KUNDALINI. Literal translation = pool of transcendence KUNDAL04.TAN *********************************************************************** Kundalini in its traditional sense refers to the powerful force of sexual energy, or in the Tantras, the "inner woman." The symbol of Kundalini is a coiled serpent, often represented as a cobra, with three and one-half coils. She lies sleeping dormant in the root chakra at the base of the spine until she is consciously or unconsciously awakened. The power is normally latent; and when awakened can be either beneficial or dangerous. Note: Kundalini Yoga, in modern times being taught all over the country, is a method of releasing and channelling the Kundalini energy. Some teachers fail to realize that the Kundalini is inherently sexual energy, and refer to it simply as 'energy,' which can confuse and hamper those wishing to release the powerful energy. Also, anyone who offers to "awaken Kundalini" and "open the chakras" for you immediately and of themselves, should be AVOIDED. Although this method can succeed, its results, in my experience, are universally destructive, confusing, disharmonious, and unpleasant. Whenever one is a passive recipient of anything; one is at the 'mercy' of the giver. And since Kundalini MUST be awakened within each man and each woman, and channeled by that man or woman, the awakening or so- called Chakra-opening is bound to mess with one's energy, causing physical and psychological problems, if done by another to one who is not prepared for the results. I've heard an interesting theory about the "Kundalini of the earth," being the molten, liquid pool at the earth's center. The world-Kundalini is said to pulse at regular frequency; her more dangerous side being the cause of earthquakes and volcanos! Kundalini is also called the "inner fire." Although she rests in the Muladhara, which relates to basic life energy, she moves first into the Swadisthan, the sex Chakra, also known as the male chakra or female chakra; believed to be the place where all which makes up one's male or female traits are stored. All "Kundalini Yoga" relates to the channeling of sexual energy, whether it's explicitly referred to as such or not. The relationship between the Muladhara and Swadisthan is more one of existence/awakening, rather than any separate *type* of energy. Basic life energy, in Tantric thought, is inherently sexual, whether it is expressed that way or some other way. The awakened power of Kundalini, while attainable during any ordinary act of sex, is fundamental if one wishes to elevate the sexual act from physical to spiritual. There are various ways of 'awakening' or 'rousing' Kundalini, including the sexual act itself; but the Gheranda Samhita gives details of one method: "The great Kundalini, the primordial energy of the Self, sleeps in the sexual region of the body. She has a form like a serpent having 3-1/2 coils. As long as she sleeps, the individual soul is limited and true knowledge does not arise. But just as the key unlocks the door, so does Hatha Yoga unlock the door of Kundalini, allowing the Self to experience Brahman and attain Liberation. Use a seated posture, such as Padmasana, Sikhasana, or any comfortable seated meditative posture. Inhale a complete breath (*see Pranayama text, on file here, for more details if needed*), seeing the vital Prana conjoining with the Apana. (*Prana = vital life energy, male/solar energy, which moves upward from the solar plexus region; Apana = bodily energy, female/lunar energy, which flows downward; their flowing together and merger is an essential part of many Tantric practices.*) Practice mahamudra, by contracting the anal sphincter, and see the vital breaths entering the central Great Axis at the region just above the base of the spine. By retaining the breath, the serpent begins to feel cramped and suffocated. She begins to stir. Then, fully awaken the Kundalini by repeating the all-powerful seed-sound HUM. Say to yourself SOHAM (*I am she*) and visualize yourself filled with Sakthi is ecstatic union with Siva. Draw up the Kundalini energy from the lower region, and contemplate the union of the pure Siva- spirit with the primordial Sakthi-energy." A personal note: For me, at least, Kundalini does not move in a straight line. My experience in channeling the Kundalini energy upward at first resulted in frustration and physical pain, as the energy seemed to be 'bumping' against an impermeable barrier, rendering it incapable of rising. However, when creating a vortex, and allowing the Kundalini to whirl in a great energy-cone, she is able to pierce the barriers and rise. Picture a tornado-twister encircling the spine, with Kundalini at the 'eye' of the twister. This works for me; others may find it unnecessary or not as well suited as other means. It's one thing to awaken Kundalini, and even to send her on her upward journey; but learning to consciously control the energy is a bit more difficult. Physical well-being is, if not