Spirit Voyage sets on a journey of wellness with Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is the most powerful part of meditative discipline within the tradition of Yoga . It deals with a set of advanced yoga exercises. The exercises are also sometimes referred to as Kriya Yoga. According to Hindu tradition Kundalini yoga is one of the purest forms of spiritual science that leads to enlightenment and God-Realization under the guidance of a Spiritual Master. The awakening of kundalini means awakening of inner knowledge. The practice of Kundalini yoga evokes the inner organs and senses to such a sublime state that one feels elevated from the mundane zone. Kundalini Yoga helps to detox and destress oneself from the tensions and stress posed by this fast pacing world.

Kundalini yoga is a form of yoga that combines postures (asanas), breath (pranayam), and chanting (mantra). Kundalini is a Sanskrit word that means "coil" and refers to energy that is "coiled" at the base of the spine.  Through the practice of asana, pranayama and mantra, this energy is stimulated and rises through the chakras, also known as energy centers, in the body, creating better health, clarity of mind and a more enlightened state of consciousness. Most yoga teachers and scholars recognize the 7 major chakras in the body, adding the aura and numerous minor chakras throughout the body.

The most widely taught form of Kundalini yoga was popularized by Yogi Bhajan who traveled from India to the West in the late 1960's.  Kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan  includes kriyas, which are either single postures or a series of postures practiced in sequence accompanied by mantras. Kundalini yoga contains nearly all of the classical hatha yoga postures, but also contains many additional asanas not found in hatha yoga.  One of the unique features of Kundalini Yoga is that many of its asanas involve motion within the posture, as opposed to the more traditional practice of holding a solid posture, perfecting its perfect form as practiced in many of the other forms of yoga.

Kundalini Yogis generally practice a daily early morning sadhana, which includes the recitation of Japji Sahib, a prayer written by Guru Nanak, followed by a yoga set, and concludes with chanting meditations or mantras. The sanskrit word "sadhana" means "daily spiritual practice" which generally includes yoga, meditation, pranayama, and/or seva. Seva is selfless service or the act of helping others.

Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan has a very strong practice of chanting mantras, primarily ones from Sikh scriptures as well as traditional Hindu texts and some English song. All Kundalini classes open by chanting the mantra 'Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo' and end by singing the song 'May the Long Time Sun Shine Upon You.' Within the class there is usually additional use of mantra, both incorporated in specific kriyas or postures and on their own as meditations.

Yoga music is incorporated into many forms of yoga, but Kundalini Yoga seems to make the most use of music for yoga and for meditation.  As such, the recording of Kundalini Yoga music has become very prolific and there are a growing number of yoga music CDs being released for use with Kundalini Yoga. The most well-known artist in Kundalini yoga music and meditation music genre is best-selling musician, Snatam Kaur, whose music is reaching audiences around the globe. So indulge religiously in the practice of kundalini yoga and feel the power within yourself.