Early Morning Group Sadhana
"We call the time we spend on our maintenance sadhana. It is an essential part of life. If you do your sadhana, your mind can take the pressure. It will guide you and groom you properly." ~ Yogi Bhajan
WHAT IS "GROUP SADHANA?"
Sadhana is the daily discipline and spiritual practice of Kundalini Yoga. In Group Sadhana (also called Morning Sadhana), we gather together in the ambrosial hours (pre-dawn and pre-sunset) to lift our hearts and bow our heads. There is chanting, yoga, meditation and prayer. Sadhana is a conscious activity to access the unlimited potential of your life through relating to and embracing the most mysterious aspects of our deepest self. Read "The Power of Group Sadhana"
Sadhana is the daily discipline and spiritual practice of Kundalini Yoga. In Group Sadhana (also called Morning Sadhana), we gather together in the ambrosial hours (pre-dawn and pre-sunset) to lift our hearts and bow our heads. There is chanting, yoga, meditation and prayer. Sadhana is a conscious activity to access the unlimited potential of your life through relating to and embracing the most mysterious aspects of our deepest self. Read "The Power of Group Sadhana"
HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE "SADHANA"?
Even though it looks like "sad-hana" the H is silent. Say "sod-na" or "sod-a-na".
WHERE IS GROUP SADHANA HELD IN PORTLAND?
We are not currently offering sadhana regularly. Sign up for e-news to stay informed.
All are welcome!! Everyone is welcome to attend sadhana.
WHY SO EARLY?
To help us prepare for the changes and challenges of daily life in this age! It is during the Amrit Vela (Nectar Time), 2½ hours before dawn, when the world is transitioning and deeply still. It is this time of each day when the "veil" of the ego (limited self) is thinnest and so we can mindfully observe all the negative habits that lead you away from health, physical stamina, wholeness and higher consciousness and neutralize the desires underlying those habits one by one. Reset your cycles and patterns to the rhythm of your ultimate aims, your Soul and the heartbeat of the Universe!
It is during the Amrit Vela that prana concentrates and cleansing on all levels is more easily accomplished. Simply being aware, vertical and leaning in the right direction at this time has profound effects as the subconscious, which is usually tucked away and suppressed through tensions in the physical body, is right there on the surface and in our conscious awareness.
We welcome you to rise up and connect with your soul in the Amrit Vela! Come and experience the ecstasy group consciousness and the satisfaction of serving your Higher Self.
Even though it looks like "sad-hana" the H is silent. Say "sod-na" or "sod-a-na".
WHERE IS GROUP SADHANA HELD IN PORTLAND?
We are not currently offering sadhana regularly. Sign up for e-news to stay informed.
All are welcome!! Everyone is welcome to attend sadhana.
WHY SO EARLY?
To help us prepare for the changes and challenges of daily life in this age! It is during the Amrit Vela (Nectar Time), 2½ hours before dawn, when the world is transitioning and deeply still. It is this time of each day when the "veil" of the ego (limited self) is thinnest and so we can mindfully observe all the negative habits that lead you away from health, physical stamina, wholeness and higher consciousness and neutralize the desires underlying those habits one by one. Reset your cycles and patterns to the rhythm of your ultimate aims, your Soul and the heartbeat of the Universe!
It is during the Amrit Vela that prana concentrates and cleansing on all levels is more easily accomplished. Simply being aware, vertical and leaning in the right direction at this time has profound effects as the subconscious, which is usually tucked away and suppressed through tensions in the physical body, is right there on the surface and in our conscious awareness.
We welcome you to rise up and connect with your soul in the Amrit Vela! Come and experience the ecstasy group consciousness and the satisfaction of serving your Higher Self.
"Sadhana is a test of self-grit. If your sadhana is more important than your neurosis, you are fine. If your neurosis is more important than your sadhana you are not. Doesn't matter how saintly you are, nobody wants to get up in the ambrosial hours. Why you still do it is a mystery. At that time, between 3 and 6 o'clock, the rays of the sun pass at 60 degrees and you want to feel relaxed. You take a cold shower, wake-up and meditate. Why do you repeat the mantra hundreds of times? To create a stamina, an absolute mental stamina. Without that there is no chance for life to be smooth. If somebody refuses to exercise, nobody can force him, but at that one moment in life when that person needs physical stamina, it won't be there. Sadhana is what your mental stamina requires. Love is what your spiritual stamina requires "
~ Yogi Bhajan 1/22/91
WHAT TO EXPECT
4:30am - 4:50am ~ Japji Sahib
The recitation of Japji, the inspiring opening section of sacred poetry from the Sikh scriptures (the Siri Guru Granth Sahib) provides an experience of the Shabad Guru. Copies of Japji are available to follow along, please ask. Please keep your head covered during Japji.
4:50am - 5:30/40am ~ Kundalini Yoga
Tuning in with Adi Mantra, breathe, move, stretch, and deeply relax
5:40am - 6:45am ~ Mantra Meditation
Chanting the seven mantras of the Aquarian Sadhana for 62 minutes. Mantra sheets are available for participants, please ask.
