Yoga Rays - Q & A

Q & A

What is yoga?

Yoga is a tradition and a science with roots in ancient India that has evolved over centuries to embrace the wisdom of many places and times. Although it means something different to each person, it is rooted in oneness or returning to the Source. Throughout history, it has been split into various “schools” focusing on different aspects of yoga. Each branch is of the same tree, the tree of the Self. Yoga means union.

Why should I practice at Yoga Rays?

Yoga Rays and Eva/Dharamjeet is focused on developing a community through yoga and meditation, so we can have a cellularly health body & mind, meaningful yogic practice and loving people in our lives. Eva/Dharamjeet is dedicated to meeting our students’ needs; Detoxifying mind, body & spirit with great healthy food and kundalini yoga and meditation. From at your home yoga, private sessions alone or in a small group at Eva’s home or rooftop deck, an everyday practice at one of the studios in the area, or to preparing for one special day, such as a birth. Yoga Rays classes are taught by highly experienced and compassionate teachers hand picked by Eva/Dharamjeet, also holding workshops and special events to expand your knowledge and options togood health. Delicious organic food is prepared by Eva/Dharamjeet for all Ayurvedic workshops and cleanses. We refer to various spas for colonics, facials, massage, acupuncture, and Osteopathic treatments to service your body, mind and spirit. Meet with the planets and stars and schedule an appointment with Eva/Dharamjeet for an Ayurvedic Consultation, Chakra Balancing, or a Tantric Numerology reading. Enjoy the ocean breezes at our various studios or a private session for yourself or a group of friends in our private studio or our very private rooftop deck.

Why does the owner Eva have 2 names, Eva & Dharamjeet?

Eva Michel is the legal name, and Dharamjeet Kaur is a spiritual name. It means The Lioness of God, who walks the path of righteousness, singing love songs to the Lord.

Why are you not at your old location?

Unfortunately, due to the economic times, we were forced to take our studio “on the road”, so to speak. We are currently teaching out of multiple locations, including our founder Eva’s lovely and serene home in Santa Monica.

Why do studios offer so many different kinds of classes?

Each of the schools of yoga is valuable, and will resonate with you when you find one or possibly two that feels good to you. You will know it when you experiene it! Come take a class and feeeeel what I mean!

What is the difference between Kundalini and Hatha yoga?

Hatha yoga is the physical branch of the yoga tradition and focuses on the structure of the body to help relieve stress and to provide strength in one’s mind and body. In learning the asanas (yogic postures) of Hatha yoga, a sense of health and vitality is created to help prepare for meditation. Hatha yoga can decrease stress, regulate metabolism, and heal many physical ailments. Practitioners leave class with a deeper connection to their bodies, muscular flexibility, strength, relaxation, concentration, and overall well-being and health.

Kundalini yoga uses breath, yogic postures and meditation to help maintain a healthy spine helping to strengthen the nervous and glandular systems. Each class can help one become aware of much more than just the strength of the body. It helps to facilitate a change physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. Kundalini yoga is yoga for the mind, body, and spirit.

Why do you close your eyes in Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini Yoga, being the original form of yoga focuses on merging ones body, mind and spirit in a natural, organic way. That connection is often broken or not achieved at all when we open our eyes and compare or judge ourselves and others. The natural unfolding of ones kundalini happens authentically and more rapidly with the eyes closed. You of course open your eyes as the teacher indicates or as needed for instruction.

How often should I take yoga class?

As often as you like! Everyday is a great day to practice.

What religion is yoga?

Yoga is not a religion at all. It is a science of the breath and movement.

What benefits are there to Kundalini Yoga?

All forms of yoga focus on stimulating and regulating the human energy that is the essence of consciousness. This energy is called the kundalini. Kundalini specifically works on your glandular system (hormones) & nervous system (stress). Since the Pituitary & Pineal Gland is activated and strengthened, one becomes increasingly more intuitive, aware, and empowered.

Should I eat before class?

It is ideal to practice on an empty stomach, or at least 2 1/2 hours after eating.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes you can move easily in are best for yoga. Tank tops or T-shirts and loose, stretchy pants work best. Yoga is practiced barefoot. You can change into your clothes upon arrival.

What should I bring?

A yoga mat, shawl or light blanket, and an eye covering are recommended. You may also want to bring a meditation pillow.

Do I need to register in advance?

Only for the “At Home Yoga” privates. Otherwise, just come a few minutes early to check in at the desk and acquaint yourself with the student.

What exactly is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini Yoga balances the nervous and glandular systems. You’ll chant, do physical postures and meditate to heal physically, mentally, and spiritually. You’ll experience your highest consciousness so you can find sacred purpose in your life.

Why do some people wear turbans or headcoverings?

Some people choose to cover their heads with natural cloth to protect the solar centers that become very sensitive as we begin to deeply meditate.

Why do we chant?

Chanting is not religion specific. Most yogic chants are in either Sanskrit or Gurmukhi, both ancient languages of the yogis. The shape the mouth makes and the placement of the tongue as the words are spoken actually stimulate pressure points in the mouth, bringing about a meditative state of mind by shifting energy in your brain. We use the body as musical instruments, to affect a change in our brain and blood chemistry on a cellular level.

What is a kriya?

A kriya is a set of specific postures (asanas) and chants to bring about a specific outcome such as increased love, prosperity, flexibility, cellular detoxification & rejuvenation, etc.

What is an asana?

Asana is Sanskrit for physical posture.

What is pranayama?

Prana is Sanskrit for life force, and the gross manifestation of prana is breath. Yama is Sanskrit for control, so pranayama means breath control. Operating under the understanding that breath is the source of life, by learning to control the breath, we learn to control ourselves. We use pranayama in preparation for--and often in conjunction with—meditation, as well as during asana practice.

How far along do I need to be to take prenatal yoga?

We recommend you take prenatal classes before you conceive, to have a healthier and stronger body and mind. Couples meditation is very helpful for those having challenges in infertility. Nowever, once conception has occurred, or as soon as you are aware you are pregnant is also a good time. If you do attend a regular class, let the teacher know you are pregnant, and avoid any postures that involve pressure on the pelvis, navel, or heavy breathing. Take for 3 months after delivery.

What if I’m running late?

Kundalini classes are open to all latecomers. We would prefer you get some practice rather than no practice.

Why do we use sheepskins?

Sheepskins were traditionally used by yogis meditating in remote and secluded areas throughout history. When meditating on wool, a person’s electromagnetic field is less influenced by the vibrations of the earth—thus higher states can be achieved with less distraction.

What is Tantric Numerology?

Numerology is an ancient science that has recently come to the United States in its original form. It was taught to me by Yogi Bhajan, a master of Kundalini Yoga and meditation. Numerology is not an answer to all questions, nor a panacea or philosophy. It is simply a useful tool for understanding ones strengths and weaknesses, and for working on the weaknesses and utilizing the strengths more effectively.Personally, I find it to be useful in counseling since it gives an
extremely accurate frame of reference from which to begin.This system of numerology is based upon the total being: mental, physical, and spiritual. Although it is not generally understood in Western society, we actually have ten bodies not one. The physical body we are familiar with is the fifth body out of the ten.

What is Sat Nam Rasayan?

SNR is an ancient yogic healing art based on a specific meditative state of consciousness. This transcendent state produces a subtle healing by relaxing people at such a deep level that blocks and resistance to life dissolves. Self-limiting concepts and attitudes start to drop away.