Awareness Center

I absolutely love the Awareness Center! I’ve been coming here for 2 years now. As soon as I walk in I feel a connection, calm and at peace. Kundalini yoga is a very specific yoga, very much a spiritual journey through the chakras. I’ve taken Wahe Guru (the owner), Ravijot’s and Atma’s classes and can not live without attending one of them once a week. It is my spiritual practice. I have also had the amazing experience of one of Wahe Guru’s healing sessions. It was emotional and therapeutic. She’s very loving and gentle and intuitive to your needs. I’ve been practicing Kundalini yoga for 8 years.

Jan/​Feb/​March 2015
So…truth: I’m neither terribly athletic nor naturally «bendy.» But. I got majorly stressed out (hello, life!) and forced myself to go to the nearest yoga studio for a class.
Being completely new to yoga, I love the Awareness Center and here’s why:
*Super friendly teachers/​receptionists
*Classes which you can follow at your own ability
*Spiritual aspect to the classes (not religious, but open and respectful)
*Variety of classes, workshops
The only things I don’t love:
*Parking is a beast (on Foothill or maxxed out side streets)
*Reception area could be bigger — gets packed before/​after class
*It’s c-​c-​c-​cold in those yoga rooms (or maybe I’m a frosty little weakling!)
So. If you’re not into yoga as a «who’s wearing the cutest Lululemon» contest (nothing wrong with that, namaste) or competitive sport, then visit the AC. The energy is kind and you’ll leave so relaxed, your only worry will be driving home safely.
Sat nam, y’all.

Great place! Wonderful teachers. Amazing yoga.

I discovered Kundalini Yoga three years ago, and for the past two years have been practicing exclusively at The Awareness Center. It is a mark of The Awareness Center’s commitment to the traditions and practices passed down by Yogi Bhaghan (founder of modern Kundalini) that there are no instructors whose skills and compassion I would describe as anything less than «marvelous.» Sure, I have my personal preferences, but I can attend any class, any day, and I know that I will leave feeling spiritually and physically better than when I arrived. And I’m not what you might think of as a typical yogi — I’m 62, still eat too much (working on that!), I’m not a vegan (although healthier diet is definitely advocated by Kundalini wisdom). But I can do things physically, now, that I couldn’t do at age 40. My spiritual life — which has NOTHING to do with a religious life — has been tremendously enhanced. And we practice almost entirely with our eyes closed and focused inwardly, so there isn’t any of the «getting distracted by/​feeling competitive with» other students. ‘Nuff said. Take advantage of one of their Groupon or other special offers and check out a few classes. You won’t regret it.

I have been practicing yoga at the Awareness Center on and off for 7 or 8 years now. I have probably been there 50 times, and I love it! I honestly believe it is the nicest overall yoga studio in Pasadena, and I think I have been to nearly all.
The vibe is very healthy, clean and serene, it has a wonderful, ethereal, herbal kind of smell (unlike the decidedly more physical odor one of the other studios is known for!) I feel like every time I take the initiative to drag myself out of my daily routine and get to a class at the Awareness Center is a special treat! I feel renewed and alive, refreshed and elevated by these classes. The feeling one gets from this practice really is amazing, and I can’t recommended it highly enough. Go, you will not regret it!
I will emphasize that nearly all the classes are Kundalini Yoga (as taught by Yogi Bhajan), which is decidedly different than Hatha or any of the other styles commonly taught in the other studios (except Golden Bridge in Hollywood, and Yoga West, on the West side). Kundalini is distinguished in many ways from these other styles, but a few things that will stand out to the beginner or those experienced with other styles of yoga, is that there is a great focus on the breath, a fair number of the poses, or asanas, are quite different from other styles of yoga, there is more emphasis on chanting, and there are quite a few poses that can be quite active. Oh, and since there are literally thousands of sets, you’ll rarely have a repeat, and definitely wont get bored! :)
Finally, if you are concerned and unsure about the Awareness Center after reading some of the ignorant and derogatory comments made by another commenter, I have this to offer: This is Kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, a Sikh yoga master and bureaucrat from India who brought the then secret practice of Kundalini Yoga to the USA in the 60’s and made it his life’s work to train yoga teachers.
The practice of Kundalini Yoga is said to be the original form of yoga from which all other styles have branched off, and far predates the Sikh religion, which was founded in the 1600s in India. Yogi Bhajan made it very explicit that his intention was to teach Kundalini Yoga, and not his Sikh religion. Only a few of the teachers at the Awareness Center are actually Sikhs, although some were actually trained directly by Yogi Bhajan. The practice among the majority of the teachers to wear loose white clothing is not a sign that they are Sikhs, but simply that they are wearing proper yoga clothing, as taught by yogi Bhajan. The reviewer’s assumption about the teachers and staff being members of some sort of cult is ridiculous. I have never been approached for a donation nor experienced anything that I would even remotely consider a recruitment effort.
Sikhism, by the way, is one of the worlds great religions, with about 25 million adherents worldwide, nearly twice as many as Judaism (the Jewish faith). Depending on how you count it, it is about the fifth most popular religion worldwide. And like Judaism, Sikhism is not evangelical. Hence, you have less chance to be evangelized, or asked for a donation, by a Sikh than by many christian evangelical organizations common in the USA.

