Simply stated, Kundalini Yoga makes everything you do better. I feel blessed to share it with others as a Teacher and now through Kundalink.com with the products that we sell. Kundalink aims to raise the bar on quality products for a quality life.
Blogalini was born in order to tell everyone about it.
I just returned from Summer Solstice in Ram Das Puri...in the hot, arid and profoundly powerful mountains above Espanola, New Mexico. This year, along with 2000+ like minded souls, we meditated, did yoga, hung out, did three days of White Tantric Yoga, broke through obstacles, explored new territory, dispelled fears, conquered demons, and had a really good time together. New friends, old friends, true friends. These photographs were all taken by Elena Tchoujtchenko. She took many more as well as video footage, but these photographs include me, a portion of me, or Kundalink and so I wanted to share them with you on Blogalini.
Kundalini Yoga is about angles and triangles.
Truly beautiful . This is Tantric Hill where I pitched my tent.
Early morning after sadhana, Gurdwara and Yogi Tea. Facing East, the sun on my eyelids.
Jai Gopal invited me to sit on the stage and teach with him. That was so much fun!!
And here I am teaching my own class at 7am ...one of my favorite sets, Coordinating Mind, Body, and Soul.
And the Gong relaxation afterwards...
Infinite Goddess Haridass Kaur's husband, Siri Karta Singh and I at our centrally located and shared uber table...and I was completely color coordinated unbeknownst to me.
after the 2 1/2 hour blind walk, Nampreet and I give the VICTORY SIGN
There was no room but to do cobra in mid air with Elena
Harnek wearing a Guru Nanak tee shirt during Harijiwan's class on the last day...
Elena, filmmaker extraordinaire, great friend, tantric partner, and the very best driver in the universe.
Jasdeep
Jaijot - great and luminous friend enjoys her first Summer Solstice!!!!!!
In the mid-1970s, a group of Hopis took Yogi Bhajan into the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico near the town of Española and gestured toward the vast wilderness that stretched out for miles. The elders explained that for a hundred thousand years, huge spiritual gatherings took place over a vast territory stretching from what is now New Mexico, south to Mexico, and east to Missouri. They told Yogi Bhajan that these spiritual gatherings took place once every 108 years and the last one had taken place 2000 years ago...around the time the forces of darkness appeared.
The Hopi elders went on to tell Yogi Bhajan that it had been foreseen that just before the forces of darkness reached their full power, a white-clad warrior from the East would arrive and create a white-clad army to protect the Unified Supreme Spirit. Since Yogi Bhajan was the white-clad warrior they were talking about, the Hopis entrusted him with the duty of keeping and protecting the Unified Supreme Spirit on this sacred land. Yogi Bhajan had celebrated the summer soltice in many different locations, but he was looking for one place where the students could return to year after year. In 1976, 3HO Foundation bought the parcel of land that the Hopis had recommended, and Yogi Bhajan named it Ram Das Puri that came to be known as Guru Ram Das Puri.
The Summer Solstice celebration is a great opportunity for many things; to deepen your practice, to be with your spiritual family, to serve, and to live close to this sacred earth. There are several ways to experience this living close to this sacred earth...and one way is to camp. Camping may not be for everyone, but I have camped the 5 years I've gone and I think I've learned a few things which I wanted to share. This is just my personal experience, but it might help others as they start to prepare for the Summer Solstice experience in the high desert.
