What do you think?
Rate this book
Kundalini Meditation: The Path to Personal Transformation and Creativity
This book explains, in guided stages, how to awaken kundalini, the powerful life force present in us all, allowing you to experience insights and creativity through meditation as well as incredible levels of energy.
First you must become aware of the energy channels running along the spinal cord - the nadis - and the chakras or energy centres which are strung along the nadis like jewels in a necklace. Next, by practising purification rituals, breathing exercises called pranayama, meditation, yoga poses and mudras (hand positions), you can ensure that kundalini is drawn up through the spine, opening each chakra in turn and causing it to 'bloom like a flower'.
A special feature of the book is the guided meditations targeting common problems and issues - for example, releasing anger, lifting depression, promoting healing and inviting love into your life. This beautiful, inspiring yet practical book will bring you to a whole new level of awareness, inner peace and insight.
First you must become aware of the energy channels running along the spinal cord - the nadis - and the chakras or energy centres which are strung along the nadis like jewels in a necklace. Next, by practising purification rituals, breathing exercises called pranayama, meditation, yoga poses and mudras (hand positions), you can ensure that kundalini is drawn up through the spine, opening each chakra in turn and causing it to 'bloom like a flower'.
A special feature of the book is the guided meditations targeting common problems and issues - for example, releasing anger, lifting depression, promoting healing and inviting love into your life. This beautiful, inspiring yet practical book will bring you to a whole new level of awareness, inner peace and insight.
- GenresNonfictionSpirituality
160 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2013
5 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 15, 2018
Kundalini is a Sanscrit term from ancient India that identifies the arising of an energy and consciousness which has been coiled at the base of the spine since birth, and is the source of the life force that everybody knows.
This is one of three books I have read lately that I hoped I could learn something from and give my overall health and wellbeing a boost. I am new to the whole idea of yoga and had never actually heard of kundalini before this book popped up on NetGalley. My doctor is a big yoga and alternative therapy advocate and I have come to the conclusion that I may as well try different things to try and alleviate some of my health complaints. I guess there's nothing to lose and possibly an awful lot to gain.
Everything in this book was new to me and I was intrigued by a lot of the ideas within it. It manages to be both thorough and easy to understand for a beginner to the topic. It also includes the origin and history of kundalini and does a great job of walking you through the various steps of meditations and different breathing exercises. There are also some beautiful illustrations of the poses which makes it even easier for a novice, like me, to follow,
I would like to thank Watkins Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of three books I have read lately that I hoped I could learn something from and give my overall health and wellbeing a boost. I am new to the whole idea of yoga and had never actually heard of kundalini before this book popped up on NetGalley. My doctor is a big yoga and alternative therapy advocate and I have come to the conclusion that I may as well try different things to try and alleviate some of my health complaints. I guess there's nothing to lose and possibly an awful lot to gain.
Everything in this book was new to me and I was intrigued by a lot of the ideas within it. It manages to be both thorough and easy to understand for a beginner to the topic. It also includes the origin and history of kundalini and does a great job of walking you through the various steps of meditations and different breathing exercises. There are also some beautiful illustrations of the poses which makes it even easier for a novice, like me, to follow,
I would like to thank Watkins Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2013
Review to come. Before reading this particular guide, I was familiar with aspects of Kundalini Meditation, but I found this to be a wonderful introduction to practicing the breathing techniques, positions, among other factors to consider in the meditations. It even has a section dedicated to certain poses that will be helpful with certain conditions. I found it well worth the read and certainly recommend it.
March 22, 2013
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” – Gautama Buddha
Kundalini Mediation is said to have the ability to unleash your “life force” to awaken your inspiration, insight while removing anxieties and other destructive behaviors. Ultimately Kundalini Meditation’s goal is to connect you with the divine one within yourself. Kundalini Meditation: The Path to Personal Transformation and Creativity by Kathryn McCusker is a guide for novices or advanced students.
The book is divided into six chapters. Chapter one details the Hindu gods and goddesses and explains how they are used as metaphors in Kundalini meditation. It also briefly introduces the chakras and explains their uses in Kundalini meditation.
Chapter two gives you tips on how to prepare for a Kundalini meditation practice. This includes suggestions and instructions for creating your meditation space, cleansing your body for practice, and tips on how to overcome negative thinking that may hinder you from beginning a practice. It is also in this chapter that more detail is given about god and goddesses used in Kundalini mediations. For example, it is in this chapter that we find out more about Prajnaparamita the Buddhist goddess of supreme transcendental wisdom (name means Perfection of Wisdom). When we invoke her in our meditations we are performing an exercise that will help us focus our energies on the Crown Chakra.
Chapter three further details that chakras, and asanas that can help you open one or all seven chakras. It is in this chapter that we are also given more information on prana and nadis. There is also a wonderful section in this chapter detailing various body locks that are performed in Kundalini meditation. This chapter offers many exercises you can perform and details how they will help you in everyday life. For example, Frog Pose is discussed in detail and is said to be able to activate your third chakra therefore increasing creative energy, build inner strength and circulates energy to the heart and higher chakras. It will also give you motivation, inspiration and courage.
