What is the best way to learn Kundalini meditation / yoga and where would someone can learn it?

I recommend a basic yoga class first. This way you know how to move, how far to push yourself, and how to not injure yourself. You can find these anywhere, anytime. Colleges have them, independent studios have them, there may even be a local yoga group that meets privately you can get involved with. Though I haven't begun Kundalini practice, I have heard from several sources that it can be dangerous if you push yourself, but any activity can be dangerous if not done properly, The best advice I've heard on Kundalini meditation is to take it slow. When you are awakening the consecutive chakras (from the base of the spine up), you meditate on the symbolic meaning of each chakra and how it relates to your life/how you can make that aspect present in your life. Through your meditation, if you notice something in your life is unfulfilled, make repairs before continuing meditation. If you can't find a yoga group, I highly recommend YOGAmazing's podcast. It's free and the instructor does a wide variety of exercises focusing on different parts of the body or for different purposes: http://www.youtube.com/user/yogamazing
That's the youtube link, you can also download his videos free on itunes. He'll also take requests if you need a particular yoga flow. Also, sessions longer than 10 minutes are only on itunes.

The risk that many people attribute to Kundalini practice is mental, but few rarely explain exactly what is dangerous about this mental affliction (called Kundalini syndrome). It occurs predominantly in people from Western civilization with certain spiritual views. When it comes to Eastern spiritual philosophy, the ultimate deity is never a deity/corporeal being. You may have Buddhas, gods, Kami, etc... representing aspects of the universe, but they are all part of one divine and infinite whole. The easiest description is "The Universal Principle", kind of an all is one perspective. This contrasts with traditional finite Western spiritual views that imply deities as actual beings who manipulate the universe. In the West, you have a god and the goal is to please him/her/it, in the East you are god and you are trying to unite yourself with the universe. This typically focuses on rejection of the material world and the individual self. For people buried in Western views, this kind of thinking can lead to depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, depersonalization, increase in heart rate, and general fear because it is out of step with Western cultures that value capital and individuality.

I would also recommend reading the work of James Lovelock whose Gaia Hypothesis provides a Western introduction. And even if it seems atheistic, check out pantheism or panentheism. These philosophies are highly present in Eastern spirituality, and to an extent have presence in Western philosophy....Abrahamic religions just kind of suppressed it for a couple millennia because the politicians couldn't control people who thought they were just as important as them.

Introduction to Kundalini Yoga

Laurence Turner Pregnancy Yoga Tips Review

Many pregnant women know very well the importance of exercise in their pregnancy, although there are some pregnant women who are not allowed to undergo exercise because of some complications and restrictions. Pregnancy is neither a simple nor a minor event in a woman's life. It is very important that sometimes it can also put a woman's life at stake.

Many women exercise but they do not know if it is best for them. One of the best exercises that one can do is yoga. Yes, yoga is very much helpful in making a pregnant woman have an easier and pain free delivery as much as possible. We must understand though that some women are very much fearful to try it because it might put the baby's life at stake.

But you do not need to worry. If you are pregnant and you want to try it out then here are some pregnancy yoga tips from Laurence Turner. She has prepared for us top tips on how to use yoga efficiently instructional video course. Yes, Laurence Turner has tried it herself so this will put you at ease knowing that she has experience on this.

She presents to us different postures that are useful in having a great pregnancy. Also, you will learn more about how you can tone your pelvic muscles making you more likely to contract better during delivery. Yoga will also help you remain calm and have a safe, easy and fast pregnancy.

Many may have the misconception that this is expensive. No it is not. For the price of $77 you have the opportunity to get and avail this video course to assist you in your delivery. Do not let pregnancy consume you, let your baby delivery be a wonderful experience, get these pregnancy yoga tips now.

Click Here For Pregnancy Yoga Classes Instant Access Now!

About the Author

This author writes about Pregnancy Yoga Classes at Pregnancy Yoga Exercises

Pregnancy Exercises - Yoga

What is the difference between Hatha yoga and Ashtanga yoga?

Hi There,

You have raised a very important question and infact this questions has created confusion to many in the field of Yoga.

