Sat Nam Everyone!

Yoga West blog has moved to a new site! (that is http://blog.yogawest.ca) For the Yogeeks out there, you know that this will give us more control over the look and feel of the site, and make the SEO (search engine optimization) easier and more logical if our blog is attached to our site!

For all the rest of you – the site will be pretty much exactly the same, we have taken all the old posts with us, so you can still take trips down memory lane every so often.

Remember to delete any old rss feeds you have, and replace them with the new ones – just click the rss feed for posts and comments at the bottom of the sidebar.

See you all there!

Siri Om Kaur

With the warmth of the sun coaxing me into a state of bliss amongst the conifers and evergreens, I heard a quiet whisper, “it’s okay.”

Eight months prior to this moment I was losing my mind; completely freaking out. “Who would do something so cruel as to drop me here on this twisted planet, naked, starving and seemingly helpless?” Woa was me. I had tried many avenues to navigate this earthly realm and each built up momentum that would quickly dissipate – I was frustrated with this incarnation to the point of exhaustion. There I sat with the ponderosa pines, cursing the stars and singing their praises all in one breath I heard “if you build it, they will come.” Okay, not really, but I did hear guidance to trust the universe and allow my path to unfold in divine order. In that moment I completely surrendered and a few weeks later found myself in a sea of white turbans.

On the most basic level, I came to teacher training to learn how to be present in a world that I had long learned how to avoid. This sentiment was what I meekly shared with a group of strangers; my brothers and sisters of destiny, I was told, in the opening circle. My deeper hope was that in the end, I would be grounded enough to gain footing on the most elevated path possible and be able to extend a hand to others circumnavigating the slippery slopes of the craziness / consciousness polarity.

I was excited to have these tools made available to me, but ecstatic to find them offered within a contained space. When the administrators described the program as a container, I had no idea what they meant. The concept of being in a safe, contained space was foreign to be me. My prior experience of the world had been one of vulnerability and fear. Teacher training was a safe place to open, expand and transform.

Our group was heat-centred and bonded quickly. Going back each Teacher Training weekend felt like going home; the stirred emotions and neurosis flying about the room really added that something special to make us feel like a family. The Sangat taught me “it’s okay” to be here on earth during these crazy times.

At our final retreat weekend on the sacred land of Camp Raj Yog, I experienced living in a conscious communal space. I felt what it is like to wake up before the sun with my dear brothers and sisters and worship the Great Spirit within all. I shared consciously prepared meals with laughter and love, nourishing not only my cells, but their very essence. I shared serene silence and connected with my heart and the hearts of others.

I found out that a conscious community relates to each other through authentic love and selfless service. I realized that our community is a microcosm for what is possible on a global scale. The prospect of that love and support being made available to all beings makes it worth the effort and trials to make conscious living possible for all.

This system is what I incarnated to be a part of, and now that I have confirmation that conscious community exists and will prevail for all of earth’s creatures, I have reason to stay. And until we reach such an existence, I have been given the tools from Teacher Training to uplift consciousness and encourage both myself and others.

Wahe Guru.

- By Seva Simran Kaur (TT level 1 2008)

I’ve come to the conclusion after reflecting on Tarn Taran Singh’s workshop, “Transforming Anger into Forgiveness”, that sometimes people, including myself, hurt others as a cry for help. I realized that most people who have caused me anger in my life didn’t do it to cause me pain, but because they needed help in their own lives. When I think of past actions that caused me pain I remember a person who discriminated against me for my dark brown hair and my tanned skin. She hurt me so much with the way she acted that I didn’t see that she was in pain. I was so blinded from taking her discrimination personally, that days later, when I saw her crying, I still didn’t get that she needed help.

When you are angry your entire energy consolidates into the wavelength of that angry though, you stay in anger perpetually. Your anger takes away nourishment from your body, takes away heat from your stomach and energy from your blood circulation. If you realize the cost you pay for moment of anger, you would never become angry. – Yogi Bhajan

Looking back I understand that I don’t know what people have gone through in their lives, but that I have the power not to take their reactions personally. Today I have decided to let go of that pain, that anger inside me which was damaging my body and mind; I learned to forgive. Maybe that painful situation was a test that I had to go through to learn to analyze situations before I get angry.

Gurupal Kaur

What I love most about 3ho events is the way we get things done. A big part of this effectiveness is seva. The fundraiser last night for Camp Raj Yog was no exception, run for the most part by the humility and grace of sevadars From this perspective, I could see and feel the sevadars not only taking care of the event, but taking care of each other. There were sevadars serving fellow sevadars food, bringing water and giving shoulder massages. This depth of service made my cup overflow which allowed me to do my job better. (A big thanks to everyone for helping out! Also, a big hand for Sarbjeet Kaur for organizing us!)

