We are now LIVE STREAMING ALL CLASSES!

We kicked off the LIVE streaming of classes today, via streaming platform ZOOM.

In light of recent government announcements, we have temporarily closed our studio for yoga classes effective immediately until further notice.

We will be Live Streaming the classes on Zoom so you can practice yoga in the safety of your own home. The live streamed classes start today Tuesday 24th March - check out our timetable here! 

To access our live streams of classes:

• Please register via Mind Body Online or the Golden Yogi App as you would a regular class - at least 30 minutes before the start time of the class.

• Please set up an account with Zoom (zoom.com). You can set up your personalised account here for free. It would be best to create a username similar to your name, so we can sync with the class roster. Once your account is set up, you are set. Zoom can be accessed via your web browser, and also downloaded to your device.

• 30 minutes prior to every class you are signed up for, you will receive a link with the "Meeting ID" to your live stream. Please join the live stream 5 minutes before the start time of the class.

• The cost of Online Live Stream Casual Classes will be $5 per class through your Mind Body account on our website or Golden Yogi App. All active monthly or annual memberships will have access to these classes at no extra changes.

Golden Yogi is grateful to all of our students and look forward to spending time together in the comfort and safety of our own homes to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your support and we hope to get through this all together one breath at a time.

Love and light,

The Golden Yogi Team

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Numerology Forecast for 2020: Happy New Year!

Here we are, can you even believe it! The start of a New Year and a new decade on planet Earth. We have shifted from the number 1 to the number 2 decade in our calendar lineup, and the results could not be more dramatic.

Humanity is now at a critical point of evolution, and the numbers have much to say as to how we may best navigate this transition. There is no middle ground anymore, it is literally a “sink or swim” paradigm, so let’s take a look at how to stay elevated and enjoy the journey.

The number 1 of the previous decade has leaned into the themes of independence, opportunity, and a tendency to overly focus on one’s own self as the priority. This will no longer work on any level. The degree of isolation, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and relationship dysfunction has now reached pandemic proportions.

When the number 1 is imbalanced, it can be tyrannical in nature. I have witnessed an increasing trend where one family member will exert their will to the point that they are now the Captain of an empty ship. Everyone else grabbed a life raft and is madly paddling away.

Sometimes we need to get back to basics, and the most basic element of any relationship is communication. A brilliant and understandable approach can be found in the field of “NonViolent Communication” training. You can easily get the book on this and begin the journey towards healing the relationships in your life.

Number 2 in the Positive polarity represents the themes of harmony, balance, devotion, mutual support and divine alliance. In the Negative polarity it represents conflict, duality, and an immature, if not even childish, reaction to not getting one’s own way.

This emotional reactivity is the biggest problem on a social level throughout 2020. “You’re either with me or against me!” will be a very common stance. The ability to find or create a middle ground will be the tipping point between harmony or total breakdown and chaos.

And yet, there is actually another challenge that can outweigh the external duality. That problem is mental breakdown and imbalance. We are seeing a sharp increase in mental health issues in our society, and this is not good. The number 2 represents the balance of our two brain hemispheres working together in harmony. When we abuse or mentally pressurize the brain, trouble is just around the corner.

Keep a balance in your life between your responsibilities and what is now popularly called self-care. Self-care is the new prescription for well-being, and there is no way around this.

Get back to basics with your food, exercise, meditation, and social gatherings. You can’t get through this year flying solo, so reach out as best you can and participate with others. Try a class in rock climbing, pottery spinning, creative writing, improv theater, ethnic cooking, pastry baking, anything to get you out of the house and get involved!

“Don’t isolate and insulate yourself,” is a quote of Yogi Bhajan’s, and he was speaking specifically of the transition time we are now in on the planet. Another tip he gave is to include turmeric in your diet. It helps to balance the pressures in the brain and it can help people keep their mental equilibrium.

Equilibrium is the name of the game in 2020, and as number 2 also represents boundaries, don’t lose yours! The ability to say “No!” to that which is inappropriate can be the tipping point between taking the time to regenerate yourself or, having a nervous breakdown.

Developing intuition is the way to protect ourselves in the world, yet it can be difficult to be intuitive if we are ruthlessly addicted to fear, insecurity, anger, or substances. The meditation for healing addictions is a good one to practice this year. We are all addicted to something, and 2020 highlights these tendencies so they can be resolved.

The beauty of this practice is that it is easy to do, and also easy to teach beginners. You could be the saving grace of sanity and stability by sharing this meditation with a friend or family member.

Number 2 embodies the Negative Mind and a field of high sensitivity. We will find ourselves more sensitive to what is occurring in our environments, and decisions will need to be made as to whether or not it is healthy to remain there.

Lastly the number 2 is all about the cozy connectivity we feel with others and the Angelic realm. One of my all-time favorite songs is “I’ll Stand by You,” by The Pretenders. Sometimes I listen to this song and imagine an Angel sitting by me on the sofa and handing me a cup of tea. Then another Angel comes over and puts a cozy blanket over me, smiles, and says, “Nothing you confess would make me love you less.” It’s a good moment.

Let us all stand by each other at this time, holding hands and holding faith in the goodness and creative flow of Universe. Let us reach out to each other with a smile and a kind word, knowing it is just the right medicine to dispel the illusion of separation.

We are the Ones we have been waiting for; right here, right now, right on time in the Divine. Sat Nam and Happy New Year.

By Nam Hari Kaur

The Power Of Mantra

The Power of Mantra

Mantras are sound projections that alter the thought patterns of the mind and the chemistry of the brain. The word mantra means “man” = mind, and “trang” = wave or projection. The power of the sound has a definite predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche.

One of the most powerful tools we have for meditation is the power of using mantra whether it’s internal (silent) mantra in the mind or chanting aloud to create the sound vibration. Mantras are used to elevate and modify consciousness through the meaning and rhythmical repetition. The rhythm of the mantra allows the mind to come into the neutral meditative mind to change the thought patterns and break repetitive or negative thought cycles.

The use of mantra is known as Naad Yoga. It is based on the experience of how sound vibrations affect the body, mind, and spirit. Mantra works through the movement of the tongue on the meridian points. There are 84 meridian points located on the hard palate of the roof of the mouth - 32 pairs (64 points) on the hard palate surface directly behind and along the inside of the teeth and 20 points located in the curve on the central part of the palate. As we move the tongue to chant mantra we create a code that helps to change the thoughts and the mind. It is no different than a phone number - if you want to ring a friend you dial their number but if you ring any random number you will not be able to get hold of your friend. Mantra works in a similar way. The mantra that you chant works like a code on the upper palate of the mouth to stimulate the meridians to affect the energy flow in a particular way through the body and mind.

There is no system of nerve connections between sections of the brain but instead there is a neurotransmission of fluid. Different chemical liquids are excreted into different parts of the brain and messages are transmitted to different parts of the brain through fluids.

We can project the authentic self through the use of our word. Chanting mantras either silently or aloud is a conscious method of controlling and directing the mind. We create every word we speak and even every word we think. When we chant a mantra we choose to evoke the positive power in the particular syllables, rhythm, and frequent of that particular mantra. Simply by chanting mantra we are sending vibrations into motion that shall have the effect. For mantra, it does not matter whether we understand the meaning of the sound or not, as the mantra is the frequency of the sound vibration. By vibrating a particular combination of sounds you tune into various levels of intelligence or consciousness. We have the power to choose what we project and what we think. Through the use of mantra, the words, and the rhythm have an effect on our consciousness. 

“A person can tune his or her own consciousness into the awareness of that totality with the use of a mantra. By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound, or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words, as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you.” ~ Yogi Bhajan

The down low on Kundalini

KUNDALINI YOGA ~ The Yoga of Awareness

How does Kundalini differ to other more known/popular forms of yoga?

