All about Yoga

The history of yoga is believed to be as old as civilization. The prehistoric roots and its gradual evolution and development are testimony to this fact. Ancient yoga derived from Indian asceticism to uniting in the “cosmic one.” Yoga history could be traced in the Upanishads, Vedas and even in Brahmanas. The yoga history was also illustrated in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

How yoga derived its name?

The history of yoga is recorded in our scriptures and it’s continuously evolving in recent times. Though yoga has evolved with changes in techniques and methods but the essence and goal remains the same. The word yoga derived from Sanskrit word “Yuj”, meaning to “unite”.

History of yoga in Indus valley civilization-

The archeological excavations of ancient civilization shows that even before 3000 BC yoga had evolved. The artifacts and the “Yogi glyptic” are testimony to the fact. The various yoga postured relic’s depicts, some of the noteworthy yoga postures in them. 

History of yoga in Vedic period –

With evolution of Vedas the foundation of Hinduism was laid. The Vedas hold the ancient yogic teachings and hence is known as Vedic yoga. While some vague references of history of yoga could be found in the Vedas but practices could be found in the Brahmanas. The Rig Veda mentions yoga’s practice as yoga was essential with Vedic ritual. This dates back to 900 BC.

History of yoga in the Upanishads-

This period is also knows as pre-classical yoga period. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad makes the reference of yoga meditation and is clearly reflected in 900 BC to 400 BC. The Mahabharata and the Bhagavad-Gita (oldest Yoga scripture) shows the yoga history in 500 BC and 200 BC resp. Even in Buddhism, the importance of yoga meditation and various yoga postures have been mentioned. 

History of yoga in the Patanjali “Yoga Sutra’s”-

This period is also known as the Classical period of yoga. The main attempt of Patanjali was to define and normalize classical yoga form and is known as Patanjali eight fold path of yoga (Eight Limbs of Classical Yoga).

Post classical yoga-

Numerous sovereign yoga schools were developed during this period after the Yoga sutra period, hence the name Post classical yoga. The human body became filed of study along with the meditation which was missing is the previous years. A new system with numerous yoga exercises was developed. And thus Hatha yoga, Raj yoga and other branches emerged. 

Modern yoga and its history-

The Chicago summit and the famous lecture of Swami Vivekananda became a turning point with the introduction of Yoga to the Western world. Thus various yoga schools emerged and more and more people learnt this yogic form of exercise. 

Yoga today in modern world-

Yoga has gained immense popularity in recent years. Yoga has become a health movement. The westerner’s views and spirituality has changed a lot. Yoga’s has become a mandatory fitness regime. Yoga has evolved into more modern form like power yoga or Zen yoga.

Yoga has revealed through its long history. The vast oceans of Yogic literature and the motivation and drive makes all follow the true Yogic path.

Yoga is synonymous with fitness. This is because yoga is interested in a holistic outlook on the entire body and how fitness should be incorporated into exercise. This is because yoga is about, mind, body and spirit, but yoga is also synonymous with health and fitness.

Anyone who has been taking yoga classes for any amount of time will probably tell you they feel much more fit then they did before taking yoga classes. This is because of the holistic ideals behind yoga and how the holistic side of yoga actually creates a fit body from head to toe.

- Yoga Fitness:

Fitness yoga is the discipline of strength training through core exercises. This can range from focusing on very specific parts of the body or focusing on a more holistic approach that includes the entire mind and body. Either way will get you fit, and it is probably good to have a combination of the two if you are serious about using yoga postures to keep fit.

- Power Yoga:

Power yoga definitely belongs in the fit category of yoga practice. Power yoga is a form of yoga that uses the yoga body postures, but in an accelerated succession of these postures. This will allow the body to strengthen very quickly, and stay very fit, but as you might have guessed, this type of yoga takes time and practice to master. This is because there are many yoga positions that must be mastered so you can do the yoga poses in a smooth succession.

