The practice of Kundalini yoga, also known as yoga of awareness, is sometimes referred to as the “mother of all yogas” because practitioners often find that results come more quickly and more powerfully than any other type of yoga. Kundalini yoga consists of the powerful combination of physical exercises (asanas), breath exercises (pranayamas), sacred gestures (mudras) and sacred sounds (mantras). These components can provide immense healing and balancing benefits for the nervous system and glandular/endocrine systems
Kundalini practice contains the same components of a typical Hatha Yoga class, but has a strong emphasis on the subtle body. The subtle body (also called the light body or spiritual body) is believed to be composed of energy fields/layers that surround the physical human body. These interconnected, metaphysical layers create the body's aura, or electromagnetic field. A central focus of Kundalini practice is the navel center - the central hub where all the energies (or nadis) of our physical and subtle bodies converge.
Kundalini practice contains the same components of a typical Hatha Yoga class, but has a strong emphasis on the subtle body. The subtle body (also called the light body or spiritual body) is believed to be composed of energy fields/layers that surround the physical human body. These interconnected, metaphysical layers create the body's aura, or electromagnetic field. A central focus of Kundalini practice is the navel center - the central hub where all the energies (or nadis) of our physical and subtle bodies converge.
Repetition and timing of exercises are essential in order to achieve profound and lasting benefits from Kundalini yoga. Each unique class is designed to promote mental well-being through the practice of specific kriyas (exercise sets) and meditations. Regular practice can help reshape and redefine the deeply set patterns in our brains by stimulating brain cell regrowth (a.k.a neuroplasticity), as well as alleviate stress by promoting healthy coping strategies.
Sound healing (gong, Tibetan singing bowls, etc.) are always incorporated to quiet the nervous system and enhance deep relaxation. A unique way of healing in Kundalini yoga is the sound healing technique using a ‘Gong.’ It is used during the deep relaxation session. The Gong is said to be a real engine of power, more powerful than any other musical instrument. The energy that is revealed from a Gong is not just a mere fundamental tone, but it is supposed to be a great wave. When played properly, the Gong produces a whole spectrum of harmonics that are based on pressure waves of sound, which vibrate the energy meridians in the body and bring them into balance. The sound of the Gong recalibrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies and raises the frequency of your electromagnetic field (aura).
Kundalini comes from the Sanskrit word kunda, which translates to " coiled energy." The exact origin of Kundalini Yoga is unknown, but the earliest known mention dates to the sacred Vedic collection of writings known as the Upanishads (c.1,000 B.C. - 500 B.C.). Historical records indicated that Kundalini was a science of energy and spiritual philosophy before a physical practice was developed. The ancient teachings of Kundalini yoga were kept secret for a very long time, only taught to royalty and nobility for the thousands of years until Yogi Bhajan brought it to the West in the late 1960s and began to teach it publicly. Recent allegations of sexual abuse have tarnished Yoga Bhajan's reputation, yet people continue on with the practice due to the love of its transformational power.
When the energy is activated by the unique techniques, it is believed to rise up the sushumna causing life force travels through the chakras and connect with prana, leading to self-realization and enlightenment. When Kundalini energy is "awakened," union between mind, body, and spirit can be achieved. This is not something easily achieved or sustained. This is powerful energy and must be treated with respect. Self-realization is the goal of all paths of yoga. If we're lucky, we can get glimpses of samadhi which is complete absorption in bliss. Because Kundalini Yoga deeply connects you to the subtler realms of consciousness with the emphasis on meditation, pranayama, mudra and mantra, and bandhas, merging finite with the infinite is more likely to be attained. Bandhas are known as energetic locks. The practice of Kundalini often incorporates the "root lock" to release and move the muladhara chakra.
Elements of a typical Kundalini yoga class include:
- Mantras (chanting)
- Mudras (gestures or seals, typically with the hands and eyes)
- Drishti ("focused gaze")
- Bandhas ("muscular locks of pyschic knots"; direct energy focus/holds)
- Kriyas (breathwork connected with movement; also called "purification exercise")
- Celestial communications (seated/standing intuitive dancing with sacred music)
- Ecstatic dance type movements
- Meditation (often done in combination with mudra, mantra, and pranayama)
- Sound healing and deep relaxation (often with a gong or singing bowls)
What to expect from a typical Kundalini yoga class:
- Prior to practice, practitioners are encouraged to "tune in" to stay grounded, protected and to connect with the Divine or inner teacher.
- The Adi Mantra is evoked: "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo."
- Exercises are often repetitive and done for specific time periods, with periods of rest between the physical exercises.
- Each class will be unique, yet all classes will include a specific kriya, deep relaxation sound bath, and meditation. Some classes will also begin with a warm-up.
- Teachers will most likely be wearing white and have their head covered with a scarf, hand band, or cap. Wearing white cotton clothing is recommended because it is believed to project the aura. Head coverings also help contain the energy.
- https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/kundalini-white-turbans/
- Practicing on a natural surface (such as cotton or wool) is recommended. Some practitioners will use sheepskin because it helps to energize the electromagnetic field and is good for grounding.
- The practice will end with a closing benediction (group singing of The Long time Sun and a long Sat Nam/true name.)
How is Kundalini Yoga different from Hatha Vinyasa Yoga?
Both methods of yoga revolve around physical poses. Kundalini focuses primarily on the meditative and spiritual aspects rather than the physical asanas. Kundalini yoga is more precise, repetitive and systematic. Meditation is innate to this practice.There is a heavy emphasis on breathwork, spinal movements and mantra. The subtle body is amplified through practices such as mudras. It is believed to be more impactful on the nervous and glandular systems. Sound healing via the gong bath and human voice have profound benefits on mental wellbeing. There are hundreds of kriyas which allows for a wide range of practices, however, there are always specific built in elements. Kundalini Yoga has been described as the super highway to your soul.
To learn more, check out these links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/kundalini-yoga#vs-other-types-of-yoga
https://www.brettlarkin.com/kundalini-yoga-different-hathavinyasa/
Both methods of yoga revolve around physical poses. Kundalini focuses primarily on the meditative and spiritual aspects rather than the physical asanas. Kundalini yoga is more precise, repetitive and systematic. Meditation is innate to this practice.There is a heavy emphasis on breathwork, spinal movements and mantra. The subtle body is amplified through practices such as mudras. It is believed to be more impactful on the nervous and glandular systems. Sound healing via the gong bath and human voice have profound benefits on mental wellbeing. There are hundreds of kriyas which allows for a wide range of practices, however, there are always specific built in elements. Kundalini Yoga has been described as the super highway to your soul.
To learn more, check out these links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/kundalini-yoga#vs-other-types-of-yoga
https://www.brettlarkin.com/kundalini-yoga-different-hathavinyasa/