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'''Kundalini yoga''' is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline comprised of the physical and meditative techniques found in the teachings of [[Raja yoga]], [[Shakti|Shakti yoga]], [[Bhakti yoga]], [[tantra]], [[Kriya yoga]], [[Laya yoga|Laya-yoga]], [[Nada yoga]] and the pillars and [[yoga sutras]] of [[Patanjali]].<ref>Guru Fatha Singh Khalsa, The Essential Gursikh Yogi: The Yoga and Yogis in the Past, Present and Future of Sikh Dharma, Toronto, Monkey Minds Press, 2008, 188-89, 210-12, 222-39.</ref><ref>Swami Sivananda Radha, Kundalini Yoga for the West, timeless, 2004, pages 14, 29, 43 |
'''Kundalini yoga''' is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline comprised of the physical and meditative techniques found in the teachings of [[Raja yoga]], [[Shakti|Shakti yoga]], [[Bhakti yoga]], [[tantra]], [[Kriya yoga]], [[Laya yoga|Laya-yoga]], [[Nada yoga]] and the pillars and [[yoga sutras]] of [[Patanjali]].<ref>Guru Fatha Singh Khalsa, The Essential Gursikh Yogi: The Yoga and Yogis in the Past, Present and Future of Sikh Dharma, Toronto, Monkey Minds Press, 2008, 188-89, 210-12, 222-39.</ref><ref>Swami Sivananda Radha, Kundalini Yoga for the West, timeless, 2004, pages 14, 29, 43</ref> |
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Kundalini yoga is a highly developed spiritual science with a somewhat shrouded history which, according to one tradition, relies upon a technique called ''[[shaktipat]]'' to attain enlightenment under the guidance of a [[Guru|spiritual master]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~keutzer/kundalini/kundalini-yoga.html#4|title=Kundalini Yogas FAQ - So how do I awaken kundalini?|publisher=Eecs.berkeley.edu |date= |accessdate=2010-02-13}}</ref> Other traditions believe that [[kundalini energy]] can be awakened by openly practicing a combination of yogic techniques, including the use of [[mantra]], [[prana]] and breathing techniques, [[sadhana]], [[asana]] practice, [[meditation]], or purely through devotion and prayer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~keutzer/kundalini/kundalini-yoga.html#4|title=Kundalini Yogas FAQ - So how do I awaken kundalini?|publisher=Eecs.berkeley.edu |date= |accessdate=2010-02-13}}</ref> |
Kundalini yoga is a highly developed spiritual science with a somewhat shrouded history which, according to one tradition, relies upon a technique called ''[[shaktipat]]'' to attain enlightenment under the guidance of a [[Guru|spiritual master]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~keutzer/kundalini/kundalini-yoga.html#4|title=Kundalini Yogas FAQ - So how do I awaken kundalini?|publisher=Eecs.berkeley.edu |date= |accessdate=2010-02-13}}</ref> Other traditions believe that [[kundalini energy]] can be awakened by openly practicing a combination of yogic techniques, including the use of [[mantra]], [[prana]] and breathing techniques, [[sadhana]], [[asana]] practice, [[meditation]], or purely through devotion and prayer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/~keutzer/kundalini/kundalini-yoga.html#4|title=Kundalini Yogas FAQ - So how do I awaken kundalini?|publisher=Eecs.berkeley.edu |date= |accessdate=2010-02-13}}</ref> |
Revision as of 09:08, 7 July 2010
Kundalini yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline comprised of the physical and meditative techniques found in the teachings of Raja yoga, Shakti yoga, Bhakti yoga, tantra, Kriya yoga, Laya-yoga, Nada yoga and the pillars and yoga sutras of Patanjali.[1][2]
Kundalini yoga is a highly developed spiritual science with a somewhat shrouded history which, according to one tradition, relies upon a technique called shaktipat to attain enlightenment under the guidance of a spiritual master.[3] Other traditions believe that kundalini energy can be awakened by openly practicing a combination of yogic techniques, including the use of mantra, prana and breathing techniques, sadhana, asana practice, meditation, or purely through devotion and prayer.[4]
Underlying philosophy
According to Hindu philosophy, the kundalini is a spiritual energy or life force located at the base of the spine. It is conceptualized as a coiled up serpent (literally, 'kundalini' in Sanskrit is 'that which is coiled.' Sanskrit kund, "to burn"; kunda, "to coil or to spiral").
