Beggar's Bowl

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Master & Disciple: The Divine Exchange

 "Never arrive at any gathering empty handed."
-Luz Emma

"There is a toll road in Kundalini Yoga. You pay first, then you enter.  Itarashtam tithar kashtam . If you ever come empty hand­ed, you shall go empty handed. It's a law which should never be broken. You should share freely, but never receive the student empty handed—that's the law. A student must not come to you empty handed. He may bring a leaf, or he may bring a million dollars. But he must not come to a teacher without an offering. If a person shall come empty-handed, he may sit there for six hours and do all kinds of yoga, but the moment he goes out of that door, he'll go empty-handed. That's the only condition, and it's not up to you or me." - Yogi Bhajan 

The relationship between master and disciple is a sacred covenant that is agreed upon in pre-eternity and at the moment the master accepts the novice as a student. There must be an exchange of something of "value" that is symbolic of an offering one gives in exchange of a blessing. It is a conscious acknowledgement, "I need you. I value you. Humbly accept me and my offering." One would never ask a Doctor for a freebie or a discount. The agreement before you even step foot in the Dr.'s office is: You are ill. He gives you a prognosis and/or medicine. You will take your chances on whether his medicine will work or not. And you are prepared to pay for your visit after you are seen knowing this, correct? A spiritual exchange is no different: you need healing from your human condition and the teacher/master provides the tools. The path that lies ahead is unknown but the desire for Self-Realization is so great you proceed anyways. It is a sacred agreement...a Divine exchange.

Money is symbolic of this agreement although the exchange doesn't always have to be in money. It can be mutually agreed upon "barter" exchange. Whatever the agreed method, "payment" is your offering. The point being: it must be discussed, agreed upon and followed through to make the circle of healing complete. When it comes to exchanges of a spiritual nature (instruction, transmission, guidance), this exchange should not cause discomfort, pain, or suffering.  If it does, one should question the intentions of the transmitter and possibly find another teacher. 

For teachers, it is important put a value on your time, your knowledge, your experience. If you do not value what you transmit, how do you expect others to value it. To be fully present, it is necessary to be aware of all of your incarnations, your present life condition and dharma, the investments (both literal and figurative) you have made in your Self and the work that you have put in to arrive at this very moment. All that having been said...it puts things in better perspective when putting a value on one's work, energy and time.

In the past, I struggled with the idea of payment especially when dealing with spiritual work. I did not feel comfortable with charging for the transmission of healing energy or for my counsel. I would accept a donation or symbolic gift in exchange. It worked for me initially but after years of giving to a fault, I found myself, depleted, imbalanced, ill, resentful and homeless. Not a positive place to be in if one has the intention of healing and being of service. But after years of transmitting, tempering, evolving and expanding as a healer and guide, I have come to realize:

1) Not all that arrive are Chosen. 
2) For healing to transpire, one must honor the medicine and the Giver/giver of the medicine. 
3) Although "it" runs through you, it is not of you. 
4) This is the way the Creator provides for you. IT is a gift.
5) Know your worth.
6) Remain humble.

 I pray these words provide you with the validation you need. Carry on!

 <3 Mama Luz
 


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Prosperity Affirmations

PROSPERITY AFFIRMATIONS

Blessings of favor and prosperity flow directly to me 
and multiply when cultivated.

I am able to sustain and maintain my abundance, meet my needs,
and fulfill my desires 
with ease.

With my surplus,
I am able to support my beloveds in the way that they need.

I am full.

I am content.

I am complete.

I am worthy.

I am grateful for what IS

And what will BE.

