Learning Kundalini

Spirituality
#9

[QUOTE=angie.jewish;69835]I really like to know if yoga is better than Tai Chi. May be each one has things which the other doesn’t have.[/QUOTE]

Based on my personal experience (devoid of pseudo-authority) it might be safe to say that the practices of kunalini-yog build and harness the fire-energy, and the practices of qi gong and microcosmic orbit will help you trace the path of the subtle energies within your Body and Mind (spirit) which also helps you to control details of your Self.

All actions performed with true spiritual effort will yield results/transformation. It does not matter what continent the techniques came from, and yes they all have there own areas of specialty. It would be wise to experiment with a wide variety of practices until you find some that suit your Soul’s individual needs.

Namah

#10

I would not recommend the following popular groups associated with Kundalini Yoga today:

Sahaja Yoga
3HO(aka as ‘Kundalini Yoga’)

If you are serious about Kundalini Yoga, you should look into Kashmir Shivaism and other authentic tantra traditions. Traditional Hatha Yoga is also a Kundalini Yoga. Find a tradition that follows the traditional kind of Hatha Yoga. It will use a lot of mudras, bandhas and specific breathing techniques designed to cause the Kundalini to rise.

#11

[QUOTE=omshanti;70088]Based on my personal experience (devoid of pseudo-authority) it might be safe to say that the practices of kunalini-yog build and harness the fire-energy, and the practices of qi gong and microcosmic orbit will help you trace the path of the subtle energies within your Body and Mind (spirit) which also helps you to control details of your Self.

All actions performed with true spiritual effort will yield results/transformation. It does not matter what continent the techniques came from, and yes they all have there own areas of specialty. It would be wise to experiment with a wide variety of practices until you find some that suit your Soul’s individual needs.

Namah[/QUOTE]

Oh Ok. I think I agree with you.
Thanks for sharing your experience.

#12

yogiluver,

“Hello everyone. I have been practicing different styles of yoga for ten years and am now at a stage in my life where Kundalini seems to be resonating with me.”

You should inquire into why it is that you have been practicing various forms of yoga - and yet still you have remained discontented. If you had mastered even a single path of yoga- whether it is through Raja yoga, bhakti yoga, kriya yoga, jnana yoga, mantra yoga, or tantra yoga, then all desire to continue seeking elsewhere would have dropped immediately. Earlier on, perhaps many of those forms of yoga which you were practicing also resonated with you. But still, it has left a hunger in your belly. Now - Kundalini yoga is resonating with you. Why do you think the situation is going to be different ? Perhaps it is just another fleeting fascination.

When you are seriously committed along the path - what is important is not so much what path or approach you take, but that whatever path and whatever approach, you go all the way - with a one-pointedness which is like an arrow unwavering. Of course, if you want to investigate into all the various different possibilities to come to your enlightenment - even if you had a thousand lifetimes, you would not be able to master all of them.

If you are finding kundalini yoga to be the path for you - then just stick to kundalini yoga. But find a master who can guide you in the process, kundalini yoga is one of those forms of yoga which - to practice it without a master can be disasterous. Do not learn it from a teacher, because a teacher can transmit information, but he cannot assist you towards your transformation. Only one who has realized ones Buddhahood is capable of assisting you towards your own Buddhahood. Be careful as to whom you learn the science from. Teachers are as common as hair, while masters are as few as horns.

#13

So called enlightenment may not be something one can bring about, perhaps the best one can attempt is to avoid creating distractions and obstacles.

#14

I have understood that kundalini yoga is for people who are newly entering the world of yoga or meditation …

#15

“have understood that kundalini yoga is for people who are newly entering the world of yoga or meditation …”

It is not. Unless you are talking about the commercialized forms of “kundalini yoga” in the Western marketplace. Otherwise, kundalini yoga is a very ancient practice which was only transmitted secretly from master to disciple. There were very good reasons for it’s secrecy, because this energy which we are calling “kundalini” is of such intensity, that if you are tampering with it without the proper understanding, it can only create more damage than good. Many people have simply become insane, with all kinds of physical and psychological disorders, simply because they received an energy which their system was not prepared to handle. If you happen to awaken this without the necessary preparation, then it would be a bit like trying to pump 1000 volts in a machine which can only handle 50 volts. The awakening of kundalini, which is essentially the approach of the tantric sciences, can offer a tremendous acceleration in the expansion of consciousness - but it is not without enormous risks. So “kundalini yoga” is not something which is compatible with the masses, it is only for the relative few who can manage first of all to find a competant master, and to be willing to go through all of the tremendous discipline that is needed along a path like kundalini yoga. It is not a sit and do nothing approach, and the kind of practice that is done in these “kundalini yoga” centers in the West is usually not the type which is capable of producing results as far as enlightenment is concerned. You should try to be mindful to make the distinction - that every form of yoga, and I mean every form of yoga, that has come from the East to the West - has been distorted, bastardized, and commercialized to fulfill the desires of people in the marketplace. Even “Hatha Yoga”, which is itself a method to awaken kundalini and has it’s roots in tantra, and is also used as a method of preparation for Raja Yoga, sitting meditation, - is not being taught by competant teachers, and it’s original spirit has been tremendously corrupted.

