kundalini yoga

In spiritual literature, especially the Indian Upanishads, Kundalini or the Divine Serpent Power is discussed a great deal. But one should not think that only this description is total. Because beyond this there is a lot more that needs to be researched into, spoken about and understood deeply. We must keep an open mind so as to understand more deeply, the results of conjoining these incomplete theories.

In the Kathopanishad the dialogue between Yama-Nachiketa revolves around the Panchagni Vidya or the 5-fold science of fire. This can be correlated to the 5-fold description of the Divine Serpent Power. In the Shwetashwatar Upanishad it is called the Fire of Yoga. In the Yoga Pradeepika it is called Spirit of Fire. Scholars of Tantra like John Woodroffe call it Serpentine Fire.

Madam Blavatsky called it Cosmic Electricity. She described it as a conscious flow of energy akin to cosmic electricity. In her book “Voice of Silence” she says –

It is called Kundalini or Divine Serpent Power because it moves like a snake. A Yogic seeker imbibes the ordinary movement as cyclic in his body and as a result of this practice his individual energy augments greatly. This Kundalini which is an electrical fire power, is hidden. It is that natural energy which is present in the substratum of all creatures and objects of the cosmos.

Under today’s modern circumstances our past prejudice can only be mocked at. Similarly if we look upon today’s achievements as the ultimate truth, we are definitely going to obstruct the path of further research and progress. Because of a prejudiced standpoint, one thinks materialism to be the ultimate truth. In fact material scientists allude to the existence of consciousness to a mere material manifestation. While walking on the path of progress, scientists are now experiencing the independent existence of consciousness. They are being known to accept that its potential and power supercedes the potency of material objects.

In recent years no doubt the divine existence of Kundalini Power has been accepted yet in the scientific arena there are some scientists who describe it as a form of one’s bodily potential. Anatomists call it the nervous force that emanates from the nervous system. Dr. Rele in his most talked about book “Mysterious Kundalini” calls it the “vagus nerve”. He further says that when its potency, that controls the muscles and nervous system, works in spiritual tasks, it becomes the Divine Serpent Power. According to him when one gets control of this power, one can control one’s voluntary and involuntary bodily movements as per one’s desire. This self-control is indeed a very great feat. Thus it means that we can mould our psyche and thus our destiny/future too. He sings praises of Kundalini from this standpoint and advises one and all to activate this Divine Serpent Power so as to make apt use of it.

The Introductory note of Dr. Rele’s “Mysterious Kundalini” has been written by the Tantra expert Sir John Woodroffe. Over there Sir Woodroffe has disagreed with Dr. Rele’s observation which opines that Kundalini is merely on electrical flow of the physical bodily centre. Sir John agrees that “It is a grand potential i.e. it is a conscious and a divinely powerful energy and that it can never be compared to any material object or flow. According to him the nervous force is merely a gross aspect of the Divine Serpent Power and is not a creation of the nervous center. It is neither material in nature nor is it a mental force. In fact it is Kundalini that creates the above two. It works as a combined flow of static reality, dynamic reality and residual power. In an individual’s consciousness, it lies in a latent state. He/She who activates Kundalini with intense effort becomes endowed with a very special power.”

In scientific terms Kundalini is called life force or electromagnetism. Its center is said to be the brain. Even then the mystery of how the brain gets the capacity of executing various intellectual tasks has yet not unfolded. But Yogic texts answer this question by pointing towards the power of desire (Kama Shakti). They further say that it is this center that gives an opportunity to the unmanifested human existence, to manifest in a human body. It gives required inspiration to the various functions of the desire center. It is that magnetic crystal that creates a substratum for the working of the transistor in the form of the human body. The chance to manifest sexual (desire) power is attained via the medium of the genitals. Hence the Mooladhar Chakra (plexus) present in this region is called the center of the Divine Serpent Power or Kundalini. In short it is called Kund (pyre).

Hathyoga specialists have correlated it to the “Kand” present in the depth of the bladder region and say that it is egg shaped. Many have tried to correlate it to either the muscles of the body or the genitals or the male endocrine glands. Others opine that the mouth source of Kundalini is the covering of the triangular region at the base of our spinal cord. Another scholar says “Ganglion Impar” is where one can find Kundalini. It is because of such deluded beliefs that bodily exercises, postures, Bandha, Mudra etc. are correlated to activation of the Divine Serpent Power. That energy, which manifests due to incitement of the nerve centers, shows its potential only for a very short time span. In comparison to this the Divine Serpent Power is eternal. Hence under such circumstances it is vain to call it muscular or nervous energy.

Kundalini is conscious energy. It can also be seen to work as life force, as the urge to live and also works in our body and psyches. The centers beyond this lie in a latent state. No doubt it is electrical energy yet it cannot be compared to the material electricity that is generated from batteries, dynamos, generators etc. When with the help of Kundalini the soul nature can be transformed like Kayakalps (bodily transformation), it cannot be called a material power. This Divine Serpent Power which plays an extraordinary role in uniting the individual soul (Creature) with the cosmic soul (God), which augments our bliss and zeal and which manifests miraculous powers, can be never be called material. Hence in short Kundalini is definitely a soul force and hence spiritual.

Another name of Kundalini is Fire of Life. It is the influence of this fire that manifests brilliance, radiance, hope, enthusiasm, zest, zeal etc. This Fire of Life pervades every atom of the cosmos. When it works in inert objects, it is called Apara Prakriti in spiritual terms. It is due to this that objects are created, propagated and transformed. Another form of Fire of Life is Para Prakriti. It is said to be the experience of all creatures. It encompasses the intellect, discrimination (Vivek), desire, knowledge, emotions etc. By making the unconscious mind its center, Para Prakriti controls the movements of the body, mind and inner nature.

The aim of the science of spiritual practices is to help conjoin an individual’s emotional “Fire of Life” with that cosmic sentimental consciousness and thus attain benefits that accrue out of such close proximity. A small machine makes itself powerful by joining one of its wires to the huge powerhouse of electricity. It is only when a wet/cold bar of wood comes in close proximity with a blazing fire, that it itself takes the form of brilliant fire.

The more intense is the bond built between the individual Fire of Life and God, to that extent divinity will manifest in a human being. Brahmavarchas or soul force is that special quality attained, due to building a bond with God via spiritual practices. It is different from the fleeting powers attained by living an ordinary material life. This soul force can be seen as radiance, power and importance of one’s inner personality. When this soul force manifests in one’s daily actions, such a person is called a seer, sage, Rishi, philosopher, superman etc. Sometimes their worldly actions are so out of this world, that it is termed a miracle by the ordinary layman.

The macro form of Fire of Life is called God Fire in spiritual terms and in its individual, micro form it is called soul or Fire of Life. The divine principle is described as Spiritual Science and science of living beings is described as soul science. Both these forces i.e. material and spiritual manifest from one single energy flow. Yet in order to understand their natures, it is classified into 2 aspects from the standpoint of analysis and experience. Electricity is one single principle. Based on cosmic laws its generation, union and separation take place. Thus it is called positive or negative. In the same way the Fire of Life from the macro standpoint is called Para and Apara and from the micro standpoint is called God and individual soul. All that is taking place, all that has already taken place and all that will take place in future comes within its jurisdiction.

In an individual’s life i.e. within the human body the center of Para Prakriti or the conscious flow is the Brahmarandhra (central area of the brain) and is called the Sahasrar Kamal (1000-petalled lotus). It is also called Shiva, the Lord of Kailash or Vishnu who sleeps on Shesha Serpent or Kalagni. Another center is in the cave of the genitals. It is called the center of Apara Prakriti. It is also called Shakti, Parvati and the Fire of Life viz. Kundalini.

Both of them can also be called positive and negative electricity. The human body is called a small / micro sample of the macro visible cosmos. All types of forces present in this cosmos exist in the human body. Just as on the basis of scientific experiments and technology one can benefit from electrical, ethereal etc. forces, in the same way via Yogic scientific practices one can manifest intense energies of Apara Prakriti present in the human body. All this can be seen as divine / miraculous acts of great Yogis. All these miraculous Sidhis (divine powers) generated via spiritual practices (Sadhana) must be accepted as advancement of the bodily Apara Prakriti. The root of the fount of divine energy is situated in the “Kand” region of the human genital organs and is none other than Kundalini or the Divine Serpent Power.

In the same way special qualities like pious acts, nature, viewpoint, discrimination, radiance, will power, soul force etc. seen in one’s personality, are nothing but attainment of sensitive emotions from the conscious principle. Its central point is the Sahasrar Kamal (1000 – petalled lotus) of the wisdom center of the brain. Over here dwells Kalagni in the form of Shiva. So far 2 benefits of soul wisdom have been listed i.e. 1) the conscious brilliance of one’s emotions 2) extraordinary activities executed by the human body. These are also called Vibhootis or Sidhis (divine glories). These Vibhootis emanate from the brain center or the wisdom center i.e. divine sentiments. Sidhis emanate from the sexual center i.e. the Kund Kundalini or the energy fountain. Both these energy centers should be looked upon as the 2 poles of human existence. Our planet Earth has 2 poles i.e. the North Pole and the South Pole. In the same way man’s brain center is called the North Pole and the genital center is called the South Pole. The science of attaining knowledge regarding the above 2 centres and utilizing its power in the internal and external area of life’s advancement in an apt manner is called Kundalini Science. There can be varied forms, means and paths of spiritual practices (Sadhana) yet they should be understood as differences only at the external symbolic level. The aim of all spiritual practices is the same as seen in Kundalini worship. The aim of wearing clothes is to protect the body from weather changes. In this world clothes of many designs are produced for this aim only. Hence it is form this standpoint that we should understand the most accepted spiritual beliefs and practices of various religious sects of the world. Although externally/superficially they seem different, their fundamental aim is the same. In Indian Spiritual Philosophy, this science has been put forth without adding any unwanted paraphernalia. It has been put forth in a very straightforward manner by diving deep into its fundamental roots. Thus it is easier to understand it and thus attain the goal of all human lives in a relatively facile manner.

The presiding deity of the soul force viz. Kundalini or Divine Serpent Power which can help a living being to imbibe divine powers of Lord of the Cosmos (God), has been described as follows :-

“Kundalini, the presiding deity of divine energy sleeps like a female serpent in a coil of 3 ½ rounds in the Mooladhar Chakra. As long as Kundalini sleeps, man behaves like a beast. Man makes many material efforts yet he remains animal like because his Kundalini is yet sleeping. If one’s presiding energy is sleeping (inactive), one’s world too is sleeping. But the day this Kundalini awakens, one’s world too awakens.”

- MAHAYOG VIJNAN

“Via Yogic practices one can attain that Kundalini which shines like lightning, which is the mother of the 5 elements and the 5 Vital Forces, which is the supreme conscious energy and power of action.”

“In the Mooladhar Chakra lies the snake-like Divine Serpent Power and it shines brilliantly like a flame. Over there dwells a living being. If a person’s Kundalini energy gets activated, know for sure that he is indeed very blessed.”

- Gherand Samhita (6/16/18)

“This Kundalini energy is like a sleeping female snake. It is movement, light and speech manifest. It is the energy of Lord Vishnu. It shines brilliantly like the golden sun.”

- SHIV SAMHITA

The Kundalini energy sleeps like a female snake around a self-existent linga of Lord Shiva with a 3 ½ rounded coil. This comparison tells us that Kundalini has all those 3 capabilities, which are the fundamental causes of advancement of human existence. On the basis of hopes, thinking, activities and spiritual endeavour, every human being marches ahead with success and thus experiences joy. The seeds of all these 3 are present in the deep recess of the Divine Serpent Power. On advancing all these, the 3 skills bloom forth from within. Thus on attaining the external means, it gets a chance of making it more advanced. But if the inner potential is inactive, external endeavour for progress never succeeds. The 3 legs of Gayatri are the 3 rounds of the snake-like Kundalini. It is said to be the root potential of human existence –

“This Kundalini super energy is immovable nature and divine speech. It is none other than God.”

- PRAYANTRASARA TANTRA

“The nature of the 3 mystic words is Bhuha – desire power, Bhuvaha – action power, Svaha – wisdom power.”

“This Divine Serpent Power is pervaded with emotional bliss. When it is activated, man is filled up with so much emotional bliss that it is like the bucket of leather overflowing with water. Because this bliss evolves many skills, it makes one’s life blissful.

- YOGA VASISHTHA

“When radiance manifest Kundalini awakens, it lends brilliance to the powers of desire / wisdom / action. One can see its influence on the entire body. The latent world of Mantra gets activated. The cosmic wisdom awakens fully. Kundalini that transforms the entire world, makes a spiritual seeker extremely powerful.”

- MAHAYOG VIJNAN

“It is said that there are 3 powers viz. Sattvik wisdom power, Rajasik action power and Tamasik material power.”

- DEVI BHAGWAT

“Wisdom, desire and action are all symbols of power. They are called Mahasaraswati, Mahakali and Mahalakshmi.”

“Some call me the divine energy of penance. Some call me inert. Some call me knowledge, some Maya and others Mother Nature. But I am Supreme Love and Bliss.”

- DEVI BHAGWAT

“It is I who give the path to demi-gods and human beings, so as to achieve the desired goal. He, who worships my discrimination power so as to please me, is made extremely radiant by me. I make them Brahmins, Rishis and great seeers.”

- Rig Ved (10/25/5)

In spiritual terms spiritual ignorance means to be totally unaware of the divine potential within our body. When this ignorance is destroyed, we call it divine wisdom or realization of the self (soul). The highest achievement for a human being is to activate that which is inactive and to search for that which one has apparently lost. Soul based endeavour is said to be the supreme endevaour. As against this ordinary efforts can only give you transient wealth, bodily might and material pleasures. All these are fleeting and in fact as soon as you attain them, you desire more of them. But when you gain soul force you are led to higher and higher steps of divine grace. They are eternal and give total satiation. Not only does a person benefit individually but that he influences others too, to attain their spiritual goal. Thus keeping in mind all the above facts, spiritual endeavour is to said to be the supreme endeavour.

A sleeping man lies inactive and seems dead. But when he awakens all his prowess too gets activated & it is true for the vital force energy or Kundalini. If a person’s inner power is latent, know for sure that spiritually he is sleeping. When a person’s inner soul awakens, one can see him act greatly in the world.

In order to awaken the sleeping Divine Serpent Power in the body, one has to take recourse to Gayatri spiritual practices. Those who take up this marathon task of awakening the Kundalini energy, attain pinnacles of material and spiritual heights.