Kundalini Yoga Certification Mantra & Sound Current 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of the 'Shabad' in Kundalini Yoga practice?
- A physical posture used to open the throat chakra
- Sacred sound or word vibration that cuts through ego and elevates consciousness (Correct answer)
- A breathing technique that purifies the blood
- A type of mudra for the hands
Correct answer: Sacred sound or word vibration that cuts through ego and elevates consciousness
Shabad refers to sacred sound or divine word whose vibrational pattern cuts through the ego mind and elevates the practitioner toward higher states of awareness.
Question 2: When practicing mantra japa (repetition), what is the recommended number of repetitions for a 'mala' using traditional prayer beads?
- 54
- 72
- 108 (Correct answer)
- 216
Correct answer: 108
A traditional mala consists of 108 beads, and one complete round of japa involves chanting the mantra 108 times.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'Gurprasad' as referenced in the Mul Mantra?
- A type of sacred food offering
- The gift or grace of the Guru (Correct answer)
- A specific pranayama technique
- The vibrational frequency of the root chakra
Correct answer: The gift or grace of the Guru
Gurprasad means 'by Guru's grace' or the gift of the Guru, referring to the divine grace through which liberation is attained.
Question 4: In Kundalini Yoga, what happens physiologically when mantras are chanted against the upper palate?
- It stimulates the vagus nerve to slow the heart rate
- It activates meridian points on the palate that stimulate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (Correct answer)
- It increases carbon dioxide levels to induce relaxation
- It blocks nasal passages to force mouth breathing
Correct answer: It activates meridian points on the palate that stimulate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
The tongue striking specific meridian points on the upper palate during chanting sends signals that stimulate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, affecting hormonal and neurological function.
Question 5: What is 'Laya Yoga' and how does it relate to mantra in Kundalini practice?
- The yoga of physical postures aligned with sound
- The yoga of absorption and dissolution through rhythmic mantra and breath (Correct answer)
- The yoga of silence and inner listening
- The yoga of devotional singing (kirtan)
Correct answer: The yoga of absorption and dissolution through rhythmic mantra and breath
Laya Yoga is the practice of merging individual consciousness into the universal through rhythmic repetition of mantra synchronized with breath and rhythm until the self dissolves.
Question 6: What is the significance of chanting 'Ek Ong Kar' in Kundalini Yoga?
- It is a healing mantra used only for physical ailments
- It affirms that there is one Creator and creation is its expression (Correct answer)
- It is chanted exclusively at the end of class during relaxation
- It invokes the energy of the moon for emotional balance
Correct answer: It affirms that there is one Creator and creation is its expression
Ek Ong Kar ('One Creator, Creation is His Expression') affirms the unity of all existence and the relationship between the infinite and the finite.
Question 7: Which mantra is traditionally used in Kundalini Yoga for healing and is known as the 'Siri Gaitri Mantra'?
- Gobinday Mukunday
- Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung (Correct answer)
- Ardas Bhaee
- Ang Sang Wahe Guru
Correct answer: Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung
Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung is the Siri Gaitri Mantra, a powerful healing mantra that works across the sun, moon, earth, and infinite energies.
Kundalini Yoga Certification Mantra & Sound Current 3
What is the role of the 'Shabad' in Kundalini Yoga practice?