Coming together and merging as one sangat was new for the Kitsilano and Surrey sangats. This was the first time we were uniting our energies for a single cause that does and will continue to benefit us all. We began by meditating together and eating some appies and then enjoying the voices that represent our community, Baltej, Guru Raj Kaur and Hari Singh as they guided us through the history and future we are creating as a community. The dreams for the land that they shared were so inspiring, how could everyone not give a little!The fact that everyone from little kids, to adults gave was what opened my heart. The true sense of community is what we can envision and manifest together and in this case, when we all give a little, we can make anything happen. A beautiful example was Ranjit, one of the Camp Raj Yog Council, who shared how a couple of phone calls, and very little explanation to his family, helped him collect enough donations to surpass his personal goal of donating 5000 dollars in under five days! All night the pledges were passed up to the front. It was truly sweet to see one of the sisters of our sangat donate back to the camp the money she won (over 500$) in the 50/50 draw! I’ll let you know just how much we raised overall, but obviously, people were not shy with their generosity.

The voices of Ong Kar (Baltej’s daughter), Mirabai and Snatam with Guru Ganesha and the peace band, kept the room alive in the vibration of the Guru from start to finish. The highlight of the evening for most, judging from the silence that prevailed over the audience, was Snatam Kaur’s beautiful voice. There were many there who had never heard her voice, and had definitely never seen our angel sing in person (let alone 15 feet from the stage). The intimate setting was perfect for the performance. The group humbly donated their entire concert and set up as well as the 100% of the proceeds from their cd’s. Our community stretches far!

For those who missed out this time, hopefully we will be able to make the fundraiser an annual event so that we can continue to make the dreams of our community come true – A kitchen, running water, Youth Camps, Weekend Retreats, even an outdoor arena for sacred music concerts with Snatam Kaur (or Nirinjan!). Photos will soon be found on our Flickr account, and for now, the slideshow.

Dearest Sangat,

The Sullivan Family has brought us news that the remains of Hilary Sullivan were found yesterday in Pacific Spirit Park.  The Sullivan’s would like to express how much they appreciate all of the love, support, prayers and seva the sangat has offered to them over the past days.

In light of this news, please support the family by directing any thoughts, love and prayers towards the blog that has been set up in memory of Hilary.

If you wish to continue your seva, kindly take down the posters you put up. If you have any questions about this seva contact Dyal Singh at 604.773.6315.

In memory of Hilary, the sangat will be gathering in the Gurdwara of Raj Yog Nivas tonight, for chanting and meditating, from 7-8pm. Everyone is welcome.

Infinite Blessings,

Yoga West
Raj Yog Nivas

Sat Nam and blessings,

It has been 7 days since the disappearance of Hilary Sullivan.

Many are wondering how they can be of service during such a difficult time.

1. As time is of the essence, we welcome you to come to Yoga West and sign up for postering areas. There are many posters here at the front desk, and many areas to cover.
2. Pray and meditate on the safe return of Hilary. We have a strong sangat and this is one of the most powerful gifts we can give

Everything else is being covered at this point. We will keep you updated to any changes. Thank you very much everyone for your seva, your prayers and your love. The Sullivans deeply appreciated the kindness and love of the community.

Today is Sunday, May 18 and our new teachers have finished their practicums, their exams, their meditations and their 8 months of consciousness-evolving training.  They are taking one last look around the land – beautiful Camp Raj Yog – tossing their bedrolls into trunks, shutting car doors and heading to the ferry.  The last steps are the exit interviews with Guru Raj Kaur, and the final papers to be submitted to Kundalini Research Institute.

I remember my teacher training weekend (which happened to be the only other sunny weekend retreat in recent Yoga West history!).  Do you remember yours?  What journeys did your training and love for the path take you on?

For those who are looking out over the shores of the Sunshine Coast, what do you expect to come from the consciousness you have gained?  How has your experience been so far?

I invite all of the teachers and new recruits (once you have showered of course) to submit a post for the blog so that we can revel in the memories and the beauty of this path of teachers.  My email is ywcommunications (at) gmail (dot) com.  I’m looking forward to hearing your voices!

Dearest Sangat,

Sat nam, Ang Sang Wahe Guru.

I am writing this post to send the word out a little bit further, as a prayer for the safe return of Hilary Sulivan, and also in gratitude for the sangat in which we live.

Hilary Sullivan, the mother of Bachan Kaur and Har Kirat Singh, Clare and Amelia, age 64 has been missing since May 11, 2008. She has short grey hair, blue eyes and glasses, prominent cheek bones and stands 5’8” tall at 185 lbs.

After last night’s vigil, and the combing of the endowment lands last, Bachan said to me in an email that she feels blessed to be part of such a loving and prayerful community. I feel that this heart breaking experience, more than anything has helps us all to see what great and infinite love is created through having our sangat and what power we have in our prayers and meditations.
Here are some words from Bachan:

Thank you so much to everyone for your seva and love.

I pray that all beings in the world may find the strength and love within them to know the beauty of their soul, and the worthiness of their unique purpose here on our planet.

God bless you everyone,

Love and gratitude
Bachan and the Sullivans

You are welcomed to leave your comments here on the blog for Bachan and her family to read. Thank you all again for making our community so strong.

infinite love,
Siri Om

Today’s Guest Yogi is Sarah M.  Here is what she had to say:

I really enjoyed the April workshop – Reinvigorate Your Life with Colette and Simone. Colette and Simone, mother and daughter, each added her own strength and expertise to the 3 hour program. It was similar to a daily class, with quite an increase in intensity and an increase in instruction, which I appreciated. I only started at Yoga West six weeks ago, and after having done Pilates for seven years, I crave correction. Colette and Simone also repeatedly emphasized the non-competitive and non-judgmental nature of Kundalini Yoga, and the importance of heeding our bodies’ signals.

