Kundalini Yoga: Is unity through awakening psychic nerve force, which indicates the depth of this Yoga style. Kundalini Yoga is sometimes referred to as the "Mother of all Yogas." On the surface Kundalini Yoga might resemble Hatha Yoga, but the emphasis on the subtle body, chakras, mantras, meditation, and Pranayama is presented in a uniquely powerful way.
Kundalini Yoga was cloaked in secrecy until Yogi Bhajan gave a lecture in Los Angeles during January of 1969. Until that time, most information about Kundalini Yoga had been exchanged verbally from teacher to student. So, this was the beginning of Kundalini Yoga teaching "going public."
The awakening of Kundalini energy starts with focusing on dormant energy at the base of the spine within the first major Chakra; also known as the Muladhara Chakra. Through asanas, coordinated Pranayama, Japa (repeating mantras), and meditation, the Kundalini energy is sent up the spine to the Sahasrara Chakra at the crown of the head.
Samadhi, also known as intuitive enlightenment, is one of the most sought after results of Kundalini Yoga practice. Therefore, Kundalini attracts a much different type of student and Yoga teacher from what is most commonly found in a Hatha Yoga class. This is neither right, nor wrong, but most Hatha Yoga students are not usually pursuing a spiritual transformation process.
As a side note: Kundalini has taken a few verbal assaults, from religious fundamentalists, for being a bit mystical and a little harder to understand. Based upon my own experience, Kundalini Yoga sessions will purge negative energy from your mind and body. Only positive results can be gained in the study of Kundalini Yoga, under the supervision of a competent Kundalini Yoga teacher.
Mantra Yoga: Is unity through sound. Mantra Yoga is also referred to as Japa Yoga and the repeating of particular Mantras will cause sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara). This is, in fact, easier for most people to accomplish than meditation and it allows the Mantra Yoga practitioner to remove negative energy from the body, mind, and spirit.
In Sanskrit Mantra literally means "tool for thinking" or "tool for thought." The purpose of Mantra Yoga is to achieve salvation through unity with the supreme consciousness, which you many people refer to as God, Brahman, Yahweh, Jehovah, or Allah. The repeating of Mantras, which is also known as Japa, is in fact prayer. So, Mantra Yoga may not look like much "from the outside looking in," but it is a deeply spiritual, powerful, and rewarding Yoga practice, in its own right.
© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches that along with fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who want to be a teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
In Bible versus Quran: God wrestled with Jacob all the night
By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 10/11/2009The Bible says that Jacob was left alone; and the Lord God wrestled with him all the night until the breaking of the day. In the Noble Quran, Allah does not wrestle, if He wants to do anything, He just says: Be and it is.
Keep your memory, Keep your sweet flower
By: Writing is happiness | 09/11/2009Do you remember the moment when you receive flower from someone? Someone who is a special one in your life, your boy friend, your husband, your best friends or your family. Do you remember the feeling when he sends the flower to you and something you see in his eyes, the feeling when you touch flower, the gentle petal flowers, sweet smell and the happiness around you? That is a impression moment you can’t throw away and you want to keep it forever.
In the Quran: your sight on the Day of Judgment will be very sharp
By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 07/11/2009The Quran says that your sight on the Day of Judgment is acute, it is very sharp and piercing and is able to perceive what you used to reject in the life of this world.
In the Quran: They and their wives are on thrones reclining
By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 01/11/2009The Noble Quran says that the inhabitants of Paradise, they and their wives are on thrones reclining; reclining upon couches
Way Back To My Land
By: Jagmohan Kathait | 28/10/2009Article about need of connectivity in rural areas.
Story
By: Shanaz | 26/10/2009This is a story I wrote
MONDAY MORNING BLITZ
By: patrick ozah | 25/10/2009This article or story is based on my experience on a certain monday morning.
In Bible versus Quran: When the Earth was divided?
By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 23/10/2009The Bible says that: And unto Eber were born two sons: The name of the one was Peleg. For in his days was the earth divided. Eber and Peleg are not present therein in the Noble Quran.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 3)
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 21/07/2006 | Non-FictionStrangely, Yoga has sometimes been compared to "witchcraft." A few people feel strongly about it but just like anything else, people have difficulty understanding, Yoga can be misunderstood.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 1)
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 20/07/2006 | Non-FictionYoga and Yogic philosophy is occasionally misunderstood because some people have not been informed of the universal principles that are not threatening to any belief or disbelief. Yoga requires and in depth explanation.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 6)
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 05/07/2006 | Non-FictionIt is every Yoga student's prerogative to choose a style of Yoga or a Guru that fits his or her needs. However, if you ever find a Guru who does not embrace spiritual health, what does that tell you?
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 5)
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 04/07/2006 | Non-FictionKundalini Yoga: Is unity through awakening psychic nerve force, which indicates the depth of this Yoga style. Kundalini Yoga is sometimes referred to as the "Mother of all Yogas." On the surface Kundalini Yoga might resemble Hatha Yoga, but the emphasis on the subtle body, chakras, mantras, meditation, and Pranayama is presented in a uniquely powerful way.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 4)
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 04/07/2006 | Non-FictionWhen I think of Karma Yogis, the first that would come to mind is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as "Mahatma Gandhi." His model of peaceful resistance for civil rights has been successfully copied since, but most importantly, his actions were for the highest moral reasons.
Teaching Hatha Yoga: Should a Yoga Teacher be a Vegetarian?
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 04/07/2006 | TutoringIf you teach Yoga, should you be a vegan? Are dairy foods and eggs okay? What about goats, chicken, or fish? Yes, some Yoga teachers do eat goat, but not beef. Some people still claim that fish feel no pain, but I never heard that from a Yogi.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 2)
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 04/07/2006 | Non-FictionThere are many styles of Yoga, but let's look at some of the main Indian Yoga styles and their approach to unity. Many styles of Yoga do use components found in other Yoga styles, so each style has many facets.
The Da Vinci Code: What can Christians Learn from it?
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 29/06/2006 | ReligionDan Brown wanted fame and he has received it. However, Christianity will benefit from this controversy "in the long run." For the first time, many people are reading and searching for factual information about Miriam of Magdala, Templars, Crusades, Inquisitions, Cathars, Gnostics, and the formulation of the early Roman Catholic Church.