LEVERS & The Spine

The SPINE:

Curvatures of the spine (complement each other like inhalation and exhalation. It is therefore important to maintain the curvature of the spine).-otherwise functional imbalance, AGE-increases of decreases curvature due to gravity.

1. Cervical (concave)
2. Thoracic (convex)
3. Lumbar (concave)
4. Sacral (convex)

MAXIMIZING THE BENEFITS OF MOVEMENT AND BREATHING

1. Make the exhalation long emphasizing abdominal muscle contraction (steps)
1. Contraction of the lower abdomen
2. Upper part of the abdomen contracts
3. Chest relaxes only at the end of the exhalation
2. Inhalation is about expansion of the chest then down to the abdomen. Do not push the abdomen outward this will increase the curvature in the spine.

-Twisting and the spine (upward movement)

-Backbending and the spine (No lower back compression)

-Forward bending and the spine (belly lengthening)

-BASE/ROOT/GROUNDING

3. breathing can intensify a movement and get you deeper into a posture
1. holding: move deeper, intensify your breath
2. releasing, moving, relax your breath
3. inhale release a bit, exhale draws you deeper

MENTAL STEADINESS & BREATH (reducing rajas and tamas and increasing sattva)

a.     mental focus (Movement of the body or the flow of the breath, drishti)

b.     start your breath before you begin your motion (don’t move when breath is held) Maximizes the SUPPORT of the posture

c.     breath can exceed the movement in some cases

BIOMECHANICS OF ASANA

v gravity and muscle contraction

v muscle contraction occurs at the origin and insertion of the muscle

v Extension arises from external forces of pulling. Muscles cannot pull themselves, they can only push (contract)

v LEVER SYSTEMS (most movement of the body)

                                               i.     Fulcrum: point around which the rotation takes place

                                             ii.     Force: effort

                                            iii.     Weight: load

First order lever: Fulcrum between the effort and the load (E-F-L)

Second order lever: Load between the effort and the fulcrum (E-L-F)---mechanical advantage is favorable (door with hand away from hinges

Third order lever: Effort between the fulcrum and the load (F-E-L)---most parts of the body. The point of attachment of the muscles to the rigid bones (effort) is relatively close to the joint (fulcrum). The center of gravity determines the degree of load. (distal=larger, proximal=smaller)-load is further away from the fulcrum than the effort (insertion point of muscle). ENABLE GREATEST RANGE OF MOVEMENT

WORK = force exerted + distance of movement

If load is closer to the fulcrum the work to lift it is less, but it will move a smaller distance and visa versa (door example-3^rd order-hand close to hinges)

Muscles usually have to contract with greater force than the weight of the load because of this third order construction of the fulcrum of the body. SACRIFICE OF STRENGTH FOR A GREATER RANGE OF MOVEMENT.---in asana we alter the amount of load  and the distance of the load from the joint to create certain effects in movement (or emphasize them).

TORQUE (movement of force on joints which causes rotation and therefore movement)

How much force is necessary to cause an object to rotate. Body movement are mostly the function of the rotation of joints. For movement to occur torque (exerted effort) must exceed the load which includes the weight of our body and gravity. (and maybe a counterforce).

Torque must be applied in the proper direction: THE ANGLE OF THE APPLICATION OF FORCE IS VERY IMPORTANT.

---the larger the angles in the body (which to a great extent are pre-dertermined by our joint structure, the greater the effort, because the torque in minimal.

ASANA & LEVERS

a.     The further the load is from the joint, the greater the effort (force)

b.     Uttanassan-effort is greatest at 90 degree angle with arms extended and then load arm is longest

CENTER OF GRAVITY & SIZE OF BASE

Wider is less load, more difficult torque

A first-class lever has the axis (fulcrum) located between the weight (resistance) and the force (figure 1.21a). An example of a first-class lever is a pair of pliers or scissors. First-class levers in the human body are rare. One example is the joint between the head and the first vertebra (the atlantooccipital joint) (figure 1.21b). The weight (resistance) is the head, the axis is the joint, and the muscular action (force) come from any of the posterior muscles attaching to the skull, such as the trapezius.

