Kundalini Yoga at Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice is the traditional gathering time for Kundalini Yoga teachers and practitioners.
My first Summer Solstice was in 1977, a year after I had moved into the New Haven, CT ashram. This was the first year we all gathered on the land known as Ram Das Puri. We set up our tents out past the parking lot, and hiked about a quarter mile to the showers and then a bit further to the Tantric Shelter. As the years passed, the camping tents moved closer and the Tantric Shelter grew larger.
An amazing discipline was born, the discipline of the Yogi. Sadhana practice begins at 3:00 AM with a musical wake-up call. Cold showers are followed by prayers and Kundalini Yoga. The day continues with more classes, more yoga, White Tantric Yoga, and music…lots of beautiful music in a serene, sacred landscape.
A cleansing diet is served. The main fare is protein-rich mung beans and rice, lettuce, hot sauce and Yogi Tea. This brings the body into a mildly alkaline state, a great balance for meditation.
If you intend to immerse yourself in this life changing experience, here are a few tips:
- This is a drug and alcohol free environment
- Everything is strictly vegetarian
- Vitamin B15 will help you to oxygenate at altitude, the site in the Jemez Mountains is over 7,000 feet.
- Bring organic skin and bug protection
- Drink at least 80 ounces of water a day
- Bring an attitude of gratitude and you can’t miss!

