Overview of Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini refers to the dormant power in the human organism, which lies at the root of the spinal column and is the individual bodily representation of the great cosmic power. The word kundal in Sanskrit means, 'coil', and so kundalini has been referred to as that which is coiled. The coiled state of the kundalini represents the unmanifested spiritual power and consciousness of humans. However, the word kunda also refers to a cavity or pit. In this sense, kunda refers to the skull cavity in which the brain resides.

The purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken this kundalini energy and requires long practice and preparation under the expert supervision of a guru, or teacher through the various stages of discipline called the Ashtanga Yoga or the eight limbs of Yoga This involves asanas (postures), mudras (psycho-physical gestures), bandhas (muscular locks), pranayama (breath-control), meditations and mantras. When the aspirant is able to purify and balance the subtle channels of energy, known as the ida and pingala nadis, in the spinal column, and gradually ignite this kundalini energy at the base of the spine, it begins to rise up through a central channel in the spinal column, known as the sushumna nadi. As it rises, it passes through various psycho-energetic centers known as chakras. As the chakras are interconnected with different dormant areas of the brain, when the kundalini passes through them, all of the latent faculties and divine potentialities, innate in mankind, are awakened.

In rare cases, the kundalini can awaken spontaneously when the aspirant is in an optimum state of psychological and physical health, when one is in an environment where refined spiritual forces prevail, and when the mind and nervous system are receptive in the presence of a person in whom the kundalini energies are freely flowing.

The activation of an aspirant's kundalini energy can also be induced by a guru by their intention, touch or eye contact and this process is referred to as shaktipat.

Awakened kundalini energies flow upward through the chakras, enlivening their actions. The mind gets energised and the body is vitalised. Psychological transformations take place which clarify and expand the awareness of the aspirant. The aspirant also undergoes enhancement of powers of discriminative intelligence alongwith significant improvements to intuitive powers. Once the kundalini has risen to the top or sahasrara chakra, the aspirant is said to have experienced enlightenment.

Lastly, like in most yoga traditions, Kundalini Yoga does not advocate extreme effort. The most beneficial approach is to adopt a lifestyle regimen that can prepare the mind and body to be aware and receptive.

It is said, "when the disciple is ready, the master will appear!".