What is Kundalini Yoga? Unveiling the Serpent Power Within

In the past few years, Kundalini yoga has become more well-known. Some of the most important parts of old yoga are the breath, the physical poses (asana), chanting, meditation, and singing.

In kundalini yoga, you do breathe movements, chanting, singing, and the same poses repeatedly.

Its goal is to bring out your Kundalini energy, or Shakti. The spiritual force for this is said to be at the base of your spine.

Kundalini yoga is meant to make you more aware and help you get past your ego by waking up this energy. It’s also known as “yoga of awareness” occasionally.

Some mental and physical benefits have been linked to this type of yoga for both younger and older people who do it. If you want to be ready for Kundalini Yoga, you must know what can help you.

What is Kundalini yoga?

Kundalini yoga is practiced worldwide, but people have yet to learn where it originated. Kundalini energy is an idea that has been around for a long time. It was first written about in Vedic texts from 1,000 B.C.^[1]

From the Sanskrit word “kundal,” which means “circle,” comes the word “Kundalini.” It can also mean a snake that is wound up.

Practitioners say that Kundalini energy is like that twisted snake: it rests at the base of your spine, asleep and not awake.

Kundalini is energy that has yet to be used. It’s coiled at the base of the spine. You can pull this energy up through your body, opening all seven chakras.

Awareness is complete when this energy gets to the crown chakra at the top of the head.

People do Kundalini yoga to bring this energy to life, which lets it move up and down your spine through your chakras.

With a foundation in both traditional and contemporary Kundalini Yoga practices, I’ve developed a unique teaching style that blends mindfulness, physical alignment, and spiritual growth.

History of Kundalini Yoga

To people in the West, Kundalini yoga was first taught by Yogi Bhajan in California in 1968. In 1969, he started 3HO (the Healthy, Happy, and Holy Organisation) to help more people learn Kundalini yoga.

Kundalini was only taught in India before this and was passed down from teacher to student. Yogi Bhajan thought that everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of this type of yoga, even though it had not been available to the public before.

Kundalini Yoga Terms

Understanding Kundalini terminologies helps. Mantras, chakras, mudras, and kriyas.

·  Kriyas

Kriyas are Kundalini Yoga asanas. A kriya is a combination of poses done with a specific breathing method to amplify the impact of a pose by limiting energy flow to certain bandhas.

Kriyas may involve fast, repetitive motions. Some positions last many minutes. The teacher usually chooses kriyas that benefit most students in a group lesson.

·  Mudras

Mudras are hand motions used in yoga. Each gesture sends a different message to the mind and body.

Perhaps the most famous is the Anjali mudra. The praying position entails placing your palms together and thumbs against your chest.

Gyan is the most prevalent Kundalini Yoga mudra. Press your thumb and index finger together while extending the other fingers. It promotes learning and openness.

·  Mantras

Mantras or positive affirmations are part of Kundalini practice. These mantras are usually repeated in Gurmukhi but sometimes in English. Mantras used in Kundalini Yoga include:

Sat Nam translates to “I am the truth” or “Truth is my identity.”

Ong So hung to “Creator, I am Thou”.

·  Chakras

Every kriya is linked to a different chakra. The body has seven chakras, which are energy points. By opening these chakras, you can balance your mind and body, which is good for your health and well-being.

Benefits of Kundalini Yoga

People interested in natural health often ask, “What is kundalini yoga, and how can it help me?” It’s good for your body, mind, and heart. Here are some of these benefits:^[2]

·       Higher levels of energy

Making your Kundalini energy awake can give you more stamina and energy, making you feel more alive and fuller of life.

·       Getting rid of stress

It includes muscular breathing exercises and meditation to help you relax and feel less stressed.

·       Balance of Feelings

Working on your chakras can help you feel more in control of your emotions and learn more about yourself.

·       Growth in Spirit

Kundalini Yoga gives many practitioners profound spiritual experiences, better insight, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Conclusion

Kundalini yoga is an incredibly spiritual practice. It emphasizes chakra opening through pranayama, meditation, mudras, and chanting beyond asanas. But Kundalini kriyas can be intense.

Those who want a yoga approach that stays grounded in the body while using all the classic yogi methods will love Kundalini. If you need more time, try a few classes to see how you feel.

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