SIGNIFICANCE
OF KUNDALINI YOG
Yog
has its origins in the human experience. Its techniques for living
a healthy, happy and spiritually aware life have developed through
thousands of years and across many civilizations. 'Kundalini'
is a familiar word for all Yog students. Kundalini Yog is a form
of physical and meditative Yog that comprises of various techniques
using the mind, our senses and the body. The usage of these, results
in a peaceful and relaxing communication between the soul and
the body.
Kundalini
Yog gives special consideration to the role of the spine and the
endocrine system, which is an essential part for yogic awakening.
It focuses on psycho-spiritual growth and the potential of the
body for maturity.
The
psychic centers or the charkas in the human body are considered
to be the center point for the generation of spiritual power.
This spiritual power is the Kundalini energy. Kundalini, in yogic
terms, is considered to be the power residing in Muladhar Chakra,
the first of the seven charkas, the other six being Svadhishthan,
Manipur, Anahat, Visuddh, Ajna and Sahastrar, in order.
The
Pran or life force is considered to be dormant in our bodies.
Kundalini is the potential form of pran. Kundalini is the power
in the form of a coiled serpent. This serpent is said to reside,
dormant in the Muladhar Chakra.
In
Sanskrut, Kundalini literally means, 'That which is coiled'. This
coiled serpent is believed to be lying at the base of our spine
and can spring awake when activated by spiritual disciplines.
Here, the spiritual discipline being, practicing Kundalini Yog.
A poetic way of describing the word 'kundalini' is "the curl
of the lock of hair of the beloved". It is a metaphor describing
the flow of energy and consciousness which already exists within
individuals.
Significance
of Kundalini :
The practice of kundalini Yog consists of a various bodily
postures, expressive movements and utterances, characterological
cultivations, breathing patterns, and degrees of concentration.
Like all other forms of Yog, Kundalini also links movement with
breadth. The way it differs is its direct focus on moving energy
through the chakra system, stimulating the energy in the lower
chakras and moving it to the higher chakras. Kundalini Yog awakens
the energy that resides in the spine.
Although
Kundalini is very much a physical form of Yog, the main benefit
is derived from the inner experience. Most popularly known as
the 'Yog of awareness', Kundalini Yog awakens the unlimited potential
already existing in all human beings. When this energy is awakened
in the body, it gives the individual enhanced intuition and mental
clarity and creative potential.
It
is a Yog designed for householders, for people who have to cope
with the daily challenges and stressful life at work and at home,
raising families, and managing businesses etc.
One
interesting fact of Kundalini Yog is that Kundalini Yog is one
of the few paths of Yog that allows sex. Medical research on kundalini
Yog states that its regular practice can very much increase your
sexual energy levels leading to a magnificently improved sex life.
Kundalini
Yog is claimed to be the foremost of Yog practices as it gives
the pleasure of both Bhukti (enjoyment) and Mukti (liberation)
in the fullest and literal sense. Yogis claim that Kundalini energy
is far superior to all others. Which is why, the state of Samadhi
attained thereby is considered most perfect. The degree, to which
the unveiling of this consciousness is effected, depends upon
the meditative power, and the extent of one's detachment from
the world.
In
Kundalini Yog the creating and sustaining Shakti of the whole
body is actually and truly united with Lord Shiv. The Yogi goads
Her to introduce him to Her Lord. The rousing of Kundalini Shakti
and her union with Lord Shiv affects the state of Samadhi (Ecstatic
union) and spiritual Anubhav (experience). Kundalini Herself,
when awakened by the Yogins, achieves for them the Jnan (illumination).
Practiced
regularly, Kundalini can strengthen the nervous system, balance
the glandular system, and harness the energy of the mind and emotion
as well as the body. While general Yog technique focuses on exercise
postures and breathing, Kundalini takes Yog concepts a step further
by integrating them into everyday life activities.
Better
functioning of your body :
Kundalini Yog, in combination with the right lifestyle
changes, will put your digestive, nervous, lymphatic, cardiovascular,
glandular and all other systems in proper working order
Beauty
:
Kundalini Yog can transform many ordinary bodies into
sleek physiques. Kundalini Yog is one of the only exercise systems
that recognizes the importance of glandular balance in relation
to physical and mental health. This has a direct bearing on your
ability to look great and feel great.
Sense
of well-being :
This comes as a result of the increased energy and relaxation,
which Kundalini Yog gives, and from the process of self-discovery
and confidence you feel when you pay attention to your inner life.
Emotional
balance :
This attribute helps you to be the master of your life
and not allow subjective mental states to cloud your ability to
make clear decisions and act in accordance with your true values.
Increases
sensory awareness :
The ability to touch, taste, feel and see with sensitivity,
and to put your perceptions into the framework of knowledge you
can use.
Enhances
intuitive power :
The sixth sense is a gift we all posses. Kundalini Yog
works on your higher brain centers, and gives you the nuance to
compute the particulars of any situation and to arrive at a set
of certainties you can bet on. Stronger intuition also alerts
us of dangers and we do not attract negative forces.
Eliminates
negative habits :
Frequently we feel the need to compensate or self-destruct,
due to a deep hurt or unresolved life issue. This can take the
form of overeating, drinking, drugs and other indulgences. In
the context of Kundalini Yog there are specific techniques to
help you get to the bottom of what is bothering you. Many negative
habit patterns just fall away as a result of the applied practice
of Kundalini Yog.
Creativity
:
Beyond artistic ability, creativity is a state of mind
that allows you to be spontaneous, industrious and expressive.
Kundalini Yog can help make any thing you do a personal statement.
The
Power of Kundalini :
Kundalini is the evolutionary force, at the base of the
spine. When awakened, it rises through and vitalizes the chakras,
bringing spiritual knowledge, mystical vision, psychic powers,
and ultimately, enlightenment."
Kundalini
Chakras :
In Hinduism
and its spiritual systems of yog and in some related eastern
cultures, a chakra is thought to be an energy node in the human
body. The word comes from the Sanskrut word "chakra"
meaning "wheel, circle", and sometimes also referring
to the "wheel of life". The seven main chakras are
described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base
of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated
with a certain color, an aspect of consciousness, a classical
element, and other distinguishing characteristics. The chakras
are thought to encourage the physical body and to be associated
with interactions of both a physical and mental nature. They
are considered as pran, which is thought to flow among them
along pathways called nadis. The seven chakras reflect how the
unified consciousness of man is divided to manage different
aspects of earthly life (body / instinct / vital energy / deeper emotions / communication / having
an overview of life / contact to God).