Editing Kundalini yoga (section)

==Principles==

''Kundalini'' is the term for "a [[Vitalism|spiritual energy or life force]] located at the base of the spine", conceptualized as a coiled-up serpent. The practice of Kundalini yoga is supposed to arouse the sleeping Kundalini Shakti from its coiled base through the 6 [[chakras]], and penetrate the 7th chakra, or crown. 
This energy is said to travel along the ida (left), pingala (right) and central, or sushumna [[Nadi (yoga)|nadi]] - the main channels of pranic energy in the body.<ref>Swami Sivananda  (4th ed. 2007) page 12</ref>

Kundalini energy is technically explained as being sparked during yogic breathing when [[prana]] and [[Prana#The Five Prāṇas|apana]] blends at the 3rd chakra (solar plexus) at which point it initially drops down to the 1st and 2nd chakras before traveling up to the spine to the higher centers of the brain to activate the ''golden cord'' - the connection between the [[pituitary]] and [[pineal]] glands - and penetrate the 7 chakras.<ref name="bhajan176">{{cite book |author=Yogi Bhajan |title=The Aquarian Teacher, KRI International Teacher Training in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan |publisher=Kundalini Research Institute |edition=4th |year=2007 |pages=176–179}}</ref>
	 	
Borrowing and integrating many different approaches, Kundalini Yoga can be understood as a tri-fold approach of [[Bhakti yoga]] for devotion, Shakti yoga for power, and [[Raja yoga]] for mental power and control. Its purpose through the daily practice of [[kriyas]] and meditation in [[sadhana]] are described as a practical technology of human consciousness for humans to achieve their total creative potential. With the practice of Kundalini Yoga one is thought able to liberate oneself from one's Karma and to realize one's Dharma (Life Purpose).<ref>{{cite book |author=Yogi Bhajan |title=The Aquarian Teacher, KRI International Teacher Training in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan |publisher=Kundalini Research Institute |edition=4th |year=2007 |page=20}}</ref> It is recommended to become free of desire or adopt [[vairagya]] before trying to arouse Kundalini.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Sivananda |first=Sri Swami |title=Yoga Kundalini |publisher=The Divine Life Society |year=1994 |isbn=81-7052-052-5 |edition=10th |location=Uttar Pradesh, India |pages=35–36}}</ref> Additionally, having a guru is beneficial in Kundalini Yoga, because a [[guru]] can suggest the best method to awaken the Kundalini.<ref name=":0" />