Kundalini means kund (depth) and alini(awakening/energy). It translates into the vast resource of energy within all of us, lying deep inside, waiting to be awakened. The only thing any layperson would know about Kundalini yoga is the fallacious concept that is meant to awaken the sexual prowess. In this powerful age of branding, it was promoted as such. And in the process, it got shrouded in awe, fear with a cloak of mystery.
Kundalini arousal, particularly partial arousal, is more prevalent than usually imagined. It is a process that is more commonly addressed in occult/esoteric circles than scientific writings; indeed it could be said that medical science shows little appreciation of, nor understanding of, kundalini.
Yoga Guru, Sartak Raje says, "In Sanskrit, Kundalini literally means, `That which is coiled`. This coiled serpent is believed to be lying at the base of our spine and can spring awake when activated by spiritual disciplines. Here, the spiritual discipline being, practicing Kundalini Yoga. A poetic way of describing the word `kundalini` is "the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved". It is a metaphor describing the flow of energy and consciousness which already exists within individuals."
Although Kundalini is very much a physical form of yoga, the main benefit is derived from the inner experience. Most popularly known as the `Yoga of awareness`, Kundalini yoga awakens the unlimited potential already existing in all human beings. When this energy is awakened in the body, it gives the individual enhanced intuition and mental clarity and creative potential.
When and where does Kundalini start?
Spontaneous Kundalini arousal whether full or partial is often associated with a history of meditation, yoga or prayer. The energy release begins in the lower part of the body and moves upwards. It often starts in the feet, but many say that it starts with the lower chakra that is located near the perineum. The order and progression of the energy through the chakras varies with each individual.
This internal transfer of energy, which can be extremely powerful, is accompanied by many different feelings, usually new to the recipient and is therefore bewildering or even frightening.
There are many ways to awaken the kundalini, the sexual path is just one of them. The many ways are Hatha yoga, Raja yoga, Bhakti yoga, Gyan yoga and the path of tantra
Kundalini Chakras
A chakra is thought to be an energy node in the human body. The seven main chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. The chakras are thought to encourage the physical body and to be associated with interactions of both a physical and mental nature. They are considered as prana, which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis. The seven chakras reflect how the unified consciousness of man is divided to manage different aspects of earthly life.
The power of Kundalini
The power of Kundalini involves two kinds of energy. One which is the air energy, which is referred to as chi, or ki, or prana, and then there`s also the Kundalini Shakti energy or the energy of cosmic consciousness. If the sadhak has his third eye opened, he can actually see the prana particles in the air. There are lots of tiny swirling comets that seem to wink in and out of existence in all the materials around us. These tiny swirling comets are prana particles. The prana or Chi energy needs to be directed and exaggerated by human thought. One can change it, direct it and also alter it.
The power of Kundalini Shakti is very different because the sadhak cannot tell it what to do. The sadhak can only request the Shakti to rouse, but its impossible to control the Shakti energy. The Kundalini Shakti possesses its own intelligence that is infinitely wiser than any human being.
Beneficial or adverse effects.
The kundalini process is usually unrecognized and unexpected, and often results in apprehension, anxiety, panic and fear: "utterly paralyzing waves of panic/anxiety for which there is no obvious cause" as Yoga guru, Sartak Raje puts it.
The traditional attitude is that one should not seek kundalini unless one is "pure". Certainly it would seem unwise to unleash great energies within the body if they cannot be controlled, and it is always better to guard against tampering with something that is not fully understood. Care must be taken while treading this path, as when shakti climbs up the different chakras, it is in a wild state and it can encounter the demonic aspects of consciousness.
Benefits:
If practiced regularly, Kundalini can strengthen the nervous system, balance the glandular system, and harness the energy of the mind and emotion as well as the body.
Better functioning of your body :Kundalini Yoga, in combination with the right lifestyle changes, will put your digestive, nervous, lymphatic, cardiovascular, glandular and all other systems in proper working order.
Emotional balance: This attribute helps you to be the master of your life and not allow subjective mental states to cloud your ability to make clear decisions and act in accordance with your true values.
Increases sensory awareness:The ability to touch, taste, feel and see with sensitivity, and to put your perceptions into the framework of knowledge you can use.
Enhances intuitive power :The sixth sense is a gift we all posses. Kundalini Yoga works on your higher brain centers, and gives you the nuance to compute the particulars of any situation and to arrive at a set of certainties you can bet on. Stronger intuition also alerts us of dangers and we do not attract negative forces.
Kundalini in the world's religions
Kundalini as a spiritual experience is thought to have parallels in many of the mystical traditions of the world's great religions. Many factors point to the universality of the phenomenon. The early Christians might have referred to the concept as 'pneuma', and there are some recent parallels in contemporary Christian charismatic 'Holy Ghost' phenomena. Religious studies also note parallels in Quakerism, Shakerism, Judaic davening (torso-rocking prayer), the swaying zikr and whirling dervish of Islam, the quivering of Eastern Orthodox hesychast, the flowing movements of tai chi, the ecstatic shamanic dance etc.
