Kundalini yoga

Kundalini Yoga is a form of yoga that involves chanting, singing, breathing exercises, and repetitive poses. Its purpose is to activate your Kundalini energy, or shakti, which is believed to be a primal energy located at the base of the spine. This form of yoga is sometimes referred to as the yoga of awareness because it aims to awaken the "Kundalini energy" and promote spiritual enlightenment.

Origins and History

Kundalini Yoga has its roots in the Tantric Yoga tradition, which dates back thousands of years. However, it was not widely known in the West until Yogi Bhajan introduced it to North America in the late 1960s. Yogi Bhajan founded the 3HO (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) and began teaching Kundalini Yoga openly, a practice that was previously kept very secretive in India. He believed that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of Kundalini Yoga.

Practices

Kundalini Yoga sessions typically start with a short chant followed by a warm-up to stretch the spine and improve flexibility. The main part of the session involves a series of poses, called kriyas, which are designed to stimulate the Kundalini energy. These kriyas can be quite dynamic and physically intense. The session ends with a meditation, which may include mantras, and a closing song.

Breathing techniques, or Pranayama, are central to Kundalini Yoga. They are used to increase awareness and control of the breath, and to guide the Kundalini energy through the chakras or energy centers in the body.

Benefits

Practitioners of Kundalini Yoga believe it can help to release the Kundalini energy, leading to higher states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. Other reported benefits include improved mental clarity, increased physical strength and flexibility, reduced stress, and a greater sense of peace and well-being.

Controversies

Like many spiritual practices, Kundalini Yoga has its share of controversies. Critics argue that the intense experiences associated with awakening Kundalini energy can be psychologically destabilizing for some individuals. There are also criticisms regarding the practices and beliefs introduced by Yogi Bhajan and the 3HO organization.

See Also

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Tantra
• Pranayama
• Chakras

External Links

• [Official 3HO website]