This article will take us through each of the eight chakras, offering a brief explanation with a Kundalini Yoga kriya and meditation to help bring each of these energy centers back into balance. What are Chakras? Chakras are energy centers that exist within the human body.  These energy centers are mapped to different emotional and psychological issues and can be used to help identify imbalances and to establish internal harmony. The combined effect of our chakra systems become who we are, how we feel, how we behave, and how we change. In simple terms, the word “chakra” is a…

  As Kundalini Yoga Teachers we far too often meet students in our classes who have experienced some sort of traumatic event or who are struggling as a result of some past trauma. Most people who experience a traumatic event experience some difficulties following the event but recover. A small percentage will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Challenges for people with PTSD might include flashbacks, a persistent need to avoid thoughts or feelings related to the trauma; distorted thinking that might include excessive self-blame or blaming others; and difficulties with arousal or reactivity. The impact of trauma is…

You may be wondering—can I teach my kids Kundalini yoga? Can I involve them in my practice? Is yoga suitable for small children?  The answer is: absolutely!  However, you’ll need to adjust the practice so it’s appropriate for various children’s ages. Check-in with your teacher or studio to see if they offer kids’ classes, and follow the basic suggestions below to get your child involved with the life-changing power of Kundalini Yoga.  Choose Age-Appropriate Yoga Whether you have a toddler or a pre-teen, there is a practice fit for your child. Very young children can start doing yoga classes designed…

By EPS – Office of Ethics and Professional Standards A yoga culture that encourages participation through seva is  a way for students to enjoy meaningful time together, build community and most importantly develop the depth of giving without thoughts for the self. Seva is one of the cornerstones of many yoga traditions. Giving within a community context has been shown in research to support wellness and long term happiness.¹ Volunteer work, while different in some ways from seva, when done from a place of genuine giving, contributes to a sense of connection and life purpose.  When offering seva opportunities to students…

IKYTA recognizes one National Association per country, that holds a neutral space for all teachers and trainers to connect and support each other professionally and personally. Each certified KRI Level One Aquarian Teacher is encouraged to join your NKYTA. If your country doesn’t have one, teachers can join or renew their membership as an International Member directly with IKYTA.   What is IKYTA's relationship with the National Associations? There is a collaboration agreement between the National Associations (NKYTA) and the International Association (IKYTA) as we can work together and support each other to fulfill the missions of both associations. According…

Thanks to the service of thousands of Kundalini Yoga teachers, the community fabric around these teachings has spread around the world, and today has a global presence. 3HO Foundation continually invites us to experience the Healthy, Happy,  Holy lifestyle typical of our tradition, where community life is key.   According to KRI records, today there are certified teachers from more than 52 countries, on every continent. IKYTA serves certified Kundalini Yoga teachers in their personal development and community building, highlighting professionalism and inspiring positive social change through service.   Thanks to the community development promoted by teachers and students in…

By the Office of Ethics & Professional Standards INTRODUCTION Meditation can sometimes feel like it’s the missing ingredient in life or the answer to all problems. These days there is encouragement to meditate daily, coming from many directions. Your doctor might even recommend it to you while suggesting you get more exercise and eat more veggies. This article explores how yoga teachers everywhere can benefit from understanding the ways teaching meditation has a special ethical placement of its own. The unique context of a healthy student-teacher relationship and how meditations are taught provides a clear place for transformation and growth. The…

By Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Oregon, USA If you practice yoga and live a healthy, happy, and holy lifestyle, you’re pretty well covered. Yoga is without doubt the ultimate system for helping you stay balanced and joyful throughout your life. Sure, there are a lot of rules and guidelines, but it all comes down to four things to concentrate on. In the yoga world, the big four are Bana (personal behaviors), Bani (prayer), Simran (meditation), and Seva (selfless service). Our lineage of teachers has consistently ranked serving others right up there with our most important personal spiritual practices. The ten Sikh gurus were all appointed to their positions…

By Snatam Kaur I have been listening to, or reciting Kirtan Sohila my whole life. My first conscious memories of this prayer were when my stepfather, Sat Santokh, would read Kirtan Sohila to me every night before going to sleep when I was in my early teens. I am grateful beyond any words I can come up with that my stepfather did this. There was a purity and love in his offering that helped me to connect to Kirtan Sohila in a deep way. Night after night as the words were recited to me, they penetrated into my heart. It was at this time that my…

SEVA CORPS was envisioned at Khalsa Council and was born in April 2020 with the purpose of serving those who serve. That is why our motto is Serving Together. Through digital platforms we seek to value, nurture and inspire those in service through the technology of Kundalini Yoga and the legacy of Sikh Dharma in an elevated environment of listening and sharing. We also want to produce content about the path of service, give relevance to ongoing SEVA PROJECTS, and inspire new projects. Above all, we want to offer spaces for dialogue and inclusion. We are committed to sustaining our service through…