Cosmin Mahadev Singh is the founder of RYK Yoga and Meditation Center and OM FEST – the largest Yoga and Meditation Festival in Las Vegas, NV, and RYK Spiritual Retreat & Training Center, near Asheville, NC. He is certified by Kundalini Research Institute and registered with the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and Yoga Alliance. He is also an accomplished Traditional Reiki Master having trained in both the United States and Europe and today, he is sharing his wisdom in this exclusive interview with Sofia Health.
What Is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga, a traditional style of yoga, is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and effective yoga practices. This form of yoga offers a practical experience of reaching your utmost level of consciousness. It imparts a technique through which the sacred objective of your life can be realized. Kundalini Yoga is a science, and transcends religious boundaries, being universal and nonsectarian in nature. Often referred to as "The Yoga of Awareness," it is considered one of the most efficient methods for creating harmony and alignment among your physical body, mind, and soul.
What Makes Kundalini Yoga Unique Compared To Other Forms Of Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga is a form of yoga that involves a combination of Kriyas (physical movements), Pranayam (breathing techniques), Relaxation (Gong bath), and Meditation. It is very powerful and thorough: it is said that one year of Kundalini Yoga practice is equivalent to 22 years of practice in other types of yoga.
Its uniqueness also stems from the spiritual aspect that accompanies it. This isn't merely about stretching or holding asanas; it's a science of transforming a human into a superhuman. With thousands of years of tradition behind it, countless practitioners have reaped benefits over time. While other forms of yoga are very effective at keeping the physical body fit, Kundalini Yoga delves deeper, caring for your mind and helping you realize your true nature: consciousness.
The practice directly impacts the various energy systems of the body, including the chakras and aura, ultimately aiming to awaken Shakti, the Kundalini energy - a dormant superpower in all humans until awakened.
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What Are The Benefits Of Kundalini Yoga?
Traditionally, Yoga was designed and practiced to elevate an ordinary individual to extraordinary levels of human potential.
Nowadays, this science is also utilized to heal various physical ailments. It takes care of the mind by continuously cleansing and upgrading it and heals emotional trauma one might have experienced. Most importantly, it brings awareness into one's life, fosters love and reverence for life, and culminates in the ultimate goal of enlightenment.
The ancient masters taught that the benefits of Kundalini Yoga include superconsciousness, psychic powers, longevity, radiant health, and happiness. This energy proves to be incredibly potent and valuable for all of mankind.
What Are The Six Main Components Of Kundalini Yoga??
The science of Kundalini Yoga is very complex, here are some ideas on the key components of this ancient practice:
Kriya is a specific set of exercises that are performed in sequence to achieve a particular outcome. Each Kriya in Kundalini Yoga is designed with a specific purpose in mind, such as strengthening the nervous system, balance the glandular system, increase mental clarity, or enhancing emotional stability. The practice of a Kriya is considered very powerful in Kundalini Yoga, as it works on both the physical and subtle bodies.
Pranayam refers to the practice of controlling the breath to influence the flow of prana, or vital life force, in the body. In Kundalini Yoga, pranayama is used as a key tool to prepare the body and mind for meditation, awaken and channel Kundalini energy, and balance the various energy systems within the body. The practice of pranayama includes a wide range of breathing techniques, each with its specific purpose and effect.
Meditation is a central practice that involves focusing the mind and achieving a state of conscious awareness. It is considered an essential tool for self-awareness and spiritual awakening. The practice of meditation in Kundalini Yoga is distinctive in its use of specific techniques that may include a combination of mantra (chanting), pranayama (breath control), mudra (hand positions), and Drishti (eye focus). It is used to awaken the Kundalini energy at the base of the spine and to guide this energy through the chakras to achieve higher states of consciousness.
Your approach involves integrating cutting-edge scientific research with ancient Kundalini Yoga teachings. Can you elaborate on how you blend these seemingly different realms?
The distinction between what's commonly referred to as science and the practice of Kundalini Yoga essentially lies in their focus: science is dedicated to exploring the external world, whereas yoga delves into the internal realm. Yet, the approach of yoga is remarkably scientific in nature. It's not about adhering to a belief system; there's no need to blindly believe in anything. The essence of yoga is in the doing, the practicing. As you engage in this practice, you gain experiences, and from these experiences, a deep understanding or knowing emerges. Knowing oneself, in my view, is the most precious treasure one can find, far surpassing the value of anything else in this life.
Integrating modern scientific research into the practice of yoga is quite seamless, especially these days. Scientists are increasingly validating what yogis have known for millennia. It's not so much that they're uncovering discoveries; rather, they're confirming wisdom that's already been documented and understood in yogic traditions. And yet, in many ways, modern science still lags. It hasn't even begun to fully 'discover' or acknowledge concepts such as the energy centers we call chakras, the energy pathways known as nadis, or the electromagnetic field referred to as the aura. These are all integral aspects of Kundalini Yoga, deeply understood and worked with, yet only marginally grasped by contemporary scientific standards.
Could you tell us more about the RYK Spiritual Retreat and Training Center? What motivated you to establish this retreat center, and what experiences do you hope participants gain from it?
We're excited to introduce our latest endeavor, the RYK Spiritual Retreat and Training Center, nestled in the serene landscape near Asheville, North Carolina. Spread across sprawling 52 acres, our retreat center is a haven amidst forests, springs, and abundant wildlife, offering a tranquil escape with no neighbors, no pollution, and no noise – just pure, untouched nature.
At the heart of the RYK retreat center is the commitment to spiritual growth, anchored in the timeless practice of meditation and other traditional spiritual disciplines. This peaceful sanctuary is an ideal setting for anyone looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a journey of inner exploration. Whether you're new to meditation or have been practicing for years, our programs are tailored to support and deepen your experience.
Here, amidst the stunning natural beauty of North Carolina, you have the opportunity to recharge, reconnect with yourself, and form meaningful connections with others. Our retreats focus on nourishing the body and soul, featuring ayurvedic organic vegetarian cuisine, daily Kundalini Yoga sessions, and a variety of ancient practices designed to rejuvenate your spirit.
This is more than just a retreat; it's an invitation to step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in a transformative experience. Surrounded by the healing energies of this sacred land, you'll have the time and space to relax, reflect, and bask in the beauty of your surroundings. Join us for an unforgettable journey of Kundalini Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Gong bath sessions, all while enjoying the camaraderie of a spiritual community in a breathtaking setting. It's an opportunity to unplug from the Matrix and embrace a life-altering experience.
What are your most helpful tips for optimal health?
To maintain optimum health, the approach can be distilled into two fundamental aspects: learning to breathe correctly, which provides the essential fuel needed for life, and celebrating life, as this truly embodies the essence of living.
The significance of breath cannot be overstated; it is more than just a life-sustaining force. It has the power to exert direct control over your mind and body. The depth of your breath and your relationship with it lay the foundation for the quality of your life.
Once you've mastered the art of breathing, the next step is to fully and consciously enjoy life. It's important to move away from excessive worry and stress, and instead, embrace the joys of living. Appreciate your own presence, the beauty of nature, and the value of those around you. These aspects of life hold more importance than the relentless pursuit of money and fame that many chase after.
In summary, prioritizing proper breathing and a mindful appreciation of life itself are essential for optimal health and well-being.
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