6:45am - 7:00am ~ Gurdwara Service
Gurdwara translates as "gate to the Guru". Gurdwara can mean a place where the Guru is kept as well as a Sikh devotional service. To conclude sadhana our Gurdwara service includes:
7:00am ~ Sing the Long Time Sunshine Song
IS IT REALLY FREE?
Group Sadhana is offered for free, however if inspired, please considering making a donation to help continue our community efforts. Cash or check can be left in the Guru's bowl (a small bowl placed in front of the Guru) or make a donation online.
WHAT IF I ARRIVE LATE or WANT TO LEAVE EARLY?
We begin promptly at 4:30am. If you arrive after that time simply quietly enter. If you wish to leave, please do so respectfully. The full practice is 2.5 hours which is 10% of 24 hours. We give 10% and the universe takes care of the rest of our day!
Q&A WITH THE MASTER
Yogi Bahjan answers questions about sadhana. (Taken from the Level 1 teacher training manual.)
Question: What is the greatest reward of doing sadhana?
Answer: The greatest reward of doing sadhana is that the person becomes incapable of being defeated. Sadhana is a self-victory, and it is a victory over time and space. Getting up is a victory over time, and doing it is a victory over space. That is what sadhana is. And when you do a sadhana in the sangat, you enrich yourself in multiple ways. First, the isolation which can hit anybody and make them go totally crazy is defeated. Secondly, when all of you meditate on God, the total effect of your sadhana becomes multiplied by the number of people participating. Sadhana is not a matter of advantages and disadvantages. It is simply a means through which you can defeat all your miseries, misfortunes, and handicaps. It is a very personal thing which does not relate to anybody except yourself.
You are supposed to go through self-evaluation every day. That is what sadhana is. On one side is God, the superiority of you; on one side is you; and on one side is the devil or the inferiority of you. Between the three you have to assess yourself. A sadhu is a being who has disciplined himself. Sadhana is the technique to discipline yourself. It is a scientific way to live.
Question: Is it important to wear a head covering during sadhana?
Answer: During sadhana, be sure to cover your head with a nonstatic, natural cloth like cotton, and keep the hair up. The hair regulates the inflow of sun energy into the body system. To let the solar energy flow without obstruction, let the hair grow to its full natural length, and take good care of it. If this is done, the amount of energy that goes downward from the Seventh Chakra increases tremendously. The kundalini energy is activated by the radiant force of the solar plexus and moves upward in response to the solar energy coming down. This balances the body energy and maintains the total equilibrium. If the hair is down, unkept, or uncovered so that it is electrically imbalanced, this natural process of raising the Kundalini energy will be impeded.
Question: If I have to leave sadhana, what is the best way?
Answer: The same way you entered. Be aware of the presence of the teacher by bowing in your consciousness. Be quiet so nothing is disturbed. Choose a time to leave that is between kriyas and meditations. A sharp noise during a deep meditation is a shock to the total system. Do not come and go as you please, but to please the highest teacher.
Question: When I am sick, should I attend sadhana?
Answer: If you are going to be in bed all day with an extreme sickness, then no. If it is not extreme (this includes most menstrual periods), then attend sadhana and do what you can. If you cannot exercise or meditate well, then at least attempt to meditate. Afterwards, lie down and rest in sadhana while mentally listening to the shabd. This way you will get well faster, and maintain the rhythm of a regular sadhana. It also eliminates the tendency to have minor morning illnesses to escape the self-discipline of a constant sadhana. In other words, participation in a group effort and regularity of discipline are paramount. But do not be a fanatic to the point of aggravating a serious illness.
Question: I am a beginner and can only spare one hour on sadhana. Will one hour have any effect?
Answer: Always do some sadhana no matter how short, because every effort of the individual mind to meet the Universal Self is reciprocated a thousand-fold. The ideal is a perfect two-and-a-half hour sadhana. But if we are to run, we must first learn to walk. An hour is excellent. As you grow into sadhana, you will find time to extend it if you really want to do so. It is good for some people to start slowly. If you try to climb Mt. Everest without climbing even a foothill beforehand, failure could discourage you from all other attempts. Build slowly and constantly at a pace you can maintain, but definitely do something.
Question: Do we need a special place for sadhana?
Answer: A special place or altar is ideal. The care you give the external environment is a sign and symbol to the mind of your intention. The outer reflects the inner. If the place of meditation is sloppy, it usually means you do not value relating to that Infinite Self, or you value it, but do not believe in it or yourself. When traveling, you do your best to bring a sense of specialness with you to wherever you meditate.
4:30am - 4:50am ~ Japji Sahib
The recitation of Japji, the inspiring opening section of sacred poetry from the Sikh scriptures (the Siri Guru Granth Sahib) provides an experience of the Shabad Guru. Copies of Japji are available to follow along, please ask. Please keep your head covered during Japji.
