©iStock.com/ velusariotMany people equate Kundalini Yoga with complicated tantric teachings that also have a religious overtone.
This style of yoga is not only suitable for particularly spiritually minded yogis.
Because it fundamentally involves body, mind and psyche equally.
Kundalini opens a path to the conscious release of inner energies. All exercises are designed to activate your life force as Kundalini energy.
The special mixture of pranayama, mantras , mudras , meditation and dynamic asanas has an energizing effect on body, soul and mind.
Yogi Bhajan as master and pioneer
Physical, mental, and spiritual powers slumber within every human being. If these can be united through Kundalini Yoga, people can be healthy, happy,
and in the sense of the oldest Indian religion also live holy lives.
This centuries-old tradition, originating in northern India, has only spread in the Western world since the mid-1960s.
Yogi Bhajan played a major role in this.
As a practicing Sikh, he advocated for finding and utilizing wisdom in everyday life. As a master of Kundalini, Yogi Bhajan paved the way for the several hundred Kundalini Yoga centers that now exist worldwide. He is the founder of the 3H organization, which stands for "healthy, happy, and holy." This spiritual yoga promotes healthy, happy, and holistic well-being.
The systemic teachings of Yogi Bhajan as comprehensive (self-)training
"Coiled, coiled" is the meaning of the word "kundala" in Sanskrit, the sacred Vedic language. A coiled snake at the base of the spine symbolizes the Kundalini force, which must be awakened and encouraged to rise. This sounds esoteric, but Kundalini-style yoga is essentially a wonderful, relaxing, and meditative blend of breathing techniques (pranayama) , sound systems (mantras), hand gestures (mudras), and dynamic physical exercises (asanas) familiar from Hatha Yoga.
Through this special yoga practice, you will find inner peace, gain clarity, awaken your energy, and stabilize your health. Only specially trained teachers are allowed to teach Kundalini Yoga and hold classes, usually in designated Kundalini facilities.
Kriyas in Kundalini Yoga
A special feature of Kundalini Yoga are the special series of exercises called kriyas. Instead of practicing individual asanas, as in Hatha Yoga, this style of yoga is structured into specific series of exercises. This makes the physical exercises very dynamic and allows you to flow. A non-slip yoga mat is recommended to ensure good grip during the asanas.
Each chakra is activated by a specific kriya. The sequence of movements lasts several minutes and aims to unleash energies through yoga, which have a healing and cleansing effect on the body. If you are unable to perform individual kriya exercises for health reasons, your yoga instructor will show you alternatives. This way, you can protect your knees, back, and other muscles.
The interrelationships between body, mind and psyche
Being human cannot be limited to physical, mental, or spiritual aspects alone. Only the interplay of all these components is truly "human." Kundalini Yoga creates the connection. In practice, this type of bodywork is a demanding challenge that requires practice, strength, and concentration. Engaging in this type of yoga is rewarding in many ways because of the positive changes you experience.
What does Kundalini Yoga do?
The blend of pranayama, mantras, mudras, meditation, and dynamic asanas has a holistic effect on the body. You will benefit from this special form of yoga on a physical, mental, and spiritual level.
Effects of Kundalini Yoga:
• Release of energies from within
• Increase in life energy
• Opening of the chakras
• Increasing your own awareness
• Increased serenity
• Strengthening balance
Prepare for possible cleaning reactions
Be prepared, however, for some exercises to initially cause irritating side effects. These so-called cleansing reactions can occur depending on your personal sensitivity. Such reactions include temporary mild nausea, feelings of cold or heat, inner fluctuations, joint pain, and headaches. However, the pleasant sensations and effects far outweigh the negative ones. In the long run, your mood will improve and stabilize, and you'll find an upright posture—both internally and externally.
Who is Kundalini Yoga suitable for?
There isn't just one Kundalini Yoga, but a multitude of different forms, allowing you to set your own priorities. Common to all styles is the conscious improvement of physical strength, flexibility, and awareness of oneself and others. The importance of philosophical and spiritual aspects varies greatly depending on the teacher and school.
Kundalini Yoga according to Yogi Bhajan
Kundalini Yoga according to Yogi Bhajan is a good fit for you if you're ready to identify your sources of strength through meditation and if you enjoy physically demanding exercises with fast, flowing movements. These are precisely what characterize this style of yoga. Compared to traditional Hatha Yoga, static physical exercises are rare in Kundalini. A classic Kundalini Yoga class begins with a welcome and warm-up. This is followed by exercises called kriyas, which alternate with relaxation exercises. Meditation concludes the class.
Kundalini for advanced yogis
Do you already have experience with Kundalini and would like to learn more about the tantric chakra teachings? Then yoga practices with a holistic Vedic approach are suitable. These also aim to adapt your lifestyle and diet, as well as increase body awareness. There is a greater emphasis on cleansing and sensing the chakras as energy centers, and advanced breathing exercises such as the " breath of fire " are also offered. You will learn to consciously allow the Kundalini energy to flow and gradually ascend from the lowest energy center.
Do you practice Kundalini Yoga? Or would you like to give it a try? In our yogabox.de community, you can connect with other enthusiastic yogis.