Chapter four is the chapter that explores the importance of breath work. It details a few breathing exercises and how to visualize prana.
Chapter five deals with mantras, mudras and yantras. It defines each and offers great instructions and illustrations for performing all three. Personally, I learned a lot from this chapter as my own practice did not include many mantras, mudras and to be honest it was not until I read this chapter that I learned what a yantra was (illustrations of the chakras that you can meditate on).
Chapter six is the best chapter, and my personal favorite in the book. It gives you several specific exercises that you can perform. It ties the entire book together. Each meditation tells the reader what it will help; who it is good for, what mantra, mudra, lock and asana you should perform along with instruction on how to perform the mediation and for how long. In some cases it also offers advanced instructions should you complete the initial meditation. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book.
Overall, the book is a wealth of information, worth buying. My only grievance with the book is there is some repetition in the first three chapters. I recommend this book for novices to Kundalini meditation, anyone interested in Hindu gods and goddesses or anyone in search of great Kundalini meditation instructions for emotional turmoil, anger issues, addictions or more common afflictions of the human condition.
This book was published in February 2013 by Watkins Published Limited and is currently available in a paperback edition.
Note: I received this book from the publisher to review. In no way did that affect the content of this review.
Kundalini Mediation is said to have the ability to unleash your “life force” to awaken your inspiration, insight while removing anxieties and other destructive behaviors. Ultimately Kundalini Meditation’s goal is to connect you with the divine one within yourself. Kundalini Meditation: The Path to Personal Transformation and Creativity by Kathryn McCusker is a guide for novices or advanced students.
The book is divided into six chapters. Chapter one details the Hindu gods and goddesses and explains how they are used as metaphors in Kundalini meditation. It also briefly introduces the chakras and explains their uses in Kundalini meditation.
Chapter two gives you tips on how to prepare for a Kundalini meditation practice. This includes suggestions and instructions for creating your meditation space, cleansing your body for practice, and tips on how to overcome negative thinking that may hinder you from beginning a practice. It is also in this chapter that more detail is given about god and goddesses used in Kundalini mediations. For example, it is in this chapter that we find out more about Prajnaparamita the Buddhist goddess of supreme transcendental wisdom (name means Perfection of Wisdom). When we invoke her in our meditations we are performing an exercise that will help us focus our energies on the Crown Chakra.
Chapter three further details that chakras, and asanas that can help you open one or all seven chakras. It is in this chapter that we are also given more information on prana and nadis. There is also a wonderful section in this chapter detailing various body locks that are performed in Kundalini meditation. This chapter offers many exercises you can perform and details how they will help you in everyday life. For example, Frog Pose is discussed in detail and is said to be able to activate your third chakra therefore increasing creative energy, build inner strength and circulates energy to the heart and higher chakras. It will also give you motivation, inspiration and courage.
Chapter four is the chapter that explores the importance of breath work. It details a few breathing exercises and how to visualize prana.
Chapter five deals with mantras, mudras and yantras. It defines each and offers great instructions and illustrations for performing all three. Personally, I learned a lot from this chapter as my own practice did not include many mantras, mudras and to be honest it was not until I read this chapter that I learned what a yantra was (illustrations of the chakras that you can meditate on).
Chapter six is the best chapter, and my personal favorite in the book. It gives you several specific exercises that you can perform. It ties the entire book together. Each meditation tells the reader what it will help; who it is good for, what mantra, mudra, lock and asana you should perform along with instruction on how to perform the mediation and for how long. In some cases it also offers advanced instructions should you complete the initial meditation. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book.
Overall, the book is a wealth of information, worth buying. My only grievance with the book is there is some repetition in the first three chapters. I recommend this book for novices to Kundalini meditation, anyone interested in Hindu gods and goddesses or anyone in search of great Kundalini meditation instructions for emotional turmoil, anger issues, addictions or more common afflictions of the human condition.
This book was published in February 2013 by Watkins Published Limited and is currently available in a paperback edition.
Note: I received this book from the publisher to review. In no way did that affect the content of this review.
October 11, 2016
I’m really glad I ordered this book – written by a Yoga teacher and internationally known Opera Singer
Kundalini means “the coil in the hair of the beloved” and refers to our coiled serpent-like energy which begins at the base of the spine, moving up through the chakras or energy centers and resulting in a feeling of bliss throughout the body, mind and soul for the regular practitioner.
The book looks and feels beautiful (as you can see from the cover) and contains all the exercises required to start a regular practice. There are also online resources available on Kathryn’s website so that you can download some of the meditations.
Kathryn McCusker’s Spiritual Journey into Kundalini Meditation
Kathryn is an internationally acclaimed Opera Singer and found that the practice of Kundalini Meditation gave her even greater benefits and help with her craft than her regular yoga practice. She was taught by a spiritual teacher and visionary called Yogi Bhajan who was originally a Punjabi Prince.
