kudalini yoga
- Thread starter kariev
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morningstar
Cathlete
I used to know someone who did this style of yoga and she was absolutely in love with it. She used to get really mad if she had to skip a class. I have no idea if it is like Vinyasa, but from her descriptions, it seemed like it was more sexually-based somehow and very different from anything I'd ever heard of before.
From Wikipedia:
Kundalini (kuṇḍalinī, Sanskrit: कुण्डलिनी) literally means coiled. In yoga, a "corporeal energy" - an unconscious, instinctive or libidinal force or Shakti, lies coiled at the base of the spine. It is envisioned either as a goddess or else as a sleeping serpent hence a number of English renderings of the term such as 'serpent power'. The kundalini resides in the sacrum bone in three and a half coils and has been described as a residual power of pure desire.
Kundalini yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline which is a consolidation of the highest physical and meditative techniques found in the teachings of Raja yoga, Shakti yoga, Bhakti yoga, tantra, Kriya yoga, Laya-yoga, Nada yoga and the pillars and Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Kundalini Yoga was widely popularized in the United States and the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1969 and continues to spread globally as a holistic community of teachers and students commonly known as 3HO (the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) or Kundalini Yoga as Taught by Yogi Bhajan. Kundalini yoga contains a set of yoga exercises called kriyas and meditative practices which are designed to awaken ones consciousness to the universal nature of the soul and ones spirituality. Kundalini yoga is called the yoga of awareness because it directly affects ones consciousness, develops intuition, increases self knowledge, and unleashes the unlimited creative potential that exists within every human being.
Kundalini yoga is a highly developed spiritual science with an obscure and multicultural history which, according to Hindu tradition, relies upon a technique called shaktipat to attain enlightenment under the guidance of a spiritual master. Mainstream traditions have shown that kundalini energy can be awakened and enlightenment attained by practicing a combination of yogic techniques - ideally following the guidance of a certified teacher - including the use of mantra, prana and breathing techniques, sadhana, asana practice, meditation, or purely through devotion and prayer.
From Wikipedia:
Kundalini (kuṇḍalinī, Sanskrit: कुण्डलिनी) literally means coiled. In yoga, a "corporeal energy" - an unconscious, instinctive or libidinal force or Shakti, lies coiled at the base of the spine. It is envisioned either as a goddess or else as a sleeping serpent hence a number of English renderings of the term such as 'serpent power'. The kundalini resides in the sacrum bone in three and a half coils and has been described as a residual power of pure desire.
Kundalini yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline which is a consolidation of the highest physical and meditative techniques found in the teachings of Raja yoga, Shakti yoga, Bhakti yoga, tantra, Kriya yoga, Laya-yoga, Nada yoga and the pillars and Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Kundalini Yoga was widely popularized in the United States and the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1969 and continues to spread globally as a holistic community of teachers and students commonly known as 3HO (the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) or Kundalini Yoga as Taught by Yogi Bhajan. Kundalini yoga contains a set of yoga exercises called kriyas and meditative practices which are designed to awaken ones consciousness to the universal nature of the soul and ones spirituality. Kundalini yoga is called the yoga of awareness because it directly affects ones consciousness, develops intuition, increases self knowledge, and unleashes the unlimited creative potential that exists within every human being.
Kundalini yoga is a highly developed spiritual science with an obscure and multicultural history which, according to Hindu tradition, relies upon a technique called shaktipat to attain enlightenment under the guidance of a spiritual master. Mainstream traditions have shown that kundalini energy can be awakened and enlightenment attained by practicing a combination of yogic techniques - ideally following the guidance of a certified teacher - including the use of mantra, prana and breathing techniques, sadhana, asana practice, meditation, or purely through devotion and prayer.
caseysmomgo
Cathlete
I have two of their DVD's. I can't remember the names 
I think one is called Kundalini Yoga for Beginners and Beyond, and the other one might be Fat Free Yoga.
It's really different...lots of breathing and meditation...I haven't done it for awhile, but I liked it when I was doing it and I swear I lost weight during that period of time. I always felt good after doing the sessions. It's not really strenuous like some yoga can feel, but I like experimenting with different kinds of exercising, so I think it was worth doing. In fact, the other day I was just thinking of doing it again. The one DVD has moves called the 5 Tibetans, which I think you can find someone doing on Youtube.
