In Hindu thought, Kundalini refers to the psychic or cosmic energy that lies dormant in most people. It is sometimes identified with Shakti, the Great Goddess who is equated with divine energy.
When dormant, the Kundalini is said to lie coiled like a snake (kunda means coiled) at the base of the spine, but it can gradually be raised upwards through the spine using meditation techniques including postures, purification practices, ritual gestures and regulated breathing. This process of raising the kundalini, called Kundalini Yoga or Laya Yoga, is considered physically and psychologically beneficial throughout, but the ultimate goal is to induce the kundalini to rise to the top of the spine and into the brain. This is said to result in union with Shakti (divine energy) or atman (the cosmic Self), which is accompanied by an extraordinary state of awareness and bliss.
Hatha represents opposing energies: hot and cold (fire and water, following similar concept as yin-yang), male and female, positive and negative. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical postures or "asanas", purification practices, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation. However if an individual has too much phlegm or fat then purification procedures are a necessity before undertaking pranayama.
Discovering, learning and performing Kriya requires a lot of study and application. It is a very delicate art. Kriya requires balance. After good reading, a good practice must follow, carried on at the best of one's abilities under guidance of proper Kriya Yoga Guru.
Kriya reconditions and sets the seeker free from the past karma. It transforms fundamentally the gross ego-center of the seeker into a subtle individual uniqueness which also includes universality. It brings harmony with the wholeness of life by piercing through the ignorance of the ways of self. It is a unique combination of Hatha-Raja-Laya Yoga. It settles the seeker in his natural state in which his body receives instructions only from glands and Chakras. Thought does not interfere as interloper to create psychosomatic problems and pursuits. Kriya Yoga does not tell stories, does not indulge in miracle mongering to keep the seekers amused in poor and paralyzing consolations.
Similarly, the kundalini Yoga and Hatha Yoga, though all are similar in practicing, it is different in achieving the goal. Yogas are different but reaching point is same. To get bliss, self awareness and keeping the body structures trim etc.,the yogas are helping us. The practice is important and should keep concentrations.