In the classical literature of Kashmir Saivism kundalini is described in three different manifestations. The first of these is as the universal energy or para-kundalini. The second of these is as the energizing function of the body-mind complex or prana-kundalini. The third of these is as consciousness or shakti-kundalini which simultaneously subsumes and intermediates between these two. Ultimately these three forms are the same but understanding these three different forms will help to understand the different manifestations of kundalini .[5]
The path of Kundalini is said to proceed from the Muladhara Chakra at the lower end of the spinal column up to the Sahasara Chakra at the top of the head. But its awakening is not thought to be a physical occurrence; it consists exclusively of a development in consciousness. According to some sources, awakening of kundalini brings with it pure joy, pure knowledge and pure love.[6][7]
The word 'Kundalini' can be traced to the Sanskrit word 'kundala', which means 'coiled'. Kundalini can therefore be used to refer to the latent energy within the human body which is constantly trying to manifest as our insight, power and bliss. [8] According to one source, the word kundalini literally means "the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved.".[9][10] It is a metaphor, a poetic way of describing the flow of energy and consciousness which already is said to exist within each person. The practices are said to enable the person to merge with or "yoke" the universal self. This merging of individual consciousness with the universal consciousness is said to create a "divine union" called "yoga".[11]
Developmental perspective
Kundalini Yoga has been documented as a system of exercises and meditations which claims to provide extensive benefits for personal spiritual growth as well as improving mental and physical well-being. The physiological benefits cover a wide spectrum of ailments, including healing treatments for Alzheimer's disease[12], asthma, diabetes, pain, stress-related diseases, rehabilitating addictive behavior, and treating mental disorders.[13][14][15]
According to some traditions Kundalini techniques are only communicated from master to disciple once the disciple is deemed ready.[6] In these cases, yogic masters believe that in ascetic settings ignorance or refusal to follow instructions of a master can lead to harmful effects.[6] However, in a few instances teachers from India encouraged students to update and spread the teachings to the West, thereby putting doubt to this claim.[16]
Sovatsky,[17] a scholar of Yoga associated with transpersonal psychology, adapts a developmental and evolutionary perspective in his interpretation of Kundalini Yoga. That is, he interprets Kundalini Yoga as a catalyst for psycho-spiritual growth and bodily maturation. According to this interpretation of yoga, the body bows itself into greater maturation [...], none of which should be considered mere stretching exercises[18].
Cautionary observations
All intensive spiritual practices associated with Asian traditions require attentive practice. Psychiatric literature[19] notes that "Since the influx of eastern spiritual practices and the rising popularity of meditation starting in 1960s, many people have experienced a variety of psychological difficulties, either while engaged in intensive spiritual practice or spontaneously". Among the psychological difficulties associated with intensive spiritual practice we find "kundalini awakening", "a complex physio-psychospiritual transformative process described in the yogic tradition".[19] Also, writers in the fields of Transpersonal psychology[20] and Near-death studies[21][22] describe a complex pattern of sensory, motor, mental and affective symptoms associated within the concept of kundalini, known as kundalini syndrome. Often it will be found that negative experiences occur only when acting without appropriate guidance or ignoring advice.[23]
Notes
- ^ Guru Fatha Singh Khalsa, The Essential Gursikh Yogi: The Yoga and Yogis in the Past, Present and Future of Sikh Dharma, Toronto, Monkey Minds Press, 2008, 188-89, 210-12, 222-39.
