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Step 1
Assume the easy pose or the lotus pose. Practice long deep breathing by inhaling deeply and consciously pushing the air deep into the lower areas of your abdomen. Arch forward and press your palms against your knees. With your arms straight, press your palms inward toward the lower body. Keep your spine arched forward and allow your lugs to fill completely with air. Hold your breath for a moment and then press your shoulders back to expand the chest out. Then contract your diaphragm from your upper chest to your abdomen to release the air.
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Step 2
Practice the Breath of Fire by starting with long deep breathing as described in step 1. Once you exhale, immediately breathe in deeply again, arching the spine forward and pressing the palms inward against the knees. Then, contract your abdominal muscles and release the air as in long deep breathing, but quicker. With each breath, expand and contract a bit faster until you achieve a rhythm.
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Step 3
Chant this opening mantra three times before beginning any Kundalini yoga session: "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo".
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Step 4
Say the Mangala Charn Mantra as follows: "Ad gurah nameh, jugad guray nameh, sat guray nameh, siri guru devay nameh". This means 'I bow to the primal Guru (guiding consciousness who takes us to God-Realization), I bow to wisdom through the ages, I bow to True Wisdom, I bow to the great, unseen wisdom". It is chanted for protection.
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Step 5
Chant "Hari Nam, Sat Nam, Hari Nam, Hari". This means "The name of God is the True Name".
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Step 6
Sing the 'Sunshine Song' to close each Kundalini yoga session. It goes as follows: "May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, Guide your way on." (Repeat once). "Guide your way on, guide your way on, Sat Nam".