Kundalini Yoga is an ancient style of yoga but is relatively new to the Western culture.  Kundalini Yoga is known as "the yoga of awareness," to opens your heart, builds strength and releases the energy located at the base of your spine. Kundalini is without a doubt one of the more spiritual styles of yoga. Kundalini Yoga focuses on breath and movement and challenges it students both physically and mentally.

Vinyasa is still undeniably the king of western yoga, but Kundalini tends to appeal to people who want to delve into a deep meditative practice to raise consciousness.  In Kundalini Yoga, you won’t flow through sun salutations. Instead, it combines movement, breathing exercises, chanting (yes, actual singing), meditation, and physical sequences called kriyas. Teachers sit at the front of the room throughout, wearing white to expand their auras, and with their heads covered to protect the crown chakra at the head to harness the Kundalini energy.

Kundalini yoga is a quick and powerful system to cause changes you want in your life to happen much quicker than other styles of yoga. In Kundalini Yoga, there is no need to take oneself away from the distractions of the world – it is designed for the active householder with family, school and work responsibilities.  It is a safe way to stimulate the body’s natural resources and energy to bring the body, mind and spirit into alignment.  It is a proven path to connect with the Self and the Soul to experience your highest destiny.

Where did Kundalini Yoga originate from? 

Kundalini is one of the oldest forms of yoga – it has been practiced by the Upanishads in India since 500 B.C. Mastering the practice at sixteen, Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini to the West in 1969.  Initially, Kundalini Yoga was carefully handed down from master to disciple for centuries and was kept very secret. It was never taught publicly until Yogi Bhajan challenged its secrecy and taught Kundalini openly to the public in 1969. Through his knowledge, wisdom and service he left us a timeless legacy of teachings to live healthy and happily, and consequently established the 3HO, which stands for "Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization."

What is Kundalini?

Kundalini is the creative energy within all of us, the energy of consciousness in each person and beyond.  The Kundalini energy is “coiled” at the bottom of the spine, and practicing Kundalini yoga, is said to bring that energy to life in the body.

What to expect in a Kundalini Yoga class?

Kundalini yoga varies from practice to practice. All classes will begin with an opening chant “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” to connect with your inner self, a yoga kriya (set), and expect to finish with deep meditation, and a closing chant. During the class you can expect to focus on your breath (specifically "breath of fire", a rapid rhythmical breath through the nose) and to move your body. Within a class or practice, you will find asana (body postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), mudra (hand positions), bandha (body locks), drishti (eye focus) and mantra (sound currents).  They are combined together in sequences called kriya (complete actions).  Kundalini Yoga has the power to unleash your true potential, and unlock barriers within ourselves.

What are the benefits of Kundalini? 

KUNDALINI YOGA is a sacred science. The comprehensive technology is thousands of years old and ideally suited to people who lead active lives in today's world.  The focus is on balancing the glandular system, strengthening the 72,000 nerves of the body, and bringing the body, mind and soul into balance.

• Balance nervous, glandular, and immune systems

• Develop the neutral mind to cope with stress and change

• Self-awareness to enhance peace of mind, concentration, and self-confidence

• Rejuvenation and healing

• Improve flexibility, stamina, and strength

• Experience your highest consciousness

• Remain calm, centered, and clear through life’s challenges

• Energising your magnetic field

Kundalini Yoga is highly transformative and releases deeply held issues whether body or mind.  It cannot really be practiced as a purely physical exercise, although it is physically challenging in quite a different way focusing on mental endurance and stamina.

Erin O’Hara

The White Tantric Experience

On the 7th of October, nine people from Golden Yogi, including myself attended the White Tantric event in Sydney. In total 258 people made it for the day. After all, Yogi Bhajan says that one day of White Tantric Yoga is equivalent to meditating in a cave, day and night for 10 years!