In the name of the Most High,

Amin

Amin

Amin

-Luz Emma

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Meditation on the Different Names of God

"The Names of the Divine are as sacred as the mouth from which they are uttered."
-Luz Emma

Since the beginning of time, humanity has sought to connect to the Divine through ritual, prayer and meditation. God has acquired many names in our effort to communicate with the One each within the cultural context of the Believer each holding it's own sacred significance to the worshiper. And yet, as humanity evolves, the essence of the One remains consistent so has our desire to connect to the source of creation. Unfortunately, in this pursuit of Divine connection, humanity has created division between each other due to religious, spiritual or tribal beliefs somehow missing the point of Divine revelation and connection. But even with a multitude of names and discord God has only one identity that Yogi Bhajan describes as G-O-D: the Generating, the Organizing and the Destroying force. On this, I believe, we can all agree.



BEGIN: Sit in EASY POSE, with a light JALANDAR BANDH (elogated spine, lifting behind the head and slightly tucking in the chin). Rub your hands together and bring them to PRAYER POSE with your thumbs against your sternum and your shoulders rolled back and down. Your eyes rolled in and up towards your THIRD EYE. Inhale through the nose and chant ONG NA MO GURU DEV NAMO (I bow to the Divine Teacher within) on two breaths. Listen here for the correct pronunciation and cadence of the ADI MANTRA which is found on my CD URBAN MANTRA: VOL I. Please purchase if you have not already. All proceeds from the album go to Rhythm & Breath's continued effort to bring affordable and accessible mystical tools to urban folk. Repeat 2 more times, three total.



MUDRA: Hold your hands in GYAN MUDRA by touching the thumbs to the tips of the index fingers resting your wrists on your knees.

FOCUS: Eyes are closed focusing on your third-eye-brow point. 

MANTRA: The names of God as they have manifested in one word according to Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. 

JAA HO VAAH- YAAH
HAA LE LU JA - HAA
LAA AY LAA- LAA
RAA-MAA-RAA
SAA TAA NAA MAA - SAA

Find the cadence of the mantra, even and steady, vibrating it in your heart center not in your throat. Remember chanting is not singing. Continue chanting for 5 minutes.

NOTES: They don't have more than one sound, yet still man fights with each other. Man and his world, and his kingdom, and man dividing each other. " I am black, I am yellow, I am pink, I am gold, I am white, I am this." The fighting has never stopped. Neither religion has stopped it, nor geography has stopped it, nothing, because basically there is a greed. The idea is, "God is impotent. He will do nothing. I have to do everything.: The fight is between "I" and "Thou" But the teacher belongs to "Thou," not "I."

TO FINISH: Recite the Warrior Healers Affirmations in Gyan Mudra, your index finger pressed against your thumbs.




TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together, bring them to prayer pose and chant SAT NAM (Truth is my Identity) on one breath 3 times. Bring your hands up to your forehead and bow bringing your hands and head to the floor. This seals the work in your frontal lobe.
So there it is R & B Yogis! Lets connect to the infinite! For any questions and further exploration...seek me in the circle. 

May the Force Be With You, 
Mama Luz


*If you benefit in any way from Rhythm & Breath, please support us by making a heart donation in the "beggars bowl" at the top of the blog page. All proceeds go to the research, dissemination and production of mystical tools to assist seekers along the Path. Thanks in advance for your support. All assistance is humbly received and appreciated! PLEASE NOTE: Gangsta yogis will be delt with by a Higher authority.*

Saturday, August 9, 2014

MY 100th POST!!! Meditation for Healing

Greetings of peace...

If you are breathing on this planet then you more than likely know of the carnage that is taking place in Gaza. It is hard to remain neutral, not form an opinion and choose a side if you are a critical thinking hue-man Being. Like you, I have read up on the history in the region, read countless articles, I have see graphic photos, all of which have left me with feelings of hopelessness and despair. Especially when it becomes common knowledge that non combative civilians are being massacred with our tax dollars after so many cutbacks and lay-offs.

