Kundalini Yoga in the Loop - 410 South Michigan Ave Suite 514 - Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-4699     www.ShaktaKaur.com     info@shaktakaur.com
Current Events...   Friday - February 15, 2013
go “Toto, we’re not in Kansas any more ...” We’re in India!  
go Presidents' Day - No Classes at KYL  
go Teacher Training in Richmond, IL - Begins in June!
go KYL's February Theme - Yoga for Prosperity and Abundance
go Divine Alignment Weekend with Guru Prem Singh - Early Bird Ends Feb. 17!
go Level 1 Teacher Training - Prince Edward Island (Spring & Fall 2013)
go Level 2 Teacher Training - PEI Canada - May 2013 - Housing Fees Reduced!
News & Notes...
go Yoga Class Schedule
go Yogi Bhajan Quote
go Moon Watch
Shakta Arrives in Delhi, India

Happy Valentine's Day from India

February 14, 2013
NEW DELHI AIRPORT

We landed in New Delhi Wednesday (2/13) afternoon at 3:30 pm. It was a 15 hour non-stop flight from Chicago. At the airport we were met by representatives of our tour operator. This is a good thing because the sights and sounds that greet you in Delhi’s airport can be overpowering ... especially when you’re a bit foggy-headed and feeling tamasic after such a long flight. After we cleared customs we were allowed inside the airport itself. The first sight to greet us is literally hundreds of Indian people hanging over fencing with signs exhibiting the names of the travelers they are there to meet! Looking into that sea of faces can quickly cause mass confusion to a non-Indian traveling on his/her own. Luckily, several of the members of our tour group joined me for the same non-stop flight. So, if we were going to be confused, we decided we would all be confused together!

Thursday, Feb. 14, is Valentine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us in New Delhi! Who would have ever thought that we’d be in New Delhi, India, on Valentine’s Day! Certainly not me!

Sarnath (Feb. 15)

Venue of Buddha’s First Public Lecture after Enlightenment.

Tomorrow we leave for the green grounds of Sarnath which will be in calm contrast to the urban clamor of New Delhi. It was in Sarnath--after attaining enlightenment--that the Buddha revealed to his companions the Four Noble Truths about suffering (the origin and cessation of suffering, followed by the attainment of peace, enlightenment and salvation). This was where he gave his first sermon after enlightenment which set the Wheel of Law into Motion. This happened in 532 BC when the Buddha was 35 years old.

His five companions became the first disciples who were joined by the son of a rich householder from the neighboring city of Banares (see below) and 54 of his friends. All of them together became the first monks of the Sangha (order) formed by Buddha. He sent them in various directions to preach his Dhamma (faith).

Sarnath is one of the four greatest Buddha pilgrimage sites. Before his Enlightenment, Buddha told his disciples they should visit the four places connected with his life—birth, enlightenment, first preaching and death. We feel very grateful to be here. We enjoy the sunshine as we walk round and round the main stupa (Buddhist shrine that marks the location of an auspicious event) before leaving for Banares.

Banares (Varanasi) Feb. 16 - "The Eternal City"

We will spend the night at our next stop, Banares, the oldest sacred city in India. An author once wrote, ‘The four perils of Banares are widows, bulls, stairs and holy men. You can enjoy Banares only if you survive these.’ That is exactly what we learned as we walked through some very crowded and narrow stone-paved lanes with other tourists, boatmen and residents all moving en masse towards the Ganges River and the ghats (steps leading down to the water). We accidentally bumped into cows when they moved where we didn’t anticipate, walked carefully around their droppings and people-watched the devotees carrying small baskets of flowers, platters with small objects for worship and even a change of clothes. We stopped to buy our own rose petals and strands of marigolds from a street vendor.

The Ganges River (Ganga) is considered the Mother, the Nourisher and Sustainer of all living beings. The epic Mahabaharata says, ‘The mere utterance of the word Ganga redeems a sinner, the mere sight of the Ganga amounts to a pious act, to bathe in it or to drink its water leads to the salvation of seven generations and no sooner do the ashes of the dead touch the water than the soul is transported to Heaven.’

