Are you used to practising still poses and stretches held for longer periods of time? Well, attending a Kundalini yoga class may bring a surprise – which was the case for me, as I attend Iyengar yoga classes on a regular basis. The best words to describe the movements of this practice are flowy and serpentine – expect lots of movements, such as the rotation of shoulders, swaying of the arms, or turning of the body from side to side, as well as snake-like sequences for the spine.
Curious to find out more about Kundalini yoga? Here’re some insights:
What is Kundalini yoga?
‘Kundalini’ translates to mean ‘the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved’. The focus of the practice is to awaken one’s kundalini energy (latent energy that lies coiled at the base of the spine) through a regular practice of meditation, pranayama, chanting mantra and yoga asanas. Emphasis is placed on movements in the navel, spine and applying pressure to specific points and meridians around the body. Alternate nostril breathing is also taught as a means of cleansing the nadis to help awaken one’s kundalini energy.
Where can I find Kundalini yoga classes in Ubud?
Ashram Munivara
Take a scenic scooter ride through the winding roads of Tirta Tawar in Tegallalang to arrive at a hidden gem – Ashram Munivara. Step past the entrance, and make your way down ap pathway past emerald rice fields to the main compound of the ashram. You’ll find a temple complex, a handful of pavilions and a couple of living pavilions (for individuals participating in a retreat at the ashram).
Yoga classes are conducted in an airy pavilion surrounded by plenty of lush tropical foliage, and are taught by students of Guru Ketut Arsana, founder of the ashram. The picturesque setting and soothing sounds of nature – sinking into deep relaxation at the end of the session will be a breezy affair, as your mind follows the trickling sounds of the river before drifting into a meditative state – is an ideal one for practising yoga.
Do note that the style of yoga taught here is Kundalini Tantra yoga, a system of healing yoga developed by Sri Guru.
Location: No.888, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Tegallalang, Kab. Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Contact: +62 81339871404
Ubud Bodyworks Centre & Om Ham Retreat
Established by Guru Ketut Arsana, students and yogis at Ubud Bodyworks Centre and Om Ham Retreat practice the Kundalini Tantra yoga techniques that he created during classes. The central location of Ubud Bodyworks Centre makes it convenient for travellers to pop by for a class or two; those keen on a retreat experience will find the serene setting and scenic surroundings of Omham Retreat highly appealing.
Ubud Bodyworks Centre: JL. Hanoman, No. 25, Padang Tegal, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia | +62 361 971393
Om Ham Retreat: Tirta Tawar Road/Banjar Junjungan, Tegallalang, Bali 80571, Indonesia | +62 361 9000352
Taman Hati Yoga
Stroll down the quiet lane of Jalan Nyuh Gading. When you’ve arrived at the entrance marked with a number seven, step in. A reception desk is placed closed to the entrance of the home; you’ll be greeted by a friendly lady as you enter.
Yoga classes are taught in a spacious living pavilion, all of which are conducted by I Ketut Bandiastra. You’ll be learning a style of Kundalini yoga that he developed, which comprises of techniques from Kundalini, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Hatha yoga. If Vinyasa yoga is what you prefer, join in one of Ketut’s Pranawayu yoga classes. This style of yoga is also created by Ketut, and contains flow sequences that are similar to Vinyasa yoga poses.
Keen on deepening your practice? Yoga retreats can be organised at Taman Hati; simply drop them an email for further details.
Location: Jalan Nyuh Gading No.7, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Contact: +62 (0)361-974-058
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