mom sectionmom sectionWhen aroused, kundalini is a powerful bodily energy. It is said to unlock higher levels of consciousness and create experiences ranging from intense visions to greater mental peace, according to Buddhist and Hindu teachings. "Kundalini" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning coiled, and it is described as a potential energy that lies dormant, like a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. When aroused (or uncoiled), this energy moves up through the spinal column and through energy centers in the body. Two approaches for arousing it are immediate (direct) methods and mediate (indirect) methods.
Kundalini rising (also known as kundalini awakening) is an experience in which the energy coiled at the base of the spine is suddenly released into the rest of the body. The experience has been described as violent, divine, psychotic and blissful. For this reason, it is extremely important that, before beginning any technique to awaken the kundalini, you do so with the guidance of a yogi or yogini.
For breath meditation, elongate the spine so the crown of the head floats. Practice breath meditation with tips from a registered hatha yoga instructor in this free yoga video.
It is impossible to come to a meditative state without acknowledgment of the breath. Practice proper breathing in meditation with tips from a registered hatha yoga instructor in this free yoga video.
Though breathing is something we do all the time, few of us do it correctly. Rather than short and shallow, breathing should be long and deep. You can break bad breathing habits, and expend less physical effort in your poses by learning the right way to breathe in Hatha Yoga.
