Kundalini Yoga, often referred to as the "Yoga of Consciousness", has its roots in India's most ancient spiritual texts, such as the Upanishads (circa 1000 B.C.), the Tantras and the Vedas, as well as in the esoteric teachings handed down through tantric and yogic mystical traditions. The term Kundalini refers to the primordial energy that resides, like a dormant spiral, at the base of the spine in the energy center known as the Muladhara Chakra. This latent energy, often symbolized by a coiled snake, represents the untapped spiritual potential present in every human being.

Historically, the concept of Kundalini appears in several fundamental texts of Indian spirituality, including the Shiva Samhita, the Gheranda Samhita and the famous Hatha Yoga Pradipika, written in the 15th century. These writings describe in detail the techniques of pranayama, mantras, mudras and bandhas designed to awaken the Kundalini and cause it to rise through the seven chakras, or energy centers, located along the spine. The ultimate goal of this energetic ascent is union with cosmic consciousness, enablingspiritual awakening and Self-realization.

The origins of Kundalini Yoga are also rooted in Tantric traditions, which see Kundalini as the manifestation of Shakti, the divine feminine energy. Tantra, with its ritual practices aimed at awakening this energy through the integration of masculine and feminine polarities, had a major influence on the development of Kundalini Yoga. Tantric rituals sought to transcend the limitations of material existence through the mastery of energy, and Kundalini Yoga adopted many techniques from this tradition, such as the use of bija mantras (seed sounds) to awaken and harmonize the chakras.

Another influential tradition is that of the Nath Yogis, a lineage of yogic masters who played a key role in preserving and transmitting the teachings of Kundalini Yoga. Their spiritual leader, Gorakhnath, is credited with systematizing certain yogic practices, including those associated with Kundalini awakening, and founding a school where these techniques were passed on to disciples.

Kundalini Yoga has long been considered a secret practice, reserved for a spiritual elite. For centuries, these techniques were transmitted from master to disciple within a strictly initiatory framework. The practice was renowned for its transformative powers and effectiveness in awakening spiritual awareness, but because of its power, it was also shrouded in mystery and mistrust. Kundalini, if misdirected, could cause physical or mental imbalances.

It was only in the 20th century that Kundalini Yoga was introduced to the general public, notably by Yogi Bhajan, an Indian spiritual master who emigrated to the USA in 1969. Yogi Bhajan broke the tradition of secrecy by sharing these teachings with the West, asserting that humanity was ready for such knowledge. He founded theHealthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO ) to disseminate these teachings and adapted the age-old practices to modern life, insisting that Kundalini Yoga could help individuals cope with stress, anxiety and the challenges of contemporary life while achieving spiritual balance.

Today, Kundalini Yoga is recognized worldwide for its ability to raise consciousness and awaken thedivine energy within each individual. Thanks to its powerful, structured techniques, it continues to influence millions of practitioners seeking to reconnect with their spiritual potential and live a more fulfilled life, in harmony with the universe.