Kundalini Yoga Part I
22 Aug 2019 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
INFO: KUNDALINI YOGA
Kundalini Yoga is an ancient art and science compiled by Shiva in Tantra Yoga dealing with the transformation and expansion of consciousness, the awakening and raising of Kundalini power up the spine through energy centers called Chakras.
Kundalini has many root words. The word “Kunda” in Sanskrit literally means a pit in which to burn trash. This could be interpreted symbolically as a fire used to burn up one’s attachments, helping the mind to become more pure. “Kundalin” means serpent is identified as a goddess named Kundalini Shakti. Shiva and Shakti that means Shiva stands for consciousness and Shakti stands for goddess power of divine.
The Sanskrit word “Shakti” means divine energy. So Kundalini is the power, the feminine aspect of the divine. Kundalini Shakti is said to uncoil herself to move upward through the chakras and stir up dormant energy within the aspirants.
Many people understand that Kundalini yoga is a type of yoga. But, Kundalini Yoga is itself a totality of yoga, not a type of yoga. Any means of yogic kriyas activates for generating prana (Life force) through Nadis (energy channels) and Chakras (Energy Centers), that life force as feminine power is called Kundalini. However, the spiritual aspects of asanas and other physical acts are associated with Chakras, which is also called kundalini Yoga. Some dynamic physical acts or breath activates the Chakras also called Kundalini but it does not have wholesome meaning. Eventually, the final stage of yogic transformation through all types of yoga is called Kundalini.
Kundalini yoga is practiced through:
1. Physical practices like some dynamic, surya namaskar, and asanas practices
2. Bandha, mudras and pranayama
3. Deviya mantras as bhakti yoga,
4. Divya or beej mantra as Mantra dhyana yoga,
5. Sound/singing bowl healing
6. Chakra elements
7. Chakra colours
8. Pranava Mantra
9. Unmani -rotation of awareness via chakras
10. Symbol concentration
By any means or any keys, physiological changes are as:
1. Inner rest, relaxation, peace, and purity
2. Deep concentration
3. Activation of chakras
4. Awakening kundalini
5. Expansion of consciousness
6. Liberation cum isolation.
The activation, balancing of the chakras and awakening kundalini is accomplished by the mixing and uniting of Prana (cosmic energy) with Apana (eliminating energy) which generates pressure to force Kundalini to rise, by means Asans (postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), Bandhas (body locks), in kriyas (exercise sets), , mudras (gestures), and Mantras (sacred sounds) and different keys for meditation.