4:50am - 5:30/40am ~ Kundalini Yoga
Tuning in with Adi Mantra, breathe, move, stretch, and deeply relax
5:40am - 6:45am ~ Mantra Meditation
Chanting the seven mantras of the Aquarian Sadhana for 62 minutes. Mantra sheets are available for participants, please ask.
6:45am - 7:00am ~ Gurdwara Service
Gurdwara translates as "gate to the Guru". Gurdwara can mean a place where the Guru is kept as well as a Sikh devotional service. To conclude sadhana our Gurdwara service includes:
- Ardas - prayer for the community
- Hukum - a "random" reading from Sikh scriptures (the Siri Guru Granth Sahib)
7:00am ~ Sing the Long Time Sunshine Song
IS IT REALLY FREE?
Group Sadhana is offered for free, however if inspired, please considering making a donation to help continue our community efforts. Cash or check can be left in the Guru's bowl (a small bowl placed in front of the Guru) or make a donation online.
WHAT IF I ARRIVE LATE or WANT TO LEAVE EARLY?
We begin promptly at 4:30am. If you arrive after that time simply quietly enter. If you wish to leave, please do so respectfully. The full practice is 2.5 hours which is 10% of 24 hours. We give 10% and the universe takes care of the rest of our day!
Q&A WITH THE MASTER
Yogi Bahjan answers questions about sadhana. (Taken from the Level 1 teacher training manual.)
Question: What is the greatest reward of doing sadhana?
Answer: The greatest reward of doing sadhana is that the person becomes incapable of being defeated. Sadhana is a self-victory, and it is a victory over time and space. Getting up is a victory over time, and doing it is a victory over space. That is what sadhana is. And when you do a sadhana in the sangat, you enrich yourself in multiple ways. First, the isolation which can hit anybody and make them go totally crazy is defeated. Secondly, when all of you meditate on God, the total effect of your sadhana becomes multiplied by the number of people participating. Sadhana is not a matter of advantages and disadvantages. It is simply a means through which you can defeat all your miseries, misfortunes, and handicaps. It is a very personal thing which does not relate to anybody except yourself.
You are supposed to go through self-evaluation every day. That is what sadhana is. On one side is God, the superiority of you; on one side is you; and on one side is the devil or the inferiority of you. Between the three you have to assess yourself. A sadhu is a being who has disciplined himself. Sadhana is the technique to discipline yourself. It is a scientific way to live.
Question: Is it important to wear a head covering during sadhana?
Answer: During sadhana, be sure to cover your head with a nonstatic, natural cloth like cotton, and keep the hair up. The hair regulates the inflow of sun energy into the body system. To let the solar energy flow without obstruction, let the hair grow to its full natural length, and take good care of it. If this is done, the amount of energy that goes downward from the Seventh Chakra increases tremendously. The kundalini energy is activated by the radiant force of the solar plexus and moves upward in response to the solar energy coming down. This balances the body energy and maintains the total equilibrium. If the hair is down, unkept, or uncovered so that it is electrically imbalanced, this natural process of raising the Kundalini energy will be impeded.
Question: If I have to leave sadhana, what is the best way?
Answer: The same way you entered. Be aware of the presence of the teacher by bowing in your consciousness. Be quiet so nothing is disturbed. Choose a time to leave that is between kriyas and meditations. A sharp noise during a deep meditation is a shock to the total system. Do not come and go as you please, but to please the highest teacher.
Question: When I am sick, should I attend sadhana?
Answer: If you are going to be in bed all day with an extreme sickness, then no. If it is not extreme (this includes most menstrual periods), then attend sadhana and do what you can. If you cannot exercise or meditate well, then at least attempt to meditate. Afterwards, lie down and rest in sadhana while mentally listening to the shabd. This way you will get well faster, and maintain the rhythm of a regular sadhana. It also eliminates the tendency to have minor morning illnesses to escape the self-discipline of a constant sadhana. In other words, participation in a group effort and regularity of discipline are paramount. But do not be a fanatic to the point of aggravating a serious illness.
Question: I am a beginner and can only spare one hour on sadhana. Will one hour have any effect?
Answer: Always do some sadhana no matter how short, because every effort of the individual mind to meet the Universal Self is reciprocated a thousand-fold. The ideal is a perfect two-and-a-half hour sadhana. But if we are to run, we must first learn to walk. An hour is excellent. As you grow into sadhana, you will find time to extend it if you really want to do so. It is good for some people to start slowly. If you try to climb Mt. Everest without climbing even a foothill beforehand, failure could discourage you from all other attempts. Build slowly and constantly at a pace you can maintain, but definitely do something.
Question: Do we need a special place for sadhana?
Answer: A special place or altar is ideal. The care you give the external environment is a sign and symbol to the mind of your intention. The outer reflects the inner. If the place of meditation is sloppy, it usually means you do not value relating to that Infinite Self, or you value it, but do not believe in it or yourself. When traveling, you do your best to bring a sense of specialness with you to wherever you meditate.