|
|
|
|
|
home | who are we? | where are we? | photos & events | japji cards | teacher training | troy location |
|
|
|
|
|
home | who are we? | where are we? | photos & events | japji cards | teacher training | troy location |
|
Kundalini Yoga, the Foundation for Healthy & Happy Living What Is It? Kundalini is the basic bioenergy of being, the highest frequency of prana (breath). Most people access barely enough of this to be alive. Kundalini Yoga is a systematic and graceful way of building up this energy. There are a number of checks and balances built into the process as we work with the nervous and glandular systems to prepare a person to accommodate more energy. If you use the system the way it is taught, you access a level of energy that you can deal with gracefully. Kundalini is the flowering of one’s potential, and its awakening is a positive experience. It is what yoga is directed toward. Kundalini Yoga is a complete system. To cultivate awareness, we use a combination of techniques such as physical postures (asana), breath (pranayama), sound (mantra), rhythm, systematic relaxation, concentration, visualization and meditation. Through practice one realizes that the physical realm is a reflection of the mental and spiritual realms. As we let go of our sense of separateness and open our heart to our own feelings, to others, and to a higher Self, we can experience the sense of contentment, well being, and inner peace. And that is our birthright. This is also the foundation for a healthy, happy and holy life. Kundalini Yoga is truly the yoga of awareness and transformation of our body, mind and the heart. It is an adventure in consciousness. What’s Its Origin? Kundalini Yoga originated as a householder’s tradition in India, specifically designed for busy people who don’t have hours to devote to yoga each day, but who wanted a concentrated and effective practice. Originally it was a closely guarded technology for advanced lay students. The code of silence was broken in 1969 when Yogi Bhajan first brought the practice to the United States and began training Kundalini Yoga teachers. What Is the Need? It is now apparent that as our society becomes increasingly technological, our world is quickly growing into a “global village.” Each part of our world is more intimately affected by every other part. The pace of change is increasing, and the stress on our nervous systems is greater. The inner science of the mind is a tool that can enable us to cope with the pressure of growth and change. How Is It Practiced? In my classes we always start by warming up the spine with a number of spinal flexes or twists. We do a number of pose and counterpose stretches. After the stretching, we do a specific sequence of postures (called “kriyas”). A kriya is a sequence of postures with specific results. For example, there are kriyas for spinal flexibility, circulation, liver, kidney or lungs. Some other kriyas are for overcoming depression, anger or fear. One day, we may do a set for the rejuvenation of the nerves, and another day we may select a set to develop our intuitive power. In the course of few months most kriyas get covered. We put emphasis on the breath and also use movement. We are thinking a mantra along with the breath, so every class is like a moving meditation. And there is attention to the science of sequence and how the exercises work with one another to generate an effect greater than the sum of the parts. What Are the Potential Benefits? The practice of Kundalini Yoga creates synergy, purifies the body and makes it strong so that it can operate at its highest level. What makes the kriyas so profound and effective is that they work to purify, strengthen, balance and integrate all of the body’s systems and levels of functioning. At one level, the strength and flexibility of the joints and muscles are enhanced. At another level, the pulmonary, metabolic, digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, cardio-vascular, immune and nervous systems are also simultaneously improved. Even the cells, on a biochemical level, are positively affected. The body establishes homeostasis and functions at a more efficient energetic level. This is why everybody can benefit from these techniques, no matter what their physical condition. In addition, these kriyas release stress, provide relaxation and grounding, give energy and lightness and promote clarity of mind and thoughts. The power of self-healing is gradually gained. This is a wonderful technology to train the mind and the body and develop the heart. By doing the postures, one’s confidence, self-discipline, determination, concentration and patience are improved. All of these qualities help one to succeed as an individual, bringing out the best in one’s self, even as they enable one to progress on one’s spiritual path -- whatever path that may be. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article by Hossein Javaherian (Java), a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher who has been practicing yoga for over 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in computer control systems. Java is a resident of Rochester, Michigan, and teaches yoga in his free time. |
