Kundalini Yoga is a physical and meditative discipline within the tradition of Yoga, associated with the subdivision of hatha yoga [1]. It describes a set of advanced yoga exercises. The exercises are also sometimes referred to as Kriya Yoga or simply Kriya.
Kriyas are the spontaneous movements resulting from the awakening of Kundalini energy.
What are the benefits of Kundalini Yoga?
The awakening of Kundalini means awakening of inner knowledge. According to Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda
awakening of kundalini shows itself as "awakening of inner knowledge".
Like every form of energy one must also learn to understand spiritual
energy. In order to be able to integrate this spiritual energy, careful
purification and strengthening of the body and nervous system are
required beforehand.
According to Hindu tradition Kundalini Yoga is a pure spiritual science that leads to enlightenment.
Kundalini
, literally "coiled". In Indian Yoga, a "corporeal energy"- an
unconscious, instinctive or libidinal force or Shakti, envisioned either
as a goddess or else as a sleeping serpent coiled at the base of the
spine, hence a number of English renderings of the term such as 'serpent
power. Kundalini is considered a part of the subtle body along with
chakras (energy centres) and nadis (channels). Each chakra is said to
contain special characteristics. The overall concept has many points in
common with Chinese acupuncture.
Yoga and Tantra
propose that this energy may be "awakened" by such means as
austerities, breath and other physical exercises, visualization and
chanting. It may then rise up a subtle channel at the spine (called Sushumna) to the head, bringing psychological illumination. When Kundalini Shakti is conceived as a goddess, then, when it rises to the head, it unites itself with the Supreme Being (Lord Shiva). The aspirant becomes engrossed in deep meditation and infinite bliss.