Kirtan Kriya
Kirtan Kriya
This meditation brings a total mental balance to the individual psyche. Practicing this meditation is both a science and an art. It is an art in the way it molds consciousness and in the refinement of sensation and insight it produces. It is a science in the tested certainty of the results each technique produces.
Tune In: Always begin practice of Kundalini Yoga or meditations with the palms pressed together at the center of the chest and chant Adi Mantra (Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo repeated 3 times)
Posture: Sit straight in Easy Pose, (Cross legged or in a chair with feet flat on the floor knees as wide as the hips.)
Mantra: Produce the five primal sounds (panj shabd): S, T, N, M, A, in the original word form:
SAA: Infinity, cosmos, beginning
TAA: Life, existence
NAA: Death, change, transformation
MAA: Rebirth
Each repetition of the entire mantra takes 3 to 4 seconds. This is the cycle of Creation. From the Infinite comes life and individual existence. From life comes death or change. From death comes the rebirth of consciousness to the joy of the Infinite through which compassion leads back to life.
Mudra: The hands are on the knees, palms more up than down, elbows are gently straight while chanting, and the mudra changes as each fingertip touches in turn the pad of the thumb with firm pressure.
On SAA, touch the first (Jupiter) finger
On TAA, touch the second (Saturn) finger
On NAA, touch the third (Sun) finger
On MAA, touch the fourth (Mercury) finger
Chant in three languages of consciousness: Human: normal or loud voice (the world), Lovers: strong whisper (longing to belong),
Divine: mentally; silent (Infinity)
SAA TAA NAA MAA
Eyes: Meditate at the Brow Point.
Visualization: Meditate on the primal sounds in the “L” form. This means feel there is a constant inflow of cosmic energy into the solar center, or Tenth Gate. Imagine the energy of each sound moving through the Crown Chakra, and down and out through the Third Eye Point as it is projected to Infinity. This energy flow follows the energy pathway called the Golden Cord—the connection between the pineal and pituitary glands. The L-shaped form helps avoid improper circulation of prana in the solar centers which can result in an uncomfortable headache..
Time: Begin the kriya in a normal voice for 5 minutes; then whisper for 5 minutes; then go deep into the sound, vibrating silently for 10 minutes. Then come back to a whisper for 5 minutes, then aloud for 5 minutes. The duration of the meditation may vary, as long as the proportion of loud, whisper, silent, whisper, loud is maintained.
Note: Research has shown that for seniors it is recommended to practice Kirtan Kriya for 12 minutes (2 minutes each cycle) to slow memory loss. click here
To End: This sequence will take 30 minutes. Follow with one 1 minute of silent contemplation. Then inhale, exhale. Stretch the spine, with hands up as far as possible; spread the fingers wide, taking several deep breaths. Relax.
Home page for The Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation
An excellent article in Huffington Post by Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa about the benefits of Kirtan Kriya
Comments:
Each time the mudra is closed by joining the thumb with a finger, the ego “seals” the effect of that mudra in the consciousness. The effects are as follows:
1st finger: Gyan Mudra Knowledge
2nd finger: Shuni Mudra Wisdom, intelligence, patience 3rd finger: Surya Mudra Vitality, energy of life
4th finger: Buddhi Mudra Ability to communicate
Vibrating on each fingertip alternates the electrical polarities. The index and ring fingers are electrically negative, relative to the other fingers. This causes a balance in the electromagnetic projection of the aura.
It is said that a person who wears pure white and meditates on this sound current for 2-1/2 hours a day for one year, will know the unknowable, and see the unseeable. Through this constant practice, the mind awakens to the infinite capacity of the soul for sacrifice, service, and creation.
Checkpoints For Kirtan Kriya:
If during the silent part of the meditation, the mind wanders uncontrollably, go back to a whisper, to a loud voice, to a whisper, and back into silence. Do this as often as you need to.
Cross-Heart Kirtan Kriya - Traditionally known to “get rid of addictions”