The Technology of Yoga and the Evolving People
An excerpt from “Kundalini Yoga for Evolving People: Empowering Yourself in a World of Constant Change“, by MutShat Shemsut
In Ancient Kemet, also known as Egypt, the words “Man Know Thyself” appear above the entrances of temples in the Nile Valley. These served as academic and scientific learning centers that were not separated from the spiritual. Of course, the term “man” here includes all humans. It is an instruction that encourages all humankind to discover their true nature. “The body is the temple of the God within you,” says another ancient adage. Our evolution involves an awareness of our true identities as spiritual beings, resulting in a magnificent shift in consciousness.
Knowing ourselves involves exploring our thoughts, emotions, and experiences and developing a deeper understanding of who we are as a person. The process of self-discovery is a lifelong journey that requires a great deal of introspection, self-reflection, and self-awareness. It requires an openness to confront our fears and limitations and the courage to make changes in areas where improvement is needed. By becoming more familiar with our own strengths and weaknesses, we can become more confident and resilient, with a greater sense of purpose. By knowing ourselves, we can also develop a deeper sense of inner peace and satisfaction and live a life that is truly authentic and fulfilling.
Yoga and meditation have been recognized for centuries as powerful tools for self-discovery and personal growth. These practices help us connect with our inner selves, become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and access a deeper level of understanding and insight into our individual nature. They also encourage the integration of the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the self. Through the consistent practice of yoga and meditation, we can gain insight into the root causes of negative patterns and work to transform them into more positive and supportive habits. Ultimately, the goal is for us to realize our full potential and live in alignment with our true nature and purpose in life.
Yogi Bhajan once said, “Our purpose in life is to live in higher consciousness and to teach others to live in higher consciousness.”¹ By supporting ourselves in these ancient tools of self-development and self-discovery that are yoga and meditation, we become the evolving ones! We moved from an age of finding and acquiring information to one in which everything we want to know is at our fingertips, and we want to experience it. A lot of what we want to know is about ourselves. We wish to expand and access that limitless part of ourselves. We want to strengthen our sensory selves. This evolution, quite simply, leads to our liberation and our ability to know how the attributes of God are revealed in us.
The meditations in this book are a gift of inspiration designed to serve the highest good of humankind: elevating ourselves, knowing ourselves, and realizing our true nature as spiritual beings.
¹ Yogi Bhajan, Aquarian Times, Winter 2005.