Meditation Practices & Methods Flashcards

Which breathing pattern is used in 'Sitali Pranayama' and what is its primary meditation benefit?

Answer: Inhale through a rolled tongue, exhale through the nose — cools the body and calms anger

Sitali Pranayama uses a curled tongue to inhale cool air, helping to lower body temperature, calm the nervous system, and reduce anger during meditation.

In Kundalini Yoga, what is the metaphysical function of the 'Arcline' (Sixth Body)?

Answer: It is the halo of protection and projection that mediates between the aura and the universe

The Arcline extends from earlobe to earlobe across the forehead and, in women, across the chest; it serves as a record of past experience and a protective halo.

A practitioner wants to meditate to specifically strengthen intuition and activate the pituitary gland. Which meditation focus is most appropriate?

Answer: Third Eye (Ajna) focus with Shambhavi Mudra

Shambhavi Mudra (gazing upward toward the brow point) combined with Ajna focus is classically used to stimulate the pituitary gland and develop intuition.

What is the significance of meditating at 'Amrit Vela' (the ambrosial hours) in Kundalini tradition?

Answer: The Earth's magnetic field aligns with personal pranic flow 2.5 hours before sunrise, making meditation most potent

Yogi Bhajan taught that the 2.5 hours before sunrise are when the Earth's magnetic field and individual pranic flow align most favorably for deep, transformative meditation.

During 'Kirtan Kriya' (Sa Ta Na Ma), the practitioner cycles through four voice levels. What are they, in order?

Answer: Aloud → whisper → mental (silent) → whisper → aloud

Kirtan Kriya cycles through aloud, whisper, and silent mental repetition in a specific sequence, working on different layers of the mind simultaneously.

What is the recommended approach when strong emotions arise unexpectedly during Kundalini meditation?

Answer: Maintain the prescribed posture and breath, allowing the energy to process and release naturally

Kundalini Yoga teaches that emotional releases are part of the cleansing process; maintaining the posture and breath allows the energy to complete its movement safely.

In the context of Kundalini meditation, 'Naad Yoga' refers to:

Answer: The yoga of sound, using the vibrational effects of mantra and music on consciousness

Naad Yoga (yoga of sound) uses the science of vibration — chanting mantras and sacred music — to elevate and transform consciousness.