I think they're worth checking out.
I think one is called Kundalini Yoga for Beginners and Beyond, and the other one might be Fat Free Yoga. It's really different...lots of breathing and meditation...I haven't done it for awhile, but I liked it when I was doing it and I swear I lost weight during that period of time. I always felt good after doing the sessions. It's not really strenuous like some yoga can feel, but I like experimenting with different kinds of exercising, so I think it was worth doing. In fact, the other day I was just thinking of doing it again. The one DVD has moves called the 5 Tibetans, which I think you can find someone doing on Youtube.
I think they're worth checking out.
I love Kundalini. I did one of Ravi/Ana's dvds about 4 years ago - I started with Yoga Beauty Body - and was immediately hooked. I now own all of their dvds (about 15 - 20 I think) and have bought every other Kundalini dvd on the market, most of which I still have.
Kundalini is not at all like vinyasa flow yoga. It is more geared toward working on the chakra systems and keeping the glandular system healthy and in balance. A typical pose might be: sit cross legged; hold your arms out to your sides, bent at the elbows like goal posts, forming a right angle. Twist rapidly to the left and right, doing a very fast breath called "breath of fire", fast light breathing through the nose - carry on for about 2 minutes. OR, squat with your hands on the floor in front of you for balance. Stand up, bending at the waist, so that your legs are straight and your head is down. Then return to a squat, then up and down etc. for a minute or 2. The poses are often accompanied by rapid breathing or by very slow deep breathing. The practice is usually done with the eyes closed, you are supposed to focus on the "third eye" point in the middle of the forehead.
The exercises can be physically tiring and I have found (and have read that others have found) that they can be emotionally freeing - I have had emotional releases during some poses, started crying for no apparent reason, suddenly felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders (figuratively speaking) - not super dramatic reactions but definitely noticeable.
There is some chanting (in Sanskrit I think it is?) sometimes in the final meditations, and a "tune in" and "tune out" portion with a one-sentence chant at the beginning and end of all the practices- my woo-woo tolerance is not high and yet I just go along with all of it and it doesn't bother me, but if anything new-agey bothers you you might not like that part of it.
I notice a dramatic difference when I am doing kundalini regularly (twice a week or more) vs. when I don't - I look more radiant, I have more energy, my moods are better, I feel much happier and healthier, my appetite seems to regulate itself, I sleep better, I'm more tolerant of other's foibles, etc. I have gone through several periods where I didn't do kundalini for awhile and noticed a huge difference after picking it up again, even after doing 1 session.
If you want to get a feel for it, you could start with any of the following, which are my favorites and I think would be good for novices:
Ravi/Ana: Yoga Beauty Body (ALL TIME FAVORITE! - I would start with this one) , A.M. - P.M. Yoga, any of the Fat-Free Yogas - actually all of the Ravi/Anas are great. They do have a Kundalini Yoga For Beginners and Beyond but I'm not as crazy about that one. These are sort of glamorous, very pretty productions, which I like.
Maya Fiennes - Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress - she is also wonderful and also has a series of 7 dvds, one for each Chakra. Again, very good production, pretty to look at, very good instruction.
Peace of Mind in Stressful Times, put out by Kundalini Yoga East in New York (Sat Jivan Singh Khalsa). This is a wonderful practice with 4 separate stress-beating meditations, and he's a veyr good, low-key teacher, but he is turbaned and robed which might be offputting to some.
Either of the Kundalini Yoga dvds put out by Mantra Girl - but these are challenging! These are a bit Hollywoodish but I love both of them.
Have fun if you decide to explore these!
