Important Issues to Address before Starting the Process.
Question: What is Kundalini and how is it related to my practice of yoga asanas?
Answer: No matter which style of yoga practice a student does, as long as there are asanas involved, there will come a point in which, inevitably, the concept of the Kundalini will have to be tackled and learnt. It is the natural course of the journey especially as the student progressively goes through the deeper and more advanced types of yoga postures as well as advanced breath control methods often practised in yoga.
Everyone possesses the Kundalini but generally in a dormant state. Normally, a strong practice of yoga asanas in combination with breath control methods (specific pranayama) shall organically awaken the Kundalini. I could only speak from own experience and for me, when it comes to postures, backbends and hip openers are so effective in releasing the Kundalini energy.
There are so many writings about Kundalini and most of them depict the experience as being so mystical and esoteric. Yes, you could experience a lot of sub-physical manifestations (you may call it psychic occurrences, trance etc.) but actually, based on personal experience, they are really not so out of this world that it makes the holder so powerful and extraordinary.
We all have experienced some episodes of Kundalini Awakening, without being aware of it. An example is when we feel so inspired and energised about a certain project or task that we become so drawn into it for hours and even days without feeling tired and hungry. Moments when a sudden rush of inspiration and motivation occur to us that we finish all pending tasks and obligations so swiftly and beautifully.
The Kundalini is also awake during a high surge of physical energy and we feel extraordinary strong and light. For people who practice meditation or yoga Nidra, these are moments when they feel numbness and a momentary or long term "paralysis" of the limbs such as the arms, hands, legs and feet. The Kundalini energy could also be felt flowing out through the finger tips and toes during the aforementioned yoga practices.
However, intense full Kundalini absorption could cause more physical side effects such as intense electric shocks, temporary fainting, bodily shaking and chills, intense sweating, intense pain and spasms around the hips and lower back, heaviness in the chest, salivating or extreme dryness of the throat and much more.
Sub-physical effects include trance, hearing different sounds inside the mind, strong "gut" feel and intuition, extreme mood swings to the point of sometimes being irrational already, clairvoyance, paranoia and anti-social behavioural changes.
During high absorption, more profound effects such as hallucinating, spinning and floating sensations, out of body experience, energetic sparks, being covered by intense electrical current and even short stoppage of the breath could be experienced too.
The way that I felt it happening in my body is when the pelvis region, particularly around the sacroiliac, becomes so loose and open. Yes, the Kundalini awakens when you open the hips and lower spine so loose that the deep joints and around these areas become so sensitive to subtle movements. When this happens, the student will learn a skill of using the really deep muscles of the hips to access the spaces between these joints which normally are not inherently open.
Question. What are the short and long-term effects of Kundalini energy to the body and life in general?
Answer: The physical and psychic effects or I may say side-effects of Kundalini Awakening shall continue to happen for as long as the student carries on with the practice of the methods which leads to its opening (Asanas, Kriyas, Meditation). It really varies from one person to the other. I could only speak from my personal experience and I could say that it has a peak and slowly will wear off. During the initial stages (this stage may take a few months to a year), I clearly remembered having experienced trance quite often.
These out of body experiences range from spinning sensation, floating and travelling around places other than my actual physical location, seeing energetic images (yes, seeing my own image oftentimes doing differently from where I am watching), energies trying to connect with my own (but I have chosen to stop this from happening further, could be spooky actually) as well as seeing events even before they happen (clairvoyance) and much more.
Then slowly as I become more familiar with them, somehow these occurrences become less often. Actually, at present, I find it more difficult to catch them. My theory is that, as the energy becomes strong, the brain (where all these extra-sensory manifestations are formed in the first place) becomes more tolerant and immune to strong energetic stimulation. Eventually, the brain will adapt, making it more difficult for the student to reach a new height. As the experiences become often, somehow they become just an ordinary event for the meditator.
But the most profound of all these shall happen maybe once or twice in the whole lifetime. Samadhi, as called in yoga, is the highest energetic trance. Literally, all the activities in the mind stop and become so passive and quiet. The breath shall technically stop but the Bandhas are still supporting you to keep the vital organs functioning healthily. You are aware but not awake, seeing but not watching, hearing but not listening, feeling without doing. There are only two manifestations of this profound experience of mine.
The eyes see two planes of shades (colours). White at the top and black below it. The line that separates them is very distinct and clear.
The ears hear a humming sound lingering behind the head.
This is the closest I could describe it. It is beyond words.
To tell you the truth, there is really nothing extraordinary or magical about them. These are no different from learning a new skill or talent. They all could be learnt.
However, the long-lasting effect of the Kundalini Awakening would have to be the strong spiritual connection it creates. After the trance and you get back, your situation remains the same but the way you look at things becomes so different. It creates a sense of inner peace and happiness beyond explanation. It is like a treasure no one else could take away.