I used to pride my Self on being the poster child of Mid East peace: my sister converted to Orthodox Judaism and I became a Sufi Muslim. Although we have brushed up against each other at different junctures love has always carried us through but on this matter we remain divided. At least we have begun to dialogue with her asking questions about my faith. We are more similar than dissimilar. I am also making a greater effort in forgiving. I find that the more peace I find within my Self, the more peace I transmit therefore effecting change in my environment/life. I believe if we did this collectively, we can heal Gaza and other parts of the world that are in need of healing. Lets vibrate peace!

BEGIN: Sit in EASY POSE, with a light JALANDAR BANDH (elogated spine, lifting behind the head and slightly tucking in the chin). Rub your hands together and bring them to PRAYER POSE with your thumbs pressed against your sternum and your shoulders rolled back and down. Your eyes rolled in and up towards your THIRD EYE. Inhale through the nose and chant ONG NA MO GURU DEV NAMO (I bow to the Divine Teacher within) on two breaths. Listen here for the correct pronunciation and cadence of the ADI MANTRA which is found on my CD URBAN MANTRA: VOL I. (Please purchase if you have not already. All proceeds from the album go to Rhythm & Breath's continued effort to bring affordable and accessible mystical tools to urban folk).

MUDRA:
 FIRST POSITION: Your left hand is on your tummy, while the right hand begins with the elbow bent and palm flat, facing forward as if you are making a pledge. Chant: RA MA

SECOND POSTION: Extend your arm 4 inches. Chant: DA SA.

 THIRD POSITION: EXTEND your arm 4 more inches. Chant SA SAY.

 
FOURTH POSITION: Extend your arm all the way. Chant: SO HUNG.

MANTRA: This mantra consists of 8 basic sounds: RA MA DA SA, SA SAY SO HUNG

TRANSLATION:
RA - Sun
MA- Moon
DAA - Earth
SAA - Impersonal Infinity
SAA SAY - Totality of Infinity
SO - Personal sense of merger and identity
HUNG - The infinite, vibrating and real.

NOTES: This mantra taps into the energies of the sun, moon, earth, and the Infinite Spirit to bring deep healing. It is important to pull the navel point powerfully on the words So and Hung. Note that the word Hung is not long and drawn out. Rather, it is clipped off forcefully as you pull in the navel. Chant one complete cycle of the entire mantra with each breath. Then deeply inhale and repeat. Remember to move the mouth precisely with each sound. Try to feel the resonance in the mouth and in the sinus area.

FOCUS: Eyes are closed. 

VISUALIZATION: In your mind's eye envision peace within and without. Send peace to the Palestinian people of Gaza and all those that are suffering in the conflict and other wars around the world. 

TIME: You can do the meditation for 11 to 31 min. Decide before you begin and make the commitment to follow your time through til the very end. Leave at least 3 minutes before you conclude to switch the MANTRA to: PEACE (in your language of origin), SHALOM (peace in Hebrew), SALAAM (peace in Arabic). We will be doing this meditation collectively between the Ambrosial Hours of 5-7pm EST.

TO FINISH: Recite the Warrior Healers Affirmations in Gyan Mudra, your index finger pressed against your thumbs.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together, bring them to prayer pose and chant SAT NAM (Truth is my Identity) on one breath 3 times. Bring your hands up to your forehead and bow bringing your hands and head to the floor. This seals the work in your frontal lobe.

For any questions and further exploration...seek me in the circle. 

In Love and Light , 
Mama Luz

*If you benefit in any way from Rhythm & Breath, please support us by making a heart donation in the "beggars bowl" at the top of the blog page. All proceeds go to the research, dissemination and production of mystical tools to assist seekers along the Path. Thanks in advance for your support. All assistance is humbly received and appreciated! PLEASE NOTE: Gangsta yogis will be delt with by a Higher authority.*

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

On being the vessel

 "Kundalini Yoga is the gold with which to heal your vessel's fractures, fortify it, and make it more beautiful and precious than it was to begin with." -Luz

