes, relax the hands down and sit quietly and enjoy the inner space of peace.  You will notice that you have crated a space independent of your mind.  Your mind will still have thoughts and you can observe it but you can choose to be in your peaceful space.