
Kundalini Yoga is a style of Yoga that concentrates on the awakening of the energy that is found at the base of our spine, which is supposed to be in the form of a coiled snake. For that reason, Kundalini Yoga is said to be the most powerful form of Yoga known today. The goal of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken this "snake" and send it moving up your spine all the way to your brain, which is believed to result in a sublime state of ecstasy and awareness.
Once the Kundalini (the energy in the form of a snake) is awakened, it passes through all the seven Chakras, or centers of consciousness, that are thought to reside in the human body. Each chakra provides a certain power or experience when stimulated.
So how can the Kundalini in your body be awakened? This can be done through:
the practice of Asanas, Pranayama, and Mantras
concentration and training of the mind
the practice of Hatha Yoga, Bhakta Yoga, and Jnana Yoga
selflessness and intellectual inquiry
the help of a guru
Of the above mentioned methods, the last one is said to be the most important. Trying to awaken your Kundalini by force and without the aid of a guru can be dangerous. This can result in some symptoms such as mental confusion ,headache or the feeling of something heavy in your head , psychosis ,intense mood swings ,epilepsy or other involuntary body movements ,stress ,depression ,irregular breathing ,immoral behavior .
Therefore, the Kundalini must never be awakened by force. Like a real snake, it can and will strike you if you provoke it. And like a professional snake handler, the guru will guide you on how to tame this snake and deal with it properly.
Awakening your Kundalini should not take a lot of effort. The only things you need are patience, perseverance, and devotion to your practice.
(Last Updated on : 25/02/2010)