Banares is built on the cliffs above the Ganges River. The ghats line the river for over 4 miles. Each ghat has its own history, architecture and religious significance. As we climb into our little boat for an early morning view of the activity we learn that the boatmen are the most knowledgeable guides here. And as we pull away from the stone steps leading down to the river we have a beautiful view of Banaras’ historic riverside.

If you die in Banares you are guaranteed freedom from the cycle of birth, death and re-birth. As a result, there are many, many retirement homes here! Death is not a cause for grief. It is a celebration of deliverance from the cycle of re-birth. We see families walking with bodies wrapped in shrouds and tied to bamboo stretchers.

The Banares ghats have been cremating bodies for more than 5000 years. Before the dead is reduced to ashes completely a relative cracks the skull with a bamboo pole to free the soul from human bondage. There are electric crematoriums built to save the Ganges from further pollution, but, they face much opposition. Their opponents argue, ‘how can the Ganga--which is all purifying--ever become polluted herself?’

Tomorrow we tour more of the city of Banares. Banares is known for its doctors trained in Ayurveda (ancient art of Indian healing) and also for its palmists and astrologers. We see shops selling semi-precious stones and gemstones. And, we also find the occasional pirated copy of 3HO music CDs! After Banares it will be on our way to Allahabad, for the ‘Punarnava Ayurveda Yoga Conference.’ This year the Conference is being held in the midst of the largest gathering of humanity on the planet – the Kumbh Mela! More about the Conference and the Kumbh Mela next week!
Presidents' Day - No Classes

No Classes at KYL

on Presidents' Day - Monday Feb. 18
New KYTT this June
Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training

in Richmond, IL

with Shakta Kaur
plus an incredible team of
Visiting Teacher Trainers!

8 Weekends - June 2013 to January 2014
For the first time ever, Shakta is leading a Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training course in Richmond, Illinois.   The village of Richmond is over 150 years old (map  Located 55 miles northwest of Chicago, 11 miles south of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and 44 miles southwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

The Richmond KY Teacher Training course takes place on 8 weekends over 8 months beginning June 7-8-9 at a beautiful private home. There are 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms at the home which are available to those who might need to stay overnight during the course!

This program is based on the comprehensive science of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. It is certified by the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI). The course is registered as an RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance (YA).

In this Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training course you learn the fundamental principles and practices of Kundalini Yoga. You embark on a tremendous journey of self-growth and personal development as you develop the skills to instruct students in Kundalini Yoga and Meditation should you so choose.

This is a 220 hour course of which 180 are classroom hours of instruction in a well-defined curriculum including:

� Yogic Philosophy & The Origins of Kundalini Yoga � The Chakras
� Sadhana—Daily Spiritual Practice � The Ten Bodies
� Yogic Lifestyle, Diet & Nutrition � The Art of Relaxation
� The Art of Self-Healing � Sound and Mantra
� The Role of a Kundalini Yoga Teacher � The Science of Breath
� Teaching Kundalini Yoga Postures, Kriyas & Meditation � Anatomy & Physiology


Links for more details:   Brochure     Registration Form     Register Online
KYL's Theme...
Yoga for Prosperity and Abundance

KYL's Theme for February
Come to KYL in February as we continue our annual ‘Yoga for Prosperity and Abundance’ series! Every class during the next eight weeks will use yoga postures, meditations, mantras and the gong to release old habits of scarcity and bring in new habits of abundance.

Raise your self-esteem, conquer self-animosity, eliminate negative thoughts and affirm your worthiness to receive through special yoga and meditation classes where you will learn:
How to Recognize Prosperity
The Power of Blessing
Gratitude as a Vibration
How Intuition Helps Us Receive
How to Tap Opportunities
Tithing as a Tool to Receive More
About the Breath of Prosperity
Your Prosperity Consciousness
How Forgiveness Creates Wealth
How to Go from Misfortune to Good Fortune
and More Techniques to Open You to the Flow of Prosperity.
Click Here to pre-register for classes! Or, simply drop-in to the class of your choice!
Master of Postures at KYL!
Divine Alignment

a weekend workshop with Guru Prem Singh

Sat. March 2 - 8 am to 6 pm
Sun. March 3 - 10 am to 5 pm

$250 adv/$300 Feb. 17 or later ($159 for one day only – either Sat. or Sun.)
Register Soon - Early Bird Rate Disappears February 17

