What is Kundalini
Understanding the Sacred Life Force That Flows Through You
What is Kundalini?
Kundalini is the name of a potential force in the human organism, often dormant. Kundalini is a creative energy; it is the energy of self-expression.
The seat of kundalini is a small gland at the base of the spinal cord, also known as muladhara chakra. This energy that is laying in our human body will not have any effect on someone's life, until it starts to awaken. There is scientific research on this topic, however, it is more often left in the mystical, as it is more of an 'energetic' experience than a measurable, scientific or logical one. However, it is a true and often experienced awakening in a human. Many people on this planet have experienced the awakening of this supernatural force and actually it is said that more and more people will experience this life-changing activation.
Formerly there were only a few seekers, but now millions and millions of people in the world are striving for this expanded experience. When the kundalini energy has been activated, a person can start to experience life beyond the framework of time, space and object. This can come to life in vivid dreams, physical transformations, and quantum leaps.
Those who have experienced subtle forms of a kundalini awakening can have experienced strong senses of bliss, synchronicities and seeing life evolve in a natural flow. However, it can also come with physical and emotional challenges, as the body, mind and soul are going through a process of purification. The first manifestation of kundalini energy, when it is uncontrolled and too powerful is also called "Kali". However, when you have become able to surrender to it, trust the beauty of Shiva and can see the beneficial purposes, it is called "Durga".
Hence is why kundalini should be approached with a lot of care, and informing yourself on the topic or seeking guidance in your journey is highly recommended. In this case, I am speaking from my own experience.
(get in touch if you would like to hear more about my personal journey).
Kundalini and Tantra
Kundalini has a strong relationship with the tantric tradition.
First, let me understate that tantra is not what it is often associated with; a form of sexual practices with an aim to have an inner sexual activation or an external sexual experience. So what is it, and what is its relation to kundalini?
Tantra provides a framework and set of practices for working with Kundalini energy. It offers various techniques, including mantras (sacred sounds), yantras (geometric diagrams), pranayama (breath control), meditation, and ritual practices. These techniques are used to awaken and direct Kundalini energy. The aim is to facilitate the upward movement of Kundalini, leading to heightened consciousness, spiritual awakening, and union with the divine.In short, Tantra provides a philosophical base, which helps explain the energetic systems, and how to work with them.
The dance between Shiva and Shakti
In Kundalini yoga, the concepts of Shiva and Shakti are fundamental, representing the interplay of consciousness and energy.
In essence, Shiva and Shakti represent the essential duality of existence, and their union signifies the transcendence of that duality.
Shiva, the masculine pole of the energy, represents pure consciousness, the static, unchanging, and masculine principle. It symbolizes the potential for awareness, the witness. In the context of Kundalini, Shiva is often associated with the Sahasrara chakra, the crown chakra at the top of the head.
Shakti, the feminine energy, represents dynamic energy, the active, creative. It symbolizes the power of manifestation, the force that brings consciousness into form.
Their relationship is one of interdependence. Neither can exist without the other. Shiva without Shakti is inert, and Shakti without Shiva lacks direction.
In Kundalini yoga, the goal is to awaken Shakti and guide her upwards through the chakras to unite with Shiva at the Sahasrara chakra.
This union symbolizes the merging of consciousness and energy, leading to enlightenment and a state of wholeness.
The relation with Kundalini and Chakra's
The human body contains seven major chakras, or energy centers, through which Kundalini Shakti travels.
While traditionally described as dormant at the base of the spine (Muladhara), Kundalini's location varies based on individual spiritual evolution. It may already be partially awakened, residing in higher chakras like Swadhisthana (two fingers below the navel), Manipura (solar plexus), Anahata (heart), Vishuddha (throat), or Ajna (third eye). Therefore, practices can trigger awakenings at any active chakra. However, the ultimate goal is the full ascent of Kundalini to Sahasrara (crown chakra). This union marks a profound shift in consciousness, symbolized by the blossoming of Sahasrara's lotus.
Other belief systems exist where they say that kundalini awakens in the lowest chakra, then goes up to the crown, and eventually finds it's way down to the heart, where it will flourish. This comes down to the same, and I do not believe there is only one truth. Everybody has their own interpretation, and that is beautiful. For this practice, it doesn't make a difference.
How to awaken Kundalini?
If you are feeling a strong connection to kundalini and want to leverage it's potential, I would highly recommend to start reading about it. Potentially, consider to speak with others in your community or direct environment who are on the same path. This is simply because it is important to start this journey informed and not alone. If you do wish to do so, it is possible, however, you might feel the need for support along your journey.
Then, it is important to become aware of the different ways to awaken kundalini. There is not a single approach, or one that is more effective. For some people, it can take years of daily practice and potentially will not have the result they were working towards. Others wake up one day and have a full awakening experience. The process of awakening kundalini is different for everyone. It is related to an individual's karmic energy and DNA-codes.
Therefore, I would like to say that you do not have control over the outcome. If it awakens, it is beautiful. If it does not, it is also meant to be this way. Entering this journey with the expectation of a full kundalini awakening can lead to the opposite effect. It is important to enjoy the process, not the goal.
If you would like to start tapping into the energy of kundalini, any form of yoga is a good start. This is because a traditional form of yoga, such as hatha yoga, fosters a deep awareness of the body and its sensations, which is vital for recognizing and managing the powerful energies released during Kundalini awakening. The more traditional forms that include meditation, mantra and pranayama are more desirable than a strong vinyasa flow, simply because it allows you to tune in to your breath and state of mind more. Once you evolve in the practice of yoga and meditation, you can explore tantric yoga or kundalini yoga. Specific exercises focusing on each chakra can help to have more control over the energy. If you practice this, I recommend starting with the root chakra; mooladhara chakra, and work your way upwards from there.
Another way of awakening kundalini energy is through devotion. The path of devotion, also called Bhakti yoga, emphasizes love and surrender to the divine. Through intense devotion, a kundalini practitioner can soften the ego and create an opening for Kundalini's ascent. The emotional intensity of Bhakti can ignite the heart chakra, facilitating the flow of energy upwards. By surrendering to the divine, the devotee releases control, allowing the natural awakening of Kundalini to occur, guided by love rather than forced through specific techniques. Thus, devotion can be a powerful catalyst for Kundalini's journey, making it a path of love and surrender that can indirectly lead to the same goal of union of Shiva and Shakti. Devotional practices, such as rituals, prayers, singing mantra's and expressing gratitude are not only good for the soul, they are also possible catalyst for this energetic potential in you to awaken.
Where to be mindful of
Kundalini energy is the purest form of love, light, divinity. Therefore, it should be respected and handled with the same energy.
This might be a personal opinion, but I do not recommend starting with a physical practice, such as a KAP-activation or strong plant-medicine. If you do so, you might see yourself having to bust some myths before actually understanding the true power of kundalini energy. It can also have some undesirable effects, such as psychosis, fast de-identification with your current lifestyle and/or sleep destruction.
However, for some of you, a plant-medicine experience or another form of spiritual practice might actually have introduced you to this topic, and made you more curious. This is very likely. I am glad you found this article, as it might have offered a more theoretical understanding of what is behind these experiences, now knowing there are alternative ways to awaken the energy in you.
And, in case it left you are left with anxiety, worry or curiosity, you are at the right place. I can provide more information, theory and practical exercises to continue your journey with, in the hope it will provide a safer place for the continuation of this magical journey.
Want to know more?
You can reach out to me on the contact page if you would like to speak more about this. We also have a dedicated channel in our community platform, which you are welcome to join for free.
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