In a second-class lever, the weight (resistance) is located between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (figure 1.22a). The most obvious example is a wheelbarrow, where a weight is placed in the bed of the wheelbarrow between the wheel (axis) and the hands of the person using the wheelbarrow (force). In the human body, an example of a second-class lever is found in the lower leg when someone stands on tiptoes (figure 1.22b). The axis is formed by the metatarsophalangeal joints, the resistance is the weight of the body, and the force is applied to the calcaneus bone (heel) by the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles through the Achilles tendon.

In a third-class lever, the most common in the human body, force is applied between the resistance (weight) and the axis (fulcrum) (figure 1.23a). Picture someone using a shovel to pick up an object. The axis is the end of the handle where the person grips with one hand. The other hand, placed somewhere along the shaft of the handle, applies force. At the other end of the shovel (the bed), a resistance (weight) is present. There are numerous third-class levers in the human body; one example can be illustrated in the elbow joint (figure 1.23b). The joint is the axis (fulcrum). The resistance (weight) is the forearm, wrist, and hand. The force is the biceps muscle when the elbow is flexed.

Tantric Texts & The 5 Keys

SHIVA SAMHITA:
KUMBAKAS should be practiced four times a day...dawn midday, sunset midnight

this will lead to nadi purification after four months

when through application of practice of kumbackas, the yogi can hold his breath for one darna, he should them use the syllable of Om to destroy the groups of karma. the yogi should prepare his body in such a way that he can experience the results of his karma. 

4 postures

banhdas/mudraswhich bear fruit

• mahabandha
• mahamudra 
• vedha
• yonimudra
• padmasana

kekchari mudra

vajroli mudra

• good for householder
• first the wise yogi should carefully and correctly draw up through his urethra the generative fluid from a woman's vagina and make it enter his body
• after awakening his semen, he should start to move his penis.
• if by chance his semen should move upwards it can be stopped with the YONI MUDRA
• he should draw his semen onto the left side, remove his penis from the vagina for a moment, and then start having intercourse again
• following his gurus instructions, the yogi should draw up hgis apana wind and with the sound hum hum forcibly extract the generative fluid from the yoni
• know semen to be lunar and the generative fluid to be solar
• one should strive to combine them both in ones own body I am semen, the goddess is the generative fluid, when both are combined, the body of the practicing yogi is devine
• death arises through the falling of semen, life when it is retained, therefore, one should do ones ut,most to retain ones semen

sahajoli and amaroli

• if his semen should accidentally enter the vagina, then the resultant combination of the moon and the sun is called amaroli and he should suck it up throuhgh his uretha.
• practice by holding back urine and then letting it go bit by bit
• 
  

when his semen moves, the yogi should restrain it with yoni mudra. this us called sahajoli mudra

Nada:
when the yogi concentrates on that sound and remains deeply immersed in it, there arises success in layla

when the mind of the yogi is completely at rest in that nada, he forgets everything outside of him and finds peace together with the nada

there is no asana like siddha, no force like breath retention, no mudra like kekchari, and no layla like nada

Visualization:
when the yogi visualizes the eye of shiva, as an aperture in his skull, then there arises a shining light as brilliant as a ball of lightening . then when the wise man continually performs this visualization, he is sure to see and speak with the adepts

The yoni is brilliant with white light and contains four syllables starting with va and ending with sa (va sha, ca, sa) and has four petals. Above that is a sparkling light taught to be the wandering bija of kama (desire)

...

Gheranda Samhita
The seven means of PERFECTION of the body.
purification, strength, steadiness,calmness, lightness, realization, and abstraction are the seven means of perfecting the body
the six cleansing techniques bring about purification and asanas bring about strength; mudras bring about steadiness and pratyahara brings about calmness.From pranayama lightness arises and fron dhyana realization of the self. Through samadhi arises abstraction and liberation itself; in this there is no doubt.

6 cleansing:
dauti, basti, neti, trataka, kapalabhati

32 postures

Mudras:
Nabhomudra
wherever the yogi may be, he should always, in everything he does, be sure to keep the tongue turned upward and constantly hold the breath.
Mulabanda:
the yogi should apply pressure to the perineum with his left heel and carefully push the navel plexus against the spine. he should tightly press the penis with the right heel. This mudra destroys decrepitude and is called mulabandha
Mahabanda
with the ankle of his left foot the wise yogi shoul block the anus, and with the right foot he shouls carefully press down on the left ankle. he should slowly move his heelabout, gently contract the perieum and hold the breath in jalandharabandha. This is called mahabandha
Mahavedha
assume mahabandha and hold the breath while applying uddiyanabhanda. This is aclled mahavedha.

