Advanced Kundalini Yoga

Technique
Kundalini Awakening Technique

An important aspect of dealing with Kundalini Shakti (energy) is to

concentrate your efforts on the purification and strengthening of your
systems and nadis (energy channels), and not prematurely use direct
methods to awaken Kundalini. For those of you who are unfamiliar
with Kundalini Shakti and Kundalini Yoga, you may want to first read
the following 2 articles: Introduction to the Science of Kundalini Yoga
& Kundalini Yogas Seven Chakra System Overview.

Having said the above, there are techniques, of course, that allow you
to stir and awaken Kundalini directly, and rise up from the state of
pure potentiality in which she resides at the base of the spine. In this
article I will present such a technique, but it should not be used in
isolation. It is though a valuable technique to learn and employ as
part of a complete Kundalini Yoga practice. Especially if your practice
has matured to a certain degree, and you have developed a strong
body and nervous system as a result of it.

It has been some time since I acknowledged on the website the

sources of my Kundalini Yoga knowledge, so before I proceed I would
like to mention that these techniques were taught to me by Ravi
Singh, who was a student of Yogi Bhajan. My deepest gratitude to
both of them for sharing this priceless wisdom with all of us.

This particular exercise will be part of the following 3 free e-books here
on Mastery of Meditation, as it is a Kundalini Yoga exercise, a type of
meditation, as well as a yoga breathing technique: Online Kundalini
Yoga Exercises, Free Yoga Breathing Exercises E-book & Free Online
Guided Meditation Techniques E-book.

This kundalini yoga technique is actually a form of advanced

pranayama (yogic science of breath control), and to perform it
successfully, requires an understanding of prana (life-force) and how it
functions within your body.

Within the energetic body (aka: psychic body/astral body/pranamaya

kosha), 5 distinct types of prana are at work; prana, apana, samana,
udana and vyana. Of these 5 types, the 2 most important are prana
and apana. Please note that by prana here (and going forward) I am
referring to the subtype and not the overall life force, which is also
called prana.

Prana works in the region from the neck down to the diaphragm and is
an upward moving force, while apana works form the navel down and
is a downward moving force. This pranayama is designed to reverse
the direction of apana and move it upwards to the level of the solar
plexus, while at the same time move prana down, such that they both
mix in the stomach region. This mixing then creates the spark which
ignites kundalini and causes her to awaken and rise up the shushumna
(central psychic channel).

More specifically, those familiar with the chakra system, will note that
we are moving apana into the region of the manipura chakra, which is
governed by fire. This elongates the flame, so to speak, which is then
stoked by the now downward moving prana. Creating the necessary
heat to awaken kundalini.

Advanced Yoga Technique to Awaken Kundalini

Illustration #1 Advanced Kundalini Awakening Technique

Illustration #2 Advanced Kundalini Awakening Technique

Advanced Yoga Technique to Awaken Kundalini:
a. Instructions for practicing Yoga Technique to Awaken Kundalini:

Sit in any comfortable cross legged posture. You can sit on a

chair if necessary. Keep your back and spine straight, and chin
pulled back and tucked in slightly like a soldier at attention
(variation of Jalandhara Bandha or neck lock)
As illustrated above, raise your arms up to shoulder level. Bend
the elbows up at 90 degrees and then have the palms facing
backwards, again making a ninety degree angle with your
wrists. The fingers are all extended.
Inhale deeply and hold your breath in (Antar Kumbhaka). Keep
the breath held in and relax your stomach. Now visualize prana
vayu (wind) moving downward towards the solar plexus, while
apana vayu moving up towards the solar plexus. Visualize them
mixing in that region, while keeping your breath held in during
this time. Do not over strain, and release your breath when
required.
After exhaling, inhale again and repeat the visualization.
Continue this process for 3 rounds. Each round being one breath
cycle (inhale hold visualize exhale).
After you complete your last cycle. Inhale, then exhale
completely and with your breath held out apply root lock
(mulabandha) for as long as you can. Root lock is the pulling up
and in of the rectum, sex organ and lower abdominal muscles all
at the same time.

b. Duration for Yoga Technique to Awaken Kundalini:

 Start with 3 rounds and build up from there. You can build upto 11 rounds or
more.

c. Benefits of Yoga Technique to Awaken Kundalini:

Creates the energy necessary to stimulate and awaken Kundalini Shakti.

Leading her to rise up the shushumna.
Develops your lung capacity and respiratory systems.
Strengthens and opens up your shoulders and arms.
Builds willpower and concentration.

d. Practice Tips for Yoga Technique to Awaken Kundalini:

This meditation technique requires you to be familiar with the prana and
apana vayus. Attending to your inhalation can help you understand prana
vayu and attending to the bodily forces that push downwards (excretion, etc)
can help familiarize you with apana vayu.
You can also adopt the practice of the following variation of Mula Bandha,
where you only contact and release the rectum muscle. In this case you are
learning to turn apana vayu upwards and gain familiarity with it. You can
practice applying and releasing mula bandha at any time during your sadhana
or otherwise.
You can practice with your hands down as well initially to develop other
aspects of this meditative technique.

Online Kundalini Yoga Kriyas Using Kundaini Awakening

Technique:

1. This powerful kundalini yoga pranayama can be added to the

beginning of any Kundalini Yoga Kriya. It is a good way to get
your sadhana (spiritual practice) started.