The Technology of Transformation
A Unique Combination of Techniques
Kundalini Yoga, the yoga of awareness, is an ancient technology designed to cultivate the expansion of consciousness through the awakening and raising of Kundalini energy up the spine. This is accomplished by
Activating and opening the energy centers, called chakras, along the spine.
Mixing and uniting prana (life force) with apana (eliminating energy), which generates pressure to awaken the Kundalini and cause it to rise.
All forms of yoga have the same goals: (1) awakening to soul consciousness, (2) accessing spiritual energy, and (3) uniting human consciousness with Universal consciousness, the Divine Source, or God. Yogi Bhajan said Kundalini Yoga works 16 times faster than Hatha Yoga. We have no way (or need) to prove the numbers, but it is true that the practice of Kundalini Yoga produces results very quickly, which is due to the fact that it combines all aspects of the various traditional yoga practices, including:
Hatha Yoga - physical asanas
Raja Yoga - meditation to awaken the higher mind
Mantra, Japa, or Naad Yoga - repetition and chanting of sacred sounds
Pranayama - breathing and breath awareness
Bhakti Yoga - devotional prayer, meditation, and chanting
Karma Yoga - service
Tantric Yoga - union and balance of the polarities
Even though the various aspects of Kundalini Yoga appear similiar to other yogic practices, the approach, practice, techniques, benefits, and results of Kundalini Yoga are different from other systems. Kundalini Yoga is a unified system that operates with a unique dynamic. Its integration of many yogic techniques produces an awakening in consciousness that supersedes the results possible from the individual techniques alone. By regularly practicing Kundalini Yoga, we develop a radiance and depth of awareness very quickly. Dedicated practice generates a purified force field within our mind and energy bodies that make it possible to experience an awakened state of consciousness whereby we become aware of our Soul Self and the presence of the Infinite/Divine within.
Modern Yogis
Many yogic practices in the past required isolated environments, such as an ashram or monastic setting. Such traditional yoga practices also focused primarily on a withdrawal of the senses, with the intention of disconnecting from and transcending the physical body and escaping from the physical world. Both the focus and approach of Kundalini Yoga are radically different.
Rather than requiring one to renounce worldly affairs, the practice of Kundalini Yoga is geared towards householders, living within society and in a community. Instead of trying to escape the karma of relationships, children, and earning a living, the goal of Kundalini Yoga is to bring dharma, or spiritual living, into all aspects of human life.
Acceptance and enjoyment, not denial and rejection, of our body and our earthly journey are the goals. Instead of trying to shut down our sensory system, we turn our sensory awareness inward. By shifting our attention away from external distractions to inner self-focus, we can consciously connect with the energetic dynamics of our soul in our physical and emotional bodies. With increased awareness, we are better able to enjoy our humanness. We upgrade our physical experience and function better in the world.
How Kundalini Yoga Creates Transformation
Kriyas
Kundalini Yoga consists of kriyas of one or a series of exercises whose components and sequence are designed to produce effects that are greater than the sum of the parts. "Kriya" literally means "work" or "action."
Each kriya is a special combination of (1) exercises or postures (asanas), (2) breathing (pranayama), (3) hand and finger positions (mudras), (4) spinal alignments called locks (bhandas), and (5) sacred sounds (mantras), which together and in their prescribed sequence create specific effects.
The kriyas work simultaneously with all the systems of the body, including the circulatory, pulmonary, endocrine, muscular, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. The synergy of breathing techniques, postures, rhythmic movement, mantras, and attentive awareness produces powerful transformational effects. Here is what happens:
Pressure on a specific area or system of the body causes the blood to saturate that area.
The capillaries, cells, and organs in the areas being stimulated discharge their impurities and toxins into the bloodstream.
Our body is revitalized and rejuvenated as impurities are eliminated, the blood and body organs are purified, and the blood flow increases.
The pressure and increased blood flow impact the glandular system, causing the glands, which are associated with the specific chakra, to secrete their specialized chemicals, or hormones, awakening the energy center in that area.
The activated areas, and the body as a whole, begin to build a charge -- an increase in pranic energy.
The pranic charge, or voltage generated by the exercises and amplified by the glandular secretions, awakens nerve pathways (called nadis) throughout the body.