Not only am I a beginner at age 54, but I have osteoporosis and lumbar disc problems. It is vital that I stay strong, and I, more than some, really have to listen to my bones and know what I can and cannot do. It remains to be seen if Kundalini Yoga three times a week (my intention) will be enough to keep my core strength, but the meditative, introspective component of the Yoga seems give me something that may be equally valuable. I have quit Pilates for now. Time will tell.

Sarah M.

Do you want to be a Guest Yogi and share your Kundalini Yoga experience?  Write a review of a product or event?  Send me an email!  ywcommunications (at) gmail (dot) com

Imagine May 4th 1973: the world was in the middle of the Cold War, The Watergate Scandal was bringing unwanted attention to the American White House and the signing of the Paris Peace Accord had brought upon the beginning of the end of the Vietnam War. On the historical horizon sat the 73’ Oil Crisis that would quadruple the price of oil per barrel. Guru Raj Singh and Guru Raj Kaur two young students of Yogi Bhajan pulled into Vancouver in their old Red Volvo – Guru Raj already 8 months pregnant with Ong Kar, the two ready to embark on a destiny that would create a community and change all of our lives.

Not one year previous, Guru Raj Kaur and Singh had been leaders in the Toronto Kundalini Yoga community, and when they were returning home through Vancouver from a course with Yogi Bhajan in California, their pioneer spirit ignited. They fell in love with this shining, sea-to-sky city

When these first yogis arrived and taught the first Kundalini Yoga Class on the lawn of the Kitsilano Community Centre, Vancouver had scarcely heard of Yoga, Vegetarianism, and had certainly never seen a pregnant greek girl dressed from her feet to the tip of her turban in white. Nonetheless, the word got out and 26 people came together for that first Kundalini Yoga class as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

Yogi Bhajan arrived three weeks later to teach his first class in Vancouver at the Planetarium (pictured here) and visited several times a year thereafter, helping to build the foundation for our community and connect with the Sikh population in British Columbia.

Not long after, Guru Nam Kaur – 3 months pregnant with Sat Nam Singh, hopped on the train from Toronto to join the 9 others in the Ashram by Queen Elizabeth Park. She recalls travelling to all of the Gurdwaras on Vancouver Island in 1974 and being so many students and sharing many cozy moments along side Yogi Bhajan.

The first World Symposium on Humanity was organized by the community and held in Vancouver in 1976 drawing more than 1200 people to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. Featured were, of course, Yogi Bhajan, Buckminster Fuller, Michio Kushio, Stephen Gaskin, Theodore Rosak, and other pioneers in the avant garde vision of the late ‘70s. We were really ahead of our time!

The next many years saw classes and morning Sadhana in the Ashram, the opening of the New Age Community Centre and a community newspaper, which eventually became a full-fledged magazine called New Directions Magazine. Other “new age” fixtures in Kitsilano were the Naam Restaurant and Banyen books (“new age” now replaced with “old school”) The 3HO Foundation, a charitable society registered in Canada was begun in 1975 (3HO owns Yoga West and Camp Raj Yog.) and like the Naam and Banyen, continue serving Vancouver’s group consciousness today. Other entrepreneurial community businesses such as Singh Foods and Dartar Singh’s lawn clipping adventures that gave him the clever idea of trying to take a lawn mower on a 4th ave. trolly bus (it was a no-go).

Almost a decade and a half later, other familiar faces arrived on the scene – Hari Singh Khalsa, future husband of Guru Raj Kaur, Hari Singh the 8th and his wife Ram Kiran, Dharm Kaur and Dayal Singh, and Kirtan Singh and his family. Kundalini Yoga by this point was ready to have another renaissance and in the early 90’s Yoga West was established.

Now here we are, 35 years later teetering on the cusp of the Aquarian Age with the world still at war, more government corruption and scandal around us and the planet on the brink of another oil crisis. But the Kundalini Yogis keep on keepin’ up! Through all of these 35 years, Kundalini Yoga classes and Sadhana have been consistent. We have ridden the wave of the times, uplifting, inspiring and fulfilling the dream of Yogi Bhajan – creating teachers. We even look rather the same as these folks: bright, shining, doing yoga and serving up Yogi Tea! We hold an Aquarian Sadhana every day (that’s 365 days a year!) at YW, well attended classes, Gurdwara every Sunday, Yantras to India…. And our camps are internationally acclaimed! What’s more, we have just purchased a beautiful 10-acres of Land for our Camps on the Sunshine Coast: Camp Raj Yog!

The foundation built by these early students of YB has stood the test of time. They are sharing with us a legacy that we will continue to hold and grow for many years to come. I am eager to see what we can grow in the fertile soils they have nurtured for the past thirty five years. Thank you Yogi Bhajan for the teachers you created.