Kundalini yoga incorporates mantras (chanting), meditations, visualizations and guided relaxation. It focuses on healing and "purifying" the mind, body and emotions. Unlike many other forms of yoga, kundalini yoga specifically requires working with and being initiated by a guru through a process called shaktipat. Shaktipat is received from the guru by touch, word or intention.
Identification
Kundalini literally means coiling similar to a snake. The classical hatha yoga kundalini texts such as Kashmir Shaivism describe a coiled serpent like energy at the base of the spine, also known as the root chakra. Kundalini is believed to be a latent force of spiritual energy in this center. Kundalini yoga is designed to activate the kundalini energy in the spine. In laymen's terms, your kundalini is seen simply as a personal reservoir of a cosmic energy. This energy activation is achieved by kundalini yoga poses, breath control, chanting and meditation.
History
Kundalini yoga was first taught in the West by Yogi Bhajan. Originated in India, it is a system of yoga exercise and meditation that is 5,000 years old. It is currently taught in the West at hundreds of centers by trained, certified instructors. The International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association, IKYTA, is the official certifying body of kundalini yoga instructors.
Theories/Speculation
In Kundalini yoga, some believe that kundalini energy runs along a central channel in the body. Kundalini yoga teaches that our spine is the "sushumna," or central channel that allows the kundalini to rise to the crown of our heads. Along the spine are the chakras, or energy centers, which are also referenced in other yogic traditions. Kundalini yoga, however, teaches that the chakras' openings are limited until you practice kundalini yoga and allow the flow of energy up the spine and into these energy centers.
Purpose
The goal of kundalini yoga is similar to any other spiritual discipline. The yogi seeks to attain liberation from self-centeredness and suffering. Once a yogi has been initiated, by embarking on these paths, yogis believe that resistance to awakening kundalini is dissipated. The discipline promises to meet these goals by untying energetic knots in the body that restrict creativity, compassion and insight.
Benefits
Kundalini yoga promotes physical fitness, healthful living and a strong, stress-free mental state amid life's changes. The practices balance the glandular system, strengthen the nervous system and increase your potential for creativity, according to Baldev Kaur Khalsa, certified IKYTA instructor. Far more than a physical exercise, the kundalini yoga practice is designed to be a technology of spiritual development. Kundalini yoga is beneficial in dealing with addictions, and many people find it to be a natural way of releasing endorphins just by breathing and doing the poses.
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