DEFINING YOGA

Origins Kundalini is a holistic philosophy focused on healing and developing a pure, strong body and mind in order to receive the universal spirit and work for good in the world. Its roots are somewhat revolutionary, believed to have strong power that inspires self realization and elevated thinking, the practice was once discouraged in India and even banned from being taught. Kundalini yogis met and practiced in secret, passing traditions down verbally from teachers to students. In 1969, the master Yogi Bhajan brought the teachings of Kundalini, which literally translates to 'coiled one' and refers to the spiritual energy residing in each of us, with him from New Delhi to North America. He settled in Los Angeles, where he was dismayed to see people using drugs to pursue clarity and awareness. He made it his mission to foster a new group of teachers who could inspire others to cultivate strong bodies and enhanced intuition through healthy living, yoga and meditation. He taught them to use their practice to heal and nourish themselves, so they could engage as servants for good in the world.

What to expect Each class opens with a mantra which translates to, I bow to the universal spirit. I bow to the universal teacher that lies within me. 'Opening up to the universal teachings eliminates the ego of teacher and student,' says Seattle Kundalini teacher S. Anand Anma. 'It's not about me, it's about a universal truth coming through me.' Each class follows a basic pattern: a series, or kriya, of yoga poses to strengthen and purify the physical body, a relaxing, therapeutic shavasana, and meditation which can include chanting, mudra (hand positions), or specific eye focuses. At the end, the class sings a traditional song and closes with the phrase Sat Nam, which means, 'Truth is my identity.' Deep pranic breathing and meditation are key parts of this practice; each pose is combined with breath or meditation.

Signature Poses Most kriya postures are designed to address specific chakras, or energy centers, in the body. One classic kriya is 'stretch pose,' in which you lie on your back with legs raised at an angle, hold your hands over your navel with palms facing in, and use a series of quick breaths through the nose to vigorously pump the navel up and down. Another posture, frog pose, is a combination of deep squats and forward folds. Anand says that she intuits the kind of practice her students need, and teaches accordingly: one day she might lead a vigorous kriya, and another day she might teach a restorative practice. Kundalini classes are open to all levels and students shouldn't be intimidated or put off by a practice that seems too difficult or too easy. 'Whether you've never been to a class or you've been coming for years, you just listen to the body and you challenge the mind,' says Anand. ''Then, when we go into the real world beyond the yoga class, we are strengthened by our experience transcending challenge.'

By Julia Steinberger

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA