AugMidMonthHi Everyone, We hope you're having a fun and inspired August! We're excited to announce our Fall New England Yoga Weekend (see below). Also, we received an e-mail recently (see below), which raises some very important points. Basically, is "karma," a valid philosophy, and are the rules of the game fair? These issues are especially relevant to all of us humans because we're all in the same boat crossing this world ocean, all looking for ways to survive and thrive.

"For good karma, don't harma."
~Ravi Singh

"As fire reduces wood to ashes, the blazing fire of Self-knowledge reduces all karma to ashes." ~Bhagavad Gita

"In disagreements with loved ones, only deal with the present. Do not bring up the past."
~Dalai Lama

Q: Hi Ana and Ravi,  First I would like to say that, like so many others, I have been tremendously helped by Kundalini yoga as you teach it in your DVDs. I have several of your DVD classes, and they are truly wonderful--thank you for your integrity, and for all of your efforts.
 
I am healing from severe trauma and PTSD, and as I'm sure you know, Kundalini yoga (and yoga in general) is brilliant in regards to healing this condition--I am so grateful for this practice. PTSD presents many challenges, but I persevere and know that, ultimately, I am overcoming the past.
 
My concern lies in this: as I have studied yogic philosophy I have encountered the teachings of karma--that what we suffer now we suffer because of past "debts". As a child, I was unfortunate in that I had some very dangerous family members who subjected both myself and others to traumas that I will not discuss here. I know myself to be a good person with a high capacity for love, gentleness and empathy. I also know that others who have suffered in my presence were good people who had deep kindness in them even in the face of terrible things.
 
I simply cannot accept that the sufferings that were visited upon me and these other poor souls were a result of "karma"; I cannot comprehend--or trust--a universe that would deliver "payback" to a three year old child. Yoga is a tremendous friend and refuge for me, but this concept of karma has been very wounding; I work every day to heal myself and my life (and all my good karma has given me tremendous blessings in all the healing I experience). But trauma has given me a great deal of suffering for a long time. To be told that I am suffering because of things that I have done in past lives is indescribably hurtful and discouraging. It does not help.
 
I am a strong minded person and can think for myself--I adhere to spiritual self-reliance, but up until now I have not had an opportunity to address this question to a yogi (or yogis), and I am wondering what your thoughts might be. I think this is an important topic to address, because culturally--and globally--traumatized people are severely marginalized. Those who have encountered abuse and disaster, particularly as children, tend to carry a tremendous amount of internal guilt. The concept of karma as a blanket explanation of how bad things happen to good people, I argue, is akin to blaming the victim and can be further traumatizing for the abused who are seeking healing and awakening. I do observe that we reap what we sow--of course we do. I also observe that the innocent (children, animals.. . . ) sometimes suffer at the hands of the deeply unenlightened.
 
If you would care to speak to this, I would be very curious to know your thoughts. Thank you for all the wonderful things you share, and for your beautiful DVD classes. Many blessings and Sat Nam,
 
A: Thanks for your thoughtful e-mail. The concepts you discussed are issues that many great thinkers wrestle with. The concept of karma is not a black and white proposition or a mandatory belief system for the practice of yoga.

To a large extent a good amount of the suffering in the world could be alleviated through the intervention, not of the Universe or a Higher Power, but of humanity working together. That might be the great lesson implicit in the way this world works. We are all connected and responsible for one another. Buddha sat under a tree and vowed to meditate until he was granted insight into the cause for suffering. The answer he received, that suffering is caused by desire (unsettled minds) is not meant to be taken as an ultimate answer, but as a general statement on the human condition. The fact remains that there is much pain and injustice which simply cannot be reconciled by any type of philosophy. One could talk about life lessons, and the growth of a soul, but the fact remains that pain hurts and all we can do is do our best to try to make a difference for ourselves and the world. We feel that Kundalini Yoga can foster the Awareness to help a person mitigate personal suffering and use their gifts to heal, uplift, and inspire. That Awareness can also help one see more deeply into the nature of things to gain some clarity and comfort with regard to the type of question you pose.

The theory of karma means for every action there is a reaction, equal and opposite. It presupposes that the circumstances we are born into, and to some extent what befalls us, are predicated on how we conducted ourselves in the past or in a past life. From our perspective as humans, it doesn't seem fair that innocent people (and other creatures), have to suffer. The fact is that the way the system is set up, dictates that pain in life is unavoidable because earth is the crucible of karma. Two universes coincide here: a predatory universe in which randomness rules, and a co-creative, joyful Universe, in which beauty and flow prevail. Which of these universes we inhabit is ultimately a choice one makes. Those who have come to realize that they have a say in the matter are truly blessed. Imagine a funnel. At the top our options seem endless but everything comes down to one thing. What we should be asking ourselves, is not whether that's a fact of life and existence, but to what extent it's possible to, in effect, get out of this world alive. That's the essence of all forms of Spiritual practice.

The Saints and Sages of the ages, out of compassion and as conduits of Source, have left a legacy of Teachings whereby the hard knocks of karma can be buffered for ourselves and all beings. The Teachings are as revolutionary and powerful as any invention, creation, or philosophy in the annals of humankind. Given what's at stake, they may be the most important.

buddha sunflowerA disciple once asked Buddha, "Sir, how long will it take me to clear my karma and attain liberation?" Buddha said, "Imagine a block of marble a mile square. Now imagine that once a year a bird flew over the top of it trailing a silk scarf. Imagine how long it would take for that huge block marble to disappear. That's block of marble represents the karma we've accumulated in this life and the ones before. Unceasing right action and perfect practice are required for this immense project. As you work on delivering yourself, seek to deliver all beings and life forms as well."