If you want to learn “yoga” - not as a form of stretching or physical exercise, which is not even 5 percent of what “yoga” is - but if you want to learn yoga as a science for the expansion of consciousness towards the realization of one’s original nature, then what is needed is not a teacher, what is needed is a master. So if you are newly entering into the world of yoga, be sure to seek the guidance of a master. Or, if you have enough qualities such as enormous patience, a scientific attitude, discipline, one-pointedness - then you can discover the path entirely by your own. But to enter the path entirely by oneself and be successful is rare, as rare as finding a pearl in the desert. For the vast majority of individuals, they will need to seek the help of one who has come to a direct experience, as only direct experience can help lift the veils of delusion.

#16

If anyone is interested, I am student of Shaktipat Kundalini Yoga, and I happily recommend my teacher if you want to learn more about this tradition of Yoga. Her name is Durga Ma, and she offers instruction in meditation at all levels, regardless of where you are currently. This includes Surrender Meditation, which is the deepest practice of Shaktipat Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini can be dangerous if it is willfully forced to awaken. Through Surrender Meditation, kundalini is naturally and safely awakened, which ultimately leads to Samadhi or enlightenment. Surrender Meditation is both the easiest and the most difficult practice I have ever encountered, but it “pays well.” Either way you go about it, I suggest you find an experienced teacher who has walked the path ahead of you.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions as best I can, or you can visit Durga Ma’s website at shaktipatkundaliniyoga.com

Nameste

#17

[QUOTE=AmirMourad;71293]… every form of yoga, and I mean every form of yoga, that has come from the East to the West - has been distorted, bastardized, and commercialized to fulfill the desires of people in the marketplace. Even “Hatha Yoga”, which is itself a method to awaken kundalini and has it’s roots in tantra, and is also used as a method of preparation for Raja Yoga, sitting meditation…[/QUOTE]

Greetings.

My forum nick here is the same as on ZFI ( www . zenforuminternational . org / viewtopic . php?f=64&t=7638 ).

Living in a remote rural area, in the South of Chile, for several years, in an isolated from world natural settings, with [almost] all the time dedicated to practice, reading, and taking care of [very basic] day-to-day living.

Having read Amir Mourad’s statements, viz., 1. ‘Until one’s whole life has been set aflame with one-pointedness towards coming to insight into yourself as you are, there can be no practice of so called “yoga”.’, 2. ‘every form of yoga, and I mean every form of yoga, that has come from the East to the West - has been distorted’, and the note regarding ‘the commercialized forms of “kundalini yoga” in the Western marketplace’, I’d basically agree.

I am here by no means to discuss any sort of Zen Buddhist matters, but rather to ask questions related to the post-“kundalini awakening” processes, the usual “timing” [in months, and in years] of such processes, the outcome of these, the accompanying events, and manifestations, and the like things. This would be on behalf of someone [not myself], who [like me] believes the Way is lifelong commitment, and thus lives/practices accordingly.

Hands palms together,

el gatito

#18

Oh thank AmirMourad for your explanation. So I need a Master, not a teacher as now I am having. Many people say that it is dificult to find the correct Master…

#19

Dear Angie,

Durga Ma has written a series of articles on what a guru is, how to find a guru, the guru relationship, and more importantly, how to avoid guru’s that abuse.

Go to the URL in my signature and click on “Articles and Videos.” Scroll down toward the bottom to find the series on gurus. There are also some other interesting articles on meditation, shaktipat, kundalini, etc.

Warmly,
Arthur

#20

I am new to this forum, and live a long way away from any teachers. I am self taught in yoga and meditations, following my inner guidance. I am doiing a lot of reading and trying out different styles, different ways. A couple of years ago I became vegetarian and started practicing pranayama as taught by Swami Ramdev, I learned via DVD’s. It is hard to find the right way the right approach, but for me to follow my inner guidance has worked now for many years. I also do Kundalini yoga, maybe not the true one but the benefits I have had is tremendous. My physical , mental and emotional being is healing on a deep level, to me this is the most important way if you benefit from what you are doing follow it. Follow your inner guidance.