Kundalini is not at all like vinyasa flow yoga. It is more geared toward working on the chakra systems and keeping the glandular system healthy and in balance. A typical pose might be: sit cross legged; hold your arms out to your sides, bent at the elbows like goal posts, forming a right angle. Twist rapidly to the left and right, doing a very fast breath called "breath of fire", fast light breathing through the nose - carry on for about 2 minutes. OR, squat with your hands on the floor in front of you for balance. Stand up, bending at the waist, so that your legs are straight and your head is down. Then return to a squat, then up and down etc. for a minute or 2. The poses are often accompanied by rapid breathing or by very slow deep breathing. The practice is usually done with the eyes closed, you are supposed to focus on the "third eye" point in the middle of the forehead.
The exercises can be physically tiring and I have found (and have read that others have found) that they can be emotionally freeing - I have had emotional releases during some poses, started crying for no apparent reason, suddenly felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders (figuratively speaking) - not super dramatic reactions but definitely noticeable.
There is some chanting (in Sanskrit I think it is?) sometimes in the final meditations, and a "tune in" and "tune out" portion with a one-sentence chant at the beginning and end of all the practices- my woo-woo tolerance is not high and yet I just go along with all of it and it doesn't bother me, but if anything new-agey bothers you you might not like that part of it.
I notice a dramatic difference when I am doing kundalini regularly (twice a week or more) vs. when I don't - I look more radiant, I have more energy, my moods are better, I feel much happier and healthier, my appetite seems to regulate itself, I sleep better, I'm more tolerant of other's foibles, etc. I have gone through several periods where I didn't do kundalini for awhile and noticed a huge difference after picking it up again, even after doing 1 session.
If you want to get a feel for it, you could start with any of the following, which are my favorites and I think would be good for novices:
Ravi/Ana: Yoga Beauty Body (ALL TIME FAVORITE! - I would start with this one) , A.M. - P.M. Yoga, any of the Fat-Free Yogas - actually all of the Ravi/Anas are great. They do have a Kundalini Yoga For Beginners and Beyond but I'm not as crazy about that one. These are sort of glamorous, very pretty productions, which I like.
Maya Fiennes - Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress - she is also wonderful and also has a series of 7 dvds, one for each Chakra. Again, very good production, pretty to look at, very good instruction.
Peace of Mind in Stressful Times, put out by Kundalini Yoga East in New York (Sat Jivan Singh Khalsa). This is a wonderful practice with 4 separate stress-beating meditations, and he's a veyr good, low-key teacher, but he is turbaned and robed which might be offputting to some.
Either of the Kundalini Yoga dvds put out by Mantra Girl - but these are challenging! These are a bit Hollywoodish but I love both of them.
Have fun if you decide to explore these!
RunninTeach
Cathlete
I tried Fat Free Yoga and Ultimate Stretch (both with Ravi Singh & Ana Brett) and concluded it was not my brand of yoga. No offense to anyone else, I just remember I felt sorta ridiculous doing it. It's been a long time since I tried it, but IIRC, I think it was the breathing & the chanting. To each, her own, though, and I respect that some love it and see great results from it. Just saying, it was not for me.
I took a Kundalini class once. I would suggest you rent these DVDs or borrow them from the library before you buy them. Kundalini is VERY different from other yoga styles. It did not click for me - at all. My guess is either you like it or don't - I doubt there are many in the middle. I'm a huge fan of vinyasa and hatha styles, but Kundalini was just to "out there" for my tastes. Good luck with trying it out, however!
lorajeanne
Cathlete
Gosh...I've been doing Kundalini Yoga for many years (10 plus)....and I love it.
The person who responded above gave a very good description. You have to have a very open mind and be up for anything. I really like it cuz I get sort of a yoga buzz from all of the breathing and holding of poses. It just makes me feel great. I love the fact that you have to really push to get thru some of those long poses where you are doing arm movements or holding a particular pose. You sort of need to push thru it just like you do when you are doing a hard weight or cardio workout....but you feel great when you perservere!!
My absolute fave's are Yoga Bliss Hips, Yoga Beauty Body, the Chakra set from Dance the Chakra's and Dr. Yoga House Call and Quick Fix are high on my list because you can do short segments added on to your regular workouts and fit them in easily. I usually do a Kundalini session on my rest day. It is very different from vinyasa flow yoga. You don't do any sun salutations (or it is rare) and if you do a down dog, you usually hold it long while doing breath of fire. Breath of fire is very freeing! I also love the anxiety and depression segments from Quick Fix. You do these very weird breaths and arm movements in the anxiety segment....but it really seems to help my nervousness!! Amazing. Ana is a gem also!
The person who responded above gave a very good description. You have to have a very open mind and be up for anything. I really like it cuz I get sort of a yoga buzz from all of the breathing and holding of poses. It just makes me feel great. I love the fact that you have to really push to get thru some of those long poses where you are doing arm movements or holding a particular pose. You sort of need to push thru it just like you do when you are doing a hard weight or cardio workout....but you feel great when you perservere!!
My absolute fave's are Yoga Bliss Hips, Yoga Beauty Body, the Chakra set from Dance the Chakra's and Dr. Yoga House Call and Quick Fix are high on my list because you can do short segments added on to your regular workouts and fit them in easily. I usually do a Kundalini session on my rest day. It is very different from vinyasa flow yoga. You don't do any sun salutations (or it is rare) and if you do a down dog, you usually hold it long while doing breath of fire. Breath of fire is very freeing! I also love the anxiety and depression segments from Quick Fix. You do these very weird breaths and arm movements in the anxiety segment....but it really seems to help my nervousness!! Amazing. Ana is a gem also!
Vee
Cathlete
I have read quite a bit into the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga (not an expert by any means) and don't see substance or depth in Ravi/Ana's kundalini yoga DVDs. Just my opinion. I have tried other kundalini instructors who just do the physical exercise parts and I wasnt enamored either. As exercise I like regular yoga, but this is just individual taste so I can understand why it works for some. The only kundalini practise I have enjoyed is the Tibetan Rites by Sarah kline at yogatoday.com.
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Elle_p
Cathlete
I do not practice "Kundalini yoga" but based on the above descriptions it just seems like a well balanced yoga practice.
I tend to be more of a traditionalist when it comes to yoga. I believe that proper relaxation, proper breathing, proper exercise, proper diet, and positive thinking & meditation will allow the student to reap the greatest benefits from their yoga practice which may result in awakening kundalini energy.
I'm not sure how or why "kundalini yoga" got it's name but the name suggests that through practicing that type of yoga you will awaken the kundalini energy. Not something to be taken lightly if you are not practicing under the guidance of an experienced guru or teacher. I'm thinking maybe the name "kundalini yoga" is just another label for marketing kind of like "ashtanga yoga"?
I tend to be more of a traditionalist when it comes to yoga. I believe that proper relaxation, proper breathing, proper exercise, proper diet, and positive thinking & meditation will allow the student to reap the greatest benefits from their yoga practice which may result in awakening kundalini energy.
I'm not sure how or why "kundalini yoga" got it's name but the name suggests that through practicing that type of yoga you will awaken the kundalini energy. Not something to be taken lightly if you are not practicing under the guidance of an experienced guru or teacher. I'm thinking maybe the name "kundalini yoga" is just another label for marketing kind of like "ashtanga yoga"?
Diane57 and Lorajeanne, these are questions for you but hopefully others will benefit. I've just started doing Ravi and Ana's dvd's and was hoping you might be able to guide me to which ones might work well for my conditions. I have neck and shoulder pain with a lot of restrictions that will not alleviate with all the physical therapy work and osteopaths that I have gone to along with lower back issues and a left hip that's stuck and won't allow me to sit Indian style amongst other things. I have lots of stress (I know that's unusual ) and digestive issues. I was hoping you might be able to guide me to the best dvd's to address the above. (*Disclaimer: I know you're not dr.'s and am not taking any possible recommendations as a prescription or will not hold you liable for any suggestions. Hey, these days, gotta try to cya! ) A most kind and generous person (thanks J. ) is giving me Fat Free, Beginners and Beyond, and Journey Through the Chakras. I have already tried them and they are great. Today I got Quick Fixes from the library and am loving that as well. The dvd's I'm considering purchasing in the future when I have some $$$ is Quick Fix, Ultimate Stretch and maybe Yoga Bliss Hips but I don't know if the latter two are best for my conditions. I'm hoping one of their dvd's could really open up my neck and shoulder area. Would you recommend the ones I mentioned or other ones? I would greatly appreciate any information you could provide as it seems that you've done all or most of their dvd's.
