Kundalini Yoga Certification Kundalini Kriyas, Asanas, and Pranayama Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which pranayama technique is characterized by alternating nostril breathing to balance the ida and pingala nadis?
- Breath of Fire
- Nadi Shodhana (Correct answer)
- Sitali Pranayama
- Bhramari
Correct answer: Nadi Shodhana
Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) directly balances the two main energy channels, ida (left/lunar) and pingala (right/solar).
Question 2: In Sat Kriya, the mantra 'Sat Nam' is chanted while performing which action?
- Pumping the navel with each syllable (Correct answer)
- Holding the breath at the top of the inhale
- Rotating the torso from side to side
- Pressing the tongue to the upper palate
Correct answer: Pumping the navel with each syllable
In Sat Kriya, the navel is pumped inward on 'Sat' and released on 'Nam,' creating rhythmic stimulation of the naval center.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the 'ego eradicator' exercise in Kundalini Yoga?
- Stretching the hamstrings
- Opening the lungs and balancing the brain hemispheres (Correct answer)
- Stimulating the digestive system
- Strengthening the lower spine
Correct answer: Opening the lungs and balancing the brain hemispheres
Ego Eradicator — arms at 60 degrees with thumbs up and Breath of Fire — opens the lungs and integrates the two brain hemispheres.
Question 4: During Sitali Pranayama, the breath is drawn in through a:
- Flared nose with mouth closed
- Curled tongue extended outside the mouth (Correct answer)
- Constricted throat with mouth slightly open
- Pursed lips forming an 'O' shape
Correct answer: Curled tongue extended outside the mouth
Sitali pranayama uses a curled or rolled tongue extended outside the mouth to cool and moisten the incoming breath.
Question 5: Which kriya is specifically designed to cleanse the kidneys and adrenals in Kundalini Yoga?
- Nabhi Kriya
- Kriya for Kidneys and Adrenals (Correct answer)
- Surya Kriya
- Prana Kriya
Correct answer: Kriya for Kidneys and Adrenals
The Kriya for Kidneys and Adrenals targets those glandular systems through specific movements and breath patterns taught by Yogi Bhajan.
Question 6: In Kundalini Yoga, 'stretch pose' is held with the legs raised approximately how many inches off the ground?
- 1 inch
- 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
Correct answer: 6 inches
Stretch pose is held with legs raised 6 inches off the ground, arms alongside the body, eyes focused on the toes, with Breath of Fire.
Question 7: What is the function of 'Mul Bandh' (Root Lock) in Kundalini pranayama?
- Sealing and redirecting prana upward through the spine (Correct answer)
- Opening the crown chakra directly
- Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles
- Cooling excess pitta energy
Correct answer: Sealing and redirecting prana upward through the spine
Mul Bandh contracts the perineum, sex organs, and navel to seal and redirect pranic energy upward through the central channel.
Kundalini Yoga Certification Kundalini Kriyas, Asanas, and Pranayama Techniques 2
Which pranayama technique is characterized by alternating nostril breathing to balance the ida and pingala nadis?