Kundalini Yoga is that form of yoga which is used to arouse the spirit from individual consciousness. In Sanskrit the word Kundalini means coiled up and this denotes serpent power and the serpent nature. It is the symbol of medicine, that is, a picture of two snakes coiling around a central rod and having two wings at the top. In western understanding the concept of Kundalini is associated with spiritual maturation of the consciousness and an out of the world experience of the sub consciousness. This form of Yoga refers to the awakening of the life-sustaining force in the body and this energy starts a process of vibrational spiritual maturation in an individual. There are kundalini yoga videos and kundalini yoga dvds available to initiate beginners into this form of yoga.
The techniques of Hatha Yoga are used in Kundalini Yoga classes to perfect the difficult breathing exercises and perform the spine exercise. There are continuous sessions of meditation practices performed for the awakening of the spirit and for gaining life forces. However, the techniques are very difficult and it takes a long time to get the breathing method right. The practice of Kundalini is of a very higher form and meditation process is quite intense. Although there are various postures and movements used in Kunadalini yoga to get the breathing pattern and meditation process correct, these are not considered as mere exercises. Focus is laid on channeling energy through the Nadis or the Kundalini Chakras from lower to the higher level. Importance is laid on the role of the spine or the central column, to understand spiritual awakening.
An individual can only gain from this yoga if he detaches himself from worldly desires and concentrates fiercely on the practice. The learner also needs to free his consciousness from the limitations of the mind. Through perfect union of body and mind, a central power is gained and an individual can acquire `Samadhi' through Kundalini meditation, where Kundalini mantras are chanted. With the help of this principle yoga there is an experience of extreme enjoyment and freedom of the spirit. The yogi would gain knowledge which is different from worldliness and thus attain power over his senses. The practice of Kundalini Yoga allows yogis to be free from any desires and master their senses.