The Art, Science & Technology of Kundalini Yoga            KYINTRO.TXT
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       As taught by Yogi Bhajan.

       An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga

       The science of Kundalini Yoga and meditation was developed over
       50,000 years ago by rishis in India and Tibet, who systematically
       tested and perfected the precise movements, postures, sounds and
       breathing that activate different parts of the body and brain to
       produce specific results. These sacred and hitherto secret teachings
       were brought to the West in 1969, and presented to the public for
       the first time by Yogi Bhajan. Not only was this the first time they
       had ever been taught publicly, it was also the first time they had
       been written down and made available to all who desired to practice,
       rather than to a very select band of initiates. It was and is his
       belief that the knowledge belongs to everyone. Kundalini Yoga is the
       science, art and technology enabling one to access and utilize his
       or her own creative power for elevation of consciousness, healing
       and other purposes beyond reproduction. This power, (shakti), is
       thought to lie dormant in the lower end of the spine, and is often
       pictured as a coiled, sleeping serpent (kundalini means coiled),
       until it is awakened, either spontaneously or by yogic techniques,
       and arises to unite with the Universal Energy (prana), empowering
       the individual with awareness beyond ordinary perception and powers
       (siddhis) beyond ordinary ability. As taught by Yogi Bhajan,
       Kundalini Yoga consists of exercises or postures (Asanas) with
       special breathing (Pranayama), hand and finger gestures (Mudras),
       body locks (Bhandas), chanting (Mantras) and meditation. (See
       section - Components of Kundalini Yoga). These are done together, or
       in sequence to create exact, specific effects. A Kriya is an
       exercise or group of them, with one or more of the other components,
       whose total impact is greater than the sum of its parts. The sets
       taught by Yogi Bhajan are kriyas, rather than simply calisthenic
       series. Kundalini Yoga is the most powerful and inclusive of all
       yogas. There are many other yogic schools - Hatha, best known school
       in the West, is mainly but not exclusively physical. Raja Yoga
       claims to be the highest Yoga - Raja means <royal> - but omits the
       physical. Mantra, Jap and Nad Yoga concentrate on sound and meaning,
       Swara Yoga on breathing, Bhakti Yoga on devotional prayer and
       meditation, Karma on work and service, and Tantric Yoga attains
       enlightenment through the union and balance of male and female
       energy, either in sexual intercourse (Red Tantra - the left hand
       path), or in non-sexual union (White Tantra - the right hand path)
       as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Kundalini Yoga is addictive! Once the
       results are experienced, we want more! Yogi Bhajan has taught
       thousands of sets and meditations, an abundance covering every phase
       of human and super-human experience, attesting to the tireless
       dedication of the master. All yoga aims at the same goal - union
       with the Universal, Divine Source or God. It has been said that the
       practice of Hatha Yoga leads to liberation in 16 years, but that the
       practice of Kundalini Yoga promises that goal in one third or one
       quarter of the time, according to the dedication of the
       practitioner.