KUNDALINI YOGA is a direct path to higher consciousness. It is the process of conscious cooperation with evolution. Within each of us there lies a vast potential of energy and power which, when properly understood and directed, will lead to previously unimagined heights of perception and awareness.

In ancient times, the process of evolution was preserved in the symbolic picture language of the Kundalini Yoga system. Down through the ages the Gurus and spiritual teachers have used these symbols as the key in directing aspirants to the realization of their own hidden potential. Swami Sivananda Radha continues in this noble tradition of the transmission of knowledge. Her book is based upon twenty years of her own prac­tice and experience. She has demystified Kundalini Yoga so that it can be understood and applied in the daily lives of men and women of today.

This is a book of inspiration, and also - an eminently practical one. Tools to bring quality into life are given for those who wish to cooperate with evolution. Swami Radha has presented clear direc­tions for exercises and practices which, if followed with sincerity and diligence, will enable the seeker to develop a firm foundation from which to venture safely into higher levels of consciousness.

Because of its emphasis on self-develop­ment, this book will be of particular value to those in the helping professions. Swami Radha's unique blend of practicality and inspiration will add a new dimension to the teaching of Yoga.

SWAMI SIVANANDA RADHA is the founder and spiritual director of the Yasodhara Ashram, a Yoga retreat and study centre located at Koote­nay Bay, near Nelson , British Columbia, Canada. She is also the founder and president of the Association for the' Development of Human Potential in the United States. She received her training at the Si­vananda Ashram in Rishikesh, India, and at the request of her Guru, Swami Sivananda Saraswati, returned to the West in 1956 to help disseminate the, Yogic teachings and practices. Her major em­phasis has been to interpret the ancient teachings so that they can be understood and applied in the daily lives of the westerner. She has lectured and given workshops throughout North America and Europe and many of her talks have been preserved on records, tapes and in booklet form. Her record­ings are classified as educational material by the Canadian Government. She is the author of The Divine Light Invocation, the presentation of a power­ful spiritual practice.

Contents

Acknowledgments
List of Illustrations

Foreword xvii

Introduction

A Word from the Author

Chapter One: THE ASPIRANT

Chapter Two: MYSTICAL ASPECTS OF HATHA YOGA

Chapter Three: DIVINE MOTHER SAKTI (THE DEVI)

Sakti-Yoga Philosophy: Quotes from the late Swami Sivananda Sarasvati of Rishikesh, India.

Woman, the Handmaiden of Divine Mother

Chapter Four: MULADHARA: THE FIRST CAKRA

The First Cakra and its Symbols

The Goddess of Speech Sakti

Speech: Exercises

Thoughts on Smell

Smell:Exercises

Thoughts on Sex

Making a List: An Illustration

Sex: Making a list

Thoughts on Death

Death and Deadly Games: Making a list

Competition: Making a list

Mechanicalness: Making a list

Love: Making a list

Consciousness Mind: Making a list

Divine Light Invocation

Perception and Use of Neutral Energy

Dance is Yoga . . . Yoga is Dance

Chapter Five: SVADHISTHANA: THE SECOND CAKRA

The Second Cakra and its Symbols

The Goddess of Speech Sakti

Speech: Exercises

Thoughts on Taste

Taste: Exercises

Thoughts on Imagination and Desires

Imagination: Making a list

Desires: Making a list 101

Imagination Visualization: Exercises

Thoughts on Self-Image and Personality Aspects

Self-Image: Making a list

Personality Aspects: Making a list

Watching the Mind

Watching the Mind: Exercises (Steps to Meditation)

Reflection on Water

Chapter Six: MANIPURA: THE THIRD CAKRA

The Third Cakra and its Symbols

The Goddess of Speech Sakti

Speech: Exercises

Thoughts on Sight

Sight: Exercises

Thoughts on Imagination, Mind, and Energy

Imagination, Mind, and Energy: Making a list

Thoughts on Emotions, Mind, and Energy

Emotions, Mind, and Energy: Making a list

Thoughts on Dreams

Thoughts on Worship

Additional Thoughts on Sex

Thoughts on Kundalini, God, Energy

Reflection on the Body as a Garden

Chapter Seven: ANAHATA: THE FOURTH CAKRA

The Fourth Cakra and its Symbols

The Goddess of Speech Sakti

Thoughts on Touch

Touch: Exercises

Powers of the Mind

Mind: Doubt

Mind: Observation

Mind: Energy Manifest

Mind and Healing

Thoughts on Humility and Gratitude

Additional Thoughts on Sex

Thoughts on Brahmacarya (Celibacy)

Thoughts on Worship

Synthesis of Exercises for the Anahata Cakra

Pranayama

Pranayama: Preparatory Exercises

Pranayama: Finger Exercises

Bhastrika-Pranayama: Bellows Breath

Alternate Nostril Pranayama

Kundalini Pranayama

Pranic Healing

The Mantra So'ham Hamsa

Thoughts on Reverence for Life

Reflection on Maya (Illusion)

Chapter Eight: VISUDDHA: THE FIFTH CAKRA

The Fifth Cakra and its Symbols

The Goddess of Speech Sakti

Thoughts on Hearing

Hearing: Exercises

Synthesis of the Visuddha Cakra

Thoughts on Ego and Responsibility

Thoughts on Kundalini

Meditation on the Light

Chapter Nine: AJNA: THE SIXTH CAKRA

The Sixth Cakra and its Symbols

Ajna Cakra

Concentration Exercise

Synthesis of Ajna Cakra

Exercises for the Ajna Cakra

The Mind

Powers of the Mind

Chapter Ten: POWERS OF THE CAKRAS

Powers of the Cakras: Their Attainment is Mankind's Potential

Powers of Muladhara Cakra

Mantra for the Muladhara Cakra

Powers of Svadhisthana Cakra

Mantra for the Svadhisthana Cakra

Powers of Manipura Cakra

Mantra for the Manipura Cakra

Powers of Anahata Cakra

Mantra for the Anahata Cakra

Powers of Visuddha Cakra

Mantra for the Visuddha Cakra

Powers of Ajna Cakra

Mantra for the Ajna Cakra

Powers of the Cakras

Chapter Eleven: BRAINSTORMING: MIND, CONSCIOUS-NESS, ENERGY

APPENDIX:

Notes:

Different Paths for the Aspirant

The Power of Speech

Mantra

A Further Note on Sex and Celibacy

Mind and Consciousness

Worship

Secret Powers of the Mind

Misunderstandings about Kundalini and Sex

Symptoms of Kundalini

The Potential of Mind

The Gods on Earth

The Descent of the Soul

Recommended Books (bibliography)

About the Author

Index

Kundalini Yoga is the path to freedom. Swami Radha has translated the esoteric teachings of Kundalini into a practical guide for self-investigation.

This classic yogic text is a resource for personal development, with the tools for discovering our true source of knowledge and inspiration. Using reflection exercises, meditations and breathing techniques, Swami Radha takes us step by step, chakra by chakra, through an exploration of consciousness.

"Kundalini Yoga" (published as "Kundalini Yoga for the West" in the U.S.) is one of the few books on Kundalini Yoga written by a Westerner that strikes as being authentic. Swami Sivananda Radha is very faithful to the tradition, yet finds ways to translate that wisdom into Western terms using psychology and imagery that we are familiar with.

"The importance of Swami Radha's work is becoming more apparent with every passing year. This book, a wonderful achievement, is a gift to all seekers. It is significant, relevant, and timeless." - Gene Kieffer, Founder/Director of the Kundalini Research Foundation