Kundalini-Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a yoga practice, which plays an important role especially in Tantrism. Similar forms are Laya Yoga or Tantric Yoga. In Sikhism one knows a specific form of kundalini yoga, which was brought by Yogi Bhajan in the West. Similarly, the Kundalini also plays a role in the Kriya Yoga.
Shakta Tantra and Kundalini Yoga have been described for the first time in Western culture by Sir John Woodroffe, under the pseudonym " Arthur Avalon " in the book " The Serpent Power" (1919). In the book, in part, one of the most important texts of Kundalini Yoga has been translated: The sixth chapter of Purnanandas Shritattvacintamani. This chapter is called 'Mirror of the seven chakras ' ( Satcakranirupana ) and represents the most detailed and most influential meditation on Kundalini Yoga
The goal of kundalini yoga is the awakening of the Kundalini and her ascent through the chakras into the top chakra, the Sahasrara to find enlightenment: because in the Tantra that as Erlangen or union with Atman, the cosmic consciousness ( Shiva ) with the divine energy ( Shakti ) considered. The process of yogic practice is intended to purify the nadis and the chakras and open the latter, so that the rising Kundalini is not blocked. With each Chakra a certain state of consciousness and certain Siddhi are associated according to the tantric teachings. To practice includes asana, pranayama, mudras, mantras and visualisations.
The rising of the Kundalini should eventually lead to Samadhi and Mukti, and it is believed that without the awakening of the Kundalini are both possible. Other forms of yoga like Bhakti Yoga or Raja Yoga can lead to the rise of Kundalini by the yogic teachings. Important when awakening of the Kundalini according to these teachings is the purity of the body, the nadis, the mind and the intellect, so that many of the preparatory cleaning methods are used.
In Hindu Tantra many practices of kundalini yoga is only shared with insiders.
Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan
Very common in the West is a form of Kundalini Yoga, as taught by the Sikh Yogi Bhajan. In contrast to the Hatha Yoga exercises are often dynamic motion sequences, but also the hatha yoga asanas related. The meditation focuses on mantras come from the Sikhism and relate to the Guru Granth Sahib or were taken directly from it (see Mul Mantra ), there are also other meditations. Also, mudras, pranayama, bandhas and inner concentration points are used. Typical of this form of yoga is the frequent practice of fire breath.
A series of exercises is called Kriya. A typical Kriya consists for example of 45 minutes physical exercises and postures, combined with pranayama, concentration on the so-called " third eye ", the mantra Sat Nam ( " true identity " ), which is focused on inhalation and exhalation. Then follow 15 minutes of relaxation while lying down and a subsequent meditation (eg with mantras ).
Under this school of yoga is a spiritual healing art, Gatka (Stick and sword fighting ), yoga for pregnant women and yogic diet and lifestyle taught.
The practice of this form of yoga does not depend on a particular religion, but is influenced by the teachings of Sikhism.