Yoga Kundali Upanishad: Theory and Practices for Awakening Kundalini

by Satyadharma Saraswati, Ruth Perini (Srimukti) (Translation)

Yoga Kundalini Upanishad is arranged in three parts. Chapter one contains the yogic physiology of kuṇḍalinī and the requisite disciplines necessary to undertake her activation and awakening. Chapter two contains an exposition of the important practices of khecarī mudrā and sūtra neti. Chapter three contains more specific instructions on how to maintain a higher sādhana, including meditation practices on sound and Soham, on the ātman, spontaneous jñāna yoga, and merging with the ātman. Finally the master tells how to become a supreme yogī.Included in the text are the original Sanskrit verses, transliteration, word meanings, translation and a comprehensive commentary by Swami Satyadharma Saraswati.

209 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2019

Reviews

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version of the Yoga Kundali Upanishad, translated and presented by Swami Satyadharma Saraswati, is faithful to the essence of the original text and accessible to with a grounding in yogic philosophy and subtle body work.

Step-by-step guidance of the entire inner path is offered, from prāṇāyāma, bandhas, and mudrās to the piercing of granthis, the refinement of nāda, and the spontaneous emergence of soham awareness. It bridges haṭha, rāja, and jñāna yoga seamlessly.

Each verse is both instructional and revelatory. If you’re familiar with the Yoga Sūtras and Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, you’ll recognize resonances but this Upanishad distinguishes itself by its immediacy and depth. A fantastic distillation of conceptual framework and application.

[Luke Sebree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough translation. Each verse section includes the original sanskrit, a word by word translation, a prose translation, and a commentary. I did feel that the commentator gave too much information here and too little information there. For example, in his commentary on verses 18-21 "esoteric details of the practice", Swami Saraswati indicates that the meaning of the verses is only to be revealed by the Guru. I had to pull up a few other translations to get to the bottom of those lines (see "The Yoga Upanishads" by Srinivasa Ayyangar or "Yoga Kundalini Upanishad: Vedantic View on Kundalini Yoga" by Swami Vishnuswaroop for more detailed explantions on those cryptic verses).

[Tushar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight from the source

It is not easy to find knowledge of yoga and kundalini straight and pure from the source. The book is very well translated and the commentary and techniques are described and elaborated clearly and succinctly. Great find! Highly recommended.