Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga

The Serpent Power — Awakening the Dormant Energy

---

Overview

Kundalini Yoga (कुण्डलिनी योग) — "the yoga of the coiled one" (kundala = coil) — is the practice of awakening the dormant spiritual energy (kundalini shakti) believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine in the muladhara chakra. When awakened through practice, this energy rises through the central channel (sushumna nadi) of the subtle body, piercing each of the seven chakras, until it reaches the crown (sahasrara) where it merges with Shiva consciousness. This awakening is said to result in spiritual liberation (kaivalya) or various supernatural powers (siddhis). The practice involves breathwork (pranayama), physical exercises (asanas), chanting (mantras), and meditation.

---

Origin & History

Vedic and Tantric Origins

The concept of kundalini appears in various texts:

• The Sat-Cakra-Nirupana (description of six chakras)
• The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (practices for awakening)
• The Shiva Samhita (detailed treatment)
• Various Tantric texts

The Serpent Symbol

The serpent coiled at the base of the spine represents:

• Dormant potential energy
• The primal life force (apana vayu)
• The divine energy waiting to be awakened

This imagery is found across traditions — the serpent, the coiled power, the potential waiting to manifest.

Modern Development

Yogi Bhajan (1970s):

• Brought Kundalini Yoga to the West
• Created Kundalini Research Institute
• Combined traditional practices with modern teaching
• The "Kundalini Yoga" most known in the West

Traditional Indian Practice:

• Still taught in Indian yoga schools
• More intense, traditional approach
• Requires proper guru guidance

---

Core Teachings

The Three Channels (Nadis)

The subtle body has three main channels:

• Ida Nadi (Left) — lunar, cooling, mental energy
• Pingala Nadi (Right) — solar, heating, physical energy
• Sushumna Nadi (Center) — the path of kundalini rise

When ida and pingala are balanced, sushumna opens.

The Seven Chakras

The energy rises through seven centers:

1. Muladhara — base spine, earth element, kundalini's resting place
2. Swadhisthana — sacral, water element, creativity
3. Manipura — solar plexus, fire element, personal power
4. Anahata — heart, air element, love
5. Vishuddha — throat, ether element, expression
6. Ajna — third eye, command center
7. Sahasrara — crown, thousand-petaled lotus, Shiva union

Signs of Awakening

When kundalini begins to rise, various experiences may occur:

• Spontaneous movements (kriyas)
• Heat sensations along the spine
• Trembling or vibration
• Emotional release
• Bliss or euphoria
• Intense energy

These are normal but should be observed without attachment.

---

The Practice

Preparation

Before attempting kundalini practices:

• Establish regular yoga practice (1-2 years minimum)
• Balance ida and pingala through Nadi Shodhana
• Strengthen the body and nervous system
• Develop mental stability through meditation

Basic Kundalini Breath

Technique:

1. Inhale deeply through the nose
2. Hold breath (antar kumbhaka) — build to 15-30 seconds
3. Exhale forcefully through the nose
4. Repeat for 3-5 minutes

This breath warms the body and prepares for kundalini.

Chakra Meditation

Method:

1. Sit comfortably, spine straight
2. Begin at Muladhara — visualize a red lotus with four petals
3. Breathe into this area, feel the energy
4. Move awareness up to Swadhisthana — orange lotus, six petals
5. Continue through each chakra, spending time at each
6. Work toward Ajna (third eye) and Sahasrara (crown)

---

Daily Practice [BEGINNER]

Nadi Shodhana (Foundation):

• Practice alternate nostril breathing for 6 months before kundalini work
• This balances the channels
• Creates the foundation for sushumna opening

Mulabandhana (Root Lock):

• Practice contracting the perineum (mula bandha)
• Hold for 10-30 seconds
• Release, repeat
• This awakens the muladhara chakra

Kapalabhati (Skull Shining):

• Practice 30-50 strokes morning
• This energizes the upper body
• Prepares the nervous system

---

Daily Practice [INTERMEDIATE]

Kundalini Breath:

• Practice the kundalini breath described above
• Start with 3 minutes, gradually increase
• Practice morning, empty stomach

Chakra Visualization:

• Practice the chakra meditation through all seven centers
• Spend 1-2 weeks at each center before moving up
• Journal experiences

Sat Kriya:

• Chant "Sat Nam" (Truth Name) while pumping the navel
• 3 minutes minimum, build to 11 minutes
• This energizes the entire body

---

Daily Practice [SCHOLAR]

Textual Study:

• Study the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana (description of six chakras)
• Study the Hatha Yoga Pradipika's treatment of kundalini
• Analyze the Shiva Samhita's description of the practice

Philosophical Analysis:

• Compare kundalini with Tibetan Buddhist "tummo" practice
• Analyze the concept of "kundalini schizophrenia" (when awakening goes wrong)
• Study the relationship between kundalini and shaktipata (guru's grace)

Comparative Study:

• Compare with Christian mysticism's "holy spirit" experience
• Compare with Sufi's "燃尽" (fana) experience
• Analyze kundalini and the "kundalini syndrome"

---

Living Tradition

Signs of Progress

As kundalini rises, various changes occur:

• Personality shifts toward compassion
• Increased intuition
• Spiritual experiences
• Healing of old traumas
• Greater sense of peace

Risks and Challenges

Kundalini awakening can cause difficulties:

• Physical symptoms (heat, vibrations)
• Emotional releases
• Psychological destabilization
• "Kundalini syndrome" — overwhelming experiences

These should be addressed with experienced teachers.

Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga

The form most known in the West:

• Uses "kriyas" (spontaneous movements)
• Incorporates mantras, breathwork, meditation
• Designed for householders (working people)
• Accessible but different from traditional Indian practice

---

Known Limitations

• Kundalini awakening can cause intense, sometimes overwhelming experiences
• Not recommended for those with mental health conditions
• Should be learned from qualified teachers
• Traditional practice requires guru initiation
• The "Yogi Bhajan" style is one tradition, not the only valid approach

---