mulabandha and mahabandha without mahavedha are like the beauty, youth and charm of a woman without a man.

kekchari
the yogi should regularly cut the tendon beneath the tongue and move the tongue about. he should milk it with fresh butter and pull it with iron tongs. By regular practice in this way, the tongue becomes long. When it reaches between the eyebrows, kekchari is perfected.
gently insert the tongue into the base on the palate. when the tongue is turned back into the cavity of the skull and the gaze is directed between the eyebrows, that is KEKCHARIMUDRA

Viparitakarani mudra (shoulderstand)

YONIMUDRA
having drawn in prana with repeated applications of KAKIMUDRA, he should then join it with apana and meditate on the six chakras in succession. Using the mantra HUM and HAMSA, the wise yogi should bring the sleeping serpent goddess to consciousness and raise her, together with jiva to the highest lotus.

having himself now become made of AHAKTI, he should visualize supreme union with SHIVA, as well as various pleasures, enjoyment and ultimate bliss.

VAJROLIMUDRA
boat pose with hands on the ground
  

BODY MUDRAS

Mudra

Mudra is a Sanskrit term that describes the category of hand gestures used,especially during on, to facilitate the balancing of a person's vital energy. The mudra is a gentle form of self-energy balancing or self-pranic healing. The positions of the hand digits direct the life energy (vital energy, prana).So the subtle pressure from the digits balances the body as does self. As you practice with mudras, you will sense the energy flow. Usually it will feel like buzzing from your fingers. It may be a sensation of numbness, hot, or cold as well.You may also think of mudra as a hand gesture version of positive mental affirmation. So you may use the mudra with your meditation practice to increase the effectiveness of your meditation. You may, as well, practice the mudra throughout the day to balance your energy flow, thereby working to improve your total wellbeing. In summary, the performance of mudras is an alternative wellness energy balancing methodology that has no ill effects, costs nothing to do, can be very effective, is easy to perform.

Ahamkara mudra

This mudra is used to strengthen self-confidence and assertiveness. It is a helpful mudra to practice for those of us who are timid, fearful, or introverted. Remember yoga is about moderation. We do not want to eliminate completely aspects of ourselves. There are times when expression of the ego are necessary and this mudra helps us to strengthen our ego while helping us to express it appropriately.

The tip of the thumb is brought to the first joint of the index finger and the hand is help palm side up. The forefinger therefore extends beyond the thumb(the symbol of God) , facilitating the development of the Jupiter(the forefinger represents Jupiter) energy of expansion and ego personality.

Buddhi mudra

This mudra is an enlightenment gesture that works to blend the spiritual energies and the ego. It quiets the mind and regenerates the neuro-biochemical system. So this is an excellent mudra for those of us who are: having trouble sleeping; are too wound up; have manic episodes (this mudra is not intended to replace comprehensive medical care); experiencing complete hormonal collapse(such as hypo- or hyper- throidism, adult-onset diabetes); are depressed.

Although one generally performs mudras with both hands, this is one mudra that requires both hands being used at the same time for the mudra. Both hands are facing palm up. The backs of the fingers are placed so that they are touching. The forefingers of each hand are brought to each thumb and form the Om mudra placement while the remaining fingers gently touch each other while being held in a relaxed fashion.

Cup mudra

This mudra focuses on helping you balance your right-left energies. It promotes balance of the male-female energies. This mudra is almost always utilized with the hatha yoga meditative poses.

This is another two hand mudra. The palms are facing upward with the thumbs touching each other at the tips. Then one set of fingers is placed on top of the other set of fingers. The order is to match the yoga asana. You would place the right hand on top of the left hand if the right leg is on top of the left leg and vice-versa.

Gnana mudra

This mudra promotes the development of wisdom while quieting the ego. In a way it is the opposite of the Ahmakara mudra. It is ,therefore, helpful for those of us who are very strong with ego development and may be overly aggressive in our day to day activities.

The performance of this mudra is as you would think. The tip of the thumb passes the tip of the forefinger. The tip of the forefinger is brought to the first joint of the thumb.

Gomukha mudra

Like the Cup mudra, this mudra is used with primarily the meditative poses. It is different in that the focus of this mudra is the balance of the physical body and the mind, rather than the right-left energies.