1. CAMPING
The first year I thought, that all I needed was a very small and light tent to sleep in. NOT!LET ME TELL YOU THAT YOU SHOULD GET A TENT THAT YOU CAN STAND UP IN. It doesn't have to be the size of a one bedroom apartment, but you should be able to stand up in it. My first year I couldn't stand up and I was changing my clothes in a crow squat. It was light to carry, easy to assemble, and basically disposable. And I did dispose of it because it was useless. The second year, I bought a larger, more commodious tent with better construction. THERE IS WEATHER THERE, SO MAKE SURE YOUR TENT IS WATERPROOF and sturdy enough to withstand rain and wind. A FEW YEARS AGO WE HAD FEROCIOUS WINDS; A STRONG TENT IS A MUST IF YOU WANT TO HAVE SOMEWHERE TO SLEEP. Some people came back from events on the site only to find their tents collapsed or if there's rain, their belongings sopping wet. This is avoidable...so I say,
Invest in a decent tent that is waterproof and large enough to stand up in. (REI,TARGET,COSTCO all have good tents)There are other more expensive tents out there but these stores carry good strong tents at a fair price. You can also check Amazon.com. Another year I bought one of those gigantic tents that sleeps 16. It was nice to have all that "space", but I basically used 1/2 of it.
2. CLOTHING
Bring clothing that is easy to wash by hand, layer-able, and warm. It can get both very cold and very hot. If you are there for a while, you'll need to wash your clothes....which you'll probably wash by hand and hang up on a line or a tree. Bring lots of t shirts, comfortable pants, etc. for yoga practice, serving and "playing". Bring something to wash them with. I BRING DR. BRONNERS LIQUID SOAP BECAUSE I USE IT FOR BODY SOAP, SHAMPOO, AND LAUNDERING.
3. WEATHER
Be prepared for the rain: waterproof tent with rain flap. A portable, foldable rain coat or poncho is a good thing to have just in case. If you don't like to walk in the rain, bring an umbrella. Be prepared for high winds. Make sure your tent is secured and tied down and not in an exposed area where it might fall prey to high winds from all directions.As I said before, a good strong tent is worth the investment.
4. FIRST AID
There is a first aid building on the property which is well stocked with things for minor pain and discomfort, sunburn, scrapes and abrasions, etc. There are doctors and nurses on staff for anything more serious. SO IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED, BRING IT. IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A FIRST AID KIT OF YOUR OWN....don't forget your prescription medication or supplements that you are used to taking. If you have a way to handle muscle pain (narayan oil, arnica, traumeel, ben gay, etc. for example) bring that with you. You can get narayan oil - i swear by it - at Ancient Healing Ways.
There are massage therapists, chiropractors, healers offering their services in the bazaar tent so you can handle most minor injuries or discomfort for a reasonable fee. Just remember to bring what you think you might need based on your past experiences.
5) EATING AND DRINKING
Bring water bottles, hot bottle for yogi tea, eating utensils, a plate (reg food) and bowl(soup). You can pick these things up at places like Costplus, an Army/Navy store or Target. You'll be washing your own plates and utensils at every meal. There are water dispensaries all over the site which includes electrolyte water, too. You don't need to bring dishwashing soap...they have it at the dishwashing station.
6. FOOTWEAR
The terrain is rough and dry and while flip flops might be ideal for going to and from the shower area, your feet are going to get beat up. Trust me. If you are the slip-on, slip-off kind of person that I am, I like to use keen-type sandals which are waterproof, easy to get in and out of, offer support, and cover the toes (if you choose). I got mine at REI and it'll be another year I'll be wearing them all the time... if you know what you want, you can go to Zappos and get them for less money. I wear the Venice H2.....and the Daytona...both EXCELLENT CHOICES FOR SOLSTICE! While we're on the subject of feet, there is a foot therapy station at Solstice...
...and I highly recommend bringing BANDAIDS, FOOTCREAM, etc. because I can guarantee that your feet will get DRY. REALLY DRY.
7. WAKING UP-
Bring a battery operated alarm clock (and batteries). Even though every morning at 3am before sadhana, Guru Singh and his band of 20-60 merry people walk through the camp sites starting at around 3 singing "RISE UP"...you still may want a back up plan.