Just my thoughts
Barbara

#21

[QUOTE=Babs;71924]I am new to this forum, and live a long way away from any teachers. I am self taught in yoga and meditations, following my inner guidance. I am doiing a lot of reading and trying out different styles, different ways. A couple of years ago I became vegetarian and started practicing pranayama as taught by Swami Ramdev, I learned via DVD’s. It is hard to find the right way the right approach, but for me to follow my inner guidance has worked now for many years. I also do Kundalini yoga, maybe not the true one but the benefits I have had is tremendous. My physical , mental and emotional being is healing on a deep level, to me this is the most important way if you benefit from what you are doing follow it. Follow your inner guidance.

Just my thoughts
Barbara[/QUOTE]

Dear Barbara,

I do not want to disqualify the importance of inner guidance, for surely it has merit. Also, I am happy to hear about the benefits you are enjoying. However, the guru/disciple tradition is not an arbitrary one. I encourage you to find a self-realized teacher who can offer you guidance, even if that teacher is not geographically near. The truth is that very few people can pull themselves up by the bootstraps and plumb the depths of Self all on their own. I am sure that there is some individual living in this world who can read a series of Time-Life books on the subject of construction and then, with no experience or personal training, go out and build a house, but you must recognize how rare that person would be.

If inner guidance was all that is necessary, why did you watch DVD’s teaching breathing techniques or attempt Kundalini Yoga? Isn’t it obvious that inner guidance alone is insufficient for most? An experienced teacher is an indispensable resource; don’t deprive your self of such a valuable tool. “No man is an island.” We need one another. The guru needs to pass on his understanding and experience as a part of his/her journey, and the disciple needs the wisdom and experience that the sage has to offer.

I wish you all the best, and I sincerely hope you find what your heart is truly searching for.

Warmly,
Arthur

#22

Dear Arthur,
I fully agree with you, but while one has no guru or has not found the guru, following your inner guidance will help a lot as I have certainly experienced. I have gone through massive healing crisis, physical and mental by just keep on centering myself and following my inner guidance. Yes I have learned some ways and ideas from reading and researching the internet and put together my own routine or routines that suite what I need each day, having the awareness and observation to understand my body, mind and spirits need and then following this.
Well maybe you have some insights how I could find my master.
Thanks
Barbara

#23

[QUOTE=Babs;71927]Dear Arthur,
I fully agree with you, but while one has no guru or has not found the guru, following your inner guidance will help a lot as I have certainly experienced. I have gone through massive healing crisis, physical and mental by just keep on centering myself and following my inner guidance. Yes I have learned some ways and ideas from reading and researching the internet and put together my own routine or routines that suite what I need each day, having the awareness and observation to understand my body, mind and spirits need and then following this.
Well maybe you have some insights how I could find my master.
Thanks
Barbara[/QUOTE]

Dear Barbara,

I empathize with what you are saying, and I think most of us can relate to some degree. You don’t currently have a teacher, but you still have a desire to grow and even be transformed. Like I said earlier, I don’t want to devalue your inner guidance (inner guru), because it is very useful and even necessary. I only want to encourage to continue searching for someone who has traveled ahead of you and can provide guidance based on hard earned experience.

Unless you are fortunate enough to have someone like this nearby, you may need to travel. I don’t know if I can help give you any more detailed help than this, but feel free to PM if you like. I will do what I can.

Warmly,
Arthur

#24

yogiluver, what do you mean by a cultish vibe ? it is easy in the west to forget that the eastern approach to spirituality is very different than the approach of the west to life that some of it might look “cultish”… like surrendering to the guru with complete trust and so on.

#25

Atmadarshan_1,

Yogilover is referring to the hundreds of cults in America, India, etc. - Surrendering to such a cult guru is certain spiritual and mental death. He is wise to ask such questions. If you honestly do not know the different between a cult and an authentic teacher, check out the show “Guru Busters” on YouTube. Also you could research the cults of Osho/Rajneesh, Mahesh Yogi, ISKON, Mormonism, Scientology and so on. Namaskar.

#26

Properly understanding the meaning of the word cult will bring realization that any group can be categorized as a cult.

#27

Ray,

When I am using the word ‘cult’ I am referring to the sects that teach hypocritical doctrines, surrender to an impersonal god-head-guru-person (“Sri Mataji” etc.), extort their followers for money, and subject them to dehumanizing conditions. I am not referring to ancient cults of Sanatan Dharma etc. I am speaking of modern day cults like OSHO, Mahesh Yogi, Mataji/Sahaja Yoga, Kriyananda, etc.

Do you understand my meaning? It is different than your meaning.

#28

[QUOTE=omshanti;72432]
Do you understand my meaning? It is different than your meaning.[/QUOTE]

I assumed the way you intended, realizing there is nothing negative with the word cult; Alcoholics Anonymous can be defined as a cult, along with any political party, religion or any other organization, I understand your intent.

Consider substituting “spiritual circus” for “cult”?