What is Ashtanga Yoga: Patanjali's Raja Yoga is generally known as the Ashtanga Yoga or the Yoga of Eight Limbs.

These eight limbs are:

(1)Yama or Eternal Vows:
(2)Niyama or Observances:
(3)Asana or Hatha Yoga;
(4)Pranayama (the regulation of the energy Force);
(5)Pratyahara (abstraction of the senses and mind from objects);
(6)Dharana (concentration);
(7)Dhyana (meditation); and
(8)Samadhi (enlighten state)

Now out of above 8 steps of raja yoga or Ashtanga Yoga, step no 3 has become most famous and known as Hatha Yoga.

So when some body say Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Bikram Yoga or any other famous name of yoga system he is mainly refering to the third limb of raja yoga or Ashtanga Yoga system.

So answer to your question: Hatha Yoga is third limb of Ashtanga Yoga system.

Now here comes the confusion as Mr K. Pattabhi Jois a yoga teacher from Mysore (India) has also developed the hatha yoga in his own way and named it as Ashtanga Yoga for some reason.(Please don't get confused here as here the Ashtanga yoga word only refers to a style of Hatha yoga ( 3rd limb of raja yoga) developed by Mr Pattabhi Jois).

Hatha Yoga 1 -Easy Ground Work - Full 43 Minute Class

Top 10 Yoga DVDs of all time

Yoga is the way to relax the body, mind and soul. It helps to relieve the stress and soothe the mind with its healing power. Yoga enhances the restraint power in human mind and body with which one can easily combat all the tensions and worries of the modern life style. Here music plays a very important role as adding some music into yoga practices can do the magical trick. Yoga music with its calm and serene sounds fills up the air with pristine tranquility ensuring better result.

Play the favorite Meditation music while doing Yoga or meditation and experience the difference. It can be spiritual music, instrumental tunes or holy chants that build the different forms of Yoga music. Spirit Voyage.com, offers you the list of top 10 Yoga DVDs of all time.

1. Yoga Shakti by Shiva Rea-A great gift from the internationally praised Yoga instructor Shiva Rea for the Yoga practitioners. It is an instructional yoga video exploring Movement Meditation, Prana Yoga, Kriyas & Namaskars, Cooling Down and Closing Meditation. Filmed on the serene lands of India and Maldives, it is the most favorite DVD for its awesome soundtrack of traditional Indian music and contemporary tunes.

2. Kundalini Yoga by Gurmukh-This DVD delivers superb instruction on Kundalini Yoga, the ancient practice of awakening the spiritual sense lying within, by the renowned Yoga instructor Gurmukh. This DVD has energizing series of exercises for awakening the spirit or breath in the beginning and meditative relaxation exercises at the end. Aerobics exercises are also included to compliment Yoga.

3. Ashtanga Yoga the practice 2nd & 3rd Series by David Swenson-It is for those who are already skilled in the First series by David Swenson, the renowned Yoga teacher. But without taking proper guidance from a Yoga instructor, this DVD should not be used as the self-help tool of learning. These 2 series have a complete finishing sequence following the First one and the way of pure meditative deep relaxation.

4. Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Practice by Nicki Doane-This DVD is truly made for the Ashtanga Yoga beginners. This introductory series offers admirable presentation of standing postures by famous Yoga instructor Nicki Doane. The vigorous postures of Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar, clear instructions on breathing techniques and yoga poses make it one of the most favorite Yoga DVDs of all time.

5. Fluid Power Vinyasa Yoga by Shiva Rea-Another superb Yoga DVD from the inspiring Yoga instructor Shiva Rea. This is a brilliant introduction to Vinyasa Yoga or Flow yoga, one of the most helpful and appreciated form of yoga. Her original style of 'Yoga Matrix' will be helpful for customized yoga practicing. This high definition DVD has been filmed at White Sands National Park.

6. AM PM Yoga with Rodney Yee-A simple and concise introduction to gentle and energizing workout by internationally acclaimed Yoga teacher Rodney Yee for the beginners. From sunrise to sunset combat daily stresses of life with this Yoga DVD.

7. Kundalini Yoga for Balanced Chakras by Guru Tej-Stimulate the crucial chakras of your body's energy centers by practicing Kundalini Yoga with this DVD. It is a vigorous and dynamic class to learn sixteen asanas with famous instructor, Gurutej Kaur. The pure spiritual chants and moving exercises will help you to energize the Kundalini power flowing evenly in the whole body.

8. Ashtanga Yoga the Primary Series with Richard Freeman-Richard Freeman, the eminent yoga  instructor, will teach you the primary poses of Ashtanga Yoga in this series suitable for practitioners of all levels. The Ashatanga styles and postures harmonized with breathing techniques is demonstrated by this famous teacher. This DVD can be termed as the foundation for Ashtanga practice.

9. Awakening Intuition for Women with Kundalini Yoga by Guru Tej-Guru Tej Kaur teaches all women the Kundalini yoga techniques to redefine the power of intuitive living by yogi bhajans. You can acquire the knowledge and strength by practicing the yoga poses demonstrated in this DVD.

10. An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga and Chanting with Mantra Girl-Filmed in the serene lands of Malibu and California, this comprehensive Kundalini yoga class video by Mantra Girl is the best option for all beginners. It helps to increase the strength and flexibility of your body. The meditation music from her own album will help to stay relaxed and more focussed.

The undeniable magical combination of yoga and music is once again established by Spirit Voyage by its huge collection of yoga music CDs and DVDs. Music and songs by famous singers like Snatam Kaur, Deva Premal, Wah!, Donna De Lory and Gurmukh purify the soul with divine peace.

About the Author

The author writes for Spirit Voyage which is engaged in offering various kinds of yoga music and meditation music. The company offers different CDs and DVDs for practicing kundalini Yoga and other yoga forms.

Prana Yoga: IMPACT NOW! Overview Video

Vinyasa Yoga

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_J_Harris

Dashami Perfect 10 Lifestyle Yoga Week creates the Sony Studios to promote health for the entire enterprise and happiness Perfect 10 Lifestyle Yoga Dashami Lifestyle & Company, co-founded Yoga Awareness Week at Sony Studios in improving the health of society, complete happiness and productivity. Further Information Seminar Dashami yoga, various types of yoga offered throughout the week for exposing employees to the benefits of regular practice of yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga Advanced Standing Series with Dashama

Yoga Breathing Techniques

When carrying out your yoga routine it is not extremely relevant what you put on or where you perform it, but, nevertheless, details such as what you ate that day, the manner in which you breathe and your attitude towards the yoga exercise can make the distinction.
You might be wondering why such a simple and common thing like breathing can turn out to be an element which can make the distinction in a yoga session. Well, initial of all you have to know that by the procedure of breathing we provide our bodies with the important quantities of oxygen that we all require, in order to be able to survive. Moreover, the breathing procedure is also important merely because it is an efficient way of obtaining rid of the toxins in our body.
Although flowers require water in order to develop and to grow properly, 1 of the important nutrients for the human beings is oxygen. It is essential both for the nervous system, as well as for a series of internal organs and glands. However, the organ which should by all indicates be irrigated is the brain, as if it is not provided the important quantity of oxygen, it might trigger the degradation of numerous other organs.
Now that we enumerated at least a few of the primary causes for which we have to make sure sufficient oxygen quantities to our body, let's talk about the healthy ways of breathing. Although breathing is an activity that we do not learn how to do, we occasionally restrict or modify the way we perform this action and it can only result in negative effects for us. Thus, it has turn out to be common for people to assume, merely because of the jobs they perform, for example, weird positions, which diminish the capacity of the lungs and make breathing intervals shorter.
Both specialists, as well as yoga practitioners agree that there is a close connection between the mental state and the manner in which a specific person breaths. Thus, in order to attain the perfect state of harmony between the body and the soul, yoga trainers organize sessions dedicated completely to teaching the correct yoga breathing techniques, which extremely contribute to reaching the desired stage of peacefulness and synchronization between the inner and the outer self.
Yoga breathing techniques does not encourage shallow and fast breathing, but tries to promote the benefits of deep breathing. Among the most essential beneficial effects of this manner of breathing we can enumerate:
• Improvement of health and brain irrigation systems.
• Rejuvenation of the skin, which becomes considerably smoother, although facial wrinkles are gradually eliminated.
• Deep breathing leads to stronger lungs and to a healthier heart.
• Relaxation of the body and mind.

Yoga Breathing Techniques - Pranayama

Without the correct yoga breathing techniques would be yoga nothing else than a series of acrobatic exercises. In order to explore the full benefits of all yoga practices you have to understand that deep breathing might bring a new sense to the way you perceive your life and actions. The oxygen we inhale helps the body assimilate the nutrients we eat. Although exhaling we are eliminating unwanted carbon dioxide that is toxic for our bodies.
Prana is the name yoga gives to life force, a combination of attributes from the spheres of spiritual and physiological elements. Air is the primary fuel for this life force. This is why mastering the intake and output of air is essential in order to experience the maximum positive effects of yoga practices. Maintain in mind that breathing is also a factor that contributes to our mental status. A fast and irregular breathing might make our mind anxious and stressed although a calm and deep breath can bring stillness and power to focus.
Maximizing the benefits of the prana is 1 of the things yoga stresses on. Pranayama is the art of mastering yoga breathing techniques to help you attain above average outcomes from your mind and body. Yogis use Pranayama to prepare for the yoga poses and to attain a superior state of mind that permits the body to go 1 step further than the last yoga practice.

Yoga Breathing Techniques - Anuloma Viloma

Anuloma Viloma is an alternate nostril yoga breathing technique. The yoga practitioner is actually inhaling via 1 nostril and then he or she has to retain the breath for a few moments and then exhale the air via the other nostril. As a general rule, our left nostril is considered to be the path of the Nadi, called Ida and the correct 1 the path of the Nadi called Pingala. A healthy person is extremely likely to predominantly breathe via the Ida nostril for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, followed by the other nostril.
Regrettably, due to a series of factors related to the precarious health condition, many people have their breathing rhythm disturbed. In their case Anuloma Viloma restores, equalizes and gradually balances the flow of Prana in their body.
Here are the six steps to be followed when practicing this technique:
1. Tuck your index and middle finger into your nostrils, in order to close your nostrils. Your thumb ought to be placed by your correct nostril, although your ring finger and little fingers ought to be by your left. Now you can start inhaling via the left nostril, closing the correct 1 with the thumb, until you count from 1 to four.
2. Hold your breath, to the count of sixteen.
three. Exhale via your correct nostril, to the count of eight, although you close your left nostril with the little fingers.
4. To the count of four, inhale via the correct nostril, keeping the left 1 closed.
5. To the count of sixteen, hold your breath, by closing both nostrils.
6. Exhale though the left nostril, to the count of eight, although keeping the correct nostril closed.

Yoga Breathing Techniques - Ujjayi

Also recognized as the loud breathing technique, the Ujjayi is performed by breathing via both nostrils although keeping the glottis closed to a degree. This technique is utilized in order to enhance your control over the activity of your lungs. It also functions as a method of clearing the throat. The name comes from the reality that the air passing via the partially closed glottis makes a constant and fluent sound. Yogis try to eliminate nasal sounds and to maintain the constant flow of air and sound on a harmonious tone.
In order to correctly practice this breathing method you have to use chin lock and also employ the closure of both nostrils. Maintain the pause for as lengthy as you can and gently exhale at the end. The left nostril is usually utilized to let out the air. In case you kept your nostrils closed with your fingers you can merely release pressure of the left nostril and the air will flow out naturally. Simultaneously with releasing the nostril try to unlock the chin and open the glottis to a higher extent.
Inhaling air ought to be given half the time you reserve for exhaling. Determining the precise inhalation and exhalation times is different for each person but you will most likely discover this out your self although practicing Ujjayi. Holding the pause for a lengthy time between breathing in and out might be challenging to do. In time, nevertheless, you will be able to hold the pause as lengthy as the exhalation time.

Video introduction to Yoga Breathing Techniques