Kundalini literally translates as ‘coiled serpent’, and refers to the dormant creative soul energy lying at the base of our spine, that most of us are never aware even of, let alone manage to tap in to. Kundalini Yoga is often referred to as the Yoga of Awareness – the science, or technology, that enables you to unlock the infinite creative power that lies within and realise your own true nature. Kundalini is designed to offer both the union & personal experience of your infinite & finite self – or in easier to understand terms – of your ego or human self and your spirit or soul. The most frequently used mantra in Kundalini Yoga is in fact “Sat Nam” which translates as “Truth is my Identity”.
Kundalini was traditionally only taught to those who were already considered Masters, but in 1969 Yogi Bhajan brought this ancient technology to the West in response to what he felt was a cry for freedom and for truth, very much reflected in the Flower Power Hippie culture of the 60s. He carried a message that although the pursuit of freedom was admirable, the youth of the time were looking in all the wrong places, and that drugs and alcohol only provided the illusion of freedom – oblivion rather than transcendence. He started to teach Kundalini Yoga and a following was rapidly born. Yogi Bhajan was very clear however around the importance of following the path not the person, and expressed this by often sharing ´´don’t love me, love my teachings´´. The teachings are the universal and timeless truth born from the wisdom of those who came before – the teacher is the messenger.
Unlike yoga styles we tend to be more familiar with in the West such as Ashtanga, Hatha or Bikram Yoga, Kundalini Yoga is not Asana (posture) based – it is Kriya Based. A Kriya is an exercise, often dynamic, designed to create a specific effect or energetic outcome. The kriyas include synchronizing this movement with breath (pranayama), mantra and even rhythmic music. These excercises work in a very unique way to condition your body both internally and externally, working on muscle strength and flexibility as well as your cirulatory, nervous, and endocrine systems. Yogi Bhajan compared our bodies to a car saying that if you dont service it regularly and look after its internal mechanics, you cant expect it to run smoothly for long!
Kundalini Yoga is said to be the fast track to enlightenment, to true awareness – it is the King or Raj yoga. As Yogi Bhajan explained, ´´ in yoga, this is how it is: twelve years of Hatha Yoga plus three years of Mantra Yoga, plus one year of Laya Yoga is equal to the effect of just one year of Kundalini Yoga. I have not written this, so don’t blame me, it is in the yogic scriptures´´. Just as someone may prefer to travel by boat than by jet plane – neither is better, one simply gets there faster!
My own life and need to evolve has lead me to seek; seek higher, dig deeper, go further – to reach for truth with passion and fire. This has lead me headfirst in to a love affair with Kundalini Yoga. As described above, Kundalini Yoga is fast and fierce. Each experience with it is beautiful & unique. The first class I took was elevating, intoxicating and electrifying; I knew I had been given a taste of something I wanted more of.
Kundalini Yoga will uplift you. It will challenge you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It will lovingly trip you out of your comfort zone and then sweep you up in to the great beyond. Kundalini Yoga is a journey, and I hope that you might walk (or perhaps skip, run, jump & dance) with me a little on the path to truth and freedom. Sat Nam Yogis.
Aimee Rai – KRI (The Kundalini Research Institute) & Yoga Lifestyle Ibiza
We are very excited for Aimee to be bringing Kundalini Yoga Classes as taught by Yogi Bhajan to Radiant Yoga Marbella over the coming months, along with special Kundalini Yoga Workshops for Women.
Radiant Yoga Marbella also offer a variety of yoga in our Marbella studio, including Hot Yoga (similar to Bikram Yoga but with more varied sequencing), Vinyasa Yoga & Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Anusara Yoga, Traditional Hatha Yoga & Kids Yoga
For further information please contact us, and do also keep an eye our events page for all our upcoming workshops!