Why Every Stressed Person Should Try a Gong Bath

Why every stressed person should try a Gong Bath

When you are feeling stressed-out the best way to unwind and relax is a Gong Bath to let go of the tension from the body and mind. Gong meditation is a unique type of sound practice that creates vibrations to bring healing and therapeutic benefits to the body and the mind. Sound therapy has been used for a long time to bring healing to the body as disease comes into the body when we are vibrating at a non-optimal frequency. Gong sound therapy has been practised for thousands of years and belongs to one of the oldest Southeast Asian musical instruments. The origins may be traced back to the second millennium B.C. In Chinese history, gongs are mentioned around 500 A.D.

Gong bathing can help reduce stress and liberate emotional blockages. Scientific research suggests sound therapy prompts damage human DNA strands to repair themselves. Music therapy is the most mainstream form of sound therapy and been shown to relieve a number of health problems. It is now frequently offered in clinical settings like hospitals and clinics. The sound of the gong reaches the body on a cellular level encouraging integrated healing of the body, mind, and spirit. When the gong is played properly it produces a whole spectrum of harmonics that are based on pressure waves of sound, which vibrate the energy meridians in the body. The sounds of the gong can recalibrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, and raises the frequency of your electrical magnetic field (the aura) that surrounds your body.

A gong meditation is practised laying on your back and all you need to do is rest in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. The gong usually starts softly and progressively the volume increases. The gong sound is changed frequently to avoid producing a fixed monotonous rhythm. The first brainwave state to be reached is alpha. Alpha brainwaves are associated with creativity and feelings of relaxation. This state is followed by an influx of theta waves. Theta waves are associated with deep meditation, hypnosis, and REM sleep. The sounds from the gong can be very loud. The best way to embrace the gong is to surrender, relax, and let go. The gong is your guide and you will ride the waves of the sound current to a deep relaxing state.

Erin O’Hara, Founder of Golden Yogi

If you are interested in finding out more about Gong Baths, we have some exciting workshops coming up - including Gong Bath Training with Methab Benton.

GONG BATH & YOGA NIDRA WITH MEHTAB BENTON

Master Gong Practictioner Training

The Power Of Mantra

The Power of Mantra

Mantras are sound projections that alter the thought patterns of the mind and the chemistry of the brain. The word mantra means “man” = mind, and “trang” = wave or projection. The power of the sound has a definite predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche.

One of the most powerful tools we have for meditation is the power of using mantra whether it’s internal (silent) mantra in the mind or chanting aloud to create the sound vibration. Mantras are used to elevate and modify consciousness through the meaning and rhythmical repetition. The rhythm of the mantra allows the mind to come into the neutral meditative mind to change the thought patterns and break repetitive or negative thought cycles.

The use of mantra is known as Naad Yoga. It is based on the experience of how sound vibrations affect the body, mind, and spirit. Mantra works through the movement of the tongue on the meridian points. There are 84 meridian points located on the hard palate of the roof of the mouth - 32 pairs (64 points) on the hard palate surface directly behind and along the inside of the teeth and 20 points located in the curve on the central part of the palate. As we move the tongue to chant mantra we create a code that helps to change the thoughts and the mind. It is no different than a phone number - if you want to ring a friend you dial their number but if you ring any random number you will not be able to get hold of your friend. Mantra works in a similar way. The mantra that you chant works like a code on the upper palate of the mouth to stimulate the meridians to affect the energy flow in a particular way through the body and mind.

There is no system of nerve connections between sections of the brain but instead there is a neurotransmission of fluid. Different chemical liquids are excreted into different parts of the brain and messages are transmitted to different parts of the brain through fluids.

We can project the authentic self through the use of our word. Chanting mantras either silently or aloud is a conscious method of controlling and directing the mind. We create every word we speak and even every word we think. When we chant a mantra we choose to evoke the positive power in the particular syllables, rhythm, and frequent of that particular mantra. Simply by chanting mantra we are sending vibrations into motion that shall have the effect. For mantra, it does not matter whether we understand the meaning of the sound or not, as the mantra is the frequency of the sound vibration. By vibrating a particular combination of sounds you tune into various levels of intelligence or consciousness. We have the power to choose what we project and what we think. Through the use of mantra, the words, and the rhythm have an effect on our consciousness. 

