Since its introduction to the Western world, Kundalini yoga has become a popular form of yoga. Like other forms of yoga, Kundalini yoga focuses on heightening awareness and unifying mind and body. Kundalini yoga also has its own set of practices and principles that set it apart from other yoga practices.
History
Kundalini yoga was developed by Yogi Bhajan, a native of India. In 1968, Yogi Bhajan came to Canada to teach yoga at the University of Toronto, only to discover after getting off the plane that the professor who had hired him had passed away, leaving Bhajan without a job. Fortunately, a few months later he was invited to visit Los Angeles, where he began teaching classes at a local YMCA. Many traditionalists considered Bhajan to be quite controversial, since Kundalini had always been a secret practice. Yogi Bhajan's classes attracted numerous students, and eventually he went on to build the 3HO Headquarters, which is considered the Kundalini yoga center.
Principles
The basic aim of Kundalini yoga is to release the energy at the base of the spine. This release enables the individual to come to physical and mental awareness, while also improving discipline and overall strength. Kundalini energy is illustrated as a snake coiled at the base of the spine, which must rise through the seven chakras, or centers, in order to bring about a unified consciousness. In addition to traditional yoga poses, Kundalini yoga uses specialized breath techniques, mantras and meditations.
Practices
Kundalini yoga uses several types of kriyas, or practices, to achieve its beneficial effects. These include poses called asanas, movements, breathing exercises, body locks, mantras, hand positions and meditations. Poses and breathing exercises are particularly emphasized. Combining poses with breathing exercises, such as Breath of Fire, is thought to purify the blood of toxins while also increasing flexibility. It also allows energy to flow freely throughout all parts of the body, which increases the quality of the poses.
Lifestyle
For the true follower, Kundalini yoga is much more than a form of exercise. In addition to kriyas, Kundalini yoga is a lifestyle. Followers of Yogi Bhajan incorporate a variety of practices into their everyday life. These include following a vegetarian diet, covering the head during meditation and yoga practice, taking cold showers to increase blood circulation and massaging the feet before bed. Followers also practice a strict set of sleeping practices, such as positioning the bed from east to west and braiding their hair before sleep.