I know my R & B Yogis hear me speaking ad nauseum about vessels: cohered vessels and broken vessels. But I have yet to find a better analogy for the human condition and significant relationships. Just think about it, the main functions of a vessel are to pour and to hold. There are vessels of different material and are built to hold different matter. If you put the wrong material in a vessel...it may disintegrate. Put the right matter in a vessel and it will fortify it. There is matter that pollutes the vessel and that which purifies. If we look at our relationships in these terms, it provides insight into our karma (our causes) and our dharma (our purpose.) Our karma and dharma is what molds the cohesiveness of our vessel. We all are the containers of our spirits and our experience/karma. And in every relationship we all play a role as a container/vessel: pouring, receiving, spilling, emptying, holding. And it is through our relationships that we find out about our matter, the material in which we are made. And are given a chance to heal deep wounds or create new ones. Kundalini Yoga is the gold with which to heal your vessel's fractures, fortify it, and make it more beautiful and precious than it was to begin with.

There are the following types of vessels:

1) Cohered vessel: No cracks. No trauma in this life-time. Strong sense of Self. Sturdy container.

2) Broken Vessels: Cracks. Has had trauma in life. Does not do the work to heal. Filled with doubts/fears. Broken container. Spills matter. Cant hold own matter let alone other's matter.

3) Kintsugi (Vessels): Repaired cracks. Re-parents one's Self. Overcoming doubts and fears by doing the necessary spiritual work. Stronger and more precious than it was to begin with. Fortified container. 

(Kintsugi is a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with gold, silver or platinum. It is the repair that has made the vessel more beautiful than it was to begin with and distinguishes its fractures as a source of beauty.)

4) Vessel that holds other vessels: Cohered or repaired the vessel. Ability to hold cohered, broken and/or kintsugi vessels. Contents are sought. Sturdy vessel.

In my interactions, I like to ask my Self the following questions in order to maintain fulfilled interpersonal and significant relationships that are balanced and reciprocated: what kind of vessel am I in this particular interaction? What do I do the MAJORITY of the time: pour, receive, hold, spill. What is my responsibility as said vessel? Am I OK with this? Am I neutral in regards to my purpose? f I cannot be neutral what can I do to change it? 

There will be relationships where you are equally giving and receiving. These are fulfilling relationships that usually leave one satiated and inspired. There are other relationships where when one person is doing all the pouring. At times into a broken vessel and all the contents are spilled and not able to be reciprocated. No matter how connected that person is to Divine source, as a hue-man be-ing, it is only natural that the one in the dyad, doing the majority of the giving, will get depleted. This happens within our own families, with our significant others and even with our children.

It is vital that each vessel is fully aware of it's contents, the material from which it is made and it's purpose. This comes from Self knowledge and doing one's spiritual work on The Path. Ultimately, each vessel should be responsible for their own spillage and clean up of one's own karmic mess. Yet there will be times when cleaning someone else's mess is part of our karma and dharma. If you are a "vessel that holds other vessels," you will be called on to do clean up, repair and hold other vessels often. To keep one's self from becoming depleted and resentful, it is vital to do the following:

1) Keep your Self fortified by being diligent with self care with conscious eating, exercise and spiritual practice.

2) Keep your contents pure by using discernment in WHO and WHAT you open your Self to.  
3) Make one's boundaries clear by setting a designated space and time in which you are open and are called upon to be used as a vessel. Know what you are being called to do. 

4) Check your ego by reminding one's self WHO you serve and that your purpose is to be just that...a vessel.   

Just stuff to think about...

The vessel is only as pure as it's contents. 

Honor your vessel.  

Honor it's contents.