Came in this Friday morning for their 11am «intro to kundalini» session and had a wonderful experience. The lady at reception was incredibly polite/​funny/​helpful. This was my first time really doing yoga, with my only previous experience being at the YMCA.
As I was new to the location, she gave me a tour, explained what was available and also handed me a few notes on Kundalini. They have a couple of rooms, bathrooms and a small kitchen to get water from.
My class began and we entered one of the yoga «halls?». There were 7 of us which meant there was plenty of space. I’d bought myself a mat, but they have a number that you can use, along with pillows and blankets. The instructor helpfully explained all of the elements we needed to consider during our yoga session and I realized that this was just as much about meditation as it was about posture. (Unlike the hour of painful stretching that occurred at the Y!) Perfect!
All in all, everyone was incredibly nice and newcomers are made to feel very at home. I look forward to my next visit.

The Awareness Center has moved a couple of times over the years but I have been taking yoga classes on and off here for over 20 years. My wife and I try to go every Saturday morning and love Suraj’s class. The person who gave this one star is right in one respect. Parking is bad. But that’s it in my opinion. She must have really picked an off day and should have used the rest of her 9 classes to get a better idea. Yes the instructors wear turbans as they are Sikhs. No it is not a cult and no the instructors don’t insist on being called Yogi. In the 20 years I’ve been going here not once have I ever been asked to join their religion. Saying there’s a cult vibe here is just plain silly and narrow minded. And saying it caters to rich, bored housewives? Makes me laugh. My wife and I are in our early 70s and have met many very nice people here over the years. To us the Awareness Center has a nice, peaceful vibe and we always feel better after the class. I recommend it to anyone to give it a try. But I’d try various classes to see which instructor you may like the best as they’re all a bit different.

This is a really cute, small studio and the staff are always very friendly and inviting. In addition to Kundalini classes, they offer individual healing and bodywork sessions which I have not taken advantage of yet. They also have a lot of workshops on the weekends. I love the hypnosis for wellness workshop! I like that there are different membership options (monthly, 10 class passes, and specials from time to time) They also have an $ 8 community class a few times a week. I do wish they had more classes on weekday afternoons. I’ve never had trouble finding street parking nearby. I’m very grateful to have a place like the Awareness Center in Pasadena so I don’t have to drive into LA for my Kundalini fix. Sat Nam!

There is absolutely NO parking and the neighbors are super anal about you parking in the spaces. Like, tow-​able anal.
I bought a groupon for 10 sessions for 30 days and was so uncomfortable I only went once. Definitely a CULT vibe to this place. Caters to rich, bored housewives with too much time and money on their hands.
There was one woman who ate during the first ten minutes of class and it was so distracting even the «yogi» — yes that’s what the turbaned white woman in the front insisted on being called, they all due, was distracted. When I expressed my concern, the women instructors just made excuses and I could tell the woman in question was a regular and donated a lot of money to the place.
All of the women that work their have a very zoned out, cult like vibe to them and there is actually an altar to the main Yogi in the central yoga room.
Also there was a woman next to me in the class who had money but was marginally on the cusp of social skills where she brought a down comfortable in the class room instead of a regular yoga blanket.
I love yoga, and was trained in Hatha yoga and am really open to different people, but I really felt like I was going to be hit up for a donation or a visit to Jim Jones camp at any minute.
Bottom LINE: Visit at your own risk, but the yoga class itself was easy, and a bore

Excellent Kundalini yoga instruction in an uplifting space. The yogi tea is always good here!

It is a discrete store front that is hard to spot unless you are looking for it. When you walk in, there is a really nice sitting area, that you can sit down and take a moment to unwind before entering the building. They provide free yogi tea. In the front/​lobby area there is only two spots to sit down in the front, so prepare to stand while waiting for the studio to open up.
The staff is really helpful and nice. They do not presser you into buying anything.
My personal story is that I have been trying yoga for 14 years randomly and have never liked any of the styles. I would force myself to go to class like a I had to do a horrible chore. I decide to take the 6 weeks Beginner’s class. I’m really glad that I did it and it help me understand the style more.
Parking: I prefer the street parking on the side street. The parking on the street in front, is a major street and it feels like your going to get ran over leaving or trying to get back into your car. There is a small parking lot in the back of the building, you have to use the alley on the side street to get to it.
Payment: Cash or Card
Overall: Love this place period.
If you aren’t a fan of this style of yoga, try yoga house (the frist class is free over there). I love that studio but sadly, they styles of yoga they teach wasn’t suited for my taste. I think for me, Kundalini cames more naturally for me cause I already do some of these movement because I’ve been taking dance classes on and off most of my life. They are very similar to the stretches and warm ups I’ve been taught most of my life.

Such a warm, welcoming feeling enveloped me upon entering this small, quiet yoga studio located on a quiet sidestreet in what seems to be an industrial area. The receptionist quickly signed me in and showed me around. I was introduced to the instructor, who then introduced me to the other students. I swear a glow emanates from this place. I felt like I was already part of the family.
During the yoga, the instructor gave us the meaning of yoga and the meaning of some of the poses, as well as which chakra was being targeted. When I left, I felt like I had actually learned something instead of just going through empty poses.

This is a follow-​up to my previous review. I still love the place, but a recent event there was very overbooked and uncomfortable. The room was packed to overflowing, and people with paid reservations were let in last after the walk-​ins. Not the experience I had hoped.

I love the awareness center!
i was invited by a friend for the Tuesday night 6pm breathing class! it is amazing! The owner, Wahe Guru Kaur, is fabulous and a great guide during the class. She makes you feel welcome and safe.

Gloria invited me here for this past Saturday early morning 9:00am Kundalini yoga class.
It was invigorating I recommend this class for Yoga first timers (such as myself) the instructor was kind enough to explaing actions before going directly into them. It’s a very loving peaceful environment with soothing music. We medidated and did some chants that had me cracking up on my inability to hold a note for not much longer than a minute. GOOOODD LAAAWWWWRRRDDD Pam! :)
They provide yoga mats, blankets and herbal teas for you in case you don’t have your own. You will be barefooted so if you are shy about your toes and feet you have been WARNED! lol
Parking is street as well as in the lot behind but if you park in the lot behind you will still need to enter through the front doors off of the sidewalk NOT the back entrance. Affordable prices too!
Respectfully Reviewed

The Awareness Center has become a second home to me. This place is not only focused on the practice of yoga, it is very community driven and provides you with a network of support. Kundalini yoga is different than your average Hatha or Bikram yoga. It incorporates chanting and meditation and the postures are not always the same. This way you are getting a mind body and spirit workout and never «plateau». I would recommend Kundalini to those who are open minded and ready to reflect internally.
Hope to see you there!

It was a truly rewarding experience attending Basia’s class. She graciously welcomed me. The feeling of unity was dynamic! The sound and vibration of the gong during mantra raised me from my feet! I loved the care and conciousness she used as she played it. Asanas were few, breath and emotional healing was clearly the focus! I wish I had bought a 10 class package. I will definetly return. Class began with mantra, more in the middle and ended with a song and sharing.

As an Awareness Center student of Kundalini Yoga Teacher training, I am proud to write this review. Sometimes small is beautiful and precious — in the case of the Awareness Center, this is true.
You can go to Hollywood’s Golden Bridge Yoga, and have a great experience. Certainly, that’s where I re-​ignited my yoga flame and where I continue my early morning group sadhana — for this I am grateful. I even contemplated enrolling in GB’s yoga teacher training program… but something about Awareness Center drew me. Maybe it’s the intimacy and friendliness of the staff. Maybe it’s the smaller space. Maybe it’s just that our energies combined spoke to me on a subtle level, not easily expressed in words.
Meet Ravijot, who manages the day-​to-​day operations, and her staff — each one remembers your name, and when you step in the front door, you feel as if you have arrived home as you’re warmly greeted. The director, Wahe Guru, is currently on maternity leave, and we are all excited for her return and graceful presence.
With regards to classes, each yoga teacher is top-​notch, and each with his/​her own style. Each teacher I meet blows me away with their integrity, discipline, wide-​range of knowledge, experience, generosity, and authenticity. I could not ask for more as a student. If you are new to this kind of yoga, it would behoove you to take Dr. Santokh Khalsa’s Beginner’s Series, so you will have good guidance and get the most out of your experience.
The Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training features teachers from all over LA — and this cross-​pollination only serves to benefit my learning all the more. This is awesome to experience.
The gem for me is early morning group sadhana. This is the cornerstone of Kundalini Yoga practice. It is free here (as it is as Golden Bridge and Yoga West too, in case you’re wondering), and starts at 4:15am until 6:30am, daily. Run by Baba Singh and Namrita, this program is very user-​friendly considering the discipline it requires of you to attend. As Baba says, «Sadhana is not hard… the hard part is getting to sadhana!»
Chant sheets, and the sacred text, Japji, are provided, so that first-​timers can follow along (bring along a little flashlight for yourself because it will be dark). I had no idea I would be drawn to sadhana, but my boyfriend and I went New Year’s Day, in order to set our intentions for 2010, and something about the practice drew me instantaneously. Since that day, I have practiced every day… mostly by myself, but at least once a week, in a the group setting. It is like a tune-​up for me, a polishing of the soul. Now sadhana is integrated into my very being, and I don’t feel right if I miss it – feels like I’m missing an important part of myself if I skip out. I highly recommend yoga practitioners to try sadhana — it will increase your practice exponentially.
I am appreciative of being part of this yoga family. I know I am making connections that will benefit and last me for a life-​time. It is a beautiful thing to find a community that I know and trust — a community of people who work truthfully, with accountability, and in integrity with themselves.
Thank you Awareness Center, for all that you provide. Sat Nam and many blessings!

I love this place! I’ve been practicing yoga here for over five years, since they were located on the second floor. The new renovation to downstairs gives them twice as much space, a beautiful, welcoming lobby/​retail area, a kitchen, and two beautiful outdoor patios (one in front, one in back) to relax in before or after a class.
The staff is the most knowledgeable and friendly around. Everyone here is so warm and kind. I have also become friends with a few of the yoga students here!
I have attended classes from most of the teachers, who are all helpful and welcoming. Each teacher has his or her own personality and style, and all classes end in a long, deep relaxation, which is such a blissful reward after a sometimes challenging yoga class!
When you come in for a class, you must check out the events fliers, since there always seems to be something fun happening: concerts, workshops, retreats, etc.

So far so good. I just started going and I got myself a 10 class membership. I thought everyone there was super kind and helpful. I am not really good at yoga but wanted to give it a try. This place definitely has a variety of classes and they teach you pretty well.
I am just not too into the chanting but I do find it peaceful for my own time to reflect and pray to my own God.