Introduction to Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is a spiritual, mental and physical discipline based on Hindu traditions and is one of the highest techniques found in yoga. The philosophy draws on energy which is said to exist at the base of the spine and is coiled like a snake. Kundalini is Sanskrit for snake or serpent. This form of yoga has affect upon self knowledge, consciousness and intuition. Its practitioners say that increases creativity to very high levels. It is practiced or taught under the guidance of a yoga master or spiritual master who will teach mantra, prana, sadhana, asana and other techniques of meditation and prayer.

Chakras

Practicing Kundalini yoga is said to create an awakening of energy within your body. This is an awakening of conscious energy not physical energy. This conscience energy exists within us all and is constantly trying to manifest itself as insight, power and bliss. This starts with the opening or awakening of the Muladhara Chakra at the base of your spine and proceeds to the Sahasara Chakra at the top of the head, passing through all of our seven chakras and awakening them. As our individual forces awaken and energize its energy blends with the energy of the universe, thus forming a divine union which is called 'yoga'.

Development and Practices

Kundalini practitioners learn a system of exercises and meditations that are said to open spiritual growth and mental and physical well being. It is said to cure or have a positive affect upon people suffering from Alzheimer's, diabetes, asthma, pain and mental disorders. These can only be taught by a master in a setting deemed appropriate. Failure to do this by the student can result in the master withdrawing his teachings. These practices use to be taught only in the East but have been encouraged and have grown into Western cultures since around 1969.

Learning these techniques and practices are not taken lightly by the masters and shouldn't be by the students. Many believe that the spiritual awakening that occurs is intense and should only be experienced when one is truly ready. The follower is said to go through many changes in motor, senses and mental feelings that have been called similar to 'near death experiences,' which is why a master or teacher is so vital to the true practice of Kundalini yoga.

Typical Kundalini Yoga Class

Kundalini yoga is an intense physical and mental practice and should only be considered by people who are in reasonable health physically. Each Kundalini Yoga pose is done with a breath or breathing pattern that intensifies the effects of the pose and frees the energy in the lower body. Kundalini poses done in sequence may consist of rapid, repetitive movements done with breath or holding a pose while breathing in a particular way. This can be extremely difficult to do if you are out of shape or overweight.

The beginning of a Kundalini Yoga class will usually include the sounding of a gong or chime by the master. Some masters also teach chanting and use it during class. As students obtain poses they are rarely corrected by the master but just overseen as the awakening of energy must be done by each person in their own time and with their own realizations.