Kundalini Yoga: What Are The 5 Sutras of the Aquarian Age?

“Aquarian values have no boundaries; they are Infinite. Aquarian consciousness takes you inside your soul, so that you can relate to the soul in all.”

– Yogi Bhajan 

Almost a decade ago, the Aquarian Age dawned and will last for millennia. This is the era of technology, fast-paced lifestyles, and a lot of pressure. Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, is specifically designed to help us navigate these times and keep our mental sanity. Learning to accept ourselves, absorb information, and embrace freedom are central themes of this period. However, we can also look to the sutras of the time to better understand how we should move forward. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Sutra in Kundalini Yoga?

Before we take a deep look at the five sutras of the Aquarian Age, let’s first answer a central question. If you’re new to this practice, you may be wondering one thing. What is a sutra in Kundalini Yoga? Yogi Bhajan, the master of Kundalini Yoga, shared sutras with his students and encouraged them to use the words in their everyday practice.

Put simply, these phrases are ‘threads’ or ‘knots’ that tie our lives together. Each is a spiritual concept that is simple to memorize and repeat. Through these words, Yogi Bhajan was able to share his sacred teachings with the world. While they appear harmless to conquerors, these phrases allow us to protect the sacred teachings and embrace them.

The 5 Sutras of the Aquarian Age

“These are the five sutras which are meant to be understood and to be practiced by every man in the Aquarian Age. When it is said, in every darkness there is a light; in every block there is a way, that only means if you are somewhere very hard hit, just be still.”

– Yogi Bhajan 

As each new age dawn, we need a new set of concepts or sutras by which to live. These are set out to guide us and help us understand the sacred teachings of Kundalini Yoga. For that reason, Yogi Bhajan shared five principles with his students. These are known as the five sutras of the Aquarian Age. To better understand the true depth of meaning behind each ‘thread’, we will here take a closer look at each of the sutras.

1. Recognize that the other person is you.

When we are wrapped up in our own egos, it can feel natural to judge those around us. You may look at other people and question their actions, the words they say, and the choices they make. However, doing so is a trap and will lead to great unhappiness.

The first sutra of the Aquarian Age is to ‘recognize that the other person is you’. That means that wherever quality we see in another person, positive or negative, is a reflection of your own perception. Understanding that the creative energy of all things is the same for everyone is the key.

The more we identify with our ego, the more judgmental we will be toward others and the more we will project our own personality traits onto others.The more we become aware of that fact, the better we can start to identify and change behaviors in ourselves.Embrace it and reflect upon it.

2. There is a way through every block.

Challenges and obstacles are a natural part of life. You may struggle with a difficult project at work, find it hard to resolve a family issue, or come up against a tricky decision. Whichever blockage you find on your road, though, you should understand that there is a way through it. However, the answer to this problem may not be what you expect.

According to this sutra of the Aquarian Age, the way to clear a blockage is through intuition. By fostering a deeper sense of intuition and listening to your inner voice, you can work your way out of any given situation. In the simplest terms, you already have the solution for which you search but you have to learn to hear it above all else.

3. When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off.

The only time that matters is the present. The here and now. The idea of a past and a future is an illusion. This sutra of the Aquarian Age is all about embracing the moment and accepting the changes that need to be made toward fulfillment. Deep down, we are all aware of the transformations that need to take place on our own journey.

Rather than ignoring these tasks or falling into deep procrastination, we should start taking action and moving forward. The moment that we choose to do this, the pressure will instantly cease to be. Oftentimes, it is the first step of any journey that is the hardest.

4.  Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times.

Rather than seeing things through your own personal lens, you should see them as a whole. During the Age of Aquarius, we should work toward the good of the collective, rather than doing things for our own motives. That means considering how your actions and thoughts impact the people around you and having compassion.

Approaching this period with an open heart will help you with this sutra. When we embrace others for who they are and try to understand them, we can foster deep relationships. Rather than judging the people you meet in your life, take steps toward empathizing with their struggles and learning more about what they need to be fulfilled.

5. Vibrate the Cosmos. The Cosmos shall clear the path.

The final sutra of the Aquarian Age is about balance. The Universe vibrates in specific frequencies. All forms of energy vibrate, including us. We may be in harmony with the Universe or out of sync. Each of our actions—our emotions, our thoughts, the words we say—have an impact on our personal vibrations. We should aim to be in complete harmony with universal energy.

Practicing Kundalini Yoga and dedicating yourself to daily Sadhanas is one way to become one with this energy. Through continuous meditation, chanting, and yoga, we can begin to vibrate at the same frequency as the Universe. It is a continuous journey but a noble one.

Continue Your Kundalini Yoga Journey!

Now that you have a knowledge of the five sutras of the Aquarian Age, apply them to your daily life. Through your Kundalini Yoga journey, you will learn how to embrace these ‘threads’ and allow them to guide you. Regardless of your background or needs, you will be able to gain from memorizing these sutras and using them in any way you can.

See also: 4 Kundalini Yoga Techniques to Try Anywhere, Anytime: A Beginner’s Guide