Mudras For Yoga

Kundalini Developmentalism

The different stages in kundalini and spiritual awakening.

Excerpt from Words From the Soul: Time, East/West Spirituality and Psychotherapeutic Narrative (pgs. 162-165) by (pgs. 162-165) by Stuart Sovatsky

Read more here: » Kundalini Awakening: Kundalini Developmentalism

Kundalini Awakening

Kundalini awakening or pranic awakening and its cross-tradition similars-the spontaneous spinal rockings known in Judaism as davening and in Sufisim as zikr; the "taken-over" gyrations of gospel "holy ghost" shaking and dancing and charismatic/pentacostal "mani-festations"; the Dionysian "revel"; QuakerismÕs and Shakerism's autonomic quaking and shaking; Tai Chi guided by chi itself; the shamanic trance-dance; BuddhismÕs and Raja-YogaÕs effortless "straight back" (uju-kaya) meditation; the yogically derived ecstatic belly-dance and Flamenco; and even the full-bodied, spontaneous Reichian "reflex"-literally embody the spiritual path.

Read more here: » Kundalini Awakening: Kundalini and Sahaja Yoga (Spontaneous Yoga)

Viparitakarani Mudra

The Yogin who practises this for three hours daily conquers death. As the gastric fire is increased, those who practise this Mudra for a long time should take some light refreshment such as milk, etc., as soon as the Kriya is over. Sirshasana posture also is called Viparitakarani Mudra.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Viparitakarani Mudra: Practice of Viparitakarani Mudra

Kundalini Yoga

Thus far our soul psychotherapy has drawn from universal spiritual principles of gratitude, forgiveness, poignant impermanence, and the like, while remaining largely within the precincts of conventional developmental theory. In this chapter I broaden our scope more toward the body by delving into the farther reaches of human development as is becoming known in the West under the heading of kundalini yoga.

Read more here: » Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini Yoga and the Far Reaches of Human Development

During the Spiral Twists yoga position (Ardha Matsyendrasana) your vertebrae are mobilized; the exercises also allow more nourishment to reach the roots of the spinal nerves and the sympathetic nevous system.

Read more here: » Yoga Positions: Spinal Twisting - Yoga Position

While in recent years the word "yoga" has been heard more in gyms than in religious discourse, "yoga" in its original sense has little to do with exercise. "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit verb yuj, to yoke or unite. The goal of yoga is to unite oneself with God; the practice of yoga is the path we take to accomplish this.

Read more here: » Yoga: The Meaning of Yoga

Definition of the Locust yoga position (Shalabhasana): Lying face down with lifted legs.

Read more here: » Yoga Positions: The Locust - Yoga Position

Kundalini Dictionary

Dictionary over terms related to kundalini and kundalini awakening. Please note that words in grey like " Kundalini " are links to archives with related articles.

The Forward Bend yoga position (Paschimothanasana) looks, and is, simple - provided you relax into the position, rather than forcing yourself into it. The pose is one of the most powerful and important Asanas, helping to ease the spinal compression caused by standig upright.

Read more here: » Yoga Positions: Forward Bend - Yoga Position

The Bow yoga position (Dhanurasana) works all parts of your back simultaneously. In this asana, your head, chest, and legs are lifted, while your body rests on your abdomen. The pose is so named because as you hold it, your body is bent back like a bow and your arms are held straight and taut like a bowstring.

Read more here: » Yoga Poses: The Bow Pose - Yoga Poses

Definition of The Cobra yoga position (Bhujangasana): Coiling your upper body up and back.

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‘Trataka’ is steady gazing at a particular point or object without winking. Though this is one of the six purificatory exercises, it is mainly intended for developing concentration and mental focusing. It is very useful for the students of Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga.

Excerpt from the book Kundalini Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda.

