If you have ever joined my classes, you may have wondered about chanting in Kundalini Yoga: why we do it so often, what the words mean, and whether you need to follow a particular religion to participate.
In Kundalini Yoga, we use chanting as a bio-neurological technology: a practice that brings sound, breath, and tongue movement together to focus attention. As we vocalize the sacred sounds aloud, the tongue touches different parts of the upper palate, or roof of the mouth. In the yogic understanding, this stimulates points associated with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which help regulate hormone activity in the body. We call this the Shabd Guru.
According to Kundalini Yoga teachings, Shabd activates 84 points on the upper palate, influencing the hypothalamus, pituitary, and brain chemistry (Naad Namodam Rasaa) to support a neutral, balanced mind.
Shabd refers to sound or word, and Guru means teacher — sound becomes a teacher, to put it simply. Shabd, so to speak, cuts through the ego. Here, ego means the part of us caught up in “me”: my worries, my expectations, my need to be right or in control. The practice invites us to loosen that grip and listen more closely. A mantra or sacred sound gives the mind something to return to. Instead of following every thought, we bring our attention back to the sound. Thoughts will still come. We may feel distracted or restless. Each time we notice and return, we are practicing attention.
Understanding the meaning of a mantra can make the practice more meaningful.
Knowing what you are chanting helps you participate with awareness and intention. You do not need a beautiful voice or perfect pronunciation to begin. You can listen first, then join when you feel ready. Notice your breath, the sound of your voice, and how you feel afterward. There is no particular experience you have to produce.
And don’t be shy – you are welcome to ask about the words we use in class.
The practice continues beyond the chant: in how we listen, how we speak, and it lends into how we respond when life feels difficult.
In loving service,
Rosan