We sit in lines face to face with a partner and our facilitator explains that the energy travels diagonally between participants. Using this Z energy, it is then said that Yogi Bhajan (through the course facilitator), directs this energy to cut through the blocks of the subconscious mind, to bring more success to every area of your life and is the path to personal awareness and freedom. The lines must remain unbreakable and if we must use the bathroom, we raise our hand so a volunteer can come and take our place in line! In total we had 7 meditations ranging from 31-62 minutes each and at the beginning our facilitator said “My loving advice is once you’ve settled into a position, don’t move”.

We are squished like sardines and as the day unfolds, I become acutely aware of little annoyances; my neighbour’s elbow knocking me during warms ups, the pain in my back and legs from sitting in our first 62 minute posture, the people around me mispronouncing the mantra…

And so this is the work of the day, dragging the mind away from focusing on pettiness, distractions, intense physical sensations, and instead back to the meditations; to those moments of depth and connection as I look into my partner’s eyes, to those moments where time stands still and all seems clear as our individual efforts all work toward a collective goal.

We finish our last meditations; the energy is euphoric- we achieved something that seemed impossibly hard at the start, and I feel a deep sense of community. We cheer, laugh, some cry, we hug our neighbours and finally find out their names!

White Tantric for me quells my human tendency to self-sabotage. Inherently, we each know what we have to do but more often than not lack the grit and wisdom to execute it. White Tantric gives an experience of endurance and the ability to focus on a still point i.e your goal and what you’re are doing in the present moment to attain it, amidst the “noise” of self-limiting beliefs around you.

Kundalini Music

Music and Mantra is such a huge part of Kundalini Yoga. When Yogi Bhajan took the teachings of Kundalini Yoga to America in 1969, a fusion of Western-style music and mantra emerged. The mantras that we use in Kundalini yoga are in the sacred language Gurmukhi. The meaning of the mantras are encrypted in the vibrations of the sounds, and the way that they resonate internally through the body. 

When we chant a mantra, the meridian points in the upper palate of the mouth are stimulated by the tongue in a particular rhythm and pattern. This initiates a chain of chemical reactions in the body, to rebalance the energy throughout the glandular system and organs. The vibration of sounds reasonate in the body to promote energy circulation throughout the Nadi channels (the body’s energetic pathways).

Sounds vibrations connect us to the infinite flow of energy.  We do not even need to understand the meaning of the mantra for the power of the vibrations to bring energetic balance, and healing to the body and the mind.

In Kundalini yoga classes, you might chant along with the music, use it to set a pace or rhythm for a particular movement or breath pattern, or just listen to the mantra during relaxation periods.

I wanted to share some of my current favorites to inspire you during a home yoga practice, relaxation, or to enjoy in the car. 

The best place to purchase the music is Spirit Voyage (www.spiritvoyage.com) or iTunes Store. Alternatively, you could search for the songs on Spotify.

 Favourite Songs I love to Play in Classes:

• Aad Guray Nameh by Mirabai Ceiba (Awakened Earth)
• Anand (bliss) by Snatam Kaur (Anand)
• Ong Namo by Ajeet Kaur (At the Temple Door)
• Pavan Guru by Gurunam Singh (Breath of Devotion)
• Suniai by Ajeet Kaur (Darshan)
• Ong Sohung by Snatam Kaur (Shanti)
• Ardas Bhaee by Jai Jagdeesh (Of Heaven & Earth)
• Mul Mantra by Mirabai Ceiba (Mountain Sadhana)
• Mera Man Lochai by Sirgun Kaur (The Cosmic Gift)
• Longtime Sun by Snatam Kaur (Celebrate Peace)
• Ra Ma Da Sa by Snatam Kaur (Grace)

Beautiful Meditative/Relaxation Songs:

• Crimson Collection 1 & 2
• Crimson Collection 6 & 7
• Chattr Chakkr Deep Relaxation by Mirabai Ceiba
• Suni-ai (slow) by Snatam Kaur (Shanti)

Great Dance Beats/ Upbeat Songs:

• Wahe Guru Wahe Jio – Feat. Russell Brand by Kamari & Manvir
• Adi Shakti by Kamari & Manvir
• Bhangra Remix:  Kundalini Mantra Fusion Mix – whole album
• Kundalini Technology by Kamari & Manvir – whole album

Favourite Albums:

• Shanti by Snatam Kaur
• I am Thine by Jai Jagdeesh
• Light of the Naam: Morning Chants by Snatam Kaur
• Anand by Snatam Kaur
• Miracles Abound: Meditations for Transformation by Jai Jagdeesh
• Sevati by Mirabai Ceiba
• White Sun by White Sun
• Bhangra Remix:  Kundalini Mantra Fusion Mix
• Liberation’s Door by Snatam Kaur
• Prem Siri by Nirinjan Kaur
• Grace by Snatam Kaur

Autumn Equinox - Finding Balance Within

The Equinox is a highly anticipated day on the Kundalini calendar, and one of the most powerful days in the whole year to delve deeply into our yoga or mediation practice. Here we bring you the low-down on why we should be turning to the mat and tuning in on the Equinox.

Let’s begin our conversation with the Autumn Equinox which is now upon us, falling on Sunday the 20th of March.  Equinox marks the time of year where the amount of darkness and light is equal, or the length of day and night is the same. As the seasonal wheel turns and nature goes through her changes, we are given the potential for greater inner growth and awareness if we can mirror her as she travels through the seasons.

Autumn Equinox is like a still point where everything comes into balance, before Mother Earth begins to take her first steps towards winter and the days become shorter. During this time of equanimity we have moments where we get to experience the balance in the scales of polarity.

Equinox offers a moment where we can pause, and look within to balance the lightness of our consciousness with the darkness of the shadow. On the path towards the light of higher consciousness we must also have the courage to face the darker aspects of the self. This means offering acknowledgement or acceptance to what is right now and what has been. In this process of surrender, we can allow ourselves to let go of anything that no longer represents us like negative mental and emotional patterns, habits or even things in our life which no longer serve us.

In a world where everything is in a state of flux it is incredibly beneficial to have this day where we can embrace the natural harmony. If we can join others in class or even take to the mat on our own, we can bring this sense on equanimity into our own lives. Through meditation we balance both the hemispheres of the brain to align the positive and negative aspects of the mind. Everything comes to a standstill upon arriving at this place of perfect balance - this “nothingness” is called Shuniya. When we have Shuniya everything is in complete harmony and we can attain a true state of bliss.

We invite you to come together in shared consciousness to bring balance to the light and dark aspects within ourselves, acknowledging the equanimous nature of the universe during equinox.  When we find this point within, we can enter the winter months with trust and confidence, in full alignment with the universal flow. 

Written by Kellie Cheung

Power of Kundalini Mantras

We are creating with every word we speak and thought we think in our mind. The power of mantra is amazing to elevate your consciousness and balance the mind. Mantra is a key element used in Kundalini Yoga to alter patterns of the mind on a physical and metaphysical level. The sound vibrations of mantra have the ability to elevate or modify consciousness through their meaning and rhythmical repetition. 

All the mantras typically used in Kundalini Yoga are in Gurmukhi, a sacred Indian language, and occasionally, in English. By chanting mantra we invoke the positive vibrations of the mantra into our energy field. The science of mantra is based on the knowledge of sound vibrations. Sound vibrations affect our mind, body, and spirit through the movement of the tongue, the mouth, and the changes in the chemicals of the brain.

Yogi Bhajan described mantra as:

“By vibrating in rhythm with the breath to a particular sound that is proportional to the creative sound, or sound current, one can expand one’s sensitivity to the entire spectrum of vibration. It is similar to striking a note on a stringed instrument. In other words, as you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you.”

Simply by chanting the mantras we are setting vibrations into motion that shall affect our mind, body, and infinite connection. Download the printable PDF to deepen your understanding of the most frequently used mantras in Kundalini Yoga.