How to Tune in & Tune out in a Kundalini Yoga class?

Kundalini Yoga is often described as the “yoga of awareness.” When you come to a Kundalini Yoga class you will find that we will always start the class with tuning in and finish with tuning out with sacred mantras. These mantras act as energetic keys, aligning us with inner guidance, divine wisdom, and a protective space.

How to tune in? We use two mantras to tune in, each of them is chanted 3 times at the beginning of a class. We chant by sitting in easy pose (crossed legged position on the floor) and bring the palms together at the heart, chanting out loud with full intention. The first mantra is the Adi Mantra, which connects us to the golden chain of teachers before us. The second mantra is the Mangala Charan, which we chant for protection.

Adi Mantra

The Adi Mantra, or Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo, is a foundational mantra in Kundalini Yoga, meaning "I bow to the Creative Wisdom, I bow to the Divine Teacher within."

• Ong: Represents subtle divine wisdom, infinite energy, or the sound of the

universe.

• Namo: Means "I reverently bow/greet/salute".

• Guru: Refers to a teacher, a giver of wisdom, or the one who brings you from

darkness to light.

• Dev: A shortened version of "Deva," meaning divine, god, or an angel.

• Namo: Means "I reverently bow/greet/salute".

The mantra is chanted at the beginning of Kundalini Yoga practices to centre oneself, connect with the divine, and tune into the subtle body and inner

guidance. It's seen as a tool to connect with self-knowledge and the divine,

recognising that everything is one and that we are our own best teachers.

The Adi Mantra connects us to the Golden Chain—the chain of teachers—your teacher, her teacher, his teacher, and so on. The Golden Chain is the channel through which the energy, the wisdom and the protection of the tradition flow to you.

Would you like to listen to the Adi Mantra? I recommend Ong Namo by Erin Breech, Ong Namo by Ajeet or Ong Namo by Snatam Kaur.

Mangala Charan / Protection Mantra

The Mangala Charan, which is the Aad Guray Nameh, Jugaad Guray Nameh, Sat Guray Nameh, Siri Guru Devay Nameh mantra, is chanted to create a protective shield around us. It protects us from negativity and distractions. Would you like to read more about this mantra? Read my previous blog post on Mantra for Protection - Aad Guray Nameh

Would you like to listen to the Mangala Charan mantra? I recommend Aad Guray Nameh by Mirabai Ceiba, Aad Guray by Gurunam Singh Simrit, Aad Guray Nameh by Spring Groove, Aad Guray Nameh by Onyay Pheori & Meditation for a Wise heart by Satkirin Kaur Khalsa to name a few.

Would you like to listen to the Adi Mantra & Mangala Charan tune in mantras together as an actual tune in for class? I recommend Tune In by Paramjeet Singh, Kaur

How to tune out? We use two mantras to tune out as well at the end of a class, each of them is chanted just once. The first tune out mantra is the Long time sun, an old Scottish blessing. One of the very few English language mantras that are used in the tradition. The second mantra is the Sat Nam, truth is my name.

Longtime Sun

May the long time sun shine upon you,

All love surround you,

And the pure light within you,

Guide your way on.

This is a traditional closing blessing sung with a gentle heart. It expresses goodwill, community and light. It is not a mantra in the yogic sense, but a sacred song that carries deep intention. It can be dedicated to someone else or a blessing on yourself.

Would you like to listen to the Long time Sun tune tune out mantra? I recommend Long Time Sun by Snatam Kaur, Long Time Sun by Tera Naam or Long Time Sunshine by White Sun

Sat Nam

Our final mantra, the one we close the practise with, is Sat Nam. The Sat is long, and active, like Saaaaaaaaaaaaaat and the Nam is short and subtle. Sat means truth and Nam means name. "Truth is my identity". This is a Bij mantra, seed mantra, and it is used to seal the practice. It grounds our energy, affirms our true self, and integrates the effect of our practice. It is more than just words, it is a declaration of soul truth.

Would you like to listen to the Sat Nam tune out mantra? I recommend Sat nam by Maya Fiennes, Sat Nam by White Sun or Sat Nam by Amar Atma Kaur

Tuning in and tuning out isn’t just a tradition— it’s an energetic cleanse. These mantras create a sacred container around our practice and help us transition between the outer and inner worlds with grace and clarity.

Next time you step onto your mat, take a moment to chant with intention. You’re not just doing yoga — you’re entering a sacred conversation with your highest self!

Sat nam - may your practice awaken the light within

Kirti Jasdev Kaur (Dora)