What is Hatha and Kundalini Yoga?
Our yoga is not a mixture of Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga, but a consistent system that finds the source and power of today’s Kundalini Yoga in ancient Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is the system in which Kundalini is the key to liberation.
Our yoga makes direct reference to these sources, discovers the diverse techniques of modern Kundalini Yoga in ancient Hatha and develops a rich, contemporary practice from them.
The origins of Hatha and Kundalini Yoga
Hatha Yoga began with the practice of Matsyendra Natha, a tantric master who possibly practiced the secret teachings of Tantra in a cave in Goa in the 8th century. This Kaula Tantra was imbued with Kundalini, the goddess understood as the power of the soul. She strives to embody the infinite in the finite – to bring the universal to life in the human body. Tantra and Kundalini Yoga are therefore the art of realizing the divine ideal in the human experience.
Matsyendra had a disciple, Goraksha Natha, who simplified the rich, mantra-infused practice of Tantra and created a clearer system. In this, Kundalini remained central, but the complex Tantric ritual was replaced by the purely physical practice of Hatha Yoga.
Our practice today
We teach this classical yoga and rediscover Kundalini at the source of our practice. This enriches the techniques of Hatha Yoga. When we become aware of the spiritual roots of our yoga, our practice becomes imbued with the power of the soul, becomes alive and special.
Important techniques of our practice
Breathing techniques
Breathing techniques, also known as “breathwork”, form the foundation of our practice. In Kundalini Yoga, it is said that the breath is the soul of the physical body – as long as the breath accompanies the body, it is full of life.
Kapalabhati – the breath of the shining skull
Kapalabhati is a cleansing technique and is one of the Sat Karmas of classical Hatha Yoga. In this technique, the navel is pulled inwards with a jerky exhalation, while it falls back in a relaxed manner on the inhalation. Kapalabhati enlightens the being and purifies the vital part of your being, the Pranamaya Kosha. It is a fundamental technique in modern Kundalini Yoga.
Bhastrika – the blacksmith’s breath
Bhastrika is the powerful breath that resembles the bellows of a blacksmith. Air is inhaled and exhaled with great intensity and equally deeply and quickly. This technique creates an inner fire and strengthens the prana. In contrast to Kapalabhati, which primarily has a cleansing effect, Bhastrika increases the power of your own life breath.
Like any fire, Bhastrika must be practiced mindfully. Movement and stillness should be brought into harmony and the breath must always find its way back to the center.
Sound Yoga and Mantra
Brahmari – the breath of the buzzing bee
Brahmari is a central technique in our yoga and, like Bhastrika and Kapalabhati, is practiced in almost every class.
Brahmari is the method that can open the door to Brahman – the space of the heart. It is the worship of the Goddess in the form of sound, Sabda Brahman. The practice of Brahmari is accessible, gentle and expansive. In the humming, the mind can let go, like in an ocean of honey.
When the mind lets go, you find beauty and freedom beyond.
Bija – The seed sounds
Our yoga honors the ancient tradition of Bija Nyasa, which has always played an important role in Tantra and Kundalini Yoga. Sounds are placed in the body and make it vibrate from within. The sound becomes a gateway through which we can experience ourselves as a body made of sound – beyond all limitations.
Mantra – The sound of the mind
In the Shiva Sutras it says: Chittam Mantraha. This means that the mind itself is ultimately a mantra. Our thinking and anticipation are like a constant inner repetition of the mantra of our life. Just as our mind creates the life we experience, the mantra that resonates within it also shapes its reality.
In our school we discover the beautiful mantras of our tradition and the Tantra. They embody unity, ecstasy and the awakening of the inner power that enriches and transforms our lives.
Asana
Static postures
The static asana is the sinking into the force that embodies the posture. Static postures require both strength and flexibility and are more suitable for advanced practitioners. In our school we teach 43 basic postures that can be used to create any beautiful yoga class.
In addition, we will discuss the five chakra kriyas of our line, which have been specially developed for the energies of the chakras.
Dynamic postures
The dynamic postures are often more accessible than the static ones, as they make it possible to compensate for contractions and avoid physical weaknesses. They are particularly suitable for those whose mind is restless, as the dynamic form of the exercise absorbs the moving energy of the mind and transforms it in the “fire” of the exercise.
Pavanmuktasana
In our training courses, we teach three basic dynamic series that form the basis for wonderful yoga classes. These series are a central component of Sukshma Vyayama and therefore the foundation of modern Kundalini Yoga.
The three Pavanmuktasana series each have a different focus:
- Vitalization of the joints – ideal for older people.
- Opening the energy flow – particularly suitable for younger practitioners.
- Strengthens the core – promotes digestion, activates the abdomen and strengthens the entire torso area.
Every yoga class: A creative act
Our yoga draws deeply from the rich tradition of Kundalini Yoga. Those who train with us receive a versatile set of techniques designed to help them discover and express their unique talents through yoga. Additionally, our training provides valuable tools for creating inclusive yoga classes suitable for people from all walks of life.
We see yoga as a creative act—one that allows practitioners to express their individuality while simultaneously enriching the lives of others.
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