<3 Luz

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

PROSPERITY MEDITATION

"Don't let society, your culture, or family define what is success and abundance. 
Let your heart decide, then live accordingly." 
-Luz Emma

Greetings Beloveds! Once again we gather in our healing circle to explore prosperity: How it is defined by society, our families and communities? What it means to us and what have been the themes in our lives that facilitate or obstruct the flow of love, creativity, and abundance to us? We have learned in past prosperity meditations, that prosperity entails far more than transmitting the appropriate mantras associated with abundance to receive all that is our birth right. Yes, unexpected monetary gifts will flow to you if you are disciplined with your practice. Isn't part of the reason why we do prosperity meditations? But also know that "the weeds" of doubt and fear in our subconscious mind that choke our growth and expansion will also come to light. Prosperity and our ability to live an abundant life goes back to our deep feelings of worthiness and our sense of Self. These are molded by our past life karma, in this life-time by our parents, and reinforced by our communities but also our significant relationships. Rubbing up, at times, against our already sensitive and painful wounds. The themes recur in each stage of our ascension until we embody the appropriate lessons and they become a part of our Being/essence carrying us into infinity. Are you ready to heal your karma in order to give/receive infinity and live an abundant life? 
I am...Lets go!
 
BEGIN: Sit in EASY POSE, with a light JALANDAR BANDH (elogated spine, lifting behind the head and slightly tucking in the chin). Rub your hands together and bring them to PRAYER POSE with your thumbs against your sternum and your shoulders rolled back and down. Your eyes rolled in and up towards your THIRD EYE. Inhale through the nose and chant ONG NA MO GURU DEV NAMO (I bow to the Divine Teacher within) on two breaths. Listen here for the correct pronunciation and cadence of the ADI MANTRA which is found on my CD URBAN MANTRA: VOL I. Please purchase if you have not already. All proceeds from the album go to Rhythm & Breath's continued effort to bring affordable and accessible mystical tools to urban folk.

FOCUS: Eyes are closed, turned up and in, focusing at the Third Eye. Or you may have the eyes open, looking down at the tip of the nose. The choice is yours.
MUDRA: Hold your hands in GYAN MUDRA by touching the thumbs to the tips of the index fingers. Put your elbows by your sides, with the forearms parallel to the ground in front of you with the palms facing up, and wrists are straight.

MANTRA: HAR HA-RAY HA-REE WHA-HAY GU-ROO (Translation: All aspects of The Creator are bliss) Chant the mantra in a steady cadence. Remember chanting is not singing. This mantra uses the three qualities of HAR—seed, flow, and completion—unto the ecstatic Infinity of God.

TIME: Continue for 11-31 minutes.

NOTES: This meditation provides guidance, and the way through any block. The future is clear, without anxiety. Every cause has an impact and an orbit of effect. This meditation allows you to use the Neutral Mind to intuit all the expected and unexpected impacts of the mental thoughts you feel now, or that were a part of you in the past. If this part of you is unbalanced, people will distance themselves socially out of subconscious fear of your perception, bluntness, and truth. When balanced, you gain wisdom and self-guidance to hold in trust all that comes to you. You are never swayed by abundance and hold closely to the path.
TO FINISH: Recite the Warrior Healers Affirmations in Gyan Mudra, your index finger pressed against your thumbs.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together, bring them to prayer pose and chant SAT NAM (Truth is my Identity) on one breath 3 times. Bring your hands up to your forehead and bow bringing your hands and head to the floor. This seals the work in your frontal lobe.
So there it is R & B Yogis! Lets cultivate abundance individually and collectively. For any questions and further exploration...seek me in the circle. 

