Kundalini Yoga for Beginners
Indian mystics have embraced the forms and techniques of Yoga sequences to keep illnesses at bay and also to elevate one’s life. To answer the question “What is Yoga?”, it is simply the union of the mind and the body to tune into the frequency of the universe. Although there are many Yoga types, Kundalini Yoga is equally mysterious and rewarding. A friend of mine practices this and the changes in her life have been breathtaking! Join us as we elaborate the various aspects of Kundalini Yoga basics and welcome into your life the science of Kundalini Yoga Asanas.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev of the Isha Foundation says, “The word Kundalini generally refers to that dimension of energy, which is yet to realize its potential. There is a huge volume of energy within you which is yet to find its potential. It is just there waiting because what you call as a human being is still in the making.”
- Kundalini in Sanskrit means a coiled spring, filled with potential energy.
- This is why Kundalini energy is also depicted by a coiled snake waiting to spring and unleash its power, as it is seen as sleeping energy in the body waiting to be unleashed upon the cosmos.
- Kundalini Yoga is also called the Yoga of Awareness.
- This can be used as a tool to give you an insight into your soul. One is able to harness the physical, mental and spiritual energies of one’s soul after a successful Kundalini session.
- Yogi Bhajan, credited with bringing Kundalini to the western world, says, “In Kundalini Yoga the most important thing is your experience. It goes right to your heart. No words can replace your experience. Your mind may accept the words or it may not, but your consciousness will not accept just words.”
- Kundalini yoga can be used by everyone; householders, students, professionals, saints, and people inclined towards spirituality.
- Kundalini can be seen as a way to enhance one’s spirituality and harness the energy found in the soul to productive means, to improve one’s life physically, mentally, morally and spiritually.
Kundalini Yoga History
This type of Yoga was first practiced by the Indian mystics and closely guarded. Lord Shiva is seen as the originator of Yoga, and it is said that Kundalini arose from Him.
- Although Kundalini is usually seen as a part of Hatha Yoga, experts and Gurus believe that Kundalini Kriya Yoga can be incorporated into all streams of Yoga practice.
- The practice was kept elusive and secretive and taught only to certain cults till Yogi Bhajan made the tactics public in 1969, and introduced the aspects of Kundalini to the western world.
- Yogi Bhajan (Harbhajan Singh Khalsa) openly taught the various secrets of Kundalini to a global audience, to help the world cope with the rapid changes taking place in the world as it shifted from the Piscean Age to the Aquarian Age.
- The ancient technology of the Kundalini gives one the awareness and strength to make a hassle-free transition.
- His followers consider his teachings as a gift made to the West from the mystic Indian wealth of ancient knowledge.
- Born to Sikh-Hindu parents, Yogi Bhajan was the spiritual director of the 3HO (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) Foundation, with over 300 centers in 35 countries.
- He also created the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association, to set high standards for teachers, gurus, and practitioners.
Learn Yoga Kundalini
While it is recommended that one learns Kundalini yoga from a practitioner, one can also learn this from online classes or guided Kundalini meditation videos found online.
- There are many retreat centers and studios where one can hone skills of yoga workout.
- You can try Kundalini Yoga at home chanting Kundalini Mantra, or you can go to a Kundalini Yoga studio or Kundalini Yoga classes to learn how to activate the Kundalini Chakra.
- You can also invest in a Kundalini Yoga dvd for best yoga videos and get some firsthand Kundalini Yoga training.
- Free online Yoga classes are also available where you can check out Kundalini Yoga online and undergo Kundalini Yoga training, and even get a Yoga certification online through a Yoga instructor course.
- A Kundalini Yoga video comprises of warm-ups, breathing exercises, Kundalini meditation techniques, Kundalini Yoga postures and other hacks, covered under Kundalini Yoga for beginners.
Kundalini Mantras
A Mantra is a phrase of a set of words used to reinforce a particular message in the ancient tongue. The power of a Mantra depends on the way it is chanted and the conviction behind the words. Belief in whatever one is chanting is central to the success of the Mantra.
Ancient seers have identified certain sounds which awaken and activate the Chakras in the body, especially the energy of the Kundalini. The conscious application of such ancient Mantras and their English equivalents before, during and after meditation can have a great positive impact on the life of the student.
