By Faye Martins
Many people ask, “What is Kundalini Yoga? The Kundalini style is an ancient Yogic practice that originated in India. The Kundalini style was first introduced to the west by Yogi Bhajan in the late sixties. The practice of Kundalini includes classic Yoga postures with emphasis on the movement between the postures.
In addition Kundalini practice consists of the repetition of sacred mantras, pranayama, and meditation exercises. Experience practitioners report deep feelings of physical and emotional well-being with a regularly sustained practice of Kundalini Yoga techniques.
Kundalini is reputed to be one of the most powerful types of Yoga practice. In fact, the word kundalini is derived from the Sanskrit root word for pot. The word kundalini itself actually means unwound. The underlying emphasis of this Yogic style is the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti energy that is coiled in the form of a serpent three and a half times at the base of the spine.
When this sacred energy is awakened at the Muladhara Chakra, the energy moves up through the seven chakras and ultimately pierces the seventh chakra at the top of the skull, filling the practitioner with divine bliss and a deep understanding of the inter-connectedness of all beings.
According to Yogic knowledge, we all have male and female energy within us. The female energy is known as Shakti and the male energy is called Shiva. Ultimately, the goal of Kundalini Yoga practices is the ascension of the Kundalini energy up through all the chakras and the unification of Shiva and Shakti in the crown chakra. With the unification of Shiva and Shakti within our own beings comes a permeating awareness of the divine underpinnings of all reality.
Clearly, the practice of Kundalini Yoga is more than just a series of physical movements. According to Vedantic wisdom, the essential meaning of each human being’s life is to reach a state of divine realization. With that said, we love and serve from that place of unified wisdom and compassion. In order to awaken and nourish the Kundalini Shakti, or the serpent energy coiled at the base of the spine, Kundalini Yoga offers us a variety of powerful practices.
The recitation of slokas or sacred verses is an important part of Kundalini practice, in addition to asanas, breathing exercises, and specific meditation techniques. Of course, the most optimal situation for an aspiring student is to study directly under a qualified master. What is Kundalini Yoga? To find out, you should train with a master or a qualified teacher.
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Great article — thank you!
Thank You Gillian! As always, you are very kind.