All of our options represent the calculus of karma. There are many things which can clear karma and generate blessings. These include living consciously,  and being respectful and compassionate in our dealings with others.

Again, Kundalini Yoga represents a body of Teaching which can turn personal pain into Infinite gain. One of the most powerful aspects of Kundalini Yoga are the Names of the Infinite (called mantras) which are special formulas which turn karma (personal debt) into Dharma (graceful existence). It turns out that the Hare Krishnas have been right all along. Who knew? Chanting and meditating on the Names of the Infinite represent one of the most powerful and enjoyable ways to send karma packing!


ana aprilSome Super Karma Burners

The Rewrite the Book of Your Life meditation (Trishula Kriya) on:
Kundalini Meditation for Beginners & Beyond

The meditation for emotional healing on Fat Free Yoga

 Navel Power  which is intrinsic to the ability to putting the brakes on and creating a new positive momentum in your life.

The Born Free and Purify Your Past segments on Kundalini Yoga Transformer Workout

The "Morning Call" Meditation on AM/PM Yoga (see meditation below).

also, Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond,
Yoga Cleanse,A Journey Through the Chakras
and of course So Darshan Chakra Kriya, a karma burner upper par excellence which is taught onYoga Bliss Hips, Yoga House Call, and Yoga Quick Fixes.
New England Yoga Weekend - Nov. 12 - 14

We loved the August retreat in GA! Walking from our cabin 3-4 times per day over the green rolling grounds to the yoga room. We especially loved meeting our AMAZING students along the way, and/or at meals! We loved the energy of the classes that continually took us all higher and inspired us to work harder and accomplish more than we prepared for each day! We loved the way Chef Willy masterfully prepared delish meals for us all whether we were veggies, rawies, fishies, whatever! We loved the fresh mountain air and again, we loved the opportunity that a few days together gives us to really get to know you guys!!

In fact, we had such an AMAZING time at that yoga retreat that we immediately got busy planning another! First of all, we weren't sure that we could find another retreat locale which would include all the nice touches: seriously comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, spacious yoga space, and startlingly fresh air of the last setting but yay we did it! Seriously, this place is amazing, it is very accessible yet a very private, woodsy area adjacent to State Forest with hiking trails, and 2 neighboring lakes. The vibe is very New Englandy, charming and rustic, and after doing loads of research and having lots of talks with the lovely sweet owners, who mentioned that the pretty Fall foliage lasts well into Nov. as well as the fabulous & fun town of Chester nearby, we have our hearts set on Guest House Retreat Center in CT!

The best thing about a Kundalini Yoga Retreat is that is is going to take you as you are, and lift you to somewhere you never knew you needed to be! If you are after some more peace in your life, some more will power, some transformational activity in body, mind, soul or circumstance, this is an opportunity to get a flying start into a higher echelon of being!

The cost for this whole event (2 nights accommodation, including meals) $600 (double room occupancy). First dibs will go to those of you who come with someone or are willing to room with someone (rooms are SPACIOUS, each with a private bathroom). The first yoga session will be Friday Nov. 12th at 4p.m. There will be a before bed talk and meditation on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as two yoga sessions on Saturday, as well as a yoga session on Sunday morning. The session on Sunday will end at noon.

Our last retreat sold out pretty quickly and we can only accept 35 people so don't delay! To register, please call us at 212.982.5518 or e-mail us at ravianayoga@aol.com. Registration will require a non-refundable $350 deposit to hold your space. We can accept payment via credit card or paypal (ravianayoga@aol.com). Also, those who attend will accrue 15 hours towards our 200 hr. Yoga Alliance Teacher Training certification. We look forward to seeing you there!

Morning Call Meditation

Meditation POseThe mantra for this powerful meditation is:

Ek Ong Kar
Sat Nam
Siri Wahay Guru

which means:

One Infinite Creator.
My True Identity.
Indescribable is That Wisdom.
There are no words for this Ecstasy.

Sit with a straight spine. Focus your gaze to the Third Eye. inhale deeply and chant Ek (vibrate the first chakra), Onnnng (2nd chakra), Kar (3rd chakra). Inhale again and chant: Sat (vibrate sternum), Naaaaam (vibrate throat). Take a half breath and chant Siri (vibrate Third Eye), Hey (Vibrate top of head), Guruuuuu (above top of head). Really work it and become the sounds. Time Open. It's said that if a person practices this for 40 days, for 2.5 hours per day. starting pre-dawn, and does it with conscious devotion, they will be "liberated." Overall, this will raise your consciousness and keep you uplifted so that, if done as part of your morning practice you can live your day(s) in a graceful way.

This is one of the first meditations which Yogi Bhajan taught when he came here in 1969. In honor of his birthday on August 26th, it has become tradition for Kundalini Yogis worldwide to do this for 2.5 hrs. on that day starting at 3:30 a.m. EST.
We wish you an exhilarating, fun, and joyful rest of August!

beginersAll Best, Ana Brett & Ravi Singh
www.raviana.com / ravianayoga@aol.com

Disclaimer: The advice we give is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise program or nutritional protocol