The palms face upward and the thumbs and fingers interlock. The right thumb represents the body and the left thumb represents the mind. While performing this mudra, you may change the position of the thumbs so that the tips touch each other or alternate the interlock so that the thumbs alternate being on top. If you want to use only one position, use the position that feels most awkward. The awkwardness indicates the need for balance by using this position.

Namaste mudra

This mudra indicates respect and humility. It is used often as a greeting to others. The greeting indicates that your soul bows to the other persons. It is similar to the head bow in that aspect.

This is performed by placing the palms together with the fingers extended and the thumbs next to each other. The arms are bent and the hands are placed at heart level. This positioning of hands and arms is often used by Christians as they take communion.

Om Mudra

This hand gesture is performed by bringing the ends of the thumb and forefinger together while having the palms face up.

This is intended to blend the life forces to balance and to bring you closer to real time peacefulness.

Prithvi mudra

This mudra is used to give stability. It is used to maximize the beneficent effects of Saturn. This mudra is excellent to use when you are feeling scattered or out of control of your life.

First perform the Om mudra(bring the forefinger and thumb tips together with palms upward). Then turn the mudra downward, so that the palms are facing downward. Sometimes the fingers are separated at this time. Again work the position that feels most awkward.

Shanti mudra

This mudra is a healing mudra. I use it as part of my pranic healing sessions to balance the affected person?s energies. Yogis also use this mudra to bless their food before they eat it to strengthen the positivity of the meal.

The mudra is performed by placing the middle finger(Saturn finger) on the fingernail of the index finger(Jupiter finger).

Yoni mudra

This mudra is used as part of the concentration practices.It helps you focus on your inner being by blocking off the access to the external environment with your fingers covering your openings. To perform this mudra you place your thumbs over your ears,index fingers over closed eyelids(at the base of the eyeball),middle fingers at the nostrils,little fingers at the lower lips. The fingers are over the sense organ openings gently. This is an advanced mudra. Historically, if this is practiced with too much force on the sense organs, you can light the energy fire too quickly and cause mental imbalance. So, work with this mudra only after you have worked with pranayama for several months to years.

Bandha Mudras=BODY MUDRAS

In addition to the hand mudras, muscular contractions(bandha mudras) can be performed with the hatha yoga asana routines to strengthen the energy balancing effects of the postures and hand mudras. Different Sanskrit sources list different bandha mudras. The most frequently described bandha mudras are the following: maha mudra; nabho mudra; maha bandha; maha vedha mudra; khechari mudra; viparita karani mudra; yoni mudra; vajrali(vajroli)mudra; shakti chalani(chalana) mudra; tadagi(tadava) mudra;manduki(mandavi) mudra;shambhavi mudra; ashvini mudra; pashini mudra; kaki mudra; matangi mudra; bhujangini mudra; panchadharana[parthiva, ambhavi, vaishvanari, vayavi,akashi]; mula bandha; jalandara bandha; uddiyana bandha. A note of caution: Bandha mudras are generally considered to be intermediate to advanced practices of yoga.

Maha Mudra

Method- Gently using the left heel to press between the external genitalia and anus. Spread the right leg and hold the foot with both hands. Close the nine openings of the body. Press the chin against the chest and practice breath control. Repeat using the right heel and spreading the left leg. Practice this bandha mudra bilaterally in rounds of three.

Purpose- The benefits of this mudra include: strengthening the effects of any hatha yoga routine practiced with this mudra; softening of the five klesha of men ignorance(avidya), excessive ego(asmita), desire or attachment(raga),enmity(dvesha), fear of death(abhinivesha); according to Sanskrit sources the physical health problems of enlarged spleen, fistulas,leprosy, urinary tract disorders.

