Frequently Asked Questions on Self Mastery
What are the prerequisites for Level 1?
It's required that you attend a minimum of 20 Kundalini Yoga classes prior to attending a Self Mastery Level 1 intensive. It's important to have a basic understanding and experience of Kundalini Yoga. It's also recommended to have read Shakti Parwha Kaur's book, The Eternal Flow of Power.
Who is Yogi Bhajan?
Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga and Mahan Tantric (Master of White Tantric Yoga), arrived in the U.S. in 1969 with a stated purpose, "I have come to create teachers, not to gather disciples." From that time to the time of his passing, he traveled internationally teaching Kundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness.
In 1969, he founded 3HO, the Healthy Happy Holy Organization, based on his first principle, "Happiness is your birthright". Through the years that he was here, he trained thousands of KRI Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructors and Teachers. In 1994, IKYTA was formed to further spread these priceless teachers through the united efforts of Kundalini Yoga teachers worldwide.
The staff and long time students of Yogi Bhajan feel a deep gratitude to their teacher for his efforts and dedication to bring this technology to the West. It is traditional in the East to show respect and appreciation to your teacher. For many people the teachings of Kundalini Yoga have truly transformed them and brought happiness and peace to their challenging lives. When you see special treatment given to Yogi Bhajan, it comes from the love of his students.
What is the relationship between 3HO & Sikh Dharma?
3HO is a yoga and spiritual community. When Yogi Bhajan came to the States he not only brought Kundalini Yoga but also the tradition of Sikhism to the west. Many of his students also live the Sikh Dharma lifestyle in addition to teaching and practicing Kundalini Yoga. Sikhs traditionally wear turbans and the western Sikhs have taken up wearing Indian style white clothing and white turbans as part of their yoga practice. White yoga clothing and head covers are an important part of Kundalini Yoga as well. The white color expands your aura up to an additional 6 feet of radiance for a teacher and the white head covering helps to channel the powerful energies of Kundalini Yoga.
The Sikh tradition, a 500 year old religion, is not a requirement for becoming a Kundalini Yoga teacher or practitioner. Sikhs do not proselytize as they believe in and respect everyone's personal path. When you are here you will be seeing Sikhs and learning the connections between Sikh Dharma and Kundalini Yoga. We welcome your questions and look forward to hosting you in our 3HO community which is a non denominational community.
Kundalini Yoga is for everyone and teachers come from all lifestyles and religions, all of which are welcome in 3HO.
What is community living?
One of the goals of the course is for the participants to learn to live together and create a cozy community. The challenge of all of us is to maintain our conscious respect of each other and to help each other if you see someone in need. This course, like an ashram, is like a microcosm of the world and the goal is to live in peace with each other and maintain a vibration that sends healthy prayers to the world.
In the spirit of this consciousness we request that you do not wear perfume or strong essential oils but continue to wear deodorant as you will be exercising and detoxifying. If you're coughing or sniffling, please use Kleenex and wash your hands often. If you listen to music please bring ear phones. No incense is allowed due to fire hazard as well as potential allergy sufferers. Be open and welcome to all participants and know that most conversations are overheard.
Do I become an IKYTA member?
As part of the Self Mastery program, you will be enrolled as an Associate Member of IKYTA. After you complete your training and receive your KRI Certification, you will automatically be upgraded to Professional Membership. Benefits of IKYTA Associate Membership and Professional Membership may be found at www.kundaliniyoga.com.
What is if I have a medical issue?
Please bring your medical insurance information with you in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies. If you are on medication of any kind, you need to inform the 3HO Events staff when you arrive. Please make sure you bring an adequate supply of your medication with you and do not stop taking your medicine under any circumstances during the course. Kundalini Yoga is a powerful ancient tradition, but should not be used as a substitute for regular and necessary medical care.
How do I stay healthy through such a long course?
As with any yoga teacher training course, the Self Mastery residential course is a transformational experience on many levels, including physically, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges of living in a community and sharing close quarters with others can trigger feelings of homesickness and minor illnesses such as colds, coughs, etc.
Please bring the appropriate personal medications and supplements to help keep you stay healthy in this environment. For the health of everyone you are required to bring your own water bottle and thermos for tea or hot beverages. We will not be supplying cups for tea and water.
For physical comforts please bring your appropriate needs with you. You will be sitting on the floor for the entire course. Chairs are available for those in need, otherwise bring a padded mat in addition to sticky mat, a mediation blanket, a cushion or backjack.