In Love and Light , 
Mama Luz

*If you benefit in any way from Rhythm & Breath, please support us by making a heart donation in the "beggars bowl" at the top of the blog page. All proceeds go to the research, dissemination and production of mystical tools to assist seekers along the Path. Thanks in advance for your support. All assistance is humbly received and appreciated! PLEASE NOTE: Gangsta yogis will be delt with by a Higher authority.*

Monday, April 21, 2014

Blessing for Students

 

Thank you for this Divine breath

Thank you for this opportunity to share

Bless all of those that are here in class today

And bless all of those that wanted to be here but were unable to

Bless all the Masters, Saints, Sages, Gurus and Beings that gravitate to this practice

Bless the Golden Chain of Teachers

Bless my Yoga

May we transmit the Truth and be conduits of healing

May our consciousness raise 

And our spirits ascend 

With every breath

With every blessing

With every communion

Amin

Amin

Amin

- Luz Emma Cañas Madrigal

Monday, March 24, 2014

Yoga to Live By

Kundalini Yoga is more than just postures, yoga is a way of Being. Union can be achieved, on both the physical and spiritual realms, throughout one's day. You don't have to be in a temple or in a studio, you don't need yoga gear, or even a yoga mat. You just need the sincere desire to heal one's Self. Here are simple ways to integrate yogic technology into your daily life:

1) Daily hydro therapy.

2) Rhythm & Breath Chair Yoga and/or do a kriya that you may specifically need for your own physical and mental health. You can check out my YOUTUBE channel to see what resonates.

3) Daily prayer AND meditation. Prayer is different than meditation: prayer is output and meditation is input. In prayer one speaks to God, in meditation God speaks to you.

4) Use a mala (prayer beads) throughout your day and particularly during class if you are a yoga teacher. You can use a mantra, a prayer (in your religious tradition), or create a mantra by saying the quality that you are trying to invoke. This can be done aloud, or silently, as you pull each bead.

5) Repeat Positive Affirmations throughout your day. Especially the Warrior Healer's Affirmations that you are specifically working on or struggle with.

7) Sage your body and/or bathe in sea salt water at the end of the day to wash off psychic chords and residue from your daily interactions. Especially if one engages in spiritual work.

And there it is...NO EXCUSES! The only excuses are the ones we create. To be a cohered vessel, one must do The Work that one attempts to transmit. To transmit the Truth…Be the Truth. Integrity in every thing! 


<3 Mama Luz

Friday, March 14, 2014

Liberated Heart Meditation

What is liberation? Liberation is freedom and freedom comes from a neutral mind. 
-Luz Emma

TO BEGIN: 
Sit in Easy Pose with the spine straight and chin slightly tucked in (Jalandhar Bandh). Rub your hands together and bring them to Prayer Pose with your thumbs against your sternum and your shoulders rolled back and down. Your eyes rolled in and up towards your third-eye brow point. Inhale through the nose and chant ONG NA MO GURU DEV NAMO (I bow to the Divine Teacher within) on two breaths. Listen here for the correct pronunciation and cadence of the ADI MANTRA which is found on my CD URBAN MANTRA: VOL I. (All proceeds from the album go to Rhythm & Breath's continued efforts to bring accessible mystical tools to urban folk.
MUDRA: Curl your fingers pressing the tips of your fingers into the pads of your fingers. Bring your hands together with your thumbs touching. Bring your hands in front of your lips, palms facing forward, like a mustache.
 Now move your 6 inches from your face.
FOCUS: On the tips of the fingers. 

PRANAYAM: Begin to inhale through the nose with 8 equal strokes. Then exhale with 8 equal strokes. Continue for 3-11 minutes. If you begin to experience anxiety, or shortness of breath, return to long deep breathing. Start with 1 minute, then increase to 3 and ultimately 11 minutes. .

CONCLUDE: Inhale deeply, reach your arms over head and hold the breath for as long as possible. Close your hands into fists and exhale. Repeat.

TO FINISH: Recite the Warrior Healers Affirmations in Gyan Mudra, your index finger pressed against your thumbs.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together, bring them to prayer pose and chant SAT NAM (Truth is my Identity) on one breath 3 times. Bring your hands up to your forehead and bow bringing your hands and head to the floor. This seals the work in your frontal lobe.
There it is R & B Yogis! Bring us...us FREE!

If you have any questions, reach for me.

Sat Nam, Shalom, Salaam!

