 |
|
 |
|
Kundalini Yoga has existed for thousands of years. In India its teachings were restrictive and was maintained as a secret oral tradition for thousands of years which protected the techniques from being abused, but also created an unnecessary image of mystery. When Yogi Bhajan came to the United States in 1969, he began to teach this Yoga openly and explained its technology in detail. Since then, he has been teaching Kundalini Yoga to students throughout the world. He has said, "Kundalini Yoga harnesses the mental, physical, and nervous energies of the body and puts them under the domain of the Will, which is the instrument of the Soul."
Yoga literally means "union." In this sense, it serves as a vehicle to unite your soul and your Creator. With Kundalini Yoga, you uncoil yourself; you reveal your true identity. Kundalini Yoga is said to be the most powerful of the twenty-two schools of yoga. What separates Kundalini Yoga from all other types of yoga is its diverse capacity to include all elements of the ancient teachings of yoga: by combining the use of sound currents (Mantras), breathing techniques (Pranayam), Body Postures (Asanas), Hand Positions (Mudras), and Meditation.
Kundalini Yoga is ideal for today's society since it is designed for the active, everyday person with normal responsibilities of work, family and school. As our society becomes increasingly more dependent on technology, our world becomes more intimately connected and influenced by its numerous cultures. The pace of change is on the rise and the stress on our body's nervous system is increasing. The science of Kundalini Yoga allows us to tape into a system, that is an ancient technology, to help us cope with this escalating demand. The inner science of the mind is the tool that will enable us to cope with the pressure of these changes. It is the mind that interprets our outer and inner worlds and it is the mind that we must train to guide us through the flow of change.
THE SCIENCE OF BREATHING
The yogic technology of breath is called Pranayama. Kundalini Yoga uses the breath to change energy flow and achieve a specific state of mind. In Kundalini Yoga, a wide variety of breathing techniques are used ranging from fast (Breath of Fire) to long, slow and deep breathing. There is nothing more powerful than meditating on your breath. The slower your rate of breathing, the more control you have over your mind. And remember that the mind follows the breath, and the body follows the mind.
Try this breathing technique—it's called Sitali Pranayama. Curl the tongue, protruding it slightly past your lips. Inhale deeply and smoothly through the tongue and exhale through the nose, closing the mouth. For those who cannot roll their tongue, just inhale over an extended tongue. The benefits of Sitali Pranayama are: soothes and cools the spine in the 4th and 6th vertebrae areas; thus regulating the sexual and digestive energy. Heals fevers, digestive ailments and normalizes the blood pressure. Shifts anger and negative moods. Gives power, strength and vitality. This breathing technique can be done in the morning and before bed.
THE SCIENCE OF BODY POSTURES
All forms of yoga use Asana (Body Postures) as a part of their practice. Kundalini Yoga encompasses many different types of Asana and angles; which is one of the secrets of its success. In Kundalini Yoga, there are many different angles used which create specific pressure on glands and organs depending on the angle of the lift. Putting pressure on the glands causes them to start secreting. When the pressure is released and the body is held motionless, the glandular secretions start to circulate freely throughout the body, having a specific effect on your emotional stability. When holding a particular Asana, it is important that all your body parts are comfortable, well aligned and well balanced, so that the energy flows freely.
|
|
|
