Naam Yoga Meditation in Sanskrit

I stumble upon this class at my local Senior Center: Naam Yoga.  Two mornings a week.  My knee is still recovering from my broken patella back in November.  I figured as easy as it may seem, I should attend this class. 

I am surprised by the new knowledge I gain in each class in an area that I knew nothing about.  I am meeting new people from all nationalities and walks of life.  Older people with canes and walkers mostly sitting in a chair.  Our teacher Allyn Cioban is bringing us all together and making sure we never forget to smile and laugh.  The class combines the various exercises with breathing.  The words of the mantras in Sanskrit are displayed on the screen and we chant them to the sound of rhythmic music.  Very often there are hand movements called mudras and they use the tips of the fingers and parts of the hands in meaningful forms. 

I will try and describe some of the exercises.

We begin with rubbing our hands together to create heat.  Then we hold our hands in prayer pose and chant the first mantra to help us create our intent for the class.

Then we chant the triple mantra that helps with protection.  We use various hand mudras for this mantra.  The mantra has 3 verses and I am happy to say that although I don’t understand it I managed to memorize it.  In the last two verses each line ends with the word SUCH.  As you say such, you have to hold your tummy in.  We chant this mantra for 3-5 minutes.  Believe me, after saying such and squeezing in your lower belly for 3 minutes you get a work out!  And you have to keep smiling!

At the end we are instructed to take a deep breath, raise our hands up and shake them, and laugh out loud!

One of my favorite mantras is the one that helps you listen to your inner voice.  The inner voice is a mere whisper compared with your ego that keeps on chattering.  The melody is beautiful and the lyrics begin with Gurur Brahma.  We hold our hands with Venus lock mudra:

The name Venus Lock is derived from the connection between the negative and positive sides of the Venus mounds. These are located on each hand and are the fleshy areas at the base of the thumb (which represents ego).

Venus represents sensuality and sexuality. This Mudra channels the sexual energy while balancing the glandular system. If you place both hands in this Mudra on your lap, you will be able to concentrate better.

This Mudra is done by interlacing the fingers. For women the right pinky stays on the bottom, while for men, it’s the left. One of the thumbs touches the fleshy part between the other thumb and the index finger.

We do an exercise to get rid of any negativity.  For this many people in the back of the room stand up.  We use the Middle Pillar mudra: Hold the hands six inches apart, palms facing each other, at the heart center. This creates a healing space within the aura and breaks through challenges.  The exercise is to keep chopping away with your hands.  We all laugh when we do this.  We look at each other and try to keep up with the pace.

Some other interesting mudras: 

The Gyan Mudra is considered one of the most important mudras. It has been practiced in meditation for thousands of years, and continues to bring peace, calm and spiritual progress.

Known as the “mudra of knowledge”, it evokes the most expansive version of the self, so you can flow through your life lessons with ease and calm. It stimulates wisdom and knowledge.

The Gyan Mudra is good to do when speaking to someone so you come from your highest self.

Hand Position: Gyan Mudra - Thumb pad to index finger pad - Traditionally speaking, Gyan mudra expands our consciousness and promotes self-wisdom. It also helps to break through life challenges. This mudra also stimulates the lung meridian.  

An interesting exercise to hear your voice from within: Close ears with your thumbs and eyes with your fingers.  Chant mmmm and feel how it sounds. 

Try to chant Ohm Ohm Ohm Ohm squeezing your belly on each Ohm.

The class always ends with a prayer for love, peace and light all around us and our surroundings. 

NAMASTE!