Guru Prem SinghCome join ‘posture master’ Guru Prem Singh Khalsa when he visits KYL for two days of postures, alignment and bandhas study! Yogi Bhajan himself named Guru Prem the ‘Posture Master!’ Once you spend time with Guru Prem in March you’ll see why! Guru Prem Singh has taught and practiced yoga all over the world for over 35 years. He is a Teacher Trainer of Kundalini Yogis and an advanced Ashtanga Yoga practitioner. In Chicago he’ll share with you the tools of his trade in ‘Divine Alignment’ and letting your Heart Rule!

You will learn:
  • Correct Alignment in Sitting, Standing and Reclining
  • Basic & Advanced Asana Fundamentals
  • New Tools to Unlock Patterns of Tension in the Body
  • How to Safely Approach More Challenging Asanas
  • The Bandhas’ Applications and Uses
  • How to Connect with the Earth while using Gravity to Your Benefit
  • Warm-up exercises/stretches to open up the hips and shoulders, plus,
  • Much, much more!

Guru Prem Singh is the author of three books--'Divine Alignment,' ‘The Heart Rules’ and 'Everyday Devotion.’ His wisdom, expertise and insights are beneficial to both beginners and more advanced yogis.

No matter where you’re at in your ‘divine alignment’ you will benefit from these two special days with Guru Prem Singh. So, come learn the basics, challenge yourself and have even more success on your yogic journey!

Click Here to register. Download Flyer
Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Trainings in Canada
The Art & Science of
Improving Yourself

KYL's 12th Level 1 course!
Prince Edward Island, Canada - Begins Spring 2013

  Brochure     Registration Form     Details

Course Dates
     Session 1: April 29 to May 9, 2013 (arrive 4/28, depart 5/10)
     Session 2: Sept 24 to Oct 4, 2013 (Arrive 9/23, Depart 10/5)

Registration is now open!
     $2,900 (enroll by Feb 28; pay-in-full by April 29)*
     $3,200 (enroll by Feb 28; make 7 payments)*
     Reserve your place with a $500 down payment!

Level 1 in Prince Edward Island (PEI) begins in the spring of 2013! Eleven days in the spring and eleven days in the fall with conference calls every month in between (plus a final conference call in November). This is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the teachings while having plenty of time to integrate what you’ve learned once you’ve gotten back into your regular routine at home.

It has been one year since the graduation of the first-ever class of Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teachers in the Maritimes. And, we have received many requests in this past year for dates for the next 220-hour Level 1 Aquarian Teacher Training course on Prince Edward Island. Click Here to see images from the 2009-2010 Level 1 course.

So, we are happy to announce that the second Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training course led by Shakta Kaur on beautiful Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada is now available for registration! Click Here for the brochure.

Come experience the teachings of Yogi Bhajan in an environment loved by many as a destination location. You will reside with other teachers-in-training in resort-quality accommodations** and have access to scenic landscapes, beaches and an environment that will soothe your soul. Organic, vegetarian meals will be prepared on-site for us every day by our own chef, too!


* US funds or checks drawn on US banks only.
** Accommodations and meals are a separate fee depending upon room choice. See Registration Form for details.
Level 2 Teacher Training - Prince Edward Island
   
Prince Edward Island, Canada

Level 2 - Vitality & Stress

Housing Fees Reduced!

New Venue - McLean House Inn

Class Friday, May 24 - Wednesday, May 29, 2013.
(Arrive Thursday, May 23/Depart Thursday, May 30.)
Reminder: Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day in the USA.


Flyer     More Details     Housing Options

Yogi Bhajan said, “Life is based on two things: no stress and you are together; too much stress, there is nothing expected of you.
Join us on beautiful Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, as you explore your vitality and relieve your stress in this unique six-day course! Yogi Bhajan often said we could revitalize ourselves in as little as 15 or 20 minutes.
 