- Staying Fit with Breathing:

One of the key features of yoga, whether it is yoga for meditation, strength or fitness or all three, is that yoga is about breathing. That is to say you need to breath properly while completing the different yoga poses. This is an added benefit to staying fit with yoga, because yoga will actually help you to breath more properly while doing other exercises as well, and will remind you to breath properly throughout the entire day, promoting fitness.

- Some of the Different Types of Yoga Fitness Include:

- Ashtanga Yoga is a type of yoga that means eight limbs. It is a quick paced yoga style, and is one of the more intense types of yoga. It is based on a progressive set of sequences of asanas which are synchronized with proper breathing. This is one of the more physically demanding types of yoga available.

- Power Yoga is seen as a western interpretation of yoga and is based on Ashtanga yoga. It also involves a series of poses in succession of each other.

- Vinyasa Yoga, which means breath synchronized movement is another intense type of yoga that is fast paced with an emphasis on breathing techniques. This type of yoga may begin with sun salutations and then might move to intense stretching exercises.

- Bikram Yoga is also known as hot yoga and is practiced in 105 degree heated rooms. Typically, this yoga session includes 26 different poses and is often practiced with a Bikram Yoga class. The hot temperatures will loosen muscles and there would obviously be profuse sweating as well. Some of the appeal to this type of yoga is the idea that it also cleanses the body due to the intense perspiration in the 105 degree temperature room.

- In Conclusion:

There are a lot of different types of yoga out there, and for fitness, there is no shortage of yoga styles that will suite your needs. We recommend trying them all out, and then deciding which one is best for you. Remember that yoga will provide an overall fitness that is hard to match with other types of fitness exercises.

Yoga is an Indian traditional system of practicing physical and mental exercises to keep body and mind healthy. There is an element of divine involvement is also believed to be incorporated with yogabhyaas or yogic exercises. A lot of focus is given on the breathing exercises and different postures of body called aasanas. Yoga exercises are done under the guidance of a trainer as there are too many delicate yet significant things to be kept in mind before performing them.

Yoga mats are an essential accessory for the yoga practice. Actually, yoga demands maximum comfort while exercising the aasanas and pranayaam. Yoga mats serve this very purpose. But they must be made of very soft and mild material so that they do not pose any kind of irritation to the person using them. It should be more like a cushion that invites the practitioner to sit on and practice more and more.

Yoga mats can be made of various materials that guarantee the softness, like cotton, wool, silk and nylon. Some mats are made using foam in the inner layer to provide the cushion feel. There are eco-friendly yoga mats also which are made of the material like Jute. Beside the material used to make mats, the thickness of the mat is also important. Thickness should be perfect denying both the extremes of being too thin and too thick.

Yoga mats must be made of sober and simple colors. Similarly their size must be just right to accommodate atleast two persons at a time. Yoga mats need to have one more significant quality that they should be sized such that they can be easily carried along and kept in desired place. Their flexibility will help in packing them in desirable shape. We get useful yoga bags in the market that help in keeping yoga mat with safety and ease.

For more informational and commercial lead on Yoga mats please visit Yoga Mats Store

Prenatal Yoga Can Help During Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Prenatal yoga harmonizes yoga poses and breathing techniques as well as meditation. It concentrates on health and well being on several levels: physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual.

Due to its numerous benefits and the pleasure resulting from its practice, prenatal yoga is widely accepted by every one as part of self-care during pregnancy.

Prenatal yoga, a type of yoga, is designed specially to practice during pregnancy in order to have a healthy baby. Prenatal yoga classes are more popular than ever. Prenatal yoga positions help women glide gracefully through the evolutionary process of pregnancy.

Precautions To Be Taken During Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

Prenatal yoga works great for the first trimester of pregnancy, as your body is changing and the hormones are fluctuating and your body feels different inside. It can be continued even in your second trimester with just a few pregnancy precautions.

During this period your body will produce a hormone called relaxin, which plays a more important role in the development of soften bones and ligaments in order to make a comfortable place for the baby and preparing your body for birth.

Overstretching can damage these relaxed parts, thus you need to avoid overstretching poses. The morning sickness that you experienced in your first trimester will over by the second trimester and you feel better than before.