8. TOILETRIES:
SUNSCREEN, LIP BALM, SKIN LOTIONS, TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE. BRING YOUR OWN TOWELS AND WHATEVER ELSE YOU NEED TO STAY GORGEOUS AND HAPPY ON YOUR TRIP IN THE HIGH DESERT. OH DON'T FORGET THE Q-TIPS.
10. THERE IS NO HOT WATER. COLD SHOWERS. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE COLD SHOWERS.If you are not used to taking cold showers, now is a good time to practice it. By the time you get to solstice, you'll be a pro.
11. SADHANA
Sheepskin, yoga mat, warm blanket, and a hoodie or something warm for morning sadhana. Some people take their entire bedding to the tent! It's pretty cold when you start but you warm up pretty quickly after you start doing yoga at 4 am.
12. THE SUN IS STRONG
Bring a hat to protect you head from the sun unless you wear a headcovering. And Don't forget the sunscreen...
13. NIGHTTIME
Bring the following for a comfortable nights sleep: SLEEPING BAG, WARM BEDDING, YOUR PILLOW, SLEEPING PAD OR AIR MATRESS OR COT. IF YOU BRING AN AIR MATRESS, TRY TO GET ONE THAT HAS A BATTERY OPERATED BUILT IN AIR PUMP. (otherwise you'll be dragging it around all the time to electrical sources to refill it)
14. EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Bring a bathing suit just in case. Some people go down the hill to the hot springs and you might, too.
15.EVERYTHING IN ONE PLACE
Bring a bag to carry around your stuff. Of course you can buy a KundaBag or yoga tote at the Kundalink.com table in the Bazaar if you don't get one on line NOW....
16) BE THE LIGHT
Bring a flashlight OR one of these head lamps. If I have to recommend something that I couldn't do without, I would say it was one of these. I USE THE HEADLAMPBECAUSE WHEN I WALK TO THE BATHROOM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I AM CARRYING THINGS TO THE BATHROOM, I NEED MY HANDS and you might, too! Highly recommended.
17. PARTY TIME
On the 3HO website, they suggested bringing one or two dressy outfits for social events, but i have to say, this is not really necessary. It's pretty casual.
18. EXTRA PROTECTION
Bring a hooded windbreaker or hoodie... layers of clothing is the best way to go. I rarely wore socks although they can be helpful in the early morning chill.
AND if you need to charge your ipod or iphone or cellular, there's a charging station and you can plug in from time to time. I can tell you that you won't be using your phone very much, or at least much less that usual. The reception has been intermittent in the past. Wonder how it's going to be this year?#$!!
19. KEEP IT CLEAN
A "DOORMAT". SOME HEAVY TOWEL OR SHOWER MAT SO THAT YOU CAN WIPE YOUR FEET OFF BEFORE YOU ENTER YOUR TENT. JUST A THOUGHT....
20. TRAVEL LIGHT
The best advice I can give you is to travel light. You should be able to fit everything in a duffle bag and a medium suitcase. Try to keep your things to a minimum....and make sure you have enough clothes to layer and keep in rotation, comfortable shoes, comfortable bedding, and a tent that you can stand up in. You won't believe how helpful, generous and friendly everyone is and if you need something, if someone there doesn't have it, you can always go down the hill into "civilization" and buy it.
21.SHOW ME THE MONEY!
Bring some money because you can get some fantastic products at the bazaar.... many vendors take credit cards and checks, but cash is always nice!!! see you there! www.kundalink.com
22) AND IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE EK ONG KAR'S (ELENA's)
I hope that this list has been helpful....if you have any questions, just write to me on the blog. Don't forget to go to KUNDALINK.COM and check out our wonderful products...most of which will be much appreciated during Summer Solstice.
I'M ALSO TEACHING AT SUMMER SOLSTICE ON SUNDAY JUNE 21ST AT 2:00 IN THE AFTERNOON!!!!
Embarking upon living a creative life one must live fearlessly. Fear is the biggest “buzz-kill” out there. It inhibits accessing your highest potential, keeps you from tapping into the most productive thought streams, has the potential to destroy and limit your personal and professional relationships and in general, just shuts you down. The pressure buildup, a result of worry and fear, is alleviated when you rid yourself of subconscious fears and reside in your truth.
Did you know that now until May 17, if you put EAGLEROCK in the discount box, you'll get a 10% discount of just about ALL KUNDALINK products? Well, that's the truth Ruth! We're gearing up for Summer Solstice and you're probably gearing up too. You'll need lots of things for camping and living on the land of Ram Das Puri, but you're going to also need some white cotton clothing that not only is easy to clean and breathes, but increases your aura by 1 1/2 feet! That's right. White natural fiber clothing gives you an auric advantage.
This is the explanation that Yogi Bhajan gave as an answer to a question about the wearing of white natural fiber clothing taken from The Beads of Truth from Spring 1981:
"We wear white because it's a simple scientific fact that every piece of matter or material has a foot and a half aura. Every animal has a three and a half foot aura. Every human has a nine foot aura. And if we wear the cotton and we wear the white, this color therapy gives us one extra foot of aura. So, I trust my students will behave right, but in case they behave like animals, they will still have a margin, an edge. And that is what it's all about. You have to wear a natural fiber and you have to wear white. It's a pure color therapy and it's called auric color therapy" If you haven't tried wearing white, you should try it. It makes you feel good.
And you'll get that extra edge to "cover" you....just in case. When I started to wear white, I noticed a vast improvement in how I felt, how much energy I had, and the way people reacted to my presence. Of course I wear it when I teach, but out and about I noticed a significant change in how I felt.
Our 100% cotton clothing is made of the finest cotton jersey that has been knit especially for us in Los Angeles and we fabricate here in Pasadena. Everything is inspected and packaged here in Eagle Rock so that you get exactly what you ask for. When we dye our clothes, each batch is hand done which is why we charge a little extra for our colors.
EVERYONE loves our head covers because they are comfortable and easy to wear. They are cut and sewn to the right length and width to cover most heads and they are made from cotton jersey so that little stretch makes them stay on your head....even in the most rigorous yoga exercise. They are reasonably priced and we have three styles to choose from....Kundawrap, EZ wrap (less fabric with cap in the middle) and the Kundabini.
So if you are starting to plan for solstice, consider Kundalink.com. Of course, we'll have a table at the bazaar as always, but why don't you start to wear your Kundalink clothes NOW? We also have choice CDs and DVDs, books and manuals, Yoga Art, Tantric necklaces, and a handful of hand-picked personal and body products. Each and every product we sell gets my personal stamp of approval!!!!
Have fun and be healthy! And stay tuned for our RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLSTICE BLOG which I send out every year in May.
Nobody breaks it down for you like my teacher, Harijiwan. Visit his website for more inspiring videos, information on upcoming workshops, trainings, and weekly classes.
You are probably all familiar with my dear friend, Ek Ong Kar's (Elena Tchoujtchenko's) dynamic and heartfelt Solstice videos which have won Sikhnet awards and the attention of everyone in our community. Her beautiful Teacher Training videos are instructional as they are inspirational. All of her films invite so many beautiful souls to study the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and to pursue a path in Kundalini Yoga.
A Kickstarter campaign is for creative individuals who have specific projects they would like to see to fruition. Through Ek Ong Kar's devotion to the teachings, she has been able to document the lifestyles of many students and teachers of Kundalini Yoga. Over time she has witnessed tremendous growth, change and a blossoming which she is intending to depict in this film. Many of her films were created as a labor of love and also with the generous support of the 3HO's Summer Solstice Work-Study program.
You can read all about Ek Ong Kar (Elena) and her project, "WA-HE-GU-RU"(in the attached link) which needs to be fully funded within a certainamount of time. If the campaign funds ($16,000) are not collected in full by the deadline, not only will the project not get off the ground,but the donations toward the project will not be charged to your credit card.
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