Kundalini
Yoga
This
system of Yoga is concerned with awakening of the psychic centers or chakras,
which exists in every individual. (Please refer to the figure) There are six
main chakras in the human beings.
The mind is made up of different subtle layers. Each of these layers
progressively are associated with the higher levels of consciousness. Each of
these levels are related to the different chakra or psychic center located
throughout the psychic body. There are no of other chakras apart from the six
main, which are associated with planes below the human level. In all we have
chakras that connect us to animal levels of mind, to the instinctive realms of
being or to the sublime heights of consciousness.
In Kundalini Yoga, higher-level chakras are awakened and also the activities
associated with these higher psychic centers.
The basic method of awakening involves deep concentration on these chakras and
forcing their arousal. Asanas, pranayama, mudra and bandha and other forms of
Yoga such as Mantra Yoga are also used to stimulate the awakening.
-- Paramhansa Swami
Satyananda Saraswati