January 14th and 21st
7 to 9pm at Yoga on Harris, 15 Harris St Palmyra
On these 2 evenings, of which you can attend one or both, we will explore 2 different shabds.
A shabd is a spiritual teaching in the form of a poetic verse. Kundalini Yoga is founded in and infused with the spirit of Sikh dharma and these 2 shabds which we will explore and also chant are written by the 10th (Guru Gobind Singh, 17th century) and the 5th (Guru Arjun Singh, 16th century) Sikh gurus respectively.
The teachings of Sikh dharma contain universal truths and the one who sincerely chants approaches the state of consciousness of the author of the shabds. Shabd Guru is said to be a powerful medicine for the Aquarian Age, a boat to carry us across the world ocean and a tonic to awaken us the sleepy spell of forgetfulness into an embracing of who we really are.
All are invited to join and enjoy the teachings and the practice. This is an open invitation to all. We will not practice physical yoga in this session, however the contemplation of the meaning of the words of these shabds, guided by the intuitive precision of numbers, is in itself a form of yoga, having a very physical effect in the glandular and nervous systems - an experience that bridges between the animal, the human and the divine.
We will also pay some attention to good pronunciation of the shabds, going through slowly before we chant the shabds together with musical accompaniment for 62 minutes each.
Yogi Tea (chai) will be offered on these evenings - please BYO cup.
More on the individual shabds:
Re Man Shabd - by Guru Gobind Singh
Ray man eh bidh jog kamao
Oh, my mind practice Yoga in this way:Singhee saach akapat kanthala
Dhiaan bibhoot charhaaoLet Truth be your horn, sincerity your necklace, and meditation the ashes you apply on your body.
These are the first 2 lines of 9. There is so much wisdom in this shabd, and very practical instructions for walking through the world in a way that leads to true contentment. Chanting Re Man is to teach yourself to walk the middle path of the yogi(ni) so as to become golden ie. identify with the radiant body.
Darshan Maago - Guru Arjun Dev Singh
jis neech ka-u ko-ee na jaanai
That wretched being, whom no one knowsnaam japat ouh(u) chahu kunṯ maanai
Chanting the Naam, the Name of God, he is honoured in the four directionsdarashan maago dayh(i) pi-aaray
Oh Beloved, please give me the blessing of Thy Presence
This is the first 3 lines of 10 of a shabd that speaks from a place in which we are feeling lowest - wretched and unworthy - lifting us to a place of honour through association with the Beloved. And so it is said to be a shabd to reestablish self esteem and honour. In a year in which self affirmation, honour and humility rather than shame are highlighted themes, Darshan Maago is a sacred medicine.
Venue: Yoga on Harris, 15 Harris St Palmyra
Bring: Water to drink and dress comfortably
Cost: $30 one evening; $50 for both
How to book & pay: either book using the form below and pay with bank transfer or cash on the night.
OR BOOK & PAY WITH PAYPAL (attracts a small fee)
