Glossary of Terms
There are a few terms that one comes across when we talk about Sahaja Yoga meditation. They may be new to you. Here is a list of some of the terms that you may come across, along with their meanings.
Attention
The attention is a very important faculty within us. It is often damaged by over-emphasis on the intellectual side of our nature. So the attention itself must be cleansed, steadied and healed. This is a natural process performed by Kundalini.
Chakras
These are subtle energy centres that are located at the sites of the main nervous plexuses. A chakra is a wheel (this is the literal Sanskrit meaning) of energy. There are seven main chakras in our subtle system, which relate to the stages of evolution. Once awakened (i.e., after realization) they begin to emit vibrations, expressing the unique qualities of the divine within us. It is in this sense that we are created in the image of God. Physical, mental and emotional problems can also be traced to an imbalance in one or several chakras.
Catches
A catch occurs when the efficient functioning of the chakra is impaired. This blocks the passage of the Kundalini through that chakra to a higher level. Chakras can become distorted and bruised, and this is the root cause of problems in our lives. Once the Kundalini starts to naturally repair bruised chakras, the problems will disappear. It is very important, however, not to focus attention on catches. Keep your attention on the Kundalini and on the positive aspects of your ascent.
Kundalini
The mothering energy that is lying dormant at the base of the spine in the sacrum bone.
This energy is awakened by Self-Realisation to connect us to the Divine and begin its work of cleansing and balancing our energy centres. When it awakens, it also starts to reduce the influence of our ego and conditionings on our actions. It reconnects us back to our Spirit.
Left-sided
The person whose left-side (the side of emotions) dominates their actions, maybe referred to as left-sided. These people may be more lethargic or emotional. In extreme cases, they may be prone to depression. They could also be prone to self-pity. Their conditionings (super-ego) would generally govern their actions.
Meditation
It is a state wherein we have no thoughts but are fully aware of our surroundings and ourselves. It is a wrong belief that one needs to do something to meditate. It really is not an activity and one does not have to follow any procedure to get into this state. Experiencing this is the priority. Then they feel justified to pay somebody else for teaching how to use a, so-called, ‘meditation technique’. It is something that Sahaja Yoga can guide you, in theearly stages, towards a more meditative state but no particular technique is to be learnt. One does not need to pay anything for it.
Right-sided
The person whose right-side (the side of action & planning) dominates their actions, maybe referred to as right-sided. These people, in general, are very active, goal setters and over-achievers. They would tend to be a dry personality, who is more bothered about achieving their goals, than caring for the people who would help them achieve their goals. These people tend to be governed by their ego.
Spirit
This is the reflection of the Divine which is present within us. The object of Sahaja Yoga is to fully become Spiritual Self, which is the true Self. By virtue of the awakening of our Kundalini, the Spirit can be perceived and felt in our attention and we can then live and act in harmony with the Divine, with our environment and others.
Vibrations
Once the Kundalini is awakened, vibrations can be felt on the palms of the hand, in the body and on top of the head. Everything in creation emits vibrations, but the ability to feel them comes only with Kundalini awakening. Anyone or anything emitting cool (not cold) vibrations is balanced and “holy”. Hot, tingling vibrations are emitting when there is an imbalance or lack of harmony with the Spirit. Vibrations could also be felt as a light, cool breeze, at the top of the head, on the palms.