With this second trimester, you’ve informed the world that you’re pregnant, even though you are not showing. If you are continuing prenatal yoga classes, then it is more essential to inform your yoga instructor about your pregnancy as they can make changes in the poses if necessary.

Still if you have not started any prenatal yoga practice and new at this, then it is the perfect time to begin. Always it is better to consult your health care provider before you begin any of the new exercise programs, as she can suggest you a better way to proceed and to begin any new exercise program.

A Yoga instructor can suggest you to stop if your condition is not well. So, start searching a class with an excellent and experienced yoga instructor.

Most of the women enter prenatal yoga classes for the first time during their pregnancy

If you are already started your yoga routine in the first trimester of pregnancy and practicing it, then there is no need of giving up your prenatal yoga classes when you feel strong enough in performing them.

As your belly grows, the more adaptations you will need to make. So, you can integrate your own adjustments to the poses when fitting. And if you aren’t comfortable in performing the poses, then it’s better to give your body permission to skip them. The best one that you can practice safely is the Legs Up the Wall Pose.

One great thing that you can get from attending prenatal yoga classes is a way to meet and compare yourself with other pregnant women, which can prove an invaluable source of support and information.

When you do prenatal yoga practice at home, be sure to include Prenatal Sun Salutations.

It is good if you can continue to perform the twists but do them gently from the shoulders rather than the belly. Avoid doing poses that needs the back bends.

Before beginning your yoga routine ensure that the room is not too hot. Also, drink small amounts of water during practice if your throat becomes dry or if you feel nauseated. Never try to work up a huge sweat while you practice.

Practice deep breathings through nose and slowly breath out through the mouth. While practicing prenatal sun salutations, in the forward-bending movements, try to keep your chest away from floor at a minimum of 90 degrees from the floor.

Place the hands in front of the feet rather than aligned with the feet. Step rather than jump. If you are new to prenatal yoga then with a regular practice, you’ll find out that the prenatal yoga is an excellent way to stay in shape during pregnancy.

Yoga Practice – Conquering the Obstacles in Practicing Yoga

In yoga practice, the human body is treated with concern, care and respect because it is the principal instrument in a person’s efforts and growth. Yoga is also about the unification of a person’s own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

Anyone who tries yoga practices will go through a sequence of obstacles, difficulties and deviations. It is necessary for you, as a yoga practitioner, to eliminate all the obstacles noticed during yoga practice so as to benefit fully from the positive aspects of yoga.

Nine Major Obstacles during Yoga Practice

Here are some of the major obstacles that are noticed by the practitioners when practicing yoga:

Vyadhi

It is an obstacle that refers to physical or mental illness. It is even more difficult for you to do yoga practice when you are not in a good condition or health. The triumph of this obstacle can be obtained by avoiding any type of sickness and with a balanced, healthy life style.

Styana

It is the second major difficulty related to yoga practice, which refers to an advanced state of lack of concern that obstructs your willingness towards committing your responsibilities. In general you ignore and avoid yoga practice by postponing it and this, in turn, leads to several types of excuses for avoiding or not doing your work.

Sanshaya

This is one of the major obstructions in the yoga practice that is related to the matter of doubting the benefits of yoga and yoga practice. This obstruction also occurs when there is low confidence in your self-capabilities. This directs to a divergence from the original purposes, preparing you to suspect more to outside interference.

Pramada

When there is lack of determination and willingness in performing yoga practice, then it refers to the fourth obstacle of yoga practice. Yoga needs a unique approach, since it is a grouping of arts and sciences. If you perform yoga practice with lack of good emotional and mental conditions, then you may turn its positive features into negative ones.

Alasya

It is an obstacle that refers to the laziness and immobile state of mind and body that stops you from gaining the benefits of yoga wholly. Most of the people will have a tough time coping with their own will power, generating the perfect circumstances for this obstacle to emerge. Most of the times, the way to get success is tough and a strong will power can prop your way up. An inactive approach, conversely, will almost surely lead to a slow and ineffective progress.

