Kundalini

Explore Kundalini

WHAT IS KUNDALINI?

Also referred to as the Yoga of Awareness, this awakening of the energy is achieved through breath, mantra, chanting, tantra, meditation and yoga postures/kriyas to make subtle positive changes in the body. The practice of Kundalini Yoga arouses the dormant Kundalini Shakti (Power/Energy) from its base through the 6 Chakras then penetrating the Crown (7th Chakra). The Shakti travels along the main channels of pranic energy in the body - Left (Ida), Right (Pingala) and Central (Sishumna Nadi). Incorporating many different practices, Kundalini Yoga can be understood as a three-fold approach of Bhakti (Yoga for Devotion), Shakti (Yoga for Power), and Raja (Yoga for Mental Power, Clarity and Control). Consistent practice is a practical tool one can incorporate to achieve spiritual growth, bodily maturation and ultimately liberate oneself from Karma (Cause and Effect) and realize Dharma (Life Purpose)

Kundalini is associated with the divine feminine and defined as energy conceptualized as a coiled up serpent. It lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is activated and channeled upward through each of the chakras to the crown of the head. The goal of Kundalini is to increase awareness, quiet the mind and unblock the chakra energy centers so vital energy can flow freely. When this energy reaches the crown chakra the circuit is considered complete and Enlightenment is within reach.

WHERE DID KUNDALINI ORIGINATE?

The exact origin of Kundalini Yoga is shrouded in the mystery of ancient India but the earliest references are to sacred writings known as the Upanishads (1000-500 BCE). Many believe the practice is based on the philosophical treatise of Patanjali called the Yoga Sutras (2nd century BCE) that provide a scientific and systematic way of awakening and nourishing energy to maintain a state of oneness with the Divine.

Yogi Bijan brought Kundalini Yoga to the West in the late 1960s. Upon observing the hippie culture, he realized young people were searching for expanded consciousness and yearning a God experience. He was inspired to teach this ancient wisdom to enable everyone to achieve health, happiness and holiness and established the 3HO Organization and Kundalini Research Institute. He trained thousands of yogis and teachers who launched their own studios and classes further spreading the benefits of Kundalini Yoga. There are now practitioners in most every city in the world making practical spirituality a reality spreading mindfulness, awareness and compassion.

HOW TO PRACTICE KUNDALINI

Kundalini can be practiced by everyone - beginners and seasoned yogis - anyone who wishes to combine a physical workout with a deep spiritual connection. Participants typically wear white from head to toe to ward off negative energy and extend one’s aura. Teachers also wear a white head covering (scarf, turban or hat) to increase concentration, focus, physical performance and help contain the energy within the body.

Uplifting and energizing, Kundalini approaches yoga like a technology. Classes vary depending on what Kriya (exercise set) is taught. However, most include warm-ups, breathing techniques, physical postures (asanas) , bandhs (contractions of core areas of the body), deep relaxation, chanting/mantras (sound vibrations), mudras (hand gestures) and meditation to eliminate blockages, produce full body awareness and purification.

Chanting and singing are also key components of Kundalini yoga. The most popular songs are the Adi Mantra (I bow to the subtle divine wisdom, the divine teacher within) and Sat Nam (II am truth).

WHY PRACTICE KUNDALINI?

There are many reasons to practice Kundalini including physical, spiritual and psychological wholeness as well as decreased stress levels, lower blood pressure, increased metabolism, circulation, focus, memory and better moods.

When this dormant energy flows freely upward through the seven chakra energy centers, it leads to an expanded state of consciousness. This is known as Kundalini Awakening; when balance and spiritual perfection are achieved. For many, the experience can be blissful and filled with feelings of love and a sense of the interconnectedness of all things.