necessary, at least greatly helpful. Thus, Hatha Yoga and Pranayama should be practiced regularly for a time, before channeling Kundalini is even attempted. The body and mind will become stronger and healthier, and the body/mind will move naturally and harmoniously, giving the practitioner a sort of instinctive understanding of the upward current and flow of sexual energy. Physical exertion of any sort is said to awaken Kundalini spontaneously; even lovers with no knowledge of or interest in Tantra have experienced the Kundalini-power during sex at times. Physical exercise is also said to be effective. Personally, I find that after extremely long sessions of Hatha asana, progressing from the submissive-asana to the exertive-asana, the Kundalini is quite easy to tap and control. As has been said of orgasm, 'you'll know if you've had one.' The Kundalini waking and rising is an unmistakable experience. A 'liquid fire,' hot and cold, electric, breathtaking, almost paralyzing! Visualization, awareness, and intent will assist in the proper channeling of the energy; eliminating the frightening aspects which are all too likely to manifest when someone else 'awakens Kundalini' for you. The power of Kundalini properly channelled will transform simple Darwinistic instincts into a desire for transcendence. Kundalini pierces each of the six main chakras of the body, uniting finally the Siva/Sakthi at the thousand-petalled lotus chakra at the crown of the head, or in the 'aura' above the crown of the head. As she passes through each chakra, she swirls and changes color, taking on the hue of the chakra she has opened. Kundalini Yoga can be practiced alone or with a partner. The drawing-up of the sexual energy within one's own body involves creative and vivid visualization, of a purely spiritual, purely erotic, or combined nature. Drawing-up with a partner during the act of love, one must consciously concentrate not only on his/her own Kundalini energy, but on that of the partner as well. This experience leads directly to the destruction of duality; a feeling of Oneness with each other, and with Siva/Sakthi, and the three realms. Without mastering Kundalini, it is impossible for a lover, no matter how aroused or devoted, to penetrate the higher levels of consciousness during sexual union. Concentrate on the Kundalini, not only when attempting to awaken and channel, but at many times during the day. Visualize the serpent, communicate with her intuitively, attempt to tap her energy via inward communication. An interesting personal note: I've found that pains in the body are often related to a specific nerve/wheel directly within a certain chakra. This gives valuable clues as to certain blockages within the mind and the body; for instance, pain and discomfort at the lower back region may indicate a problem with sexuality, or with the ability to connect the basic life energy with the energy of sex. Mid-back or stomach pain may indicate an imbalance of one's 'power' or solar energy, etc. Kundalini is a great ally, not only in lovemaking, but in revealing all manner of things to s/he who has called her. Without exception, in my case, pains felt in the spinal region, but not specifically related to back strains, have psychic or emotional roots. Kundalini has often forced me to recognize, and work to overcome, them. The Chakras have physical (as in nerve bundles) and meta-physical (as in psychic centers) properties. They contain subtle vibrations on a bodily and a mystic level. The Kundalini, as she passes through each Chakra, transforms it, much as the combination of two chemicals produces a change in both from a scientific standpoint. The impulses are transformed from one frequency to another. Kundalini herself is also transformed, becoming easily accessible and in some way, 'mating' with each chakra and the physical and psych-spiritual properties that chakra contains. The use of drugs can stimulate and awaken the Kundalini; however, as mentioned above, this outside force, wherein one is passive and done-to, rather than do-ing, possesses dangers of improper channelling or allowing the energy to get out of control. Spontaneous dance, such as Sufi dancing, whirling, and moving the body without particular set 'steps' to the rhythm of deep-based music, such as drums, bass, etc., can stimulate the Kundalini; as can the Orissi, which is an elaborate, learned form of dance performed by Yoginis; the remnants of ancient Indian temple dances. When the experience of Kundalini is prolonged, it is possible to distill the energy, and store it within a specific chakra. The Kundalini stored in the heart Chakra will empower the emotions and give a feeling of powerful yet peaceful love. Stored in the solar plexus chakra, a feeling of hot, energetic 'male' power is accomplished. In the 'third eye' or forehead chakra, the Kundalini assists one to master non-physical 'seeing,' an element of Siddhi or occult powers. Also, Tantric tradition dictates that a subtle nerve