Thank you so much!!!
Bam
) and digestive issues. I was hoping you might be able to guide me to the best dvd's to address the above. (*Disclaimer: I know you're not dr.'s and am not taking any possible recommendations as a prescription or will not hold you liable for any suggestions. Hey, these days, gotta try to cya! ) A most kind and generous person (thanks J. ) is giving me Fat Free, Beginners and Beyond, and Journey Through the Chakras. I have already tried them and they are great. Today I got Quick Fixes from the library and am loving that as well. The dvd's I'm considering purchasing in the future when I have some $$$ is Quick Fix, Ultimate Stretch and maybe Yoga Bliss Hips but I don't know if the latter two are best for my conditions. I'm hoping one of their dvd's could really open up my neck and shoulder area. Would you recommend the ones I mentioned or other ones? I would greatly appreciate any information you could provide as it seems that you've done all or most of their dvd's. Thank you so much!!!
Bam
lorajeanne
Cathlete
Bam - I'm not really sure which DVDs would work specifically for you. I also suffer from extreme neck, shoulder and back pain (from various accidents) and I find that there is a little bit of opening work done for these in general on different dvds....since a lot of kundalini yoga is working on opening up the heart center, freeing the spine, etc.
I kinow Yoga Bliss Hips helps with my back pain....but I think it's mostly from the long holds you do stretching the psoas muscle.
If I were you (and I've emailed her several times), I'd either email Ana or post on her Face Book page. She's VERY good about answering. I've been suffering with pain, depression and anxiety and she has been helpful in answering my questions. Also, if you go to their site www.Raviana.com you will find an index of different symptoms and which DVDs address these. I find the list helpful.
Fat Free Yoga - Total Body Tune Up has a warm up and open up segment on it that I know I like for my back and Yoga for Beginners & Beyond (stretch, strengthen, be stress free) has segments I use often for the neck and shoulder area, hips and lower back, hips and hamstrings. That's actually the only parts of the DVD I've done so far....and I do them often.
On Quick Fix, I like the anxiety/depression segments, sciatica, headache and inflammation practices....oh and there is one for back pain that I do often.
Also - to the poster that said they don't care for Ravi & Ana, I have some kundalini by Nirvair Singh (which I like) and I just got all of Maya Fieness chakra sets...but haven't tried them. I think I just really like Ana's personality. I like the music on their DVDs and I like the fact that a lot of their stuff has shorter segments 20-25 minutes that you can add on.
I kinow Yoga Bliss Hips helps with my back pain....but I think it's mostly from the long holds you do stretching the psoas muscle.
If I were you (and I've emailed her several times), I'd either email Ana or post on her Face Book page. She's VERY good about answering. I've been suffering with pain, depression and anxiety and she has been helpful in answering my questions. Also, if you go to their site www.Raviana.com you will find an index of different symptoms and which DVDs address these. I find the list helpful.
Fat Free Yoga - Total Body Tune Up has a warm up and open up segment on it that I know I like for my back and Yoga for Beginners & Beyond (stretch, strengthen, be stress free) has segments I use often for the neck and shoulder area, hips and lower back, hips and hamstrings. That's actually the only parts of the DVD I've done so far....and I do them often.
On Quick Fix, I like the anxiety/depression segments, sciatica, headache and inflammation practices....oh and there is one for back pain that I do often.
Also - to the poster that said they don't care for Ravi & Ana, I have some kundalini by Nirvair Singh (which I like) and I just got all of Maya Fieness chakra sets...but haven't tried them. I think I just really like Ana's personality. I like the music on their DVDs and I like the fact that a lot of their stuff has shorter segments 20-25 minutes that you can add on.
I second lorajeanne's suggestion to email ravi/ana at their website and ask them which specific dvds would be helpful for you. They have always responded to my questions quickly and thoroughly.
I had a quick look at their A - Z condition list at their website, and found the following under neck and shoulder tension - it is interesting that they say digestive issues often go hand in hand with neck and shoulder tension:
"Anytime you feel tension in the upper body it means you are not being supported somewhere below. It sounds as if you need to build some core strength so your neck does not try to take over the work load. The Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond DVD would be wonderful for you. The first set will help release your upper body/neck tension. The second set will help build core strength. As you work on strengthening the core keep your neck lengthened but relaxed. Keep the shoulder blades firmly down the back and shoulders relaxed. Keep your head in line with your chest. If, when doing certain abdominal exercises on the back, you feel undue tension even when following the above guidelines, keep the head down for now. Also, really press the back of the ribs into the floor which will recruit the upper abs. Concentrate on using the lower and upper abdominals to build support for your neck and shoulders.
Neck tension can also signify digestive issues. This may not be your case, but the "Digestible You" set from Yoga Quick Fixes, Navel Power and Yoga Cleanse would help with that. Navel Power will also build core strength. We also recommend the "Headache Helper" set from Yoga Quick Fixes.
Try to maintain awareness of how you are holding tension in your neck and shoulders throughout the day. Keep your sternum lifted and shoulderblades down the back so your neck feels supported.
Any of our DVD's will work for you in releasing tension and building strength as long as you continue to apply these principles. "
I had a quick look at their A - Z condition list at their website, and found the following under neck and shoulder tension - it is interesting that they say digestive issues often go hand in hand with neck and shoulder tension:
"Anytime you feel tension in the upper body it means you are not being supported somewhere below. It sounds as if you need to build some core strength so your neck does not try to take over the work load. The Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond DVD would be wonderful for you. The first set will help release your upper body/neck tension. The second set will help build core strength. As you work on strengthening the core keep your neck lengthened but relaxed. Keep the shoulder blades firmly down the back and shoulders relaxed. Keep your head in line with your chest. If, when doing certain abdominal exercises on the back, you feel undue tension even when following the above guidelines, keep the head down for now. Also, really press the back of the ribs into the floor which will recruit the upper abs. Concentrate on using the lower and upper abdominals to build support for your neck and shoulders.
Neck tension can also signify digestive issues. This may not be your case, but the "Digestible You" set from Yoga Quick Fixes, Navel Power and Yoga Cleanse would help with that. Navel Power will also build core strength. We also recommend the "Headache Helper" set from Yoga Quick Fixes.
Try to maintain awareness of how you are holding tension in your neck and shoulders throughout the day. Keep your sternum lifted and shoulderblades down the back so your neck feels supported.
Any of our DVD's will work for you in releasing tension and building strength as long as you continue to apply these principles. "
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Lorajeanne and Diane57 you both are wonderful! Thank you so so much! You've been a great help. I will definitely email raviana but your suggestions are most helpful and I will absolutely take heed to them. Since I've been consistent with doing their workouts for the past few days, my neck/shoulder area, hip and back are NOT happy. They are going into more spasms but I'm using my heating pad and am not going to stop. I'm sure my digestive issues are contributing to the problem. I'm planning on doing the digestive segment every day. I will also pay closer attention to my posture.
Thank you both again for your thorough responses. I know these dvd's can/will and are helping me. I'll send out my email tonight!
With gratitude,
Bam
Thank you both again for your thorough responses. I know these dvd's can/will and are helping me. I'll send out my email tonight!
With gratitude,
Bam
Ravi and Ana in particular, and other instructors as well, have debunked the myth of "be careful of awakening the Kundalini energy - anything could happen OMG!!!" I remember reading somewhere that that rumor was started in the 60s by some yoga instructors who did not want their students practicing on their own - the instructors were trying to drum up business for themselves and there was also a general attitude of "kundalini is to be reserved for a select few enlightened individuals, we don't want the common masses to have access to it". Ravi/Ana have addressed this rumor several times and they say that doing Kundalini dvds or taking classes is perfectly safe. At their website, under the A-Z listing, you could check out "Kundalini energy -myths and misconceptions" or "Kundalini syndrome and Wikipedia" for more info.
