Kuṇḍalinī—yoga is a yogic path that stimulates the conscious awakening of kuṇḍalinī—śakti or “the coiled energy” from which it derives its name. The kuṇḍalinī energy, also known as bhujańgin, ātma—śakti, and uddhūti, is the Transcendental Consciousness, the creative power of God, and therefore, the creative potential in the human being…. It is described as a sleeping serpent that lies in a potential state in the Mūlādhāra chakra, the first and most basic energetic center. Physically, this chakra is located at the spine’s base. Kuṇḍalinī—śakti is coiled three and half times, symbolizing the three guṇas, which are the three modes of nature: sattva or clarity, rajas or passion, and tamas, or inertia, and ignorance. Vṛttis represent the last half a coil.
It may be possible to categorize the kuṇḍalinī—śakti as being in the nature of acintya—bheda—abheda—tattva as it is a cosmic power, which is everywhere, yet abides in individual bodies — the cosmic and universal seated in the individual….
The amorphous residing in the base of form….
Pure Consciousness, or the Self, and kuṇḍalinī—śakti are not two different things, but two sides of the same coin…. In the world of duality, they are perceived as separate, but when unity is awakened, the yogī realizes the sole nature behind the world of duality and appearances, names and forms….
Within the sādhanā of kuṇḍalinī—yoga we find different practices: āsanas, prāṇāyāma, mudrās, bandhas, mantras, and meditation. The practices purify the body and stimulate the remarkable psycho—spiritual power.
To awaken the kuṇḍalinī is to awaken an essential part of us, to awaken ourselves…. however, it is prudent to advise against delving into this aspect of yoga without the adequate guidance of an able master, which is not an easy thing in our days. Misuse of kuṇḍalinī—yoga can gravely affect us on the energy and mental plane, possibly hindering our spiritual development.
In order to have even a basic knowledge of this branch of yoga and its processes, it is essential to briefly describe the energy centers, and the conductors of vital energy, which are found in the astral body.
The NāḍĪs or the Energy Conductors
Nāḍī in Sanskrit means “movement of vital energy”. The nāḍīs are delicate channels of vital energy in the astral body, conduits of prāṇa. In Chinese medicine, they are called meridians. Nāḍīs are like the veins of the astral body, but because they are made of prāṇa, they are invisible to the naked eye. Opinions about exactly how many nāḍīs exist are in dispute; they number between 72 to 3.5 million. The three most important ones are Suṣumnā, Iḍā, and Pińgalā.
The Function of KuṇḍalinĪ
The kuṇḍalinī—śakti functions like a thermometer. The serpentine power elevates, chakra after chakra, ascending through the Suṣumnā nāḍī until it reaches the Sahasrāra chakra. It marks the elevation in the level of consciousness and spiritual development. The rise of kuṇḍalinī expresses integration between all of the human being’s levels. This energy can climb up through the spine and nourish the brain, fine tuning its activity. Kuṇḍalinī is an evolutionary energy; its level of activation coincides with the individual’s state of consciousness. According to Oriental religions, the highest development and activation of this energy is enlightenment, an evolutionary state in which the ego is transcended and super—consciousness and universal love are developed.
When the kuṇḍalinī—śakti is found in the lower chakras, it marks a materialistic level of consciousness. The life of such a person is governed by greed, food, sex, and other sensual pleasures.
In advanced levels of this yoga, which also occurs at the culmination of haṭha—yoga, the individual develops the ability to easily direct the energy toward the Sahasrāra chakra, in the Brahma—randhra or crown, which is called “the lotus of a thousand petals”. Here, a great fusion between divine creative energy and Pure Consciousness is finally produced. Sometimes, the process of awakening the kuṇḍalinī is similar to the sunrise, which illuminates more and more as the Sun climbs above the horizon. The individual too experiences a level of elevation, a widening of the consciousness, in proportion to the elevation of kuṇḍalinī—śakti.
The Chakras: Functioning and Characteristics
Chakras are transformers of energy that are found in the astral body or lińga—śarīra, and therefore are not readily visible. They are subtle centers of energy. All of the bodily systems, such as the digestive, neural, circulatory, and respiratory systems are directly influenced by the chakras, which each control specific systems in the entire body. In Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel” or “disc”, implying circular movement. They are located in the intersections between various nāḍīs.
There are seven main chakras along the Suṣumnā nāḍī, each symbolized by lotus flowers that are open or closed according to the level of personal development. The number of petals on the flower reflects the number of nāḍīs that cross through that chakra. The number of leaves is symbolized by a letter in the Sanskrit alphabet.
First Chakra: Mūlādhāra Chakra
Location: At the base of the spine, below the kanda, behind the genitals and above the anus, in the pelvic plexus. Its name means “root”, “support”, and “foundation.” The kanda is in the shape of an egg and is on the chakra. Its location is where the nāḍīs Suṣumnā, Iḍā, and Pińgalā intersect.
Presiding Deities: Brahmā and Gaṇeśa
Element: Earth
Gland: Suprarenal
Number of petals: Four
Mantras of petals: Vaṁ , Śaṁ , Ṣaṁ , and Saṁ .
Mantra: Laṁ
Sense: Smell
Color: Red
Mineral: Agate, Ruby, Coral
Loka: Bhū—loka or the physical plane
Characteristic symptoms of malfunction:
At a mental level: insecurity, difficulty in ubication, paranoia, constant concern, disconnection from reality, fear, mental rigidity.
At a physiological level: general weakness, pain and weakness in the legs, spine posture problems, tooth and gum problems, bones and joints problems, bad blood circulation, and slow cell formation.
Good operation of the chakra: clarity and lucidity in everyday life, willpower, perseverance, sense of being rooted, capacity for rapid bodily renewal and quick healing of the mind, physical and mental security, strong relationship with earth and nature, inner peace, personal satisfaction, and love for life. This energy center is directly related to the feeling of security, survival, trust, the relationship with money, home, work, the ability to stand firm, and the ability to nourish oneself. This chakra also reflects the connection of a person with his mother and with Mother Earth, our relationship with the Earth and the connection with the physical body.
Tensions in areas of the body that are controlled by this chakra indicate pressure in the zones of consciousness that are related to this energy center. Some of these can be experienced as insecurity or as a general perceptive filter. At a higher level of tension, we feel fear and, beyond this limit, experience a threat to our survival.
Second Chakra: SvādhiṢṭhāna Chakra
Location: Below the navel, in the Suṣumnā nāḍī. In men, it is in the prostate and in women, the uterus.
Presiding Deity: Viṣṇu
Element: Water
Glands: Sexual
Number of petals: Six
Mantras of petals: Baṁ , Bhaṁ , Maṁ , Yaṁ , Raṁ , and Laṁ .
Mantra: Vaṁ
Sense: Taste
Color: Orange
Mineral: Coral, Moon Stone
Loka: Bhuvar—loka, or Astral plane
Characteristic symptoms of malfunction:
At a mental level: hesitancy, indecisiveness, apathy in daily life, depression, lack of energy, dependence on the past, materialism, and sexual blocks.
At a physiological level: shallow breath, fatigue and weakness, problems in the nervous system, nervousness, diseases of the liver and gallbladder, problems in the lower back, constipation, migraine, and lack of vigor.
Good operation of the chakra: high sexual energy, vitality, harmony in sexual life, physical stability, deep communication with the environment, safety, emotional happiness, interest and compassion, activism, enthusiasm, a need to touch and caress, strong nerves, cheerful appearance