Kundalini Yoga is known as the “mother of all yoga.” The word kundalini comes from the root “kundal,” meaning “coiled.” This coil is a reference to the snake-like, coiled life energy that often lies dormant and untapped in the body at the base of the spine. Kundalini yoga’s intent is to awaken the potential power in the body, activate the seven chakras, and allow the human experience to be realized more fully. That is why kundalini yoga has earned the name “the yoga of awareness.”

This yogic science has been transferred through oral tradition for thousands of years. It wasn’t until 1969 that after many years of training in India, that a brave teacher named Yogi Bhajan came to the West with a mission. Breaking the age-old traditions of secrecy, he shared this technology with a culture that he saw was in desperate need of a consciousness makeover. With a cosmic shift on the horizon, known as the Age of Aquarius, Yogi Bhajan began to teach in the West.
Thirty-seven years later, this yogic science has caught the attention of millions, inspiring classes, products, books and whole organizations. Yogi Bhajan has also started an annual Peace Prayer Day and has spread awareness about White Tantric Yoga through the Summer and Winter Solstice Yoga retreats. Until his passing in the fall of 2004, Yogi Bhajan made his life’s work to help all people realize that happiness is indeed our birthright.

How does it work? Kundalini yoga uses a variety of techniques that include asanas (postures), pranayamas (breathing exercises), mantras (chanting), mudras (hand postures), kriyas (cleansing actions) and meditations. It is a very practical kind of yoga; the effects are immediate, and long-term. It is accessible to beginner to advanced yogis. One need not resort to the monk lifestyle in order to access the spiritual and physical awareness that can come from practicing this yoga.
A typical class runs from one and a half to two hours long and includes tuning in with the opening mantra, the classic thirty-minute kundalini warm up, and completing a specific set of poses, or “kriya,” that are designed for a specific action in the body. For example, one class may be a rigorous “detoxification and vitality” set, including lots of body stimulation, sweating and repetitive actions designed to release impurities in the body. Another class may focus on the “balancing the head and heart,” facilitating energy work between the mind and emotions. This yoga kriya includes opening the chest, lungs, shoulders and heart center, and includes lots of chanting and deep breathing. With the flow of a typical class, the “kriya” is often followed with a meditation, chanting and/or relaxation and ends with the classic “Long Time Sunshine Song.” Each class is dynamic and unique, so one does not truly get the full kundalini yoga experience through just one class. At least six classes are recommended in order to sample the wide array offered in this style.

Kundalini yoga is of a devotional nature. The science of kundalini yoga offers practical techniques that address the full human; physical, emotional and spiritual. Through Kundalini, people become empowered to heal themselves on all levels and become more fully awake.

Melanie MacNeil, also known as Hari Rai Kaur, has been practicing and teaching Kundalini Yoga for the last ten years. She teaches at the Future of Traditions on Wednesday from 5:30-7. For more information about kundalini yoga classes offered in the Asheville area, please contact her at melmacpink@hotmail.com or 828-215-7358.

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