Kundalini Yoga meditation for depression and Kundalini awakening Yoga both depend on Mantras as effective yoga meditation techniques. Restorative Yoga can be catalyzed by chanting Mantas. Yoga breathing exercises also employ Mantas.
Yoga for kids becomes easy with Yoga techniques of repeating chanting to catchy Mantras. This can be used as Yoga during pregnancy as Kundalini Yoga poses might be difficult for the heavily pregnant woman.
These Mantras are in Gurmukhi, an ancient Indian language. They were taught by Yogi Bhajan to the western populace. They contain positive vibrations of peace, connection, prosperity, and brotherhood. Chant them every day and see the difference for yourself.
- Om Namo Guru Dev Namo (Adi Mantra) – I bow to the Creative Wisdom, I bow to the Divine Teacher within. This is chanted thrice before you begin practicing Kundalini Kriyas.
- Sat Nam – Truth is my identity. This can be used as a greeting and incorporated into breathing exercises.
- Guru Guru Wahe Guru Guru Ram Das Guru – Wise, wise is the one who serves Infinity. This hails Guru Ram Das, the Sikh Guru who preached humility and grace.
- Wahe Guru – The Divine inner teacher, Remover of Darkness is beyond description. This exclamation is a symbol of spiritual fulfillment.
- Happy am I, Healthy am I, Holy am I – This is the foundation of the 3HO Foundation.
- Ad Guray Namah. This clears all doubt and increases perception.
- Bountiful, Blissful, Beautiful. This reinforces the message of confidence and self-esteem.
- Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung. This stimulates Kundalini energy and activates healing centers.
Rules to follow while practicing Kundalini Yoga at home
Kundalini Yoga is fairly simple to practice at home if you have the conviction and mindset to achieve your true potential. Here are some basic rules you must follow.
- You must be properly clothed. Wear loose, comfortable cotton clothes, preferably white. Keep your spine and shoulders covered.
- Remain barefoot. You can use a Yoga mat or a rug if you are practicing over slippery surfaces.
- Kundalini practice begins with chanting mantras and basic warm-ups. It ends with the Shavasan or Corpse pose.
- Avoid eating 2-3 hours before you start your Kriya. If you feel really hungry, grab an energy bar.
- Include fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, honey, and even robust food like onions, eggs, garlic, fish and tea in your diet. Avoid fatty food and junk. Avoid stale food, processed food and red meat. Go organic.
- Drink plenty of water as the Kundalini workout squeezes toxins out of every last cell in the body. Drink enough water so that all the toxins can be flushed out.
- Kundalini Yoga consists of regular breathing techniques. Unless specified, do not hold your breath for any Asana.
- Remember that some Kriyas can be quite challenging. You don’t have to try everything the first day. Warm up, and take your time. Kundalini evolves with time and patience.
- Do not overdo it. Your exercise must not be too easy or too hard. Walk the middle ground. Do not be excessively ambitious as everything takes time.
- Try to establish a fixed daily routine of Yoga and stick to it. A steady, long-term practice yields the best results.
- Use common sense with regard to injuries. If you are too anxious to do a particular pose, back off and come back after sufficient practice. Consult a yoga teacher.
- Increase the relaxation time between workouts if you are too tired. Slow and steady wins the race.
- Initially, it is always better to learn Kundalini Yoga from a teacher; you can depend on videos later.
- There are great books on yoga by Gurus like Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Ravi Singh and Yogi Bhajan for you to improve your knowledge about Kundalini Yoga benefits.
- Try your best to practice Kundalini Yoga in the early morning to derive maximum benefit, as it is the time that there is maximum positive energy available in the universe. You are bound to be fresh and trouble-free in the early morning.
- Your stomach must be empty before practicing breathing exercises.
- Practice in a clean, ventilated, spacious environment. Practicing outdoors is fine, but don’t be in a polluted place. Avoid direct, scalding sunlight while practicing Kundalini asanas.
- Listen to some inspirational yoga music, specially designed for this, while doing your Asanas.
- Avoid alcohol, drugs and caffeine. Never practice Kundalini while under the influence of such substances.
- Check with your doctor about pre-existing medical conditions before you start, to avoid Kundalini yoga dangers.
- Avoid difficult Asanas if you are pregnant. Check with a Guru; there are specific poses for prenatal care.
- Be committed to your practice to increase the benefits of Yoga.