- ^ Swami Sivananda Radha, Kundalini Yoga for the West, timeless, 2004, pages 14, 29, 43
- ^ "Kundalini Yogas FAQ - So how do I awaken kundalini?". Eecs.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- ^ "Kundalini Yogas FAQ - So how do I awaken kundalini?". Eecs.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- ^ "Kundalini Yogas FAQ". Eecs.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
- ^ a b c Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, The hidden power in humans, Ibera Verlag, pages 47, 48. ISBN 3-85052-197-4
- ^ Swami Sivananda Radha, Kundalini Yoga for the West, timeless, 2004, pages 13, 15
- ^ http://www.heartcenteredtherapies.org/go/docs/Kundalini%20Meditation%20-%20Article%20by%20John%20Selby.pdf
- ^ Satya July 99: Kundalini Yoga by Deborah Clapp[dead link]
- ^ "Yogi Bhajan". Store.goldenbridgeyoga.com. 1969-01-05. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
- ^ design@lancasters.co.uk. "What is Kundalini yoga?". Kundaliniyoga.org.uk. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
- ^ WebMD Alzheimer's Disease Health Center: 'Can Meditation Reverse Memory Loss?' From the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
- ^ Congressional Honorary Resolution 521 US Library of Congress
- ^ David Shannahoff-Khalsa, Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Complex Psychiatric Disorders: Techniques Specific for Treating the Psychoses, Personality, and Pervasive Development Disorders, 2010
- ^ David Shannahoff-Khalsa, Kundalini Yoga Meditation: Techniques Specific for Psychiatric Disorders, Couples Therapy, and Personal Growth, 2007
- ^ Swami Sivananda Radha, Kundalini Yoga for the West, timeless, 2004, pages 13, 23
- ^ Sovatsky, 1998: p. 6, 82, 142
- ^ Sovatsky, 1998: p. 142
- ^ a b Turner et al.,pg. 440
- ^ Scotton, 1996
- ^ Kason, 2000
- ^ Greyson, 2000
- ^ Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, The hidden power in humans, Ibera Verlag, pages 47, 48, 49.
References
- Arambula P, Peper E, Kawakami M, Gibney KH. (2001) The Physiological Correlates of Kundalini Yoga Meditation: A Study of a Yoga Master, Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback, Jun 2001; 26(2): 147 - 53, PubMed Abstract PMID 11480165.
- Cromie, William J. (2002) Research: Meditation Changes Temperatures: Mind Controls Body in Extreme Experiments. Harvard University Gazette, April 18, 2002
- Greyson, Bruce (2000) Some Neuropsychological Correlates Of The Physio-Kundalini Syndrome. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, Vol.32, No. 2
- Laue, Thorsten: Kundalini Yoga, Yogi Tee und das Wassermannzeitalter. Bibliografische Einblicke in die Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO) des Yogi Bhajan. Tübingen: 2008. Online abrufbar unter: http://tobias-lib.ub.uni-tuebingen.de/volltexte/2008/3596/ [in German]
- Laue, Thorsten: Kundalini Yoga, Yogi Tee und das Wassermannzeitalter. Religionswissenschaftliche Einblicke in die Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO) des Yogi Bhajan, Münster: LIT, 2007, ISBN 3825801403
- Kason, Yvonne (2000) Farther Shores: Exploring How Near-Death, Kundalini and Mystical Experiences Can Transform Ordinary Lives. Toronto: Harper Collins Publishers, Revised edition, ISBN 0-00-638624-5
- Lazar, Sara W.; Bush, George; Gollub, Randy L.; Fricchione, Gregory L.; Khalsa, Gurucharan; Benson, Herbert (2000) Functional Brain Mapping of the Relaxation Response and Meditation, [Autonomic Nervous System] NeuroReport, Vol. 11(7) May 15, 2000, p 1581 - 1585, PubMed Abstract PMID 10841380
- Narayan R, Kamat A, Khanolkar M, Kamat S, Desai SR, Dhume RA. (1990) Quantitative Evaluation of Muscle Relaxation Induced by Kundalini Yoga with the Help of EMG Integrator. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. Oct 1990; 34(4): 279 - 81, PubMed Abstract PMID 2100290.
- Peng CK, Mietus JE, Liu Y, Khalsa G, Douglas PS, Benson H, Goldberger AL. (1999) Exaggerated Heart Rate Oscillations During Two Meditation Techniques. Int J Cardiol, Jul 31, 1999; 70(2): 101 - 7, PubMed Abstract PMID 10454297.
- Scotton, Bruce (1996) The phenomenology and treatment of kundalini, in Chinen, Scotton and Battista (Editors) (1996) Textbook of transpersonal psychiatry and psychology. (pp. 261–270). New York: Basic Books, Inc
- Sovatsky, Stuart (1998) Words from the Soul: Time, East/West Spirituality, and Psychotherapeutic Narrative, Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology, New York: State University of New York Press
- Turner, Robert P.; Lukoff, David; Barnhouse, Ruth Tiffany & Lu, Francis G. (1995) Religious or Spiritual Problem. A Culturally Sensitive Diagnostic Category in the DSM-IV. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease,Vol.183, No. 7 435-444
- Venkatesh S, Raju TR, Shivani Y, Tompkins G, Meti BL. (1997) A Study of Structure of Phenomenology of Consciousness in Meditative and Non-Meditative States. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, Apr 1997; 41(2): 149 - 53. PubMed Abstract PMID 9142560.