What is Kundalini Yoga ?
Kundalini Yoga is a powerful yogic tradition that contains elements thousands of years old yet suited for today’s world, it’s challenges and it’s victories. It combines asana (postures) with pranayam (breath) and mantra (sacred sound). The word yoga means “to yoke, to unite.” Kundalini yoga balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, and brings the mind, body and spirit into balance. Kundalini Yoga is also called the Yoga of Awareness. With regular practice, you become more aware of and live more from your authentic self.
At Yoga West we teach Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan®. For centuries, Kundalini Yoga was carefully handed down by oral tradition from master to disciple and was always kept secret. It was never taught openly until 1969 when Yogi Bhajan brought it to the West and began teaching publicly. Yoga West is strongly connected with the international Kundalini Yoga community and the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI) to serve and share the legacy of this powerful yogic path. We are dedicated to delivering the Teachings in their pure form, with the integrity befitting sacred Teachings.
A Kundalini Yoga Class
Note that due to COVID, though we are open, we currently are operating at limited capacity for in person, and offering live online classes concurrent with the in person class.
• Most classes at yoga class are 90 or 75 or 120 minutes and follows this structure:
• Opening chant to tune in
• Breathing exercises / warm-up exercises • Kriya (dynamic yoga set)
• Relaxation
• Meditation
• Closure
We invite you to experience the class with bare feet. Closing your eyes during class will help you stay within and experience the class more intensely.
• It is a good idea to come to class with an empty stomach. Try not to eat approximately 2 hours before class, to give enough time to digest.
• Good idea to drink water before you come to class and bring a bottle of water with you.
• Wear what you are going to be comfortable in. Light clothing that can breathe and is made of natural fabric such as cotton is best, with no constriction around the waist.
• Do not do Kundalini Yoga while under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs like cannabis or psychedelics.
“The primary objective of Kundalini is to awaken the full potential of human awareness in each individual; that is, recognize our awareness, refine that awareness, and expand that awareness to our unlimited Self. Clear any inner duality, create the power to deeply listen, cultivate inner stillness, and prosper and deliver excellence in all that we do.”
quick Facts about kundalini yoga
The earliest known origin of Kundalini Yoga mention dates to the sacred Vedic collection of writings known as the Upanishads (c. 1,000 B.C. - 500 B.C.).
It was brought to the West in 1969.
Yoga West is strongly connected with the international Kundalini Yoga community and the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI) to serve and share the legacy of this powerful path of yoga.
The purpose of Kundalini practice is to uncoil release your energy within.
Your teacher will wear (mostly) white clothes and a head covering. White contains all colors; it is all-inclusive and radiant. White clothing and a head covering are a sign of respect for and help to contain and manage the powerful kundalini energy.