Avirati

One of the other major obstacles of yoga practice that refers to the physical things hold a magnetic attraction to the majority of people. Yoga needs you to avoid these ropes that tie you to the materialistic life and the world and makes advancement in the realm of the spirit. Eliminating the mass of physical things is central while doing yoga practice.

Bhrantidarshan

It is the misunderstanding of the course you are taking while performing yoga practice and can produce displeasure. Keeping your hopes in good contact with reality can avoid this obstacle.

Alabdha-bhumikatva

It is an obstacle of yoga practice where you are frequently becoming victim of your own discouragement. When a failure takes place you fall into a state of self-depreciation and lower confidence levels. Failing to arrive a step on your way to get your ideal can cause motivated forms of this obstacle.

Anawasthitatwa

The last interference of yoga practice. Poor yoga practice may also lead to the inability to achieve and hold a superior level of perception. This can be annoying and gives rise to dissatisfaction.

However overcoming these obstacles of yoga practice is achievable by making your mind to focus on single elements at one time. Never allow any of these obstacles to rise in power as it makes the other to follow very soon.

The passing of time with a strong will power and dedication is generally very efficient in managing these major obstacles of yoga practice.

Everyone knows that Yoga is said to be a quite relaxing type of exercise. It is not only popular in the Hindu culture but has also been a proven way to stay fit and healthy, mind and body. Yoga is much more than a form of meditation but is actually a common exercise regime that has been used around the world for a long time.

Like most other forms of exercise there are some forms of Yoga which require additional equipment to be used while practicing. The most commonly used piece of exercise equipment in Yoga practice is a mat.

Your yoga mat can either be a large thick towel or rug, or a special yoga mat that is designed by different companies and sold in sports shops. The majority of yoga mats that are used are made from cotton or polyester latex. There are more expensive mats and less expensive ones, so you have to search around for the quality and type you want to invest in.

The type of Yoga that you are practicing will also help determine which type of mat would be best suited for you. If you are involved in a type of yoga which requires you to jump from one form to another such as Ashtanga yoga then you will need a mat which is really thick and can absorb the impact.

When you are practicing yoga exercises you will likely sweat alot of you are doing it correctly. This means that you need to invest in a yoga matt which has the capability of absorbing sweat, such as a cotton mat.

Another popular piece of yoga exercise equipment is a yoga ball. You use these balls as if you were performing a traditional crunch on the ground. For some exercises this yoga ball will provide more support, and in others the incline will increase the level of difficulty.

When teaching Yoga classes, there are times when you have to be a “cheer leader.” What do I mean by this? There are many interconnected aspects of life, and we all play a small part in them. Each student’s level of success, in life, depends on constant positive reinforcement during the day.

When you see an accomplishment, do not hesitate to praise your students. This does not have to be artificial praise or flattery. A heart felt compliment is much different. Far too often, people in general, and some of our students, feel they do not deserve praise, or that they have a right to succeed in life.

Every Yoga teacher knows students, who feel they do not deserve a better life. This variation of negative thinking is “baggage” that holds back all of humanity.

As teachers, we have the ability to instill positive habits, which will result in happiness and successful living.

The average student has to see the value of a Yogic lifestyle long enough to cultivate the habit of regular Yoga practice. For many people, this is a big step. You cannot expect new students to be present in their practice, until you point out how to connect mind and body with Pranayama. This may seem very basic, but some students never learn this step because they did not have the guidance.

Does this mean you can reach every student? No – each student has different thoughts, needs, and aspirations. Some people see only the superficial layer of everything. You cannot make everyone see the deeper aspects of life. An example of this is the student who sees Hatha Yoga only as a stretch class.

There is nothing wrong with this. Stretching alone is a good physical exercise, but stretching and exercise are only components of Yoga. Happiness, clarity of mind, tranquility, and Samadhi, require guidance from a competent Yoga teacher.

Eventually, your students will learn to honor the true teacher within themselves, but they need to develop a clear vision of progress, success, and achievement, before they undertake their journey. The starting point in the journey is usually “sparked” by an exceptional teacher.