Rather, you would want to share it as you know there will more than enough for yourself to keep. You become more forgiving and tolerant, understanding and patient, less materialistic and less wanting.
Physically though, the side effects were more far-reaching than I expected them to be. I would not deal too much with the details but would just mention one important issue regarding this topic.
As the Kundalini becomes strong, so does the need to push her out of her hiding place. This shall mean practising really deep elements of cleansing which may involve inner vital organs and sensitive joints of the body already. These include advanced breath retention and control which may cause fainting for weak students, deep rotation (both internal and external) of the hip and femur joints, deep rotation of the ankles, knees and shoulders that if done without the Bandhas could cause serious injuries. This is when advanced asanas become more than poses for they are necessary to open up further the deepest part of the energetic system (chakras).
Asanas like the Kandasana and Mula Bandhasana, Eka Pada Kapotasana and deep shoulder openers shall become so part of the process. Presently, these asanas are necessary for me not anymore to achieve more physical accomplishment but to function properly. They are like my food that they become a need rather than wants. Otherwise, if I do not do them, my body will hurt and I without them, my bodily functions become so sluggish and restricted.
This could pose a problem for a lot of aspirants since a lot of these poses shall further loosen the joints, particularly around the pelvis, the body shall be very sensitive to sudden impacts and movement or any movement which puts pressure on the lower back. I enjoy weight training and other cardiovascular exercises. But with the Kundalini so strong already in me, I need to stop doing them for my own safety. This decision had other repercussions as it affected other aspects of my life in general like food intake, rest and recovery and not to mention I need to stop teaching high impact exercises so it affected my job too.
What I want to point out here is that there will be lots of sacrifices that comes along with the process. So it has to be taken seriously or the chances of regretting are very high in the future. If not seriously considered, they could cause serious, painful and stressful repercussions in the future.
Question. I have pointed out that Kundalini is a very scientific process where the student is led to a series of progressive stages of asanas, breath regulation, Bandhas, and distinct meditation elements. So, is it possible for an aspirant to awaken his Kundalini without the aforementioned elements?
Answer. Yes, but it will be very difficult and might take a very long time. The heart of Kundalini awakening is its meditation component. It is the fixing of the mind on a single subject and in Kundalini Meditation that point is located at the core of the pelvis.
Through deep concentration and focus (Sadhana) on that spot, a meditator could use his mind power to process his gross energy until he is able to somehow isolate its very fine component and allow it to rise. But since our pelvis and spine are inherently blocked, it would take an extraordinary mind strength to be able to do that without some forms of asanas.
Likewise, the ability to raise the current upwards would require a form of very distinct breathing pattern which could only be accessed through the Bandhas and deep core muscles. But most importantly, for this very fine energetic current to move, our energy channels (Nadis) need to be cleansed and purified. Without the elements of Kriyas, achieving this state of openness is close to impossible.
It is true that spontaneous incidents of trance could happen to some people who are inherently sensitive to psychic energy. They are the gifted ones. But an ordinary aspirant like most of us could also reach such potential through following a scientific process similar to what I have laid down here.
Question: What is Samadhi and what is its relationship with our Kundalini?
Answer: Samadhi is both a spiritual state and a physiological experience (trance). One does not happen without the other. They always come together. In achieving Samadhi, the Kundalini absorption usually occurs first. My insight is that the Kundalini dissolves all the physical and energetic blockages leading to clearer pathways so we could see the ultimate Self (spirit).
When the trance settles, peace sets in. Then the student shall see the image of his spiritual reality. It is a passive world. Empty. All the mind could see is a white ocean of light lingering over the horizontal plane. Behind the mind is the most beautiful humming sound. It is the type of consciousness which is seedless. It is not capable of producing anymore Samskaras. It is like the dead world. No movement, no fluctuations, no nothing. Only steady and quiet.
When the aspirant comes out of the trance, the spiritual realisations shall remain forever. Never shall he see his external world the same again ever again. A student could just go in and out of the trance experience every time he meditates. It is the influence of the Samadhi over one’s spirit which lasts forever.
During my starting stages, my Samadhi episodes were mostly random and short. I meditate every day but achieving such state is so difficult to attain. I have mastered to reach full Kundalini absorption every time I sit on but so challenging to go beyond.
It takes lots of practice and patience. Now, as I experience Samadhi quite often, it is getting clearer to me how to get into it by following a process. I am already in the process of writing them all out and I would be ever so delighted to share it with all of you in the near future. For now, all I could say is that there is a specific point during the meditation process where you have to let go off of a big chunk of your sense-attachment but not fully surrendering.
