Kundalini
is an energy that exists in everyone's
body, usually
in a dormant state. This means that most people never feel it and never
know it is there. But in a very few people, perhaps one in one thousand,
this energy becomes aroused, activated. This can be a happy event or it
can be scary and disruptive, depending on whether you aroused your kundalini
on purpose or by accident.
|
|
The Sanskrit
word, kundalini, means coiled, like a snake. Kundalini energy is not recognized
by medical science, and is often little understood even among teachers
of Yoga and meditative traditions. It is, however, mentioned extensively
in the literature of Yoga and Tantra (both Buddhist and Hindu).
Because the
word "kundalini" has become widely used, many people, I believe, consider
it to be metaphoric or legendary. This statement by Yogi Bhajan, for example,
suggests a somewhat metaphoric view of kundalini: "(Kundalini is) the
creative potential in the man." (Kundalini, Evolution and Enlightenment,
edited by John White, Paragon House, 1990, p. 25) Yet those like me, who
have aroused their kundalini, cannot possibly consider it to be a metaphor.
It is quite literal.
Here is the
story of kundalini as found in the Hatha Yoga literature , and as I have
experienced it: Kundalini can be "awakened" or "aroused" from its "slumber"
at the base of your spine by intense meditation or intense breath control
practices. Hatha Yoga and Tantra Yoga, in their traditional forms, are
designed to arouse kundalini so that the practitioner can use the tremendous
energy thus released to increase the potency of his or her meditation
and other spiritual practices. The Yoga literature cautions the Yoga practitioner,
however, that he or she must undergo extensive preparations before attempting
to arouse his or her kundalini. Otherwise it can cause trouble.
The yogi or yogini
who successfully and safely arouses their kundalini gains a great ally
on their spiritual journey. That ally is an energy, a vitality, that smooths
the path, that makes the steep slopes easier to climb, and that acts like
a sword to cut through inertia and conditioning. In short, Kundalini can
change you quickly. It can advance your spiritual aspirations. Moreover,
according to authors of some of the Tantras (ancient writings), aroused
kundalini energy is essential to a yogin (practitioner of yoga, male or
female) attaining complete liberation in this modern distracted age (called
Kali Yuga).
I disagree,
preferring the metaphor of many paths ascending to the top of that mountain.
Yet comprehensive Yoga that incorporates Kundalini arousal certainly offers
a well-charted and well-worn path for the serious seeker.
back
to top
|