Teaching Yoga is, in some ways, like parenting. If you have instilled a strong foundation in your students, you will be proud of them and their achievements. The student with Multiple Sclerosis, who is making great progress, or the child who is learning to concentrate, each has a significant success story.

Make it a point to recognize student progress, when you are aware of it. Our advancement, as a species, depends on it.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise and assists in controlling and balancing various aspects of the body and mind. Yoga helps you in the control of your Central Nervous System and more. Enjoying yoga will promote many positive changes including a boosted self-esteem, a reduction in stress levels as well as discovering strength in your body and improved overall health. For more than 5000 years, people have enjoyed yoga. Yoga derived from the Indian nations, and through time has now allowed many people in the western world take control of their body and mind. Yoga when enjoyed on a regular basis is a great method to help you with the many pressures of today’s society. Yoga combines spirituality, exercise, positive thinking, breathing and so on to help you enjoy healthy ageing.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a valued practice for many people worldwide. Yoga incorporates fitness, health, gymnastics, and training in a set of rules. Yoga helps you to maintain or lose weight along with strengthening and toning to the muscular system. Yoga is a stress reducing machine. Yoga will train your mind, as you learn to control your thoughts through meditation and breathing. Breathing correctly is essential to mastering yoga. When you practice this form of exercise, you are connected with your inner self. You learn to balance your mind and body, which leads to good health.

Through practicing yoga, your emotions are also controlled, meaning that fears, doubts, and other negative influences will not take control of your life. Rather you will have control. As you practice yoga, you will feel comfortable with both yourself and others around you. The world will become yours, as you learn to communicate effectively and stop sweating the small stuff.

As there are many forms of yoga, be aware that some types of yoga training may not be right for you. Sometimes you may have to modify the workouts to benefit your body type and to withhold the workout suited for your strengths. You have to determine the beginners level in whatever yoga form you participate in, and allow to progress naturally. Your instructor will provide you with the necessary steps to receive the utmost benefit to you and your body.

How To Get Started With Yoga

The first thing you should do is seek medical approval from your practitioner. Make sure you are able to enjoy the type of yoga you choose. Start out slowly and progress only when your body is comfortable. Guide your way into mediate exercising. Yoga will put you in connection with your spiritual side, so prepare to find a new you.

When you first begin yoga, perhaps you would benefit from joining groups that practice yoga at the appropriate level. The group sessions will inspire you to continue your journey to healthy ageing. Having support is essential for all of us, and these yoga groups can become your support team on your journey. If you cannot find a group in your area, visit your local library. You can also purchase books, videos and dvds that provide instruction on how you can both enjoy and benefit with yoga.

Where do I go after learning yoga?

After you have taken the steps to get started and learn and discover the correct methods to perform the yoga exercises, you will need to find a quiet area where you feel comfortable. You want to avoid interruptions while practicing yoga to receive the most benefit from your workout. As yoga involves both physical and mental connection and balance, the benefits from the meditation and breathing will be tantamount to your results, stimulation and healing.

When will I notice the change in me?

Be patient. As with almost everything in life, you may not notice a change right away. It takes time to notice or feel the changes. If you practice yoga on a regular basis changes will occur gradually and soon you will be amazed how your emotional and spiritual connections will begin changing your life in leaps and bounds. Keep in mind that yoga is teaching you how to control your mind, body and emotions.

Work with yoga and yoga will work with you. Yes, promote healthy ageing with the benefits of yoga.

Benefits of Yoga – Physical and Mental Benefits

Benefits of yoga are numerous. The most important health benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. Hence yoga is considered therapeutic or beneficial. Yoga essentially is a way of life, which is an integrated means of harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga is a system of exercises that has been around for thousands of years. It is all about a series of postures, breathing exercises and meditation. By practicing all these you can have excellent benefits of yoga. Its aim is ultimate physical health and happiness, along with mental peace and calmness.

