22 Nov 09 What is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini yoga is an ancient form of yoga that has only been practiced in the west relatively recently. Kundalini yoga is the yoga of consciousness. In 1969, Sikh Yogi Bhajan founded 3HO (the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) to introduce Kundalini to a broader population. Although Kundalini had not previously been taught to the public, Yogi Bhajan felt that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy its benefits.  The practice of Kundalini Yoga includes chanting, breathing practices, Asanas, finger movements and meditation. Kundalini Yoga focuses on purifying the mind, body and emotions.

Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline within the tradition of Yoga, associated with the subdivision of hatha yoga. It describes a set of advanced yoga exercises. The exercises are also sometimes referred to as Kriya Yoga or simply Kriya. According to Hindu tradition Kundalini yoga is a pure spiritual science that leads to enlightenment and God-Realization under the guidance of a Spiritual Master. The awakening of kundalini means awakening of inner knowledge.

What is Does Kundalini Mean?

Each person has an enormous Shakti (spiritual energy) symbolised as a coiled snake (Kundalini) which lies at the base of the spine, this has to be awakened, when awakened; this energy passes through each one of the seven Chakras or centres of consciousness located in the spine. This is the spiritual state. To awaken the Kundalini, one must maintain habits such as practice regular exercise; eat high quality food; has healthy relationships with other persons and possess qualities like diet control, good temperament, strength of mind, determination among others.

Focus on Breath and Movement

This Yoga style promotes physical vigour and stimulates the mind’s power. Kundalini Yoga has precise postures (kriyas) which combined with chanting and breathing exercises work on exactly those parts of the body that require work obtaining precise and immediate benefits. Kundalini Yoga allows sex as a means to illumination and knowledge.

What to Expect in a Kundalini Class

A Kundalini class will usually consist of a warm-up to stretch the spine and improve flexibility, a sequence of poses (a kriya) that focus on a specific area of the body, and meditation, including the use of chanted mantras, pranayama, and mudras. Kundalini devotees often wear flowing white robes and head wraps.

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