To: K-list
Recieved: 2001/01/24 11:05
Subject: [K-list] Kundalini in the west/a little history
From: Harsha \(Dr. Harsh K. Luthar\)
On 2001/01/24 11:05, Harsha \(Dr. Harsh K. Luthar\) posted thus to the K-list:
A repost:
____
could anyone tell me the differences between Kundalini and
Kriya yoga. Or is one part of the other, or only different words for the
same ?
Thanks and blessings
Victor
_
Hi Victor. Kundalini Shakti is really at the heart of many yogas and is
embedded in virtually all Eastern traditions regardless of the name or label
that is given. If you look at any school of yoga, tantra, or various
traditions (Shakti, Shaivite, Kashmiri Shaivism), there will usually be some
descriptions of Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Kriyas, Mudras, Mantras, and
different types of meditations on the energy centers and Kundalini Shakti,
and descriptions of the Goddess, etc.
Even in Advaita Vedanta, we see that Shankracharya has written great hymns
to the Goddess. At a very practical level, the notion of the Divine Mother,
Shakti, the Goddess, is intertwined with most Indian Philosophies. Hatha
Yoga Pradipika, for example is one of the classics of Kundalini Yoga and
describes how one moves from the physical aspects to the mental aspects (Raj
Yoga) through various types of postures and mudras and pranayama.
As far as I know, Swami Vivekananda in the late 1800's introduced the notion
of Kundalini Shakti in the West. The term Kriya Yoga was popularized by
Swami Yogananda who came to the U.S in the early 1900s and settled here.
Again, awakening the Kudnalini Shakti is central to that tradition as well
although they do not engage in very heavy duty pranayama exercises.
Kundalini related literature from the East started to be translated into
English in the early 1900s, and one of the earliest translations which is
still widely available today was by Arthur Avalon (Shakti Yoga). It is a
translation of an esoteric text and describes the process of raising the
Shakti by a variety of Kriyas and Mudras and Pranayamas.
There are many good books on Kundalini Yoga from a variety of people
belonging to different schools. Swami Sivananda's books on Kundalini, Hatha
Yoga, and Pranayama are widely available and are quite comprehensive and
excellent. The Himaylayan Institute founded by Swami Rama also produces good
literature on the topic. Just look around and see what appeals to you. In
the past, many of these teachings were kept secret. Today, however, there is
enough literature on the topic to satisfy everyone's curiosity.
Love to all
Harsha
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