The mother of all yoga: explore kundalini with yogini Melanie MacNeil.

Kundalini Yoga is known as the "mother of all yoga." The word kundalini comes from the root "kundal," meaning "coiled." This is a reference to the snake-like, coiled life energy that often lies dormant and untapped in the body at the base of the spine. Kundalini yoga's intent is to awaken the potential power in the body, activate the seven chakras, and allow the human experience to be realized more fully. That is why kundalini yoga has earned the name "the yoga of awareness."

This yogic science has been transferred through oral tradition for thousands of years. It wasn't until 1969 that after many years of training in India, that a brave teacher named Yogi Bhajan came to the West with a mission. Breaking the age-old traditions of secrecy, he shared this technology with a culture that he saw was in desperate need of a consciousness makeover. With a cosmic shift on the horizon, known as the Age of Aquarius, Yogi Bhajan began to teach in the West.

Thirty-seven years later, this yogic science has caught the attention of millions, inspiring classes, products, books and whole organizations. Yogi Bhajan has also started an annual Peace Prayer Day and has spread awareness about White Tantric Yoga through the Summer and Winter Solstice Yoga retreats. Until his passing in the fall of 2004, Yogi Bhajan made his life's work to help all people realize that happiness is indeed our birthright.

How does it work? Kundalini yoga uses a variety of techniques that include asanas (postures), pranayamas (breathing exercises), mantras (chanting), mudras (hand postures), kriyas (cleansing actions) and meditations. It is a very practical kind of yoga; the effects are immediate, and long-term. It is accessible to beginner to advanced yogis. One need not resort to the monk lifestyle in order to access the spiritual and physical awareness that can come from practicing this yoga.

A typical class runs from one and a haft to two hours long and includes tuning in with the opening mantra, the classic-thirty-minute kundalini warm up, and completing a specific set of poses, or "kriya," that are designed for a specific action in the body. For example, one class may be a rigorous "detoxification and vitality" set, including lots of body stimulation, sweating and repetitive actions designed to release impurities in the body. Another class may focus on the "balancing the head and heart," facilitating energy work between the mind and emotions. This yoga kriya includes opening, the chest, lungs, shoulders and heart center, and includes lots of chanting and deep breathing. With the flow of a typical class, the "kriya" is often followed with a meditation, chanting and/or relaxation and ends with the classic "Long Time Sunshine Song." Each class is dynamic and unique, so one does not truly get the full kundalini yoga experience through just one class. At least six classes are recommended in order to sample the wide array offered in this style.

Kundalini yoga is of a devotional nature. The science of kundalini yoga offers practical techniques that address the full human; physical, emotional and spiritual. Through Kundalini, people become empowered to heal themselves on all levels and become more fully awake.

AURA CHARGE, aka EGO ERADICATOR

Breath Technique:

Breath of Fire is an energizing and cleansing breath known as the "yogi's cup of coffee." For quick energy, Breath of Fire increases circulation, supplies more oxygen to the brain and expands lung capacity. This breath is done in and out through the nose, emphasizing an equal part inhale and exhale. When practicing, one uses a navel pumping action that expands the navel outward on the inhale and contracts the navel towards the spine on the exhale. Breath of Fire is a fast paced breath sequence, although it is good to start slow. Beginners can pulse at a pace of one complete breath per second and over time the breath can be worked up to an advanced level of two to three breaths per second! You may find it helpful to place your hand on your navel to help guide proper breathing. Remember inhale, navel inflates outward, exhale, the navel snaps back toward the spine. Proper breathing is essential!

Posture:

Sit in easy pose (sukhasana) with your legs crossed comfortably, your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed down along the back body. You may find a blanket or meditation pillow helpful with raising the hips, dropping the knees and supporting alignment in the spine. Arms extend out from the shoulders at a sixty-degree angle. Elbows remain locked and fingers are "curled" in so that the tips are resting upon the base of the fingers at the outer upper edge of the palms. Hold the pose while doing the Breath of Fire breathing technique for one to three minutes. To end, inhale deeply while extending the arms up overhead, palms back to back. As you exhale, release the arms slowly, letting them float down and out. The aura is cleansed of energetic blocks with this exhaling action. Rest with your hands in your lap, palms face up and allow the breath to return to a natural state. Enjoy the release of energy pulsing from the navel and radiating throughout your body!

Advisory:

For women who are actively menstruating it is recommended that a light breath of fire is preferable. This breath is only appropriate for pregnant women during the first trimester.

Melanie MacNeil, also known as Hari Rai Kaur, has been practicing and teaching Kundalini Yoga for the last ten years. She teaches at the Future of Traditions on Wednesday from 5:30-7. For more information about kundalini yoga classes offered in the Asheville area, please contact her at [e-mail] or 828-215-7358.