Haven Yoga Meditation explains the Benefits of Kundalini Yoga and How It Is Different to Other Forms of Yoga.
It is said that Kundalini Yoga was originally used in India by the warrior class in the Sikh religion. However, an examination of mystical literature and traditions showed that Kundalini, called by various names, seems to have been a universal phenomenon in esoteric teachings for perhaps three thousand years. Kundalini-type descriptions or experiences are found in esoteric teachings of the Egyptians, Tibetans, Chinese, some Native Americans, and Africa.
Kundalini was a rarity in the West before the 1970s until more attention became centred upon the consciousness. In 1932, for example, psychiatrist Carl G. Jung and others observed that the Kundalini experience was rarely seen in the West.
How is Kundalini Different?
Before every Kundalini Yoga class or practice session, we have to tune in with the mantra: ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO.
NG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO invokes the blessings of the Creator, tuning in to the Divine Teacher within each one of us. It links us with the entire line of spiritual teachers who have handed down this ancient wisdom from master to disciple through the ages.
Many people approach yoga from a purely physical standpoint, and that’s okay because it has tremendous physical benefits. But do not underestimate its other aspects! The effects go far deeper than just physical improvement. Kundalini Yoga is fundamentally the Yoga of Awareness.
We close the practice with another mantra – Sat Nam. Sat Nam’s meaning is true identity. ‘Sat’ means truth and ‘Nam’ means identity.
What are Kriyas?
The main part of the Kundalini class is called a kriya. Simply defined as “action” and “soul”, the Sanskrit word “kriya” is used for a combination of breathing, postures, and sounds we use to achieve a specific objective. When we begin with this practice, we are putting our actions into motion and are aware of the outcome that we desire. Much like planting a seed in the ground, we expect to bloom and reach our full potential through the work that we do. Each kriya that we decide to undertake has a different predetermined result. Each Kriya’s fundamental design should not change.
When we begin a kriya sequence, we are attempting to activate both physical and mental changes within our bodies. There are kriya sequences for a wide array of outcomes. With that in mind, you need to determine what your kriya is before you put it into action. For instance, you will find that there are specific kriyas to support liver function, balance the glandular system, increase the flexibility of the spine, boost circulation, detoxify and cleanse the body, and support healthy digestion.
The main idea behind a kriya sequence is that you feel physically and mentally different by the end of the practice. The sequences combine pranayama breathing techniques, asana poses, mantras (sacred sounds), eye-focus, and bandhas (body locks), to improve all areas of your body.
You can use the kriya sequences to help you to enter into a meditative state and start to feel a sense of connectedness to the inner self. Each set of moves and exercises has been specifically tailored to improve various parts of your life and being. You can practice these sequences both within your guided sessions and alone in the solitude of your own home. The more you practice this spiritual art form, the more you will feel prepared to advance to more complex kriyas. With experience and mastery of each kriya, it is possible to sense the chakras being activated within each individual asana, pranayama or Drishti.
The Benefits
The Kundalini practice unlocks various physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that are otherwise unavailable to us. Once you begin this particular practice and move forward, you will see that each of the sequences can have a varying effect on your mental and physical state.
Despite this undeniable fact, there are some common benefits that you may experience.
- Improves well-being
- Decreases stress levels
- Helps self-realisation
- Boosts Kundalini energy
- Allows control of life force
- Helps us shift awareness
Come along to the studio on a Friday morning and experience a Kundalini yoga class or try a Kundalini meditation with the sound bowls on a Thursday evening.
The Secret Life of Cells
Epigenetics is the study of how our environment and behaviours can affect the way our genes function. Our lifestyle and environment can put pressure on our bodies than can cause mostly reversible changes to the way our DNA is read ultimately altering its gene expression. These changes are unavoidable as epigenetic changes begin before we are born and is often to the benefit of our health.
Cells are the building blocks of life, and we can do little things such as sound meditation to ensure they’re in optimal health and not diseased.
Brainwaves in Detail and How They Affect the Brain
There are five types of brainwaves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. To bring about brain entrainment, use binaural beats that match each desired level of a brainwave.
Delta
Delta is the slowest of all brainwaves and occurs when you’re in a deep, restorative sleep state. These brainwaves measure at a range of 0.1-4 Hz.
Theta
Theta brainwaves are close to the spectrum of Delta brainwaves. These are slower than other brainwaves and measure at around 4-8 Hz and help with meditation and sleep during REM.
Alpha
Alpha brainwaves are due to a relaxed state of mind where you aren’t thinking as much. These brainwaves are measured at around 7-14 Hz and may help with relaxation and stress reduction.
Beta
Beta brainwaves are measured at 12-38 Hz and occur when you are awake and engaged. Sounds at this frequency may help with concentration and may increase your energy levels.
Gamma
Gamma is the fastest of all brainwaves and can oscillate to up 100 Hz and occurs when you are fully focused on a task. It’s often hard to measure Gamma frequencies as they oscillate so fast but can be found to be around 30-50 Hz.
Join us every Thursday evening starting at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome, no past experience is required. Take your first steps to a more profound experience of relaxation and restoration.
If you are located in Murarrie, Cannon Hill, Morningside, Balmoral, or Tingalpa, stop by our yoga studio at 16 Queensport Road South, Murarrie.