“A person can tune his or her own consciousness into the awareness of that totality with the use of a mantra. By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound, or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words, as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you.” ~ Yogi Bhajan

The down low on Kundalini

KUNDALINI YOGA ~ The Yoga of Awareness

How does Kundalini differ to other more known/popular forms of yoga?

Kundalini Yoga is an ancient style of yoga but is relatively new to the Western culture.  Kundalini Yoga is known as "the yoga of awareness," to opens your heart, builds strength and releases the energy located at the base of your spine. Kundalini is without a doubt one of the more spiritual styles of yoga. Kundalini Yoga focuses on breath and movement and challenges it students both physically and mentally.

Vinyasa is still undeniably the king of western yoga, but Kundalini tends to appeal to people who want to delve into a deep meditative practice to raise consciousness.  In Kundalini Yoga, you won’t flow through sun salutations. Instead, it combines movement, breathing exercises, chanting (yes, actual singing), meditation, and physical sequences called kriyas. Teachers sit at the front of the room throughout, wearing white to expand their auras, and with their heads covered to protect the crown chakra at the head to harness the Kundalini energy.

Kundalini yoga is a quick and powerful system to cause changes you want in your life to happen much quicker than other styles of yoga. In Kundalini Yoga, there is no need to take oneself away from the distractions of the world – it is designed for the active householder with family, school and work responsibilities.  It is a safe way to stimulate the body’s natural resources and energy to bring the body, mind and spirit into alignment.  It is a proven path to connect with the Self and the Soul to experience your highest destiny.

Where did Kundalini Yoga originate from? 

Kundalini is one of the oldest forms of yoga – it has been practiced by the Upanishads in India since 500 B.C. Mastering the practice at sixteen, Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini to the West in 1969.  Initially, Kundalini Yoga was carefully handed down from master to disciple for centuries and was kept very secret. It was never taught publicly until Yogi Bhajan challenged its secrecy and taught Kundalini openly to the public in 1969. Through his knowledge, wisdom and service he left us a timeless legacy of teachings to live healthy and happily, and consequently established the 3HO, which stands for "Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization."

What is Kundalini?

Kundalini is the creative energy within all of us, the energy of consciousness in each person and beyond.  The Kundalini energy is “coiled” at the bottom of the spine, and practicing Kundalini yoga, is said to bring that energy to life in the body.

What to expect in a Kundalini Yoga class?

Kundalini yoga varies from practice to practice. All classes will begin with an opening chant “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” to connect with your inner self, a yoga kriya (set), and expect to finish with deep meditation, and a closing chant. During the class you can expect to focus on your breath (specifically "breath of fire", a rapid rhythmical breath through the nose) and to move your body. Within a class or practice, you will find asana (body postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mudra (hand positions), bandha (body locks), drishti (eye focus) and mantra (sound currents).  They are combined together in sequences called kriya (complete actions).  Kundalini Yoga has the power to unleash your true potential, and unlock barriers within ourselves.

What are the benefits of Kundalini? 

KUNDALINI YOGA is a sacred science. The comprehensive technology is thousands of years old and ideally suited to people who lead active lives in today's world.  The focus is on balancing the glandular system, strengthening the 72,000 nerves of the body, and bringing the body, mind and soul into balance.

• Balance nervous, glandular, and immune systems

• Develop the neutral mind to cope with stress and change

• Self-awareness to enhance peace of mind, concentration, and self-confidence

• Rejuvenation and healing

• Improve flexibility, stamina, and strength

• Experience your highest consciousness

• Remain calm, centered, and clear through life’s challenges

• Energising your magnetic field

Kundalini Yoga is highly transformative and releases deeply held issues whether body or mind.  It cannot really be practiced as a purely physical exercise, although it is physically challenging in quite a different way focusing on mental endurance and stamina.

