Kundalini refers to the dormant power in the human organism, which lies at the root of the spinal column and is the individual bodily representation of the great cosmic power. The Kundalini energy is generally described figuratively as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. The coiled state of the kundalini represents the unmanifested spiritual power and consciousness of humans
 
The awakening of kundalini energy requires long practice and preparation under the expert supervision of a teacher through the various stages of discipline involving  asanas (postures), mudras (psycho-physical gestures), bandhas (muscular locks), pranayama (breath-control), meditations and mantras. . These disciplines enable the practitioner to purify and balance the two subtle channels of energy, called ida and pingala, which run adjacent to the spine on each side. This results in the gradual ignition of the kundalini energy at the base of the spine and it begins to rise up through a central channel in the spinal column, known as the sushumna nadi. As it rises, it passes through various psycho-energetic centers known as chakras. As the chakras are interconnected with different dormant areas of the brain, when the kundalini passes through them, all of the latent faculties and divine potentialities, innate in mankind, are awakened.       
 
The main purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken this Kundalini energy which gradually takes the practitioner to progressively elevated levels of consciousness. The awakened Kundalini energy merges the individual consciousness of the practitioner with the vital consciousness of the entire universe and thus bestows upon them many divine, occult powers. It also brings upon the practitioner the realization that we are all spiritual being having a human experience. The keyword here is realization, that is, when the practitioners understand this as the truth in the very core of their being.
 
Kundalini Yoga is the highest form of yoga and all other forms of yoga are merely preparations of the mind and body for its practice. A focused and diligent practice of other forms of yoga will ultimately lead the practitioner in this direction, of its own accord, by raising their levels of consciousness.
 
In yogic traditions there is a mention of three types of spaces: Mahakasha, Chittakasha and Chidakasha, all derivatives of the word akasha which means sky in Sanskrit. Mahakasha means the space outer to oneself. Then comes Chittakasha or Mental Space, which is the abode of all thoughts, dreams and imaginations. All experiences at this level are hallucinations when compared to genuine spiritual experiences. And finally, we have the Chidakasha or Knowledge Space, which is where all genuine spiritual experiences take place. The practice of Kundalini Yoga gives us access to this Chidakasha.    
 
Kundalini Yoga is simply the most efficient method for balancing body, mind and spirit with the infinite nature of the Universe. Once the Kundalini energy is awakened and reaches the topmost chakra called the sahasrara the practitioner achieves spiritual enlightenment and experiences a state of joyfulness, which radiates in every aspect of their living.
 
 

Nicholas Martens is a long time practitioner of Yoga. For more information about Kundalini Yoga visit the Kundalini Yoga Site

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Yoga is a 6000-year-old form of exercise which not only disciplines the body but conditions the mind as well.

The practice of yoga is largely thought of as just the asanas (postures and exercises), but breath is really at the heart of yoga. Some have said “if you can breathe, then you can do yoga”. The use of breathing techniques to quiet your mind is one of the primary objectives of yoga.

The regular practice of yoga will make you intimately acquainted with yoga. You’ll learn proper techniques for breathing which will produce relaxation and stress relief and also help you to achieve better posture.

Our minds tend to wander; thinking of the future and the past constantly. With yoga, you’ll train yourself to consider the present – where we are, where our bodies exist. The practice of yoga through breathing techniques helps you to draw your thoughts inward and release all of your worries and tensions.

One of the refreshing aspects about yoga is that, even if only for a minute, you are able to focus and concentrate on the present, and you are learning to let go of the cares and concerns that can bring tension and disease to your body.

By practicing yoga, you will learn to breathe consciously which will make your mind attentive and focused on your practice. You will be able to maintain your thoughts in the present, sweeping aside worries and concerns.

Yoga has many breathing exercises which combat tension and bring a balanced mental state – to begin with, try this exercise.

* Lie or sit still in a comfortable position and be aware of your breathing.

* Continue by being aware of your breath but make your inhalations and your exhalations 4 counts each for several rounds.

* Next, make your inhalations and exhalations last for five counts each.

* Then increase the count to 6 for each inhalation and exhalation. Become aware of your body – make sure that it is relaxed.

* Continue this way until your inhalations and exhalations reach 9 counts. If this is causing you any discomfort, drop the count back down to more comfortable number for you.

* Keep focusing on your body and be aware of any tension. Make a conscious effort to relax any parts of your body that are tense.

* Whatever your final number of breaths is, continue breathing with long breaths for several rounds, then drop the counting and breathe naturally for 10 rounds.

What you should discover from this exercise, as well as with many of yoga’s other breathing exercises, is the ability to relax your thoughts and to still your mind so that you are present in your body. In time, you will eventually gain mastery over your breath so that you will be able to call on your breath to still your mind in times of stress and tension.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Kim Archer enjoys the health benefits and relaxation of yoga. A great source of information on this restorative practice can be found at Yoga Essentials.

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Patanjalis Yoga Sutras

Patanjalis Yoga Sutras is a text that covers many aspects of life, beginning with a code of conduct and ending with the goal of yoga, a vision of ones true Self. The PantajalisYoga Sutras is probably the most authoritative text on yoga. It defines yoga as a focusing of the attention to whatever object is being contemplated to the exclusion of all others. Yoga isnt only about postures, or meditation, it is a way of life, or religion. In this influencing scripture there are eight steps to awakening or enlightenment through yoga. These eight astanga or limbs of yoga are: yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

The yamas consist of lessons in moral and social conduct in our environment. It teaches us to restrain from lying, stealing, and greed. Non-violence and consideration toward all living things is the key. Communication with sensitivity towards others and moderation in all things we do is revered.

The niyama focuses on attitudes towards ourselves: compromising, cleanliness, serenity, devotion, and asceticism. One should study and reverence to a higher intelligence. There is an acceptance of our limitations in relation to God. It is key to have removed the impurities from the mind and body.

In the asanas, one focuses on posture practice, positioning the body while incorporating the breath to achieve a greater awareness in the mind. One is alert and relaxed without tension, while observing the reactions of the body and breath to various postures. This minimizes the effect of the external influences on the body, such as diet and climate.

Pranayama, or the restraint and control of the breath, helps with concentration, energizing and balancing of the mind and body.

Pratyahara is the relaxation of the senses, where no distractions actually activate the mind.

Dharana, or concentration, is the ability to direct the mind toward a chosen object and focus in on it alone.

Dhyana, or meditation, is the ability to develop focused interactions with what we seek to understand.

Lastly, but most importantly, Samadhi is the ultimate state of Self-realization, or union with the Source.

Article Source: http://www.articleszoom.com

About the Author :
Robert Watson, noted hypnotist and owner of Yoga Instruction Therapy, a website dedicated to providing the best Yoga Articles on the internet.

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