The purification and activation of all the body systems, the strengthening of the nervous system, and the increased electric charge all prepare us for the gradual awakening of the Kundalini.
We can think of our body as like a car with many battery cells (glands) working together. Each of our human batteries, similar to a car battery, is made up of water and chemicals. The voltage of each battery increases with a higher concentration of chemicals. The chemicals in our body are secreted by our glands. Our glandular secretions enhance and maintain the voltage in the body. (This is why it is said, you are as young as your glands.)
Awakening the Kundalini
Raising the Kundalini
Every human being contains an incurably powerful storehouse of soul energy symbolized as a sleeping serpent, coiled 3.5 times, at the base of the spine ("kundal" means "curl" or "coil"). Once awakened, it uncoils and ascends through the spinal column to the crown chakra at the top of the head, triggering a transcendent spiritual state of awareness.
By practicing the technology set out by Yogi Bhajan, the raising of Kundalini energy happens gradually. Yogi Bhajan often told us that it is not difficult to raise Kundalini. What is difficult and requires continuous work is keeping it up, i.e. maintaining and living higher consciousness. For Yogi Bhajan, what matters is out increased awareness and ability to live conscious lives.
Experiences of raising one's Kundalini vary widely. It is possible to experience Kundalini as heat or a liquid flow in the spine or to see it as brilliant light. Whatever the individual experience, it is usually a pleasant and even euphoric sensation.
Shaking, twitching, and other forms of uncontrolled movements are not the result of Kundalini rising. These movements of energy are indicators of (1) cleansing, (2) release of stress, and (3) a weak nervous system that must be strengthened to integrate the higher frequency Kundalini energy into our system.
Gradual Awakening
Spontaneous Kundalini awakenings can occur among practitioners of certain disciplines that try to forcefully raise the energy without preparing the physical body and nervous system to hold higher frequency energies. When the physical body us not strong enough and/or is affected by the use of recreational drugs, spontaneous Kundalini arousals can result trauma or mental disturbance.
Spontaneous awakenings can also occur in people who have never practiced Kundalini Yoga and have no idea of what is happening. There is no way to predict or control this phenomenon. However, we can prepare our body and nervous system to accommodate this potent energy. Kundalini Yoga as given by Yogi Bhajan prepares our body to integrate the energy as it is being slowly released.
It is important to reiterate that awakening our Kundalini through Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga is a gradual and often imperceptible process. Yogi Bhajan warned us to avoid seeking the glitter and to ficus on achieving an expansion of consciousness and living with a compassionate heart.
The Powerful Effects of Practicing Kundalini Yoga
The progressive and systemic transformation resulting from regular practice of Kundalini Yoga occurs because of the following changes in our physical and energetic systems.
All our body systems are cleansed, activated, and balanced, which results in an integrated interaction of all physiological and energetic systems. This creates a sense of peace, wholeness, and well-being.
The electromagnetic voltage of our body/mind is progressively amped up. As a result, our auric field becomes lighter, clearer, stronger, and more magnetic.
There is a gradual strengthening of the nervous system and opening of our chakra centers. As a result, we feel more alive, whole, protected, and empowered.
The increased voltage throughout our body, the activation of the glands to secrete their specialized chemicals, and the strengthening of the auric field have holistic, expansive, and balancing effects on our mind, emotions, and body.
As the body's energy channels gradually open, our mind, body, and emotions become receptive to and infused with higher frequency Universal Energies.
These channels then become available to carry the gradual activation of Kundalini -- the powerful energy of our soul. This happens as both the pranic energy (the life force generated from the combination of breathing and other techniques) and Kundalini energy increase and are diffused throughout our being.
As a result of all of the above, we experience increased creativity, vitality, clarity of mind, emotional balance, radiance, and an awakening of consciousness.
Profound Shifts from Kundalini Yoga
The interactive dynamics of the various components of Kundalini Yoga create profound transformation.
Raising Our Frequency and Purifying the Subconscious
Our physical and energetic bodies store the energetic imprints of beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes about our identity, others, and the world. These subconscious programs are hidden from our conscious awareness.
When we vibrate at lower frequencies (with fear, anger, anxiety, and sadness), our mind's focusing and attention mechanism is co-opted by the darkness (lack of light) of the imprint in our subconscious. Controlled by subconscious programming, we are sucked into reactive thoughts and driven by embedded compulsions and behaviors. We engage in self-criticism and have a poor self-image and low self-esteem.