runs from the heart center to both eyes, and that the distilled and captured Kundalini energy can be projected outward through the eyes, awakening the Kundalini of another. However, this type of awakening is not likely to last, unless the person who has been 'directed' pursues the channelling of Kundalini within him/herself. Tantra calls this process 'gazing,' and recognizes four main 'gazes.' The *overthrowing gaze* is practiced while the breath is exhaled, with the eyes looking upward, toward the forehead or 'third eye.' The *subduing gaze* is practiced during inhalation, with the eyes turned to the left. The *conjuring forth gaze* is practiced upon breath-retention, with the eyes turned toward the right. Finally, the *petrifying gaze* is practiced with the breath steady, relaxed and shallow, the eyes looking straight ahead and straight through at the same time. In the west, such *gazing* is generally practiced by hypnotists and con men! The gazes can be used, not only to overpower or attract another, but as solitary meditative techniques, moving breath and eyes, and conquering one's mind, rather than that of another. The use of these techniques can also consciously evoke a particular emotion in oneself, for a particular situation. Taoist and Tantric traditions teach that the eyes are directly correlated to the mind. For example, in order to control premature ejaculation, the Yogi is advised to either roll the eyes several times in either direction, or focus them upward, retaining the breath. This controls the ascent of fire from the solar plexus chakra and stabilizes the urge to orgasm. "The sleeping Kundalini is extremely fine, like the fiber of a lotus stalk. She is the world-bewilderer, gently covering the door to the Central Great Axis. Like the spiral of a conch-shell, her shining serpentine form is coiled around three and one-half times; her luster is as a strong flash of lightning; her sweet murmur like an indistinct hum of swarms of bees. She maintains all beings in this realm by means of the breath, and shines radiantly in the cavity of the sexual region." --Satchakranirupana KUNDALINI AND THE SUBTLE BODY: The Subtle Body has been explained in other texts; it is also known as the aura around the physical body. It also exists within the physical body. This is how the Siva Samhita describes the Subtle Body as it relates to Kundalini and Tantric sexual union: "In this body, the central Great Axis, Mount Meru (*the spinal column*) is surrounded by seven islands: prana, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, and soma. There are rivers, seas, seers, sages, gods, intelligences, all the stars and planets, sacred places, shrines, and presiding deities. The sun and the moon, the agents of creation and destruction, move through the body, as do the Five Elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether. All that exists in all realms is to be found within the body surrounding the Central Great Axis. This body is called Brahmanda (*egg of Brahma, or aura of Brahma*) is the microcosm: the nectar-rayed moon, in its proper place atop the spinal column, turns her face downward and rains nectar day and night. The ambrosia from the moon sub-divides into two subtle parts. One of these nourishes the body, as sacred water, and descends as a subtle channel on the left side. The other ray, brilliant as the purest milk, enters the central nerve of the spinal column, maintaining and re-creating the moon in her proper place atop the Central Great Axis. At the lower region of the Great Axis is the sun, located within the body itself. From the inner sun, above the navel region (*solar plexus*), a subtle channel emanates to the right side and carries the solar energy upward by the power of its rays. This nerve on the right is another form of the sun and moves through the body, swallowing up vital secretions. The Lord of Creation and Destruction is the Sun, which moves through the vessel of the body. In the human body are several hundred thousand subtle channels, but the principal ones are fourteen in number. Of these, three are particularly important: the Ida, to the left, the Pingala, to the right, and Susumna (in the center). Of these three, Susumna is most beloved of Yogis, all other subtle channels are subordinate to it. Ida on the left coils around the Susumna and enters the right nostril. Pingala on the right, coils about Susumna and enters the left nostril. Who knows the microcosm of the body and understands its mysteries truly reaches the highest state." Most eastern philosophies have similar descriptions of the Subtle Body, especially the solar/lunar symbolism and the necessity for their merger, as well as the three subtle nerves. The Subtle Body, as a celestial microcosm, serves to link this realm with the next, and the next. The Chakras; literally 'wheels,' are nerve bundles and psychic centers. They have been described as 'plasma fields' which vibrate at specific frequencies, shapes, sounds, and colors. Most