Yogi Bhajan Ji, Master of Kundalini Yoga 1929-2004
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Kundalini YogaKundalini Yoga, the Yoga of Awareness, consists of simple yogic techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter his or her age or physical ability. It is a complete science that includes breath (pranayam), yoga postures (asanas), sound, chanting (mantra) and meditation. It is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your Kundalini.
Kundalini Yoga forms part of the Tantric Yoga tradition. It is considered the most comprehensive of yoga practices; it is a Raj Yoga, encompassing the eight limbs of yoga into a singular practice of excellence and ecstasy. |
What is Kundalini? |
“Kundalini” alludes to the flow of energy and consciousness that exists within each of us, and enables us to merge with – or “yoke” – the True Self. Fusing individual and universal consciousness creates a divine union, called “yoga.” The Upanishads, dating back to the fifth century B.C., describe the kundalini, although the oral tradition reaches back even further into history. For thousands of years, this sacred science and technology was veiled in secrecy, passed along verbally from master to chosen disciples.
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Kundalini Yoga in the West
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Yogi Bhajan came to the United States in 1969. In 1970 he completed his first teacher’s training, the Kundalini Research Institute was formed in 1971 and went on to formalize the certification and training of teachers internationally.
Kundalini Yoga is known as the Yoga of Awareness; its focus is on self-awareness and delivering an experience of your highest consciousness. The technology of Kundalini Yoga is a science of the mind and body, to elevate the spirit, which has no boundaries, no discrimination. Therefore it is for everyone, universal and non-religious.
Kundalini Yoga is traditionally a householder path; that is, it has been practiced by those with families and jobs as opposed to a renunciate’s path of celibacy and removal from society, which was the usual path of a yogi. This makes it a yoga that helps meet the needs and demands of today’s modern society. Kundalini Yoga is probably the most formalized style of yoga currently taught throughout the world. In any class, anywhere, you can expect it to include six major components: 1) tuning-in with the Adi Mantra, 2) pranayam or warm-up, 3) kriya, 4) relaxation, 5) meditation and 6) close with the mantra "Sat Nam".
Kriyas are complete sets of exercises that are performed in sequences. They can be simple short sequences or they may involve vigorous, even strenuous exercises, and strong breath techniques such as Breath of Fire, which challenge and strengthen the nervous and endocrine systems and test the will of the practitioner beyond the limitations of their ego. The typical class is 60-90 minutes: 5-10 minute warm-up, 30-45 minute kriya, 5-15 minute relaxation and 11-31 minutes of meditation. It’s efficiency and effectiveness—its power. Kundalini Yoga is quick. Because it’s a system built for the householder, the changes you want to bring into your life happen much more quickly with Kundalini Yoga than many other styles of yoga. It’s variety of techniques and meditations is enormous, allowing the instructor to tailor programs that support the individual and his or her goals. It’s a safe way to stimulate the body’s natural resources and become healthy, happy, and holy—in body, mind and spirit.
It’s a proven path to the Self—to an experience of your highest spiritual potential. |
5 Reasons Why Kundalini Yoga Can Change Your Life - great article by Ryan Greendyk / LightLab