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The process of acquiring healthy physical, emotional and mental attitudes begins when we recognise the need to live a wholesome life.The basic principles to follow in yoga are those propounded in the classical yoga principles of Maharishi Patanjali (500 BC). We should go to a yoga school that has a long history and tradition rather than posh schools with even more flashy 'gurus' who end up doing us more harm than good. We will be able to recognise the old traditional schools from method of teaching employed, which are generally simple and direct. The emphasis should be more on an individual participant experiencing these concepts rather than gaining an intellectual understanding or knowledge.

Read more here: » Yoga: Holistic Yoga Practices For Today

This FAQ gives an overview of those kundalini yoga practices which require conscious effort. Part I of III.

In Part III: 1) But even if kundalini is dangerous, isn't it a faster way to enlighenment?, 2) What are the origins of kundalini yoga?, 3) What is the classical literature of kundalini yoga?, 4) What is the precise role of the guru in kundalini yoga?, 5) Can't I learn it through books?, 6) Where can I gain instruction on kundalini yoga?, 7) Where can I learn more?

Read more here: » Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini Yogas FAQ (part III of III)

A Yoga Dictionary from Asanas to Zerosis

Note that all words in grey (like the following examples; Yoga, Kundalini, Enlightenment) in the dictionary are links to archives with articles related to that word or expression.

From "Easy Steps to Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Tantra: Experimental duplication

TANTRA Science relies upon the practical realization of its teachings. Here we are not dealing with endless talking and argumentation but instead with engaging ourselves fully and thoroughly in an exceptional practice which can lead the practitioner to Freedom, Pure Existence, Super-Consciousness, Beatitude and super-normal powers (SIDDHIS).

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‘Neti’ exercise is intended for the purification of the nostrils. The nostrils must be kept always clean. Unclean nostrils will lead you to irregular breathing. Irregular breathing will make you sick.

Excerpt from the book Kundalini Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda.

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Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra forms the basis of all yoga that is practised today. It contains knowledge which is useful for all, whether one is an evolved yogi, a developing sadhaka or an uninitiate.

In the Astanga Yoga, the eight constituents of yoga are discussed. Of these, the first constituent talks of the five Yama. These are the restraints every human being is advised to practise in day-to-day living.

(See also: Patanjali Yoga Sutras , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Patanjali’s Guide To Self-Evolution  

The broad spectrum of choices available to humans may be categorised into bhoga , roga and yoga. While the first two present a cause and effect syndrome, the latter opens up higher possibilities at the moral and spiritual levels. The practice of yoga can help us tide over the evil effects of indulgence; thus saving us from roga . Those who opt for bhoga , live life at the animalistic level. The satisfaction of organic needs is their sole concern.

An excessive obsession with bhoga leads to roga . Roga refers to physical and mental maladies. Medically too, over-indulgence affects both the digestive and nervous systems resulting in a wide range of diseases. Moral degradation, ethical decline, aesthetic impoverishment and spiritual blindness are natural concomitants.

(See also: Bhoga , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Bhoga: Choose Between Bhoga and Yoga  

The word Kundalini is a familiar one to all students of Yoga, as it is well known as the power, in the form of a coiled serpent, residing in Muladhara Chakra, the first of the seven Chakras, the other six being Svadhishthana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Visuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara, in order.
Excerpt from the book Kundalini Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Kundalini and Yoga: Kundalini in different yoga philosophies

Tantra: The Libido - thirst for Unity

Another aspect which is important in TANTRA YOGA is that the libido, when manifested as sexual drive, is not at all considered to be only sensuality but, at the innermost levels, as the soul's ardent yearning for spiritual perfection. Here the erotic impulse appears as the psyche's abyssal thirst to reach perfection through unity of complementary polar opposites. In this way, re-born as a genuine Androgyne of the Secret Tradition -- magical child of SHIVA and SHAKTI -- the Individual Spirit will have access to the highest levels of Consciousness.

Read more here: » Tantra Yoga: The Libido - thirst for Unity