modern views of the Chakras have been derived from British colonists in India, who gave misinterpreted or mistaken accounts in many cases. The modern Chakra systems often are based upon these misconceptions, rather than ancient descriptions in Yogic and Tantric texts. The earliest Tantric texts describe the Muladhara, or root chakra, and the Swadisthan, or male/female chakra, as primarily physical, while the next four chakras are a combination of physical and subtle both, with the crown chakra, the thousand-petalled lotus, being wholly subtle/spiritual in nature. Each chakra is described as a lotus with a set number of petals. The root chakra contains four petals, facing upward, the natural way that the basic sexual/life energy is to flow. The male/female chakra has 32 petals, facing downward, connecting the two in an inalienable manner. Tantric texts state that each petal of the root chakra sub-divides into three, producing twelve petals. The solar plexus, 'power' chakra contains 64 petals, pointing upward; again, the natural path for the flow of solar current within the body. The heart center is a downward-facing Lotus with eight petals, which sub-divide into three, to produce 24 petals. The throat chakra, relating to communication and free-flowing information, is an upward-turning, 16-petalled Lotus; the forehead, or 'third eye' chakra, relating to non-physical 'seeing' is a downward-turned 32-petalled Lotus. Around the hairline, pointing downward, between the third eye and the crown chakras, is the moon, raining her nectar. Meditation on the chakras causes the energy to flow harmoniously through the subtle and physical bodies. Kundalini Yoga recommends mental focus on the solar plexus, heart, moon, and crown, isolating them from the rest of the chakra system. Visualize the lotus, with appropriate number of petals; or in the case of the solar plexus, an upward pointing sun, the rays of which join with the downward-flowing nectar of the moon. Stimulate the Kundalini: contract the anal sphincter and/or vaginal muscles, practice the eye/breath movements explained above, and repeat, mentally or aloud, HAM or HOUNG. Evoke erotic sentiment within. Now: Let Kundalini swirl, piercing the subtle barriers and entering the solar plexus chakra. Visualize Brahma, the Creative, within the petals of the Lotus, dancing astride the sun; claim the blazing, creative power for your own. Next, draw Kundalini further up, into the heart center. Her erotic energy pierces the Lotus and accesses Visnu, the Preserver, the All-Flowing, Lord of the Waters, the flow of emotions, and the flow of blood through the body. Claim the preserving power of Visnu as your own. As Kundalini passes through the lunar crescent, the unites the solar and lunar energies within the body; transforming and balancing them, so that the lunar rays will not be burned up by the sun, nor the sun drowned by the nectar of the moon. Finally, retain the breath and make Kundalini whirl madly, enabling her to pierce the Lotus and reach the domain of Siva, the Destroyer, the Transcender. If this meditation is performed in sexual union; the urge to climax by the male Yogi must absolutely be restrained at this point. Become one with the Kundalini, as she takes the form of Sakthi and engages in ecstatic union with Siva. Thus will all dualities and limitations be cast aside. These raw energies and powers exist naturally within every human being. It is by learning the conscious control and focus of them that one is empowered. The thousand-petalled lotus is the dwelling-place of the archetypal Siva. By focusing consciousness on this chakra, one links up with one's 'source,' whatever that may be. Tantra is quite simple in its way: it awakens natural, dormant powers within and the self-transcendence techniques bring the individual soul into harmony with the cosmos. Through using the power of sex in its deep mystical meaning, apart from simple procreation, mysteries and delights beyond the physical realm will be invoked and claimed as one's own. The Subtle Body serves as the vehicle of the physical body, allowing the practitioner(s) to pass through the physical realm and partake of the joyous, pure delight of the spirit. "Contemplation is of three kinds; gross, luminous and subtle. When one contemplates one's guru or Isvara, this is known as gross contemplation. It is an auspicious beginning-place, but not the Means. When Prkriti, creative nature, is contemplated, it takes the form of a mass of light and is known as luminous contemplation. Contemplation upon the Kundalini is known as subtle contemplation. This subtle contemplation is the One that lasts through Eternity." --Gheranda Samhita "Initiated High Tantric Yogis and Yoginis become capable of taking n all vibrations, which stay and dissolve in the central pathway, the Great Axis of the Subtle Body. When the Four Omens, a Glittering, a Smoke, a Glow, and a cooling radiant Lamp Light appear, the Yogi or Yogini is resurrected." --Naro Chos Drug