Today its the anniversary of the birth of Yogi Bhajan (1929-2004), the man who brought Kundalini Yoga to the western world. Since my physician recently inquired about Kundalini Yoga, I thought this would be an appropriate day to share a little about this style of yoga.
Who was Yogi Bhajan?
Yogi Bhajan
Born Harbhajan Singh Pur, and later know as Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji or Yogi Bhujan, he grew up in Punjab (now Pakistan) until the violent separation of India in 1947, when his family fled to New Delhi as refugees. He practiced yoga from an early age, being declared an expert at the age of sixteen. Emigrating to Canada in 1968, he soon moved to California, where in 1969 he founded the 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy Organization) on the belief that every individual deserves the right to be happy, healthy and holy. He was one of few yogis who followed the Sikh gurus and throughout his life fought for Sikh rights and unity. Upon his death Yoga Journal commented ”In time, he became an influential figure in modern yoga, attracting a large and devoted following; today there are more than 4,000 Kundalini Yoga teachers at 300 centers in 35 countries.”
What is Kundalini?
Kundalini is a Sanskrit word that means coil and refers to the life energy (prana) within us all. It is often represented as a sleeping serpent at the base of the spine. The goal is to awaken this sleeping serpent and allow the life energy to flow up the spine through the subtle central channel. When Kundalini is awakened it will release the knots, cleanse, and open the chakras, increasing energy, providing vitality, and ultimately spiritual enlightenment.
How we we awaken Kundalini?
Kundalini yoga involves numerous asanas done in series (kriya) combined with breathing techniques which intensify the effects of the poses to purify and cleanse the energy channels. Kundalini can be physcially demanding, yet the practise also involves a spiritual side. Here is a great beginners kundalini video The Morning WakeUp Set.
Where to go for more information?
There are a number of great resources if you are interested in learning more. Please visit Anmol Mehta’s blog for free Kundalini yoga poses and exercises. Also the Kriya yoga site provides information on the more spiritual aspects of the practice.
Kundalini can be very energizing and a lot of fun. Best of luck as you explore this yoga style. Send me some feedback regarding your experiences with Kundalini yoga.
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I like those Kundalini excercises and that video you are featuring. Do you have any posts or more info on “breath of fire”?
There is a great youtube video which teaches breath of fire here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zedVvFEh1ck&feature=related
Good luck
Thanks Donna,
Excellent video. I am going to practice that.
Thanks Donna – Kundalini yoga is one of the kinds of yoga I have not tried, although from your article, it sounds like something I would really enjoy! I am going to check out the other resources you have posted and give it a try. Also – Aruna – I am really excited to hear that Snatam Kaur has a kids yoga CD. I will now search for it on iTunes. I love her voice and my daughter listens to her Celebrate Peace and Grace CDs while falling asleep.
Hi Donna, great idea to explore the different kinds of yoga. I’ve done mostly kundalini yoga for about 15 years. I like it because it has a lot of variety. I had the opportunity to see Yogi Bhajan speak at retreats many times and he is quite an inspiration. His motto for a teacher was to “Poke, provoke, and elevate.”
I Love the KY and it has a lot of fun stuff for kids to do too. Plus Yogi Bhajan really loved music, the body of music he inspired is captivating (see Spirit Vogage’s website). One of the most beautiful singers I’ve heard is Snatam Kaur who has a sweet kids yoga CD and DVD.
Sat Nam!