  • $450 – Prior V&S Graduate
  • $1,099 – KYL Level 1 or Level 2 Alumni
  • $1,199 – IKYTA Members
  • $1,299 – Regular Rate


Come learn to:
  - Recognize the signs and symptoms of stress in ourselves and others.
  - Use small amounts of stress to strengthen the nervous system and develop caliber.
  - Call on positive emotions to handle stress better.
  - Review basic lifestyle habits from the perspective of stress and vitality.
  - Become a spiritual warrior who doesn’t create more stress through worry, drama or fear.
  - Invoke the limitless healing space to bless and uplift yourself and others.

Each day we study with Yogi Bhajan in a DVD class and meditation. In addition we work both individually and in groups, exploring the key concepts and ideas in Vitality & Stress. In addition, we enhance our vitality and rid our body and mind of the effects of stress through kriyas, meditations and other processes.

Our Lead Trainer is Mahan Rishi Singh Khalsa, D.C. Lodging and meal information coming soon.

Moon Watch
CURRENT MOON

New Moon - February 10

11 Days After - February 21

Full Moon - February 25

(Above Dates Adjusted for Central Time Zone)
New Moon
The New Moon is when you are at your lowest...energy-wise. It is a good day to fast on lemon and water. Fast from sun-up until the next morning at breakfast, when you "break" the "fast."

Waxing Moon
... is the time between the New Moon and the day before the Full Moon. During this time the energy of the body moves into your higher centers (chakras). This is the time to bring new things, new people or new relationships into your life or to accelerate the progress of your special projects.

11 Days After New Moon
Yogi Bhajan taught that this is the day when you are in balance. The glandular system readjusts itself on this day. Your metabolism is changing, so if you eat very lightly (green foods) or if you live just on water and lemon today, your health will be perfect. Eat very lightly during the day. Eat only one meal and drink lemon and water the rest of the day.

Full Moon
You are naturally accelerated on a full moon. You are at your highest energy level. The secretions in your body will be at their maximum, so you don't want your energy being used to consume food. Save your energy to reconstruct yourself. Try to drink only liquids on this day. If you feel you must eat, drink only milk. (But, don't drink cold milk right out of the refrigerator. Milk should be brought to a boil. Allow the milk to foam up and then bring the heat down so the milk is on a slow boil for 5-10 minutes. While cooking it, you may add a pinch of ground turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, a cinnamon stick, or a few pinches of ginger to reduce any mucous causing side effect.)

Waning Moon
... is the time between the Full Moon and the day before the New Moon. This is the best time to remove things, relationships or situations from your life that no longer serve you. It is not generally thought of as the best time to start a new project.

Yoga Class Schedule  (view online)
Kundalini Classes
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
12:15-1:00 pm ($12)
6:00-7:00 pm ($14) - not on Friday
  • Sunday
10:30-Noon ($18)
(After Sunday's class join us for a vegetarian potluck.)
(Class fee discount of 17% with a 6-Class Pass)
Other Events
Year 2013
  • March 2-3, 2013  � Guru Prem Singh Postures Workship
    Both Days - $250 ($300 on Feb. 17); Single Day - $159
  • April 29 to May 9 & Sep. 24 to Oct. 4, 2013  � Canada (PEI) Level 1 Teacher Training
    First 11-Day Session (4/29 to 5/9)
    Second 11-day Session (9/24 to 10/4)
  • May 24 to 29Canada (PEI) Level 2 Teacher Training
    "Vitality and Stress"
  • June 6-8Richmond, IL KYTT Teacher Training
    Level 1 - 8 weekends over 8 months
A Poem From Yogi Bhajan
"
TO MY VALENTINE

Valentine’s day is a tranquil day, Calm, smooth, tranquil, Deep flow of spirit. The soul of love. The link between us is the lineage of the human family And the legacy of divinity.

This bountiful day, bless us with a memory To meet with love, hugs, and kisses, Selflessly, humbly and in the ecstasy of God, So we can acknowledge each other As a wonder of God’s creation.

With mutual respect and love From my being to your being, From my soul to your soul, From my prayer to your prayer. In oneness of God, I say thank you, my love And God bless you.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!”
"