He brought his work to Canada and then the USA, has written over 100 books on the subject of yogic meditation and trained thousands of teachers.
I love Kathryn’s description of Yogi Bhajan’s intention for this body of work – “To create teachers not to gather disciples“. Read more here http://www.momonaspiritualjourney.com...
Kundalini means “the coil in the hair of the beloved” and refers to our coiled serpent-like energy which begins at the base of the spine, moving up through the chakras or energy centers and resulting in a feeling of bliss throughout the body, mind and soul for the regular practitioner.
The book looks and feels beautiful (as you can see from the cover) and contains all the exercises required to start a regular practice. There are also online resources available on Kathryn’s website so that you can download some of the meditations.
Kathryn McCusker’s Spiritual Journey into Kundalini Meditation
Kathryn is an internationally acclaimed Opera Singer and found that the practice of Kundalini Meditation gave her even greater benefits and help with her craft than her regular yoga practice. She was taught by a spiritual teacher and visionary called Yogi Bhajan who was originally a Punjabi Prince.
He brought his work to Canada and then the USA, has written over 100 books on the subject of yogic meditation and trained thousands of teachers.
I love Kathryn’s description of Yogi Bhajan’s intention for this body of work – “To create teachers not to gather disciples“. Read more here http://www.momonaspiritualjourney.com...
February 27, 2013
Kundalini meditation is a simply beautiful book about Kundalini. Like all yoga this book gives good basic instruction but you would still need to work with a guru or teacher to find the full benefit. Having said I think this is a great reference book, she does a nice job outlining the steps of various mediations and breathing exercises.
The book starts out with a bit of basic information on what Kundalini yoga is as well as a bit of information on the chakras. If you are really new to meditation she gives some practical advice on the preparation for practice (i.e. purify the body, practice space, etc). There are beautiful pictures of the poses and following the breath pattern in conjunction with pranayama, mantras and yantras. I thought the chapters devoted to pranayama (breath work) as well as the meditations were straight forward and easy to follow.
I would recommend that you get this book in the print version and not the e-book. There is a lot of back and forth if you want to review a pose or need to use the glossary, it was frustrating in the epub format and I think it would be better in print.
****ARC copy provided by Net Galley and Watkins Publishing***
The book starts out with a bit of basic information on what Kundalini yoga is as well as a bit of information on the chakras. If you are really new to meditation she gives some practical advice on the preparation for practice (i.e. purify the body, practice space, etc). There are beautiful pictures of the poses and following the breath pattern in conjunction with pranayama, mantras and yantras. I thought the chapters devoted to pranayama (breath work) as well as the meditations were straight forward and easy to follow.
I would recommend that you get this book in the print version and not the e-book. There is a lot of back and forth if you want to review a pose or need to use the glossary, it was frustrating in the epub format and I think it would be better in print.
****ARC copy provided by Net Galley and Watkins Publishing***
February 7, 2013
As a former kundalini practioner I already knew many of the things that were written in this book, still there were many more and interesting, specially when the author explores the link between chakra and creativity. For Yoga lovers and not.
Avendo fatto Yoga Kundalini ero già a conoscenza di alcune delle cose scritte in questo libro, ma ce n'erano molte altre veramente interessanti, specialmente quando l'autrice esplora i legami tra i chakra e la creatività. Non solo per gli amanti dello yoga e della meditazione.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND WATKINS PUBLISHING LIMITED FOR THE PREVIEW.
Avendo fatto Yoga Kundalini ero già a conoscenza di alcune delle cose scritte in questo libro, ma ce n'erano molte altre veramente interessanti, specialmente quando l'autrice esplora i legami tra i chakra e la creatività. Non solo per gli amanti dello yoga e della meditazione.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND WATKINS PUBLISHING LIMITED FOR THE PREVIEW.
August 28, 2014
A thorough and easy introduction into Kundalini meditation, Kathryn McCuster has created a stellar book. The origin and history of Kundalini is included, broken up by pictures to avoid being dull. Informative and well written, “Kundalini Meditation” is perfect for the novice wanting to begin or expand their daily practice. Highly recommended!
Thank you Watkins Publishing Limited and NetGalley for an e-ARC.
Thank you Watkins Publishing Limited and NetGalley for an e-ARC.
February 21, 2013
Disclaimer: Received a free copy via netgalley.
This is an excellent source for beginners in the Kundalini Meditation, like myself.
This is an excellent source for beginners in the Kundalini Meditation, like myself.
October 2, 2015
Super detailed primer on kundalini yoga.
August 22, 2016
Interesting read
January 19, 2017
Visually stunning, content light.
I think it's one of those "worth flipping through" but you probably won't return to it again books. At least for me.
I think it's one of those "worth flipping through" but you probably won't return to it again books. At least for me.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews