Kundalini Yoga are a set of exercises
done in a particular sequence to work on a specific theme. There are a
wide range of Kriyas available, each refined over thousands of years to
optimize their effectiveness. Kriyas utilize all the available
Kundalini Yoga mechanisms to work their magic. They employ asans
(postures), movement, pranayam (breathing exercises), bandhas (body
locks), mantras (sound vibrations), mudras (hand positions), laya yoga
(yoga of rhythm and sound), mental focus and meditation to do their
work.
Dynamic movement and asans bring
expanding and contracting pressure via multiple angles to various areas
of the body, this is accompanied with powerful pranayams, the combined
effect of which is that the target regions are saturated with highly
charged and oxygenated blood. This nutrient rich blood fills the
capillaries forcing them to discharge toxins and other harmful elements,
which are then eliminated, neutralized or expelled by the body. The
health of the region thus improves and the nerves fire more completely,
the glands and organs are invigorated and regain their natural voltage
and secretion levels are returned to a condition of strength and
vitality.
The key above is the removal of
blockages (granthis) that is taking place on many levels of the organism
thus facilitating the flow of energy. There are Kriyas designed for
working on almost every part of the human system (Immune, Glandular,
Circulatory, Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Sexual, etc…), working on
our various traits and characteristics (Awareness, Intuition, Willpower,
Confidence, Compassion, Charisma, etc…) and also for healing many
different types of ailments and diseases. Lets now see how this ties in
with the Chakra (energy vortex) system.
There are 7 primary chakras that lie
all along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Associated
with each chakra are the primary nerve junctions and organs of that
region. Furthermore, each chakra is responsible for certain traits and
characteristics that make up our personality. When we strengthen and
rejuvenate the nerves and organs in a particular region, we are in fact
activating these energy centers that reside there and are thus working
on ourselves not only at a physical level, but also at an emotional and
mental level (by affecting our traits and characteristics). Practiced
over time, the chakras become charged and come into balance with each
other, bringing us into physical, emotional and mental well being.
Again, it should be noted that the work being done is primarily about
dissolving granthis (blockages) in these regions which introduce disease
and imbalance into the system by preventing the chakras from
functioning at their optimum level. Finally, let see how this relates to
Kundalini Shakti.
Kundalini is energy. It is the
fundamental energy whose flow through the organism allows for all its
systems to operate, at all levels of consciousness. It is the energy of
awareness, it can be said that where your awareness is, that is where
Kundalini is flowing or that where Kundalini is flowing is where your
awareness is. To awaken Kundalini means to dissipate blockages in the
gross and subtle systems in your being and allow for greater and greater
flow of energy and awareness. As blockages are cleared trapped energy
is released and pathways are cleared. Kundalini then is able to flow
freely though those regions, healing, nourishing, rejuvenating and
balancing them.
The dissipating of blockages can also
be thought of as the clearing away of the subconscious mind, the
collection of unresolved emotional and physical disturbances, where lies
the root of many of our attachments and fears. So overall Kundalini
Yoga is a system by which one, through the process of dissolving the
past, allows the infinite to shine through into the present.
Kundalini Awakening:
I am going to describe some of the
physical symptoms my students or I have felt due to kundalini
awakening. I know there are many emotional and mental symptoms as well,
and you are welcome to share those with us in the comments section
below. I am grouping the experiences into 3 categories, common,
uncommon and rare, according to what I have observed.
Common Kundalini Awakening Symptoms:
- Tingling in the body and brain region. Also sometimes described as
ants walking, tickling energy or flushes of energy. The brain being
flushed with energy is quite pleasant :-).
- Heat or cold in the system, or running along various channels and chakra centers.
- Fluttering or twitching of muscles.
- Pinching or burning in various regions of the body or brain.
Uncommon Kundalini Awakening Symptoms:
- Pressure in the Third Eye Region (Ajna Chakra). This is pressure,
tingling or other sensation in the center of the forehead. Can go on
for years (14 years and counting so far for me). Caution: If the
pressure, due to certain practices, intensifies to uncomfortable levels
you feel are “immense”, you should cease that practice and consult a
competent kundalini yoga teacher.
- Sudden bursts of energy anywhere in the body. These are almost always short lived, from a few seconds to a few minutes.
- Spontaneous yoga asans or kundalini yoga movements. They may come
on spontaneously, or they may take over, as if on auto-pilot when one is
practicing Kundalini Shakti rising up and elongating the spine.
- Incredible feeling of love and desire for your partner (not ordinary
lust, alcohol induced or otherwise :-). Usually comes upon you
spontaneously, deep in the night. Sex feels like it’s the first such
experience and the intense feelings of attraction emanate from somewhere
beyond yourself.
- Unfortunately, pain in the lower back, back of the neck and headaches.
Rare Kundalini Awakening Symptoms:
- Experience of divine light within.
Very intense light, usually pure white and incredibly beautiful. I call
it the Radiation of the Lord.
- Tremendous vibratory energy (sometimes
feels like it’s coming from the inner ears). Very blissful, but can
intensify to the point where it would completely overwhelm your
consciousness if you let it.
- Spontaneous bliss, intensely pleasurable.
- This one is a bit scary. Complete
paralysis of the body. Complete immobility and rigidity takes place.
As with the all consuming vibratory energy, it requires some courage to
allow.
- This one is exceedingly rare. I have
experienced it only once in my life, and have only ever read about it
being experienced by one other – the master of awareness, the arms and
legs churn like that of a baby. It happens naturally and cannot be
simulated. It is also intensely pleasurable and quite a remarkable
experience.
Source:
Blogs of Yogi Pratik