Erin O’Hara

Kundalini Yoga Books

If you are keen to learn more about Kundalini Yoga then here are some books which are great to learn more about the technology and science behind the practice.

Most of the Kundalini Yoga books available to buy are teacher manuals (kriyas and meditations) which are not great to learn more about the meaning and science behind the practice. Here are some of my favourite books to guide you on your journey:

Kundalini Yoga - The Flow of Eternal Power - a Simple Guide to the Yoga of Awareness as Taught by Yogi Bhajan by Shakti Pawha Kaur Khalsa.

This is a really simple guide to understand Kundalini Yoga on a deeper level. It also has a small selection of great kriyas (yoga sets), meditations, recipes, and lifestyle tools. https://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Kundalini-Yoga-Shakti-Pawha-Kaur-Khalsa/9780399524202

The Chakras by Yogi Bhajan

Defines the nature of the chakras, how they work, their interaction, projection, and potency with both humor and subtlety, and often, surprising candor. The chakras are the keys to being human and being happy.

The 21 Stages of Meditation by Gurucharan Khalsa

The 21 Stages of Meditation clarifies the process and outlines the steps toward your own progress in meditation. The 21 Stages of Meditation is a key work in deepening your understanding and experience of meditation. Ranging from Upset and Boredom to Humility, Graceful Enlightenment and the Sage, explore these stages and more.

I Am a Woman: Selections from the Women’s Teachings By Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga 

It focuses on the identity of woman as Infinite, the reality of woman as a healer and a nurturer, and the life of a woman in relationship. Each part consists of a dozen or more edited lectures of Yogi Bhajan as well as stories, comments, and experiences from women who studied directly with Yogi Bhajan throughout the years. 

The Mind by Yogi Bhajan

For those who want to understand and use meditation to develop and transform themselves. It discusses the three basic minds; positive, negative and neutral. It links these to the inherited mind.

The Master’s Touch by Yogi Bhajan

A compilation of teachings by Yogi Bhajan given during Master's Touch courses in Espanola and Assisi, Italy. The 22 classes given in Espanola cover topics such as "What is Happiness", "Self Reverence", "The Teacher and Student", "Projecting as a Teacher", "The Art of Communication", "The Caliber of a Teacher".

The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan by Yogi Bhajan

Erin’s favourite quote book! This Is A Book Of Timeless Wisdom transmitted by one of the great teachers of the age.

If you are keen to learn even more in depth than these books then I would suggest you look into doing a teacher training course, as that will give you a lot more knowledge about the teachings of Kundalini Yoga (even if you do not want to be a Yoga teacher). The Level 1 Teacher Training programme is all about understanding the teachings and Level 2 is all about personal growth. You do not need to do Level 1 to do Level 2, as Level 2 is about understanding yourself and crystallising your own energy. You will learn more from these courses than reading a book as Yogi Bhajan would always say that knowledge only becomes wisdom when you experience it within yourself.

Kundalini Yoga Level 1

Kundalini Yoga Level 2: Authentic Relationships

Kundalini Yoga Level 2: Meditation and The Mind

Written by: Erin O’Hara

Power of Kundalini Mantras

We are creating with every word we speak and thought we think in our mind. The power of mantra is amazing to elevate your consciousness and balance the mind. Mantra is a key element used in Kundalini Yoga to alter patterns of the mind on a physical and metaphysical level. The sound vibrations of mantra have the ability to elevate or modify consciousness through their meaning and rhythmical repetition. 

All the mantras typically used in Kundalini Yoga are in Gurmukhi, a sacred Indian language, and occasionally, in English. By chanting mantra we invoke the positive vibrations of the mantra into our energy field. The science of mantra is based on the knowledge of sound vibrations. Sound vibrations affect our mind, body, and spirit through the movement of the tongue, the mouth, and the changes in the chemicals of the brain.

Yogi Bhajan described mantra as:

“By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound, or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words, as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you.”

Simply by chanting the mantras we are setting vibrations into motion that shall affect our mind, body, and infinite connection. Download the printable PDF to deepen your understanding of the most frequently used mantras in Kundalini Yoga.