That point happens very quick and specific. That you have to be very vigilant of its occurrence. It is that very instant when the Kundalini reaches the peak.
The way I feel it is this.
The Kundalini has a peak point. I call it the "head" and you could actually catch its "head" and through the Jalandhara Bandha, you pull if upwards to enter the brain. When this happens, the current will just fill the whole brain as its tip crisscrosses the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This is the trance and while you are at it, other manifestations could occur such as spinning, floating, transcendence, etc. But it is just the beginning actually.
After this high energetic absorption, everything will just fully stop. When the trance settles, peace sets in. Then the student shall see the image of his spiritual reality. It is a passive world. Empty. All the mind could see is a white ocean of light lingering over the horizontal plane. Behind the mind is the most beautiful humming sound. It is the type of consciousness which is seedless. It is not capable of producing anymore Samskaras. It is like the dead world. No movement, no fluctuations, no nothing. Only steady and quiet.
When the aspirant comes out of the trance, the spiritual realisations shall remain forever. Never shall he see his external world the same again ever again. A student could just go in and out of the trance experience every time he meditates. It is the influence of the Samadhi over one’s spirit which lasts forever.
It is like diving into the ocean of death with a tiny portion of my mind holding on to life (very little consciousness). It is detachment from the physical world and union with the unknown ocean of eternal consciousness (peace). But somehow, you know you are awake. This is a very deep aspect of meditation so I know what you might be thinking now. My words here are the closest I could describe it but they would never suffice.
In this describing how he first reached the highest bliss (Samadhi), Sri Ramakrishna said: "Every time I gather my mind together, I came face to face with the blissful form of the Divine Mother." (my insight is that this divine mother is his Kundalini). He further said: "However much I tried to free my mind from the consciousness of the Mother, I did not have the will to go beyond. But at last, collecting all the strength of my will, I cut Mother's form into pieces with the sword of discrimination, and at once my mind became seedless, and I reached nirvikalpa (samadhi or union). It was all beyond expression.”
Question: Kundalini has always been described to be an egoistic approach to self-actualisation because it focuses much on the physiological aspects of the practice. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, which is considered to be the highest form of traditional yoga text doesn't even mention the word Kundalini. So does it mean it is never the recommended path to achieve the high yoga (Raja Yoga)?
Answer: I will answer this question from the standpoint of someone who has experienced both the ideal and the ugly sides of Kundalini awakening. I will talk about it from both ends of the spectrum; from physiological all the way to spiritual aspects. Also, I will give my insights why the intention on the part of the aspirant as well as the process (guidance) he undertakes shall define either his success or downfall.
The Kundalini is an actual energy current. Once it has awakened, there is no going back. It will change your life in all aspects. She would definitely make her presence felt every second and every minute. It will even change the way you breathe! The Kundalini is so powerful it is even present during your sleep. If you are not prepared to embrace major changes in your life, especially the idea of giving up the common pleasures and comforts you are enjoying now, then this process is not for you. It could create physical, mental and emotional pain.
The Kundalini is a rising energy. Once she awakens, you have to move her up to her ultimate, rightful place, the crown chakra (Sahasrara). It is not an ordinary task that you could just stop at anytime you want. This is where the Kundalini becomes a burden instead of a gift. A lot of students get stuck somewhere in the middle of the process. Many aspirants, due to lack of preparation and willpower and the weakness in the spiritual foundation (non-attachment), easily give up. Worst, they could not let go of the sense-pleasure it brings to the body and ego.
As a rising current, the Kundalini should be forced to reach, at a minimum, the heart chakra (Anahata) and never be allowed to return lower than this point. The Kundalini should just be confined between the heart and the crown ONLY. If managed properly, meditating upon the Kundalini of the heart (lotus of the heart) would produce the noblest of all experiences. It will let all the good qualities of the heart and spirit shine brightly. It will lead to total peace and joy. When allowed to nourish our highest chakra, the Kundalini shall connect us to our unaltered divine qualities. This is the goal of the process.
However, if the Kundalini is left lingering below the point of the heart, the student is putting himself in a real dangerous situation. Below the heart chakra, the Kundalini will consume the student's ability to control himself (senses). It will cause him to go hungry for physical lust and power. His mind will always be distracted as his senses will never be satisfied. Physically, this could mean pain, trauma, and sickness. It could cause mental illness as well. In times when the calling of the senses is so strong and he commits a mistake, as any other human being does, he would be consumed with so much guilt and remorse. If his understanding of his own self is lacking, this could result in depression and disgust towards himself and his life. Moreover, the worst is that it could potentially rot his soul, putting him to his lowest spiritual state.
