Sikh Elements in Kundalini Yoga | How Did They Get There?

Modern Kundalini yoga often includes chanting such as:

• Sat Nam
• Wahe Guru

These phrases come from Sikh tradition and are not part of classical yogic texts.

The inclusion of some Sikh elements reflects the background of Yogi Bhajan, who was raised in a Punjabi Sikh environment. When he began teaching in the West, he introduced yoga alongside broader spiritual and devotional context.

Over time, this developed into a lifestyle system supported by communities such as 3HO whose mission is to inspire everyone, everywhere to live a Healthy, Happy, and Holy life.

Within this system:

• chanting became a central practice
• Sikh terminology was widely used
• and group identity was reinforced through shared rituals and language

It is important to note that Sikhism itself does not traditionally include Kundalini yoga as a system of physical postures and breathwork. The combination seen in modern Kundalini yoga is therefore a contemporary synthesis, rather than a historical continuity.

For practitioners, these Sikh elements usually feel devotional and grounding. However, depending on background there is often a sense of unfamiliarity, yet the benefits of the inclusion of these elements without a doubt deepen the class experience for everyone.

Understanding their origin helps clarify what is being practised and why certain sounds, phrases, and rituals are present.