Kundalini Yoga

From LoveToKnow Yoga

The foundation of yoga practice is rooted in spiritual principal, but one style that draws primarily from the well of enlightenment is Kundalini yoga. In Sanskrit, the word kundalini generally references a coil or curl. Practitioners believe Kundalini yoga releases untapped mystical energy.

lotus position in Kundalini yoga practice

Understanding the Practice

Pronounced “kun-da-lee-nee,” this extremely ancient Indian yoga method incorporates every aspect of yoga, including specific breathing techniques, postures, chanting and most importantly, meditation, all designed to awaken latent energy.

The visual most associated with Kundalini yoga to extend an understanding of it is a serpent resting at the base of the spine, a reference to the coiled power available within everyone. As the energy is stimulated through exact exercises or kriyas, the serpent rises along the spine, passes through the body's chakrasand releases spiritual awareness through the crown of the head, achieving the ultimate goal of enhanced enlightenment.

Kundalini yogis have to follow the series kriyas exactly as originally written. With other yoga paths, instructors can often modify the poses. The exercises aren’t as vigorous or complicated as other styles of yoga, such as Bikram or Ashtanga, but some new to the practice have experienced slight nausea or lightheadedness until they become used to the movements.

Practitioners view this form of yoga as more of a divine experience, connecting to the unconscious potential of higher enlightenment. Because of this spiritual connotation, everyone from theologians to psychiatrists has studied the theory of Kundalini, its practice and its effects.

Who is Yogi Bhajan?

A name that frequently comes up in conjunction with Kundalini yoga is Yogi Bhajan. Considered to be one of the first yogis to introduce the practice to the United States, he arrived in America in the late 1960s. Before this, Kundalini had been a sacred, private ritual, passed on from teachers only through dedicated discipline and devotion on behalf of the student.

Yogi Bhajan believed in sharing Kundalini yoga with the masses because, as he once noted, “I am sharing these teachings to create a science of the total self. It is the birthright of every human being to be healthy, happy and holy.”

Effects of Kundalini Yoga

Like many yogic postures, kriyas are broken down into individual sets of purposeful movements. Within reason, anyone at any age can perform the poses. Although not as focused on physical health and stability as Hatha yoga, this style is still beneficial to:

  • Cleanse the liver and other organs and glands.
  • Expand the heart.
  • Stimulate the nervous system and chemical reactions in the brain.
  • Encourage relaxation.
  • “Uncoil” resting energy.

The mental and emotional effects of this practice are quite varied. Through a dedicated and disciplined approach to the exercise, many claim to experience:

  • Fearlessness
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Ecstasy
  • A quieted mind or contentment
  • Increased awareness of what is interpreted as divine
  • Expanded consciousness

As the practice deepens, the combination of the breath, mantra and movement increase stages of consciousness, a unique experience unto each individual practitioner.

Links to Kundalini Classes, DVDs and Books

Before starting any form of exercise, talk with your physician and research the practice. In addition, it’s always best to first perform any yoga path under the guidance of an experienced teacher, who will not only teach you about the history and theory of the style, but also instruct and correct your postures and other physical attributes important to the practice and to avoid injury.

The following resources can help you find teachers and classes in your area:

No one source can ever provide a complete, unaltered view of a specific yoga method. But the following books and electronic media may assist with further study:

  • Kundalini Yoga DVD Legendary instructor Gurmukh leads you through an invigorating 60-minute workout to awaken spiritual energy and potential.
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners This 12-hour collection covers the basics like breathing, physical exercises, meditations and relaxation. The set, designed by instructor Nirvair Singh, includes six DVDs and one book.
  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners and Beyond Rated in 2005 by Yoga Magazine as “the most effective tool for vibrant health, self-expansion and exciting personal breakthroughs,” this DVD by Ana Brett and Ravi Singh features two 25-minute sets that can be combined for one full workout or practiced separately.

The practice of yoga is a journey of many steps. Take the time to teach your body the motions and your mind the methodology.


 


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