What are The 3 Minds of Kundalini Yoga? Quick and Simple Guide

May 22, 2020 / Kundalini Yoga

Within Kundalini Yoga teachings, we learn that each person is made up of ten bodies. Three of these bodies are mental—the second, third, and fourth. Each of these bodies is one part of the mind, we have the Negative Mind, the Positive Mind, and the Neutral Mind. So, why are these minds important? Check out our quick guide to learn more.

The 3 Minds of Kundalini Yoga

“The mind has three powerful functions, the Negative, Positive and Neutral Minds.”
– Yogi Bhajan

Each second that passes, we have thousands of thoughts; both conscious and subconscious. The way in which we approach each of these thoughts will depend greatly on our neuro-pathways. The truth of the matter is that each of us has a tendency to process thoughts depending on our own disposition.

For example, we may use our Negative Mind, Positive Mind, or Neutral Mind when we are thinking. Most people tend to use one of their first two minds. However, through Kundalini Yoga practices, we aim to become neutral in our approach. With practice, we can learn to process our thoughts through the fourth body in Kundalini Yoga, i.e. the Neutral Mind.

Each of these minds is related to a certain manifestation. The Negative Mind is born out of protectiveness, the Positive Mind is expansive, and finally, the Neutral Mind is meditative. When we begin to walk the pathway of Kundalini Yoga, we must learn to become more meditative in our perception of the world around us. In doing so, we can approach things using our Neutral Mind. That means that we contemplate without fear or preconceptions.

The first step in this transition is all about learning. You should seek to understand the three minds of Kundalini Yoga. As you delve into this area, you can begin to take steps toward becoming more neutral in your day-to-day life. Approaching situations from a point of neutrality will enable you to see both sides of every story. As students of Kundalini Yoga, we understand that this aim can help us become more tranquil and at peace.

Negative (Protective) Mind

“We should learn to contain our negativity. God gave you the negative mind just to see through where you can be damaged. God didn’t give you the negative mind to become negative.”
– Yogi Bhajan

First up, let’s talk about the Negative Mind. The central concept here is the ‘longing to belong’. As human beings, it is natural that we want to fit in; to be a part of a group or a collective. We call this the ‘longing to belong’. It is the idea that, at the core of human existence, we have a need or desire to merge with others around us and become one.

Naturally, this longing can manifest in both positive and negative ways. In one light, it can enable you to become more in touch with your inner self. However, if you have an underdeveloped Negative Mind, it can lead to extremely self-destructive dynamics in relationships. For instance, that longing to belong may lead to inappropriate relationships in which you hand over complete control to another or are overinfluenced by them.

However, it’s important to understand that the Negative Mind is there to protect you. When it comes to the three minds of Kundalini Yoga, this is the one that calculates danger and determines what you should do. You should work to discipline this mind and keep it in check. By doing so, you can protect yourself and also develop valuable relationships.

Positive (Expansive) Mind

“Your Positive Mind has access to your subconscious and can use it to expand a thought instead of contrast it.”
– Yogi Bhajan

The Positive Mind is tied to the notion of ‘devil or divine’. Let’s first take a moment to talk about the ‘devil’ aspect of this body. Since the expansive mind is fast to act and does not weigh up the possible dangers, it can land you in trouble. Relying too heavily on this mind of Kundalini Yoga can lead you down a tricky pathway as you may act before you think.

On the flip side of that, we have the ‘divine’. Opening yourself up to new, exciting experiences means that you have the opportunity to grow and prosper. You see the positivity in every situation which you experience and look for the good in the people you meet. Those who lean toward the Positive Mind tend to be optimistic and full of joy.

When your Positive Mind is too weak, you will find that you are angry, upset, or feel powerless in your everyday routine. Without this body of Kundalini Yoga to guide you, you find it hard to take control of your life and have your will done. Fortunately, through positive affirmations, meditation practice, and by cultivating our self-esteem we can be strong. You may also use a meditation for the positive mind to help further your practice.

Neutral (Meditative) Mind

“You have to reach the Neutral Mind. Once you start relating to the neutral mind, you will never find any trouble in your life.”
– Yogi Bhajan

Finally, we should learn about the ideal mental state known as the Neutral Mind. As Kundalini Yoga students, we aim to adopt a neutral outlook of the world around us. The Meditative Mind allows us to take on a ‘win-win’ attitude in every aspect of our lives. The central concept relating to this mind is the ‘cup of prayer’. In the simplest of terms, the Neutral Mind is the exact balance between the Positive Mind and the Negative Mind.

Once you have trained your Neutral Mind, it can take aspects of both the Positive and the Negative. The moment that you need to make a decision this mind can evaluate both points of view. You can then come out with a measured and compassionate solution to any dilemma you may be facing. What’s more, you become a better listener.

Unsurprisingly, it takes work and effort to process your thoughts through your Neutral Mind. Through meditation and cultivating a personal sadhana, you may start to naturally lean toward this perception. As you do so, you will become more intuitive, have the guidance you need, and start to feel calmer as you go about your daily life.

Continue Your Journey Today!

Throughout this guide, we have touched upon the three minds of Kundalini Yoga. You should now have a fundamental understanding of these bodies and how you may utilize them. It’s crucial to note that all three have a role to play and we should strengthen them. However, our ultimate goal is to become neutral in our thoughts. Take the information here and add it to your ongoing learnings. The more you educate yourself, the better!