- Luz Emma

*If you benefit in any way from Rhythm & Breath, please support us by making a heart donation in the "beggars bowl" at the top of the blog page. All proceeds go to the research and dissemination of mystical tools to assist seekers along the Path. Thanks in advance for your support. All assistance is humbly received and appreciated! PLEASE NOTE: Gangsta yogis will be delt with by a Higher authority.*

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Heeding the Call...

"If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it. It means that as a teacher of righteousness and truth, you must master the truth itself. You must become a living truth." -Yogi Bhajan

One is called to teach in pre-eternity and one's preparation, is one's life experience. You can only teach what you know. You only know what you experience. You only experience what is destined. A teacher is much more than a guide of your conscious choosing. A teacher is a symbolic parent. The same bliss, tension, and healing one goes through with one's child, one goes through with one's students. Not all individuals that come to class is your student. Most show up to take information/energy, few come to give and even less come to develop a Divine relationship where there is an exchange of information/energy. Divine relating is equal parts bliss and pain. Most students are not ready for this. 

The seeker-guide relationship should be a conscious and mutual agreement. A good teacher knows the sanctity and seriousness of this relationship and therefore cannot and does not accept all seekers/students. One prepares for this immense responsibility from your first conscious breath of the day, your first conscious thought, your daily spiritual practice, the manner in which you prepare for the day (bathe, eat, pray/meditate), how you use your time, and how you purify your heart so that which you teach is transmitted from a place of Truth and humility. All of these tools: pranayam, prayer, meditation, spiritual cleansing, etc. are a teacher's necessary spiritual armor. But you would not have heeded the call if it was not your destiny and your calling. Know that you were born ready! 

If you are interested in teaching and would like to know more about Rhythm & Breath's Teacher's Training/Life Mastery program contact Luz via email: rhythmandbreath@gmail.com. It is an independent study program and is done on your own time, at your own pace. The cost is $2,700. This includes part of the reading material (some of the books are worth owning for future reference), instructional videos, classes and lectures. There is also a support system in place to ease the tension of the cost. Inquire if need be. If you have any other questions, you may contact me in the email provided above. 

Sat Nam, Shalom, Salaam...  

<3 Mama Luz

Sunday, January 5, 2014

To turban or not to turban? That is the question...

"The path is in your heart, not on your head." -Bhai Himat

Head coverings are used in practically every spiritual tradition but according to each culture, heads are also covered differently. Some wrap the head with a turban, others cover the head with a scarf while others cover the head with a small hat or cap. But the common motivation which transverses all spiritual traditions is the covering of the head as a gesture to show humility, an exercise in modesty and/or as a spiritual protection

According to yogic tradition the turban is not only spiritually motivated but is also scientific. The head is the h(om) of the 6th and 7th chakra and houses the pineal gland, the seat of the soul. Wearing a turban facilitates the creation of a meditative focus at the third eye brow point and also minimize energy escaping from your tenth gate, 7th chakra. Therefore keeping the energy inside the body that is cultivated from Kundalini Yoga practice. In addition, covering the head also stabilizes the cerebral matter and the 26 parts of the brain, which are interlocked with the neurological system and electromagnetic field. 

I use this yogic technology, just like I use any medicine, on an "as needed" basis. I find it minimizes headaches which can come from the excess heat generated from Kundalini Yoga and the calibrates the effects of outside energies and entities that may be trying to infiltrate your system, especially when you practice mysticism. Think of your head, particularly your brain, as your command center and your head covering as your crown. A turban not only fortifies your command center but is also a reminder of your royal status and your commitment to your dharma. In your exploration of the turban, be mindful of the space you inhabit especially when it is not ones own. Know that some spiritual traditions, it is required for the ladies to cover the neck while in others it does not. So pay attention to etiquette and customs of the house. It is always best to err on caution and be over than under dressed. Use natural fibers, light colors are better, and most importantly rock it!

<3 Mama Luz