“Yoga” is an often misunderstood word in the West, where it has been largely reduced to a form of physical exercise. The word “yoga” is a Sanskrit word meaning “union”. It is the process of the union or joining of two things. These two things are our inner nature and our universal nature.

The practice of yoga achieves this through two separate awakenings, the awakening of spiritual energy, which involves the purification of the subtle body, and the awakening and expansion of consciousness to the direct perception of truth (jnana).

Prana is an energy which exists throughout the human body, but when dormant, is stored in large amounts near the base of the spine. Through yogic practices, especially breathing techniques called “pranayama”, this energy awakens and begins a gradual ascent through the body, towards the crown of the head.

This dynamic ascent of prana is called “kundalini” in Sanskrit. As the energy of kundalini rises through the body it opens and purifies the energy centres along the way. There are seven of these energy centres, called “chakras” in Sanskrit. This energy purifies our body and changes it in subtle ways. Gradually the whole body becomes ecstatic and radiant, and the heart opens giving a profound sense of joy and love. The last chakra to open is usually the crown at the top of the head. By this point kundalini has almost served its purpose and this stage of the journey is nearly complete.