hello
I would like to know if there is a translation for the word Kundalini in farsi, how do we say kundalini in farsi, or it does'nt change at all ?
thanks
Fariba Rofougaran replied:
Salam.
As you might already know, Kundalini may mean "coil" like the serpent's coil, or as Yogi Bhajan puts it, the lock of the beloved's hair. In Persian mysticism, the teachings that reach the public has been mainly presented in the form of poetic/metaphoric language. The closest common word used for the Kundalini energy in our mystic literature is "mey" or wine. "Saghi" is the Divine Consciousness, the Beloved who pours the divine creative energy or consciousness into our beings.
Of course, if one studies the mystic literature in Farsi or Arabic, one might find a more specific word in between the lines. So far, with my little research among some old texts, I have not yet found a more direct word describing the Kundalini energy as meant in the Tantric tradition. I would be delighted to run into it one day among the texts or through someone who has found it, and shall let you know with pleasure.
Ba Mehr;
Fariba Rofougaran
posted by admin on:
05/15/06
Energy Level
I have been having spontaneous kundalini rising experiences and am a bit confused. My kundalini yoga class is fairly reserved, and I am finding my ecstatic energy is getting to be a bit much for the teacher and perhaps some of the other students. Here is an example - arms being held over head for long period of time, one hand rotating clockwise, the other counterclockwise. Arms are held erect and straight. After a few minutes of excruciating pain, suddenly energy shoots up through my body.
Pain disappears and I feel my breath enlarge and strengthen and I exaggerate the movement of the arms (circles get bigger).
I feel as though I can now go on forever and the energy is surging. When I talked wth my teacher of this experience she spoke of disruptions within the group. I understand the need to maintain a group atmosphere. I also understand that the reason I chose kundalini energy is so that I could experience things like this.
So I am conflicted. I don't feel emotionally invested in the situation, will continue to utilize the group as an excercise group if nothing else, but am also thinking I can use this situation to become more disciplined, experience the energy more deeply. I'm at a loss however, as to how exactly to do this...... The next time the energy rises, can you give me some ideas on how to best manage things? I want to continue to get the most out of my experience, while at the same time respecting the group setting I am in. Any thoughts you have about this kind of situation would be much appreciated. Thanks so much in advance for your consideration to my questions.
Luchia
Fariba Rofougaran replied:
Dear Lucia;
It is a pleasure for me, as a teacher, to see practitioners achieve higher levels of the practice. Yogi Bhajan's kundalini yoga is a powerful and passionate yoga, being a mixture of hindu and sufi tradition. So, dynamic transcendental states are part of the characteristics of this style of yoga. Therefore, what you are experiencing is part of this work.
Also, please note that kundalini teachers have different styles. Some are softer and others more intense. That is inevitable. Then it becomes a matter of taste and compatibility. Now, whatever your present teacher's style is , from your sharing it is obvious that she or he is certainly creating the proper grounds and that is precious.
Concerning body movements, since almost all of the asanas are done with closed eyes, assuming that there is enough space not to interfere with other students I could not visualize the disturbance.
However, sometimes the breathing may become vigorous and that could be distracting to others in which case it is up to the teacher's right judgment to ask the practitioner to lower the impact of the breathing enough as not to take away from the effects of the asana for her or him.
Or, another possibility is that your intense energy is undirected and chaotic in which case others certainly sense it unconsciously.
I do not think that you should by any means suppress that flowing energy as it might be hurtful to your system. However, directing that energy for the highest good of healing, creating and compassion is the next step. My suggestion at this point is that next time in your yoga session, besides the usual tuning, ask the divine creative consciousness to direct your energy to healing and love. If you can think of any other intents please use them. And then do your yoga and stay aware of your intent. The rest will be taken care of.
Try this and I would be pleased to know how it is working for you.
Keep the powerful work.
Blessings;
Fariba Rofougaran
posted by HajKhanoom on:
05/15/06
Yoga
Dear Fariba,
Thanks for your detailed response. Where are your classes located. Would love to know.
With Warm Regards,
Hajkhanoom
Fariba Rofougaran replied:
Salam.
Thanks for your interest.
Our classes are in Orange County and in Los Angeles, California. If you go to www.meyyoga.com and click on the schedule page you will find the location and the time. If you live in the area I will be pleased to meet you.
Blessings;
Fariba Rofougaran
posted by HajKhanoom on:
12/20/05
Re: Yoga
I would love to check out your yoga classes in Los Angeles and will go to your website for a schedule of classes. Look forward to exercising with you.
All the best,
Haj Khanoom
Fariba Rofougaran replied:
Looking forward to see you as well. Please contact me through the website before attending since our holliday schedule is subject to change.
Blessings;
Fariba Rofougaran
posted by HajKhanoom on:
12/16/05
I took Yoga once, and my joints started hurting because of the long stretch of time I had to remain in one position. I was afraid it would lead to injury.
I know there are different types of yoga, but not sure which one is Kundalini. Can you recommend one that is faster? Was I unfair to Yoga by judging it? Please advise.
Fariba Rofougaran replied:
Ba salam.
Our advise in the line of Kundalini is never work in pain, but discomfort or tiredness is part of the work since your body is expanding its limits. So, it is important for you as a yoga practitioner to be aware of your body, listen to it and be the judge as to whether it is experiencing pain or discomfort.
Also, in our Kundalini classes, we offer the different variations of a posture and each individual works according to her or his abilities. I guess by a "faster" class you mean faster changing postures. Please note that shorter lenghted postures are not necessarily less challenging. A lot of times the level of the class depends more on the style of the instructor than the school of the yoga.
So, my suggestion to you is first and most importantly be aware of your body, challenge it but never abuse it. Secondly, try different styles and instructors until you feel that you have found the right one for your self.
You are welcome to join our classes if you are in the area.
I hope you will not give up on yoga since it is certainly a wonderful investement in your physical, mental and spiritual health.