Health Benefits of Yoga – Physiological Benefits of Yoga

The health benefits of yoga with a regular practice of yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation is grouped into three kinds: physiological, psychological, and biochemical effects. Here are some physiological benefits of yoga that can get through a regular yoga practice:

* Steady autonomic nervous system symmetry

* It decreases the pain, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, EMG activity.

* There is an increase in cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency, joint range of motion, breath-holding time, EEG – alpha waves, grip strength, galvanic skin response, resiliency and strength, endurance, energy levels, and immunity

* It normalizes the body weight, flexibility of musculoskeletal system, also the functions of excretory, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems.

* It also improves eye-hand coordination, dexterity abilities, reaction time, body posture, sleep, steadiness, balance of the body and mind, integrated functioning of body parts and depth perception.

Yoga and its achievements originated in India thousands of years ago and are presently practiced across the world despite of the age or religion. Previously, the yoga poses and the special stages of yoga were only handed down to some deserving learners and therefore, yoga was kept relatively to India and not popularized elsewhere in the world.

Yoga is one of the oldest forms of healing therapy and the yoga institute was founded in mumbai only in 1918, which was then made, benefits of yoga practices, available for everyone.

Asana

Yoga is entirely based on the principles that our physical body is supposed to move and exercise. The proper exercise will be obtained by practicing specific yoga postures or poses, which is also known as “asana”.

The yoga routine provides you all the benefits of yoga practices. The yoga poses stretches and tones all parts of our body, including the muscles and ligaments and it also improves the blood circulation.

The asanas, specially, are designed to regulate the physical and physiological functions of the body and thus they help restore the different body parts. In addition to this, yoga consists of different stretching postures, which are excellent in improving different parts of the body and in gaining and maintaining flexibility.

Regular yoga sessions or yoga routines will provide excellent benefits to the body parts. The benefits of yoga include body relaxation, refreshing different parts of your body and giving you new strength, energy and increased flexibility.

Yoga is well thought-out to be a relaxing and therapeutic means of refreshing the body. At a deeper level, its aim is for the unification of the mind, body and spirit. It also helps you to tune with your body, to be more self aware of your posture, position and movement.

In fact, by getting aware of the benefits of yoga, people now practice yoga as it helps relax and handle stressful situations more easily. It promotes interdependence between mind, body, and spirit. It also helps to maintain a balanced metabolism and promotes cardio and circulatory health that makes you look and feel younger than your age.

What is Kundalini Yoga?

Taken from the book Open your heart with Kundalini Yoga, by Siri Datta

Throughout the ages, in every civilization, there has been a hidden pathway, a secret technology of discovery, which enables the individual to reach the ultimate potential. This is a technique that has the ability to elevate, inspire and awaken the individual to their own greatness. That greatness is within every one of us, and the technology that can do this is Kundalini Yoga.

As an enthusiastic teacher of Kundalini Yoga, I am always asked ‘What is it? Is it like Hatha Yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga? Is it dynamic or static? Are there meditation or breathing techniques?’ My answer is always the same: it is all of those things, and a multitude more.

Yogi Bhajan, the Master of Kundalini Yoga, now living in New Mexico, has explained that there are 22 major forms of yoga, each one expressing a facet of the whole. A good way of understanding this is that each different form of yoga is like the facet of a diamond. The diamond herself is Kundalini Yoga, the mother of all yogas.

Kundalini Yoga is the most inclusive of all yoga practices as it includes all aspects of yoga within its teachings. In this practice there are over 8.4 million kriyas (completed sequences, or sets). These kriyas are made up of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra (chanting), mudras (hand gestures), bandhs (body locks) and meditation.

The kriyas are a blend of dynamic and static postures that deliver a perfect sequence of energy, tones and feelings played upon the instrument of the body. In the ancient scriptures it is said that Kundalini Yoga is the fastest way to create the transformation that the individual is seeking. There is a certain depth, completeness and timelessness that is inherent in Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga is a legacy. It has been practised as an exact science by masters in communication with Infinity, coming directly from the Soul. It is a practice that has been experienced and handed down through enlightened souls for many thousands of years. It is said that Christ, Buddha and Moses practised Kundalini Yoga.

