Yogic Philosophy & Lifestyle Flashcards

In the Kundalini Yoga framework, what distinguishes 'Shakti' from 'Shiva' in terms of cosmic principles?

Answer: Shakti is dynamic feminine energy/manifestation; Shiva is pure static consciousness

Shakti represents the dynamic, creative feminine principle of manifestation, while Shiva represents the unchanging pure consciousness—their union is the source of creation.

Which Ayurvedic concept is integrated into Kundalini Yoga lifestyle recommendations regarding diet and daily routine?

Answer: Aligning food, sleep, and activity with one's dosha (constitutional type) and seasonal rhythms

Kundalini Yoga incorporates Ayurvedic principles of living in harmony with one's dosha and seasonal rhythms to maintain balance in the body and mind.

What does the term 'Guru' literally mean in the yogic tradition?

Answer: That which dispels darkness and brings light; remover of ignorance

Guru comes from 'gu' (darkness) and 'ru' (light or remover)—the Guru principle is that which dispels the darkness of ignorance and reveals inner light.

In Kundalini Yoga, the practice of 'Tratakam' (concentrated gazing) is primarily used to develop:

Answer: One-pointed concentration, mental stillness, and activation of the third eye

Tratakam (steady gazing, often at a candle flame or the tip of the nose) develops dharana (concentration) and stimulates the Ajna chakra to deepen meditative awareness.

According to Kundalini Yoga philosophy, what is the relationship between 'Karma' and 'Dharma'?

Answer: Karma creates the patterns one must work through; living Dharma transforms karmic patterns into destiny

Karma encompasses the patterns created by past actions, and living one's Dharma (righteous path) provides the means to consciously transform karmic conditioning into conscious destiny.

What is the significance of 'white clothing' traditionally worn in Kundalini Yoga classes?

Answer: White reflects all colors of the spectrum, expanding the aura and supporting awareness

Yogi Bhajan taught that white clothing contains all colors of the light spectrum and helps expand and strengthen the practitioner's electromagnetic field (aura).

Which concept from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describes the fluctuations of the mind that yoga seeks to quiet?

Answer: Vrittis

Vrittis are the fluctuations or modifications of the mind-stuff (chitta), and Patanjali's second sutra states that yoga is the cessation of these mental fluctuations (chitta vritti nirodha).