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Elle_p
Cathlete
Hermia, Kundalini energy is very powerful. When that energy starts to move it can be very overwhelming or even frightening if one doesn't know what's happening. Of course, as with all aspects of yoga practice, everyone will not have the same experience. Your environment, what you are eating, and your lifestyle also play a big factor on how you will experience or react to this energy. Some people are more sensitive than others. Some people may experience things more physically and some more emotionally.
Practicing under the guidance of an experienced teacher/guru ensures that the student is mentally and physically ready.
I found the information below on wikipedia when i googled "kundalini yoga":
"Kundalini yoga is a highly developed spiritual science with a long-standing, but secretive history in yogic writing. According to Hindu tradition, Kundalini yoga is taught only at the highest levels, usually under the close guidance of a spiritual master in a one-to-one student and teacher relationship.[10] Modern traditions have shown that kundalini energy can be awakened and consciousness altered in private or group settings by practicing a combination of yogic techniques - ideally through the guidance of a certified teacher. These techniques include chanting mantra, pranic techniques, personal or group sadhana, asana practice or kriyas, meditation, and devotional prayer to achieve health benefits and attain changes in consciousness.["
This is why i'm a little confused when people mention practicing "kundalini yoga" especially from a DVD. I'm not sure if they are talking about practices like those described above or something else. In my experience there are four types of yoga which include all the practices mentioned in the paragraph above:
1. Karma Yoga
2. Bhakti Yoga
3. Raja Yoga (which is the category that most of the yoga, including hatha yoga that people are practicing falls under)
4. Jnana Yoga
Hope this helps Hermia.
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Elle_p
Cathlete
Hi Diane57,
I'm not familiar with Ravi and Ana's teachings. In my experience, none of my yoga teachers have ever said that kundalini is reserved for the select few or discouraged anyone from advanced yoga practices. For anyone interested in doing intense sadhana, there was a lot of support and preparation which allowed me personally to take my practice to another level.
I'll definitely be checking out Ravi and Ana's site. If they focus on chanting, breathing, and mediation in addition to the exercises, i'm all for that!
Vee
Cathlete
What we practise from most dvds and in most live classes is the merest tip of the yoga iceberg. That goes for all styles of yoga including kundalini.
This is not to say, these dvds are shallow. Yoga for physical well being or improving one's state of mind is definitely beneficial. However doing an advanced yoga pose or being able to do long stints of pranayama breathing is advanced yoga along just one dimension - the physical.
This is also not to say that dvds that say they are kundalini are not kundalini. They could well be, except that they probably adapt just some parts of the kundalini system - those that are more accessible and generate feel good sensations / physical fitness.
Kundalini yoga, holistically pursued, is supposed to awaken your dormant spiritual consciousness. Signs of having achieved this state is being able to do things like pause breathing without effort, involuntarily achieve the yoga bandhas (or locks in the throat, stomach and pelvic floor), control the mind to the extent you can empty it of thoughts. Such people reportedly can face any situation or stress with perfect equanimity. When people are on the verge of such an awakening they may experience what feels like currents pass through internal organs or their hair stand on end, reportedly. They may experience sensations of weightlessness during meditation.
However, I doubt most DVDs even with a few chants or meditations thrown in, is enough to stir kundalini energy.
This is not to say, these dvds are shallow. Yoga for physical well being or improving one's state of mind is definitely beneficial. However doing an advanced yoga pose or being able to do long stints of pranayama breathing is advanced yoga along just one dimension - the physical.
This is also not to say that dvds that say they are kundalini are not kundalini. They could well be, except that they probably adapt just some parts of the kundalini system - those that are more accessible and generate feel good sensations / physical fitness.
Kundalini yoga, holistically pursued, is supposed to awaken your dormant spiritual consciousness. Signs of having achieved this state is being able to do things like pause breathing without effort, involuntarily achieve the yoga bandhas (or locks in the throat, stomach and pelvic floor), control the mind to the extent you can empty it of thoughts. Such people reportedly can face any situation or stress with perfect equanimity. When people are on the verge of such an awakening they may experience what feels like currents pass through internal organs or their hair stand on end, reportedly. They may experience sensations of weightlessness during meditation.
However, I doubt most DVDs even with a few chants or meditations thrown in, is enough to stir kundalini energy.
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