Kundal in Sanskrit means “the curl of the beloved” and refers to the graphic representation of theKundalini(a snake coiled three times on itself that lies dormant at the base of the spine) while ini is the feminineconnotationof this energy. Kundalini yoga promises to work on this energy which, ifproperly awakenedand guided, can give man full realization. 

>   Origins and philosophy of Kundalini yoga

>   The practice

>   The benefits  of Kundalini yoga

>   The teachers and the schools

>   Curiosities about Kundalini Yoga

Origins and philosophy of Kundalini yoga

Kundalini yoga is a current of yoga that draws its origins in the Vedic texts , in particular in the tradition of Advaita Vedanta . Together with Hatha, Raja, Laya and Mantra yoga it is part of the current of Tantric Yoga , yoga which, to transcend duality, immerses itself in it, instead of rejecting it through ascetic practices.

The philosophy of Kundalini yoga has been handed down orally through the centuries, its promoters say that its foundation dates back to over 20,000 years ago , but there are no ancient texts dedicated to this discipline. What is certain is that Kundalini , like any other yoga, aims at the full spiritual realization of man , and it does so using as a vehicle the targeted work on energy in its feminine aspect , precisely the Kundalini-Shakti .

This work is done through physical and respiratory practices, mantralization and meditation sessions . If Hatha yoga has been defined as “physical” yoga, Kundalini can be defined as “energetic” yoga. Kundalini yoga sessions prepare the body to welcome Kundalini energy , through purification and rebalancing techniques that work specifically on the different chakras . 

Practice 

The practice in Kundalini yoga is based on “classes” , lessons structured to work on a specific chakra or on a specific part of the nervous, endocrine or energetic system. For this reason the classes of Kundalini yoga are all very different from each other, we move from very physical and dynamic ones in which even complex asanas (positions) are developed, to classes in which the practice is almost entirely meditative – with or without the aid of breathing techniques ( pranayama ). In all, however, the combination with the recitation of a mantra is never lackingaimed at the purification, healing or stimulation of a particular energy center.

The classes are also chosen on the basis of the periods of the year , the seasons and the phases of the moon , to favor a harmonization of man with the cosmic and natural energies that influence him. Thus, throughout the year, we find ourselves working on all parts of the body, on all chakras and on all psycho-physical and subtle aspects of the man-system. But each time individually.

For this reason, the practice of Kundalini yoga is recommended to those who can follow it consistently and regularly , because only as a whole can it manifest all its benefits. Often, in fact, the exercises taken individually are asymmetrical (as far as the body is concerned, for example) or they emphasize an energetic aspect rather than another: only upon completion does the “class” rebalance all the energies involved.

At the end of the exercises there is always a long relaxation accompanied by mantra in music. The use of music and mantras is highly exalted in this type of yoga. 

The benefits of Kundalini yoga

The benefits of Kundalini yoga are found above all on a psycho-physical level . Being a mainly energetic yoga, although many techniques also involve the body in an important way, the emphasis is not placed on the body or on the precision of the positions.

In fact, these are taken to favor the circulation of energy or the stimulation of precise magnetic points : the well-being, looseness and vigor of the body are, in some way, a secondary effect of the well-stimulated energy influence.

In particular, the benefits obtained with Kundalini yoga are:
– on a physical level : improvement in the functioning of the cardiovascular system ; invigoration of the nervous, digestive and lymphatic systems; balancing of the glandular system .
– on a psychic level : more balance in emotions, resulting in greater clarity in making decisions; increased sixth sense; reduction of stress and anxiety; resolution of internal conflicts, even very deep ones; improvement of relationships, including couples. 

Also discover kundalini meditation

The teachers and the schools

Yogi Bhajan
Contemporary Master . The undisputed master of Kundalini yoga is Yogi Bhajan. To date, no other contemporary or ancient masters of this discipline are known.

Emigrated to America in the 1960s to pursue his vision of bringing Kundalini yoga to the West, he created the Kundalini Research Institute in America , which still serves today as a guide for Kundalini yoga teachings around the world. 

Curiosities about Kundalini yoga

Yogi Bhajan is said to have dedicated his life to transmitting these teachings because he knew the West would be in great need of them in the present era . He used to say: ” Only those who have a good backbone will resist the great upheavals that will occur .”

There is a book , available online, which represents a direct and recent testimony of an awakening of the Kundalini . Its author is called Gopi Krishna (Kundalini the Evolutionary Energy of Man), and he was a practitioner of yoga. It may be interesting to read him to get an idea of ​​what this energy represents and why Yogi Bhajan felt the need to spread the science.