What even is Kundalini Yoga?
by Megan
Megan using mudras in a practice
Kundalini yoga is a systemic practice that uses various historical Hatha yoga techniques, meditation practices and its own specific techniques. Kundalini yoga upholds a traditional structure of learning with lessons and practices taught by gurus to students. It’s a blend of meditation practice, spiritual connection, and yogic philosophy.
Kundalini Shakti
Kundalini Shakti is an ancient yogic philosophy that is centered in the essence of individual consciousness and self-awareness.
Practitioners believe that they must wake and activate this energy using practices of pranayama (breathwork), asana (physical postures), and meditation. They build awareness with these practices, moving focus from the base of their spine through their chakras or energetic centres.
The goal of Kundalini practices is to have the energy rise through the body and to unite the energetic body to achieve a spiritual awakening. Often, Kundalini teachers use the image of a snake to describe this energy. This metaphor comes from the Sanskrit root “kundal,” meaning to coil. The spiritual benefits of Kundalini awakening manifets as increased awareness, intentional living and freedom of choice.
Kundalini Practice
Traditionally this style of movement meditation is done in white clothes and a head wrap. As well as having a particular dress, Kundalini yoga practices include a combination of asana, mudra, mantra, chakras, and pranayama.
More than most of the modern forms of Kundalini yoga explore repeated or rhythmic motions and intentional breath paired with the repeated chanting of mantra. Meditation is an important part of the Kundalini yoga practice.
Meditative practices in Kundalini include using a drishti (focus point), asana and mudra to help direct physical energy in the body. Mantra chanting helps to engage more of the bodies senses - talking and hearing - giving the body and mind more to focus on during this sensory meditation.
Let’s put it together
Below are two short Kundalini practices. Each video briefly describes the intention (and translation) of the Mantra and the function of the mudra.
Wahe Jio Wahe Guru - A mantra of joy and awe for the beauty of the universe.
Sa Ta Na Ma - a powerful kriya to help release from old cycles and bring to action new intentions, cycles and patterns.
Want more resources?
Watch: meditation playlist on YouTube
