Getting To Know Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a blend of Bhakti yoga (devotion and chanting), Raja yoga (mediation/mental and physical control) and Shakti yoga, (expression of power and energy).
The purpose of Kundalini yoga is to provide a modality by which people can achieve their maximum creative potential, free themselves from Karma (the lasting effects of past actions) and realize their life purpose.
Kundalini yoga teaches that you have a ‘snake in your spine’. The Sanskritt word kundal means “circular,” and it can be a noun for a coiled snake. The feminine kundalī means a ring, bracelet, or coil of rope. This concept was adopted as kundalinī into Hatha yoga in the 15th century and, by the 16th century, was used in the Yoga Upanishads.
These days Kundalini yoga is a beautiful combination of many traditions. The Kriyas (movements) and meditations in Kundalini Yoga are designed to raise body awareness and prepare the body, nervous system, and mind to handle the energy of Kundalini rising.
A typical class includes breathwork, a Kriya, which is a series of exercises followed by a deep relaxation that is sometimes accompanied by a gong, and guided meditation.
Kriyas are often taught for specific periods of time and work with certain energy centres in the body. Some teachers suggest you keep your eyes closed for many parts of the class.
In a Kundalini Yoga class you can also expect chanting, this is known as Mantra – a pure sound that will resonate through different parts of the body, ultimately effecting how you feel.
Your Kundalini yoga teacher may be wearing a turban. They may choose to wear the turban because of the unique benefits, such as increased focus, especially while practicing yoga and meditating. Kundalini teachers wear might like to wear white clothing while practicing. This is not required but the reason for doing so is wearing white expands your auric field and aids in balancing the chakras.