With the practice of Kundalini Yoga, the electro-chemical balance of our body increases to bring about a system-wide vibratory frequency that is higher, brighter, more coherent, and more subtle. As the lower frequencies are upgraded, the electromagnetic radiance increases throughout and around our body. In other words, our aura becomes more coherent and our radiance gets brighter.
As our frequency increases, it becomes easier for out mind and body systems to let go of tension and to relax. The subconscious storehouse of impressions encoded in our physical and emotional bodies begins to dissolve, as the fear and anger stored in our body tissues, which constrict our organs and muscles, begin to release. As this process continues, we naturally and progressively let go of old ways of being and becomes available to experience higher states of awareness.
Awareness, Letting Go, and a Shift in Identity
As the grip of our subconscious loosens, the vibrations of fear and anger that separate our awareness from the Infinite and our soul gradually disappear.
As our subconscious imprints are released,
Our sense of identity becomes less linked to negative impressions and thoughts.
We feel a sense of peace and freedom, and experience a lightness of being.
Our sense of identity as an energetic presence of light becomes clearer and more available in our awareness.
We progressively react and relate differently to others and to our life challanges.
As we become more aware and continue to let go, we undergo a profound shift in consciousness:
We increase our ability to stay inwardly self-focused.
Our awareness deepens and becomes more subtle and refined.
We refine our self-concept to include subtle attributes that make us feel more authentic, accepting, and kind towards ourselves.
We begin to perceive our self as an energetic being of Love and Light -- a radiant field -- which we recognize as our soul.
A Different Relationship with Your Questions
It is normal for beginners to have many questions. When your thinking mind is in charge, you want specific answers and explanations about how things work and why. You believe that answers to your questions will bring you peace. But your mind continues to generate more questions, and your inner conflict is not attenuated. What you really need is a different relationship with your questions. What you really want is resolution and inner peace, which are available in your heart.
When you start your practice, it is advisable to write down all your questions and put this list away. The practice of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation will awaken in you another way to find answers to your questions. You will receive answers from within. You will learn to listen within instead of searching outside yourself. Through your own personal experience, you will graduate from trying to figure everything out to trusting your intuitive soul knowing.
The answers you receive may not be what you expect, but expectations get in the way. The cleanest way to find answers is to be in "discovery mode," making yourself available to listen, to receive, and to find guidance in whatever form it appears. All the above become available as your awareness expands. So focus on your practice and awakening, be patient, and stay alert. The Universe and your soul speak to you in many interesting and unexpected ways.
Just forgive, excel, and lead with grace to leave a legacy of kindness and compassion. - Yogi Bhajan
How Change Happens
Change happens because energies move. Our personal transformation happens when energy patterns shift in our mind and in our physical, emotional, and subtle bodies. We ons't get rid of "bad" or "negative" energy. We increase its frequency and create coherency so that is expressed differently in out being. Kundalini Yoga and Meditation practices modify energy on the following ways:
Move Energy We move energy so that blocked and repressed energy gets unstuck and vital pranic energy can flow and nurture all parts of our being.
Activate and Awaken We activate and awaken dormant energies so that asleep energies become available for use, i.e. we tap our creative potential and awaken out light.
Raise Frequency We raise the frequency of energies so that they can be expressed in elevated ways.
Infusion We infuse higher vibrations into our energy field by chanting mantras. As a result, our being resonates with and receives support from the Universal Field.
Alter Patterns We break up habitual patterns, create new circuitry, and imprint new patterns in our being. As a result, we are ale to shift our perceptions, thoughts, responses, and behavior.
Integrate We integrate the energies that are both activated in our body systems and become available from cosmic sources by relaxing, letting go, feeling, and enjoying their presence in our body.
Redirect We redirect energy so that we can us it more productively and become empowered human beings. We no longer live as a victim but as a conscious co-creator of our own lives.
Article transcribed from "Introduction to Kundalini Yoga and Meditation: Vol. 1 - begin and Deepen Your Practice," Part 1: Yoga of Awareness, 2. The Technology of Transformation by Guru Rattana, Ph.D.