Given the above warnings, what then are the most important requirements before the student begin the process of unlocking his Kundalini? Firstly, he must have the purest of all intentions. If the goal is to achieve supremacy in any aspect, then this path is never to be taken. Secondly, is proper guidance. The guidance of a spiritual teacher is a must. A teacher who have managed to be on top of his sense-urge and keep the Kundalini serpent as tame as a sheep. He knows the safe way in and out of this sensitive and serious endeavour.
It is true that Kundalini is not yet the ultimate yoga goal (Samadhi) but it is the closest stage to it. It is the final step to the ladder of full spiritual awakening. The Kundalini experience as I have mentioned in the beginning of this article is like a drug. It is very addictive. It will give you extraordinary powers. It feeds the ego like no other. It is the most pleasurable experience. It is so easy to become so attached to it. When the foundation of the student is weak, when his practice is not founded on the ground of non-attachment, he would certainly have difficulty letting go.
This is when a lot of aspirants get stuck. The final test is how to let go and allow such gift to flow out to help and teach others. Acceptance that nothing is permanent and actually living it is the hardest part to develop. At the very height of Kundalini absorption, you would be able to see the glimpse of the total union. It is so reachable but somehow far to attain. All you have to do is to muster all the courage you have left to let go and surrender.
Finally, after the Kundalini is the ultimate yoga or union with your Self. This stage is so difficult to achieve. It is easy to achieve full Kundalini absorption, especially with a strong and well-established Bandhas, but the most difficult part is letting go. I have been there a few times but until now, there are so many missing pieces that I need to collect to fully grasp the process. I am still weak. So, countlessly I go back to where I left off and restart the process over and over again. Believe me when I tell you those missing pieces are the most difficult of them all for they are what we normally consider pleasurable.
Yes, Patanjali literally didn't mention the word Kundalini is his Yoga Sutras. However, he did point out some of its important aspects. He mentioned about the concentration upon the inner Chakras, specifically the lotus of the heart (Anahata Chakra) as a way of achieving Raja Yoga. During advanced stages of Kundalini meditation, the current could be felt piercing through the seven plexuses (chakras) as it ascends the Sushumna (centre of the spine). Among all these plexuses, it is at the heart chakra where the Kundalini is felt the most.
Once this chakra becomes sensitive, it paves the way for a lot of beautiful thoughts and feelings. At the heart space, the Kundalini energy is tame, calm, warm and subtle. It is quieting in the mind too. It would invoke all the good qualities of your heart. So it is the ideal place meditate upon as it is something not very physiological (thus the aspirant would not be so attached to his senses). But the process shall not stop there.
Once the Kundalini reaches the crown chakra (Sahasrara), one sees the light. In describing Samadhi, he indicated about the rising spiritual current as well as seeing a steady ocean of white light. All these are actually the heart of Kundalini Awakening. Although the same, Patanjali described them in a way not too complicated.
My insight is that Patanjali did not give too much weight discussing it because his recommended way of achieving the union is through control of the senses using solely the will of mind. This is pure meditation. For him the purity of the body and all its structural components, breath included, could be attained by controlling the fluctuations of the mind through meditation only.
This is the path being taken by practitioners of Raja Yoga or Bhakti Yoga to name some. For them, the Kundalini would involuntarily awaken (but not as physical and energetic as when you allowed her to open through the Hatha yoga practice) when the aspirant reaches the state of purity of the mind through meditation. This is very true and it is the safest way to achieve total bliss. It is founded on the principle that the mind is the stronger tool and all the senses are inferior elements.
Personally, I chose the path where I have a platform to work on. That platform is the physical body. Through asanas, the physical blockages are dissolved. By becoming strong and supple, the breath (prana) shall flow freely through the energy channels (Nadis). Further down the journey, as I mentioned in chapter four, the Bandhas shall manifest. The role of the bandhas is to further the purification process (Kriyas) until a state of total balance is achieved between the Ida (left channel) and the Pingala (right channel).
The process shall continue until the energy becomes so subtle and pure that its unified form is collected at the very base of the spine (Muladhara Chakra) where the Kundalini lies dormant and sleeping. With Bandhas, Pranayama, and Asanas (these skills are learned in the previous stages) , the student could powerfully direct the Kundalini through the great hole or the Sushumna Nadi allowing it to rise to give way for the high energetic absorption.
So the process that I took is very scientific. It is something easier to learn for most of us for there is a guide to follow.
So really there is no difference in the end. The end goal is the same. Both paths shall end to realising our full Kundalini experience. Kundalini awakening is an inevitable part of the method towards the high yoga experience: whether be it through pure concentration and meditation or the process which starts with the tangible such as the physical body.
Practical Application of the Philosophy
Here's another flow sequence you could practice with for your self-practice at home. I designed this sequence to specifically target the releasing of the Kundalini Energy then progressively ascend her up through the elements of Backbends.
Wishing you a practice filled with positively charged energy.