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What is Kundalini Yoga?
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March 13, 2010
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini yoga is an ancient form of yoga that has only been practiced in the west relatively recently. In 1969, Yogi Bhajan founded 3HO (the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) to introduce Kundalini to a broader population. Although Kundalini had not previously been taught to the public, Yogi Bhajan felt that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy its benefits.
What is Does Kundalini Mean?
The Kundalini is untapped energy (prana) at the base of the spine that can be drawn up through the body awakening each of the seven chakras. Full enlightenment occurs when this energy reaches the Crown Chakra. Kundalini energy is often represented as a snake coiled at the base of the spine.
Focus on Breath and Movement
Each Kundalini Yoga asana series is done in conjunction with a specific breath that intensifies the effects of the poses with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards. Kundalini sequences (called kriyas) may consist of rapid, repetitive movements done with breath or holding a pose while breathing in a particular way.
Comments
For 34 years I was a student
— Mar 28, 2010
For 34 years I was a student of Yogi Bhajan and practiced kundalini yoga four and five hours a day. I also taught this yoga for decades. While there seem to be benefits to the practice I quit teaching as stories about how yogi Bhajan acquired this knowledge became confirmed.
One of the tales he liked to tell people was: "While I was in the military in India there was a certain yogi from whom I wanted information about a meditation he knew. He refused to give it to me. I took a helicopter to the place in the Himalayas where he was and demanded the meditation from him at gun point."
To me this method of becoming a yogi cast a doubt on the beneficial quality of the knowledge procured. I only teach now what I have practiced for a long period of time and am sure of the effects on myself and others.
After he died of complications from diabetes and heart disease his followers (and wife) have engaged in constant battle to take control of the assets left. The path of acquisitiveness is not a true path of a yogi. Separate the yoga from the lifestyle of 3HO. peace and blessings
Athena
I think there are many
— Apr 30, 2010
I think there are many benefits to practicing kundalini yoga. As with anything, one's lifestyle, attitude and food choices matter as much. Because Harbhajan Singh Yogi was self-indulgent doesn't mean that everyone who practices kundalini yoga will become so.
As I mentioned, I teach only what I have practiced for some time and know to be beneficial. If you take classes you might express your concern to the instructor and see how that person responds.
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