When and Where: classes are always subject to change due to Sevara's performance schedule, so please check back often for updates. Usually, class start time will be posted a week in advance. Classes are approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Attire: it is recommended that the student wear white, loose-fitting clothing. Natural fiber material such as cotton is best.
Head covering: A white head wrap to contain the hair is recommended. This also assists in containing the psychic energy created during the asanas and meditation.
Props: Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, and sheepskin. A small pillow may also be helpful.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential before and after yoga class, as it will help you to flush out the toxins from your system and keep your joints lubricated.
Mental preparation: Try to clear your mind before class. Give yourself permission to set aside your to-do list for the two hours during class. Try to maintain a meditative mind throughout each class.
Speech: During class keep the talking to a minimum. Unless appropriate, please do not talk or make any unnecessary noises that will disturb others. Avoid gossiping, lying, swearing, etc. Aim your speech to be representative of a student of Kundalini Yoga, that is, engage in speech that uplifts, educates, is kind, and imparts the highest virtues of Wisdom and Truth.
Dietary: A yogic vegetarian diet is best. Avoid meats, as flesh is of a low vibration and is contrary to the energy we try to achieve through yoga. It is also hard on the digestive system, and often contains harmful bacteria. Hormones, steroids, and other chemicals are often fed to the animals which has a detrimental effect on the human body. Also avoid caffeine as it creates artificial stimulation which has a negative effect on the brain and nervous system. Keep your sugar intake to a minimum.
Drugs: Drugs and Kundalini Yoga do not mix. Avoid or, even better, abstain from consuming alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and all recreational drugs. All these go against the natural, pure, elevating consciousness we seek to achieve through yoga practice. NEVER COME TO CLASS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF RECREATIONAL DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.
Offerings: It is of the utmost importance that you come to class with an offering (read Yogi Bhajan's statement below). The offering should be made in the spirit of gratitude and can be in a monetary form, which is usually easiest, or a gift.
Recommended online class donation is $10.
"Itarashtam tithar Kashtam - empty handed you come, empty handed you go. It's a law which should never be broken. And you should (as a teacher) share freely, but never receive a student who comes empty handed - that's the law. If a person shall come empty handed, that person may sit here for six hours and do all kinds of yoga, but the moment he goes out of that door, he'll go empty handed. That's the only condition, and it's not up to you or me."
~ Yogi Bhajan
About Kundalini Yoga
Feeling stressed, over worked, or dealing with emotional issues? Kundalini yoga may be the answer you have been seeking. Kundalini yoga teaches you the art of relaxation, self-healing and elevation. Balancing body and mind enables you to experience the clarity and beauty of your soul. No previous experience in yoga is required for you to achieve results with your very first class.
Each class begins with "tuning in" by chanting sacred words (mantra) and is followed by a sequence of movements (asana) that each focus on a specific area of the body. A period of deep relaxation is usually everyone's favourite part of the set (kriya) and is then followed by a meditation, which makes use of chanted mantras (sacred words), pranayama (breathing with awareness), and mudras (hand positions). The class ends with everyone singing "The Longtime Sun" song. Kundalini devotees often wear flowing white robes and head wraps.
Sevara / Johannes is a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, author, Reiki healer, Qi Gong practitioner, certified Sensory Healer, an award-winning musician whose recordings of Latin guitar and world music have charted in the Top Ten on Billboard, and the founder of the Divine Earth online community (www.divineearth.org). The name 'Seva Singh' (literally meaning 'Lion of Devotional Service') was bestowed upon Johannes by Kundalini Yoga master, Yogi Bhajan. Johannes also writes and records music for yoga under the name Sevara.
