By Texsk
Additionally known as the "Yoga of Consciousness," Kundalini is a department of yoga that makes use of breath, hand positions, eye focus, postures, and chanting of mantras in an try to stability the thoughts, physique, and soul. It was delivered to the US from India in 1969 by a trainer referred to as Yogi Bhajan, and at this time is taught at studios throughout the nation.
Like many different types of historic yoga, Kundalini combines breath (prana in Sanskrit) with postures (asanas), to kind sequences (kriyas) practiced throughout class. However in a Kundalini class, you will not maintain every pose for so long as you usually may; as an alternative, you will carry out repetitive actions — like waving or kicking your arms or legs — typically to music. [Source: Ferretti]
The respiration methods could also be completely different from in a conventional Hatha or Vinyasa class, as nicely. Kundalini sequences make the most of a number of various kinds of breath, together with alternate nostril respiration (meant to calm the nervous system), a speedy and rhythmic "breath of fireplace" (meant to energise and improve vitality), and suspended breath (meant to supply deep stillness). [Source: 3HO]
Kundalini additionally locations an emphasis readily available positions, known as mudras. In Kundalini philosophy, fingers are believed to be an "vitality map of our consciousness and well being," and that every space of the hand corresponds to completely different components of the physique, in addition to to completely different feelings and behaviors. "By curling, crossing, stretching, and touching the fingers and palms, we will successfully speak to the physique and thoughts," states the 3HO Basis, the worldwide heart for Kundalini yoga.
Sound can also be an vital a part of Kundalini yoga, and mantras are chanted all through class to assist channel particular vibrations of peace and prosperity. Most Kundalini mantras are in Gurmukhi, an Indian language, however some modern-day optimistic affirmations are used, as nicely. "Comfortable am I, Wholesome am I, Holy am I" is a standard one, and can also be the guiding principal of the 3HO Basis.
The phrase "kundalini" actually means "the curl of the hair of the beloved," however it’s extensively understood to be a metaphor to explain the circulation of vitality that exists inside each particular person. This vitality circulation is usually depicted as a coiled, sleeping serpent close to the bottom of an individual’s backbone. The objective of Kundalini yoga, due to this fact, is to awaken this sleeping vitality and obtain enlightenment by means of meditation and non secular consciousness.
A way of life in keeping with Kundalini philosophy features a every day non secular follow known as sadhana. In keeping with Kundalini teachings, sadhana is finest practiced within the morning, greater than two hours earlier than dawn, when the world is quieter. It ought to encompass train, meditation, and prayer, and may be achieved in a gaggle setting (reminiscent of a Kundalini studio) or in a non-public follow area in your individual house.