In ancient times it was often taught and passed down through the line of kings. These Kundalini Yoga masters did not specifically or personally pass on the knowledge. Rather it is thought that the teachings were handed down via an authentic lineage of Raj (Royal) Yogis. Kundalini Yoga knowledge was transmitted through meditation and altered states. It was this practice that was kept within the bloodline of royalty. We understand that the very first transmission of Kundalini Yoga was passed to the Hindu god Shiva, who in turn passed the knowledge to his consort Parvarti. From the Bhagavadgita we can understand that Lord Krishna was a keeper of the teachings, which were then passed to King Janaka, who was an early Raj Yogi and master of Kundalini Yoga. This was passed on through that lineage to Guru Ram Das, a Guru of the Sikhs, via the subtle realms. Guru Ram Das was bestowed the High Throne of Raj Yoga, known as the Takhat.  The word takhat literally means ‘high throne’ and is not specific to any exclusive form of yoga; there are many other takhats. This meant that he had to pass the technology on with his blessing to anyone who came along. It was through Guru Ram Das that the teachings were passed on to Yogi Bhajan. In 1969 Yogi Bhajan took Kundalini Yoga to the United States, against the wishes of his peers. Until then, it had always been highly secret and was never practised in public.

Since Kundalini Yoga has become so popular in the United States the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI) has been developed. This was founded to verify, promote, produce and preserve the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, exactly as they had been passed down.

There is much confusion surrounding kundalini and Kundalini Yoga. Some experts say that it is the most potent and powerful way to change consciousness, while others warn against practising it, or veil the entire teaching in secrecy. Yet how can something as essential to consciousness as kundalini be feared? Some people worry about raising the kundalini energy, but teachings from Yogi Bhajan have dispelled many misrepresentations and myths surrounding kundalini and his explicit teachings have given researchers techniques that can be thoroughly tested out. Kundalini Yoga is also known as the ‘yoga of awareness’. Awareness leads to understanding and understanding gives way to acceptance. When you can accept yourself, all your limitations fade away. All your fears, insecurities, and self-belittlement cease to be. In its place are abundance, hope and the wisdom of your true worth. Kundalini Yoga is so much more than a set of physical exercises. If genuinely practised, with respect and reverence, it will change your life.

There is only one way that you can practise Kundalini Yoga. It is very specific, clearly laid out and it is practised as it was given, with no alterations. Its path can take you to many places, whether you wish to achieve enlightenment or to release parts of yourself that are out of date and do not reflect the person you wish to be. Kundalini Yoga can also offer an approach for those who have only limited time to devote to this practice, but who also deserve the rewards of this priceless gift. The practice is easily understood and accessible for complete beginners to yoga who have decided that they need a tool to help them balance out everyday pressures. This is the yoga for modern humankind. This practice is for our present-day dilemma: to feel whole and complete while maintaining our day-to-day responsibilities. Kundalini Yoga is a sacred technology that is greatly needed at the present time. It is direct, powerful and simple.

It is important to understand that Kundalini Yoga is concerned with preparing the body for the kundalini energy to rise up through the Sushmana (the energetic spinal column). The scientific aspect of Kundalini Yoga is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your kundalini. Kundalini is your latent spiritual potential. Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga, this psychic nerve centre is awakened; its revelation is the release of your true potential. For this energy to awaken safely, body and mind need to be strong and able to deal with this very powerful change in consciousness. The practice of Kundalini Yoga is the powerful cleansing of the whole being. Not only do the body and mind need to be cleansed but also the energetic aspects of ourselves. The chakras (energy centres) and meridians (energy pathways) need to be unblocked and activated to allow this new influx of dynamic energy to flow freely throughout the whole being.

Kundalini and chakra work are closely linked. The kundalini energy can be depicted as a serpent, coiled in three and a half turns, sleeping in the Muladhara (Base, or Root, Chakra), the densest of all the chakras. But please note that Yogi Bhajan does not support the concept of kundalini as the coiled serpent, but rather as the blueprint for the full potential of humankind. Kundalini is known as the spiritual nerve, seated in the base of the spine, waiting to be awakened. With the practice of Kundalini Yoga this nerve can be stimulated and start to become activated as it breaks through the blockage at the Muladhara, travelling upwards through the Sushmana and piercing every chakra along the way, until it reaches the Crown, where full enlightenment is attained.

You do not have to charge in with the intention of raising the kundalini to full enlightenment, although this is the goal of all forms of yoga. There is a more acceptable, more gentle, way of introducing you to the sheer potential that is within you, and showing you how this potential can be released. This method is to gently rouse or stir the kundalini energy in the Ida and Pingala channels, which interweave around the Sushmana, every time you embark on a kundalini kriya. The general pattern of a kundalini kriya is to awaken and build up the Pranic energy. This is then guided to the relevant area that you wish to work on. For example, if your digestive system needs working on, a set to help with decision-making or an emotional state that is upsetting you might be helpful. By directing the energy to a particular chakra, organ, or issue in your life, this blockage will be dissolved and once again you will be back in balance. The negative effects will harm you no more.

There are over 8.4 million kriyas, all designed to deal with the day-to-day challenges we face. There are kriyas for physical issues, such as the digestion, circulation, immune system (disease resistance), lower back problems, glandular malfunctions, menopause and sexuality problems. There are also kriyas for the mind, to clear confusion, addictions, haunting thoughts and creative blocks. Additionally, there are kriyas to balance the emotions, to bring about feelings of ecstasy, to dispel fear and paranoia, to bring about stillness and to attain the empowering ability to accept and forgive all aspects of your life.

Meditation is also a very important part of the practice. This allows the body and mind to process the journey of the kriya. The energy has travelled along a certain pathway, awakening, dispelling and moving your energetic bodies. The meditation process is a lesson in inner awareness. Sometimes the meditation will have a breathing technique to enable the mind to quieten as you turn inwards into the realm of feelings and emotions. When this happens you will be able to observe your thoughts as they come and go. This is the start of the practice known as ‘becoming the watcher’. It is through this method that you become master of the mind.

At other times there will be a mantra to accompany the meditation. A mantra is always equipped with a coded sonic vibration that cuts through the psyche and starts to balance out areas within that need attention. When there is a mantra, you may find yourself immersed in the sound. This is the most powerful part of Kundalini Yoga. The word mantra breaks down into man, which means ‘mind’ and tra, which is ‘to vibrate’. Therefore, mantra means ‘to vibrate the mind’. This miraculous technique shifts many character traits and behavioural patterns that keep us suffering. In the chapter on Mantra (see page 51), I will explain exactly how this sonic science works.

I would like to close this section by saying that you can never predict a kundalini class. It is always full of surprises, since many changes will be going on in all the various people present. There have been times in my classes when there have been outbursts of laughter, which is always good fun and I actively encourage it. Yoga is usually synonymous with seriousness, quiet and solemnity, but this is not always the case. Laughter is common in my classes. It is, after all, an explosion of happiness. This usually happens when a painful emotion or memory has been released. It is also common to find yourself so immersed in the kriya and the breathing that you surface to find tears falling down your cheeks. You may not actually be crying, but tears are falling silently. This is always a very powerful realization of the many changes that are taking place within you.

When you experience this, you will find that harmony and balance are restored to you, and you will feel within an endless supply of energy and happiness. When you experience this, even for a few brief moments, your life will not be the same again. The inner light is now switched on, shining through you, and others will not fail to be drawn towards you. You will become a beacon for humankind, a touchstone for the truth, and the living reality of who we really are.

To everyone who embarks on the path of kundalini, I wish you the greatest journey. May your path show you the many examples of Divinity that are around you at any given moment. May you realize the ultimate truth: that only Love can set you free. Be free, my friend, as it is your birthright.

Be Grateful, BE GREAT and BE FULL Yogi Bhajan

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