The concept of "Kundalini" (कुण्डलिनी) finds its origins in ancient India, as documented in Vedic texts dating back to well before 1000 B.C. It stands as an integral part of Hindu tradition and culture, benefiting humanity and being shared with the world.
The term "Kundalini" is derived from the Sanskrit word "kundal", signifying "circular" or resembling a coiled snake. According to practitioners, Kundalini energy parallels this coiled serpent, resting at the base of the spine, dormant until awakened, stirred, and directed upwards in a pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Kundalini is often associated with the divine feminine energy, Shakti.
Kundalini yoga, as the name suggests, centers on awakening Kundalini energy through regular practices encompassing tantra, mantra, yantra, asanas, and meditation.
In the context of these practices, तन्त्र (tantra), in Indian traditions, refers to a systematic and broadly applicable "text, theory, system, method, instrument, technique, or practice" - a complete process that is followed.
A मन्त्र (mantra) represents a sacred utterance, sound, syllable, word, or group of words, in Sanskrit & other languages, believed to possess religious, magical, or spiritual potency. Some mantras convey literal meanings, while others do not. The simplest example is "ॐ" (Om), considered the primal sound originating on Earth. When produced deeply, such as in yoga, the "Om" sound creates a resonance within the body, promoting a sense of calm. Many Hindu mantras commence with "ॐ" (Om).
यन्त्र (Yantra) pertains to geometrical diagrams, primarily from Indian religious traditions. These diagrams are employed in temple worship, meditation, and for their perceived occult powers, often related to Hindu astrology and texts. Yantras are revered for their aesthetic and symmetrical attributes and are associated with specific deities or energies used to accomplish diverse objectives, whether material or spiritual.
As an aid to meditation (meditative painting), yantras represent the deity that is the object of meditation. Yantras can be on a flat surface or three dimensional. Yantras can be drawn or painted on paper, engraved on metal, or any flat surface. Representations of the yantra in India have been considered to date back to 11,000–10,000 years BCE.
आसन"Asanas" denote body postures, initially used for sitting meditation but expanded in modern yoga to encompass various positions, including reclining, standing, inverted, twisting, and balancing poses. These poses offer both physical and spiritual advantages, as per medieval hatha yoga texts, enhancing flexibility, strength, balance, and alleviating stress-related conditions.
Asanas have appeared in culture for many centuries. Religious Indian art depicts figures of the Gods & Goddesses in lotus position and other meditation seats, and in the "royal ease" position, Lalit asana. With the popularity of yoga as exercise, asanas feature commonly in novels and films, and sometimes also in advertising.
"Meditation"ध्यान involves using a technique, like mindfulness or focusing on a specific object or thought, to cultivate attention, awareness, and attain a mentally clear, emotionally serene state. It encompasses a broad range of practices across different traditions and cultures, aiming to improve mental and emotional well-being.
Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions. The earliest records of meditation ध्यान are found in the Upanishads of Hindu philosophy. Since the 19th century, Asian meditative techniques have spread to other cultures where they have also found application in non-spiritual contexts, such as business and health.
Kundalini Yoga is now practiced worldwide in various forms and under different names, such as "Chakra Healing" or "Chakra Meditation." Kundalini yoga endeavors to awaken Kundalini energy, believed to contribute to spiritual enlightenment.
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