The Five Keys, Mantra, Mudra & Pranayama

The Five Keys:

• psychic breath (pranayama)
  
• psychic passage (nadis & shushumna=movement of prana)
• cosmic sounds discovered in the higher states of meditation
• can perceive more sounds when we get into deeper states of consciousness
• every mantra has six parts:
• rishi (sage)
• meter
• ishta devata (deity)
• bija (seed)
• shakti (energy)=mantra is charged with prana shakti
• kilaka (pin)= unplugs the consciousness (chaitanya)

• There is an intrinsic relationship between sound and energy
• MANTRA SIDDHI: can affect people with your chanting (if you are an adept)
• mantra in pranayama
• create rhythm and balance in pranayama
• om /sohum
• all purpose
• gayatri (ideal breathing pattern in pranayama)
• represents the duration of one inhalation
• retention: repeat mantra twice
• exhalation: repeat mantra twice
  
• bija 
• only under the instruction of a guru to open chakras
  

• psychic centers (chakra=opening & balancing)
  
• psychic sound (mantra=chanting)
  
• psychic symbols (yantra=visualization)
  

HASTA MUDRAS

A gesture or position, usually of the hands, that locks and guides energy flow and reflexes to the brain. By curling, crossing, stretching and touching the fingers and hands, we can talk to the body and mind as each area of the hand reflexes to a certain part of the mind or body.

(In each mudra, exert enough pressure to feel the flow of energy through the "nadis" (psychic channels) up the arms but not enough to whiten fingertips).

GUYAN MUDRA: The tip of the thumb touches the tip of the index finger, stimulating knowledge and ability. The index finger is symbolized by Jupiter, and the thumb represents the ego. Guyan Mudra imparts receptivity & calm.

ACTIVE GUYAN MUDRA: The first joint of the index finger is bent under the first joint of the thumb, imparting active knowledge.

SHUNI MUDRA: Tip of middle finger (symbolized by Saturn) touches the tip of the thumb, giving patience.

SURYA or RAVI MUDRA: Tip of the ring finger (symbolized by Uranus or the Sun) touches the tip of the thumb, giving energy, health and intuition.

BUDDHI MUDRA: Tip of little finger (Mercury) touches tip of thumb for clear and intuitive communication.

VENUS LOCK: Interlace fingers with left little finger on the bottom, with the right index finger on top for men and the left for women. The Venus mounds at the base of the thumbs are pressed together channeling sensuality and sexuality, and glandular balance, helping to focus and concentrate.

JUPITER MUDRA: (below right). With the the two index fingers together, the power of Jupiter, or good luck and expansion is activated. Together they focus your energy to break through barriers.

PRAYER MUDRA: Palms are pressed together, neutralizing and balancing yin & yang, for centering.

BEAR GRIP: Left palm faces out from body with thumb down, and right palm faces body, thumb up, and fingers are curled and hooked together to stimulate the heart and intensify concentration.

BUDDHA MUDRA: Right hand rests on left for men, left on right for women, palms up, thumbs tips touching each other in a receptive gesture.

BHANDAS

Body locks or muscular contractions applied for the retention and channeling of Prana.

The principle ones are:

MULABHANDA: Mulbhand or Root Lock is the most frequently applied. It is performed in three steps (quickly & smoothly with practice) by first contracting the anal sphincter, drawing it in and up (as if trying to hold back a bowel movement), then drawing up the sex organ (so that the urethral tract is contracted). Lastly, pull the navel point by drawing the lower abdomen back towards the spine. This is applied with breath held (in or out), and helps unite the two major energy flows, prana and apana, generating psychic heat which triggers the release of Kundalini energy, and often ends an asana or exercise.

UDDIYANA BHANDA: Diaphragm Lock is applied by lifting the diaphragm high up into the thorax while pulling the upper abdominal muscles back towards the spine, creating a cavity, and giving a gentle massage to the heart muscles. It helps to move and transform pranic energy up to the neck region, stimulates the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the brain and develops a sense of compassion. Can give new youthfulness to the entire body. It is normally applied with the breath held out. In Laya yoga, the rhythmic application of this lock achieves the highest effects of chanting.

JALANDHARA BHANDA: Neck Lock or Chin Lock is used during all chanting meditations and pranayams (breathing exercises) unless otherwise specified. This is done by lifting the chest and sternum upward and stretching the back of the neck straight by pulling the chin back towards the neck. You should feel some tension in the back and sides of the neck. The chin rests in the notch between the collar bones and the head stays level without tilting forward, straightening the cervical vertebrae, and allowing the free flow of prana to the brain. This lock puts pressure on the thyroid and parathyroid to enable their secretions, and in turn, activate the pituitary. Without this lock pranayama can cause uncomfortable pressure in eyes, ears and heart. It will also prevent dizziness caused by rapid changes in blood pressure which can occur when nadis (channels of pranic flow) are unblocked. MAHABHANDA: Great Lock - the application of all 3 locks at once. This rejuvenates nerves and glands, regulates blood pressure and produces many other benefits.

BHANDA EXERCISE (To fully understand & experience the Locks or Bhandas).
Sit on heels and spread the knees wide apart, palms on thighs. (A) Apply Root Lock & relax it. (B) Apply Diaphragm Lock & relax it. (C) Apply Neck Lock and relax it. Repeat in rhythmic alteration for 3-11 minutes, pulling locks on the exhale (the breath naturally goes out on the first 2 locks ).

Practice on an empty stomach. This will help to distinguish the locks and perceive energy movement along the spine.

MANTRAS

The "Yoga of the Mind", a mantra is a syllable, word or phrase in one of the sacred languages (like Sanskrit & Ghurmeki) and sometimes in English, which elevates or modifies consciousness through its meaning, the sound itself, rhythm, tone, and even the reflexology of the tongue on the palate.

The three languages of consciousness are:

• human - things, the world; normal or loud voice
• lovers - longing to belong; strong whisper
• divine - infinity; mentally or silently

Some of the most frequently used mantras are given below:There are two things you can do to make the use of a mantra more powerful, regardless of how you recite. One is to see the mantra, as if it is being written as you say it, and the other is to actively listen to it as you say it, perhaps, in this case, when using the first two languages.

AD GURAY NAMEH, JUGAD GURAY NAMEH,
SAT GURAY NAMEH, SIRI GURU DEVAY NAMEH
is the Mangala Charn Mantra, and is chanted for protection. It surroundsthe magnetic field with protective light, and means "I bow to the primal Guru (guiding consciousness who takes us to God-Realization), I bow to wisdom through the ages, I bow to True Wisdom, I bow to the great, unseen wisdom."

ADI SHAKTI, ADI SHAKTI, ADI SHAKTI, NAMO NAMO,
SARAB SHAKTI, SARAB SHAKTI, SARAB SHAKTI, NAMO NAMO,
PRITHUM BHAGAWATI, PRITHUM BHAGAWATI, PRITHUM BHAGAWATI,
NAMO NAMO,
KUNDALINI, MATA SHAKTI, MATA SHAKTI, NAMO, NAMO.
The First Shakti Mantra tunes into the frequency of the Divine Mother, and to primal protective, generating energy. Chanting it eliminates fears and fulfils desires. Adi Shakti means the "Primal Power," Sarab Shakti means "All Power", and Prithum Bhagawati means "which creates through God."

AKAL, MAHA KAL:
means "Undying, Great death" is a powerful life-giving chant removing fear and relaxing the mind.

AP SAHAEE HOA SACHE DA SACHE DHOA, HAR, HAR, HAR:
means "The Lord Himself has become our protector, the Truest of True has taken care of us, God, God, God", or "The Lord Himself is my refuge, true is the support of the True Lord". Chanted for prosperity.

ARDAS PAYE, AMAR DAS GURU, AMAR DAS GURU,
ARDAS PAYE, RAM DAS GURU, RAM DAS GURU, RAM DAS GURU,
SUCHE SAHE:
Guarantees by the grace of Guru Amar Das, who is hope for the hopeless, and Guru Ram Das, who is King of the Yogis and Bestower of Blessings, past, present and future, that the prayer will be answered, and that all one's needs are provided for, signed, sealed and delivered!

DHARTI HAI, AKASH HAI, GURU RAM DAS HAI.
Dharti means "earth" and Akash is Ether, and Guru Ram Das is the venerated 4th Sikh Guru. This is the 1st Sodhung Mantra.

EK ONG KAR, SAT GUR PRASAD, SAT GUR PRASAD, EK ONG KAR,
is the Magic Mantra so named for its power and sacredness. It is usually chanted in reverse (Ek Ong Kar, Sat Gur Prasad, Sat Gur Prasad, Ek Ong Kar). Many pages are devoted to the explanation of this mantra and we are warned to chant it in reverence. It means, "There is one Creator - Truth revealed through Guru's grace".

EK ONG KAR, SAT NAM, KARTA PURKH, NIRBHAO, NIRVAIR,
AKAL MOORT, AJUNI, SAI BHANG, GUR PRASAD, JAP,
AD SUCH, JUGAD SUCH, HABHE SUCH, NANAK HOSI BHEE SUCH
is the Mul Mantra, the root of all mantras. It means, "The creator of all is One. Truth is His Name. He does everything, fearless, without anger, undying, unborn, self-realized, realized thru Guru's Grace, Meditate: He was true in the beginning, true thru all the ages, true even now. Nanak shall ever be true."

EK ONG KAR, SAT NAM, SIRI WHA (HE) GURU
is the Adi Shakti Mantra, and it is very powerful for awakening Kundalini and suspending the mind in bliss. Ek means "One, the essence of all", Ong is the primal vibration from which all creativity flows, Kar is "creation", Sat "truth", Nam "name" Siri "great", Wha "ecstasy," and Guru is "wisdom". Taken together it means, "There is one Creator whose name is Truth. Great is the ecstasy of that Supreme Wisdom"!

GOBINDE, MUKUNDE, UDARE, APARE, HARING, KARING, NIRNAME, AKAME
is the Guru Gaitri Mantra which means "Sustainer, liberator, enlightener, infinite, destroyer, creator, nameless, desireless". It brings stability to the hemispheres of the brain and works on the Heart Center to develop compassion, patience and tolerance, uniting one with the Infinite.

GURU GURU WAHE GURU, GURU RAM DAS GURU:
calls upon Guru Ram Das in praise of his spiritual guiding light and protective grace.

HAR means Creative Infinity, a name of God.
HARA is another form.
HARI is the active form of Creation.

HARI NAM, SAT NAM, HARI NAM, HARI.
HARI NAM, SAT NAM, SAT NAM, HARI.
The name of God is the True Name.

HUM DUM HAR HAR.
This mantra opens the Heart Chakra and means "We the universe, God, God."

ONG means Creator - the Primal Vibration from which all creativity flows.

ONG NAMO, GURU DEV NAMO
is the Adi Mantra that precedes Kundalini Yoga practice, tuning one in to the higher self. Ong is "Infinite Creative energy in manifestation and activity". ("Om" or Aum is God absolute and unmanifested), Namo is "reverent greetings' implying humility, Guru means "teacher or wisdom", Dev means "Divine or of God" and Namo reaffirms humility and reverence. In all it means, "I call upon Divine Wisdom".

ONG SO HUNG is "Creator, I am Thou!", a heart-opening and empowering mantra.

PRANA, APANA, SUSHUMNA. HARI.
HARI HAR, HARI HAR, HARI HAR, HARI.
Prana is the life force, Apana the eliminating force, and Sushumna is the Central channel for that force. This helps draw energy up the spine for healing. Hari and Har are names of God.

PRITVI HAI, AKASH HAI, GURU RAM DAS HAI. (see "Dharti Hai")
Pritvi means earth - calling on the venerated Guru Ram Das is very powerful.

RA MA DA SA, SA SAY SO HUNG
is the Siri Gaitri Mantra, and is chanted for healing. Ra is the sun, Ma is the Moon, Da is the earth, and Sa is Infinity. Say is the totality of Infinity, and So Hung is "I am Thou". "Ra Ma Da Sa" is the Earth Mantra. and "Sa Say So Hung" is the Ether Mantra.

SA TA NA MA
is the Panj Shabad expressing the five primal sounds of the universe. "S" is Infinity, "T" is life, "N" means death and "M" is rebirth. (The 5th sound is "A".) This is one of the most frequently used mantras in Kundalini Yoga.

SAT NAM
is the Seed Mantra or Bij Mantra and it is the most widely used in the practice of Kundalini Yoga. Sat means the Truth; Nam means to call upon, name or identify with. Sat Nam means Truth is my identity and I call upon the eternal Truth that resides in all of us. Chanting this mantra awakens the Soul, and more simply means "really". It is pronounced to rhyme with "But Mom!"

SAT NARAYAN, WHA HE GURU, HARI NARAYAN, SAT NAM.
Narayan is the aspect of Infinity that relates to water, and Hari Narayan is Creative sustenance, which makes the one who chants it intuitively clear or healing. Sat Narayan is True Sustainer, Wahe Guru, indescribable Wisdom and Sat Nam, True Identity. This is the ancient Chotay Pad Mantra.

WAHE GURU
is the Guru Mantra, the mantra of ecstasy. It is not translatable but chanting it elevates the spirit.

WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEEO:
"The ecstasy of consciousness is my beloved."