One of the basic kriyas in Kundalini Yoga. It utilizes the Punj Shabd Mantra “Saa, Taa, Naa, Maa,” the naad form of Sat Naam. Saa is infinity, Taa is life, Naa is death, Maa is rebirth or transformation. This describes the cycle of life. It is used to create mental balance and to increase intuition.
To do: Sit straight in a cross-legged position. Rest the wrists on the knees, elbows straight, palms facing up. Eyes are focused at the tip of the nose. Chant the mantra “Saa, Taa, Naa, Maa” while each fingertip in turn touches the thumb tip with firm pressure. On Saa touch the index finger to the thumb; on Taa touch the middle finger to the thumb; on Naa touch the ring finger to the thumb; on Maa touch the little finger to the thumb; then begin again. Each repetition of the mantra takes 3-4 seconds. Visualize each syllable of the mantra entering through the crown of the head and exiting through the third eye, moving in an L-shape. Chant in the three languages of consciousness: human (normal or loud voice), lovers (whispered), and divine (silent). Chant in a normal voice for 5 minutes, then whispered for 5 minutes, then vibrate silently for 10 minutes. Then come back with whispering for 5 minutes and then in a normal voice for 5 minutes. To end, inhale deeply, hold, and stretch the arms up over the head, exhale and relax.
Comments:
All meditation stops at “Sa Ta Na Ma” – there is nothing beyond it. Kirtan Kriya is the most important meditation in Kundalini Yoga. If you could do only one meditation, this is it. It does everything for you and in the proper order. Over a period of time it can be your best friend. Each time you close a mudra by joining the thumb with a finger, your ego “seals” its effect in your consciousness:
- Gyan Mudra with thumb and index finger effects knowledge
- Shuni Mudra (middle, Saturn finger and thumb) gives wisdom, patience and discipline
- Surya Mudra (ring, Sun finger & thumb) imports vitality and energy
- Bhuddi Mudra (little, Mercury finger and thumb) gives the ability to communicate.
It is important to do this meditation properly, using the “L” form so that the sound follows the “Golden Cord” entering at the 10th Gate (top of the head) , and projects out through the 3rd Eye to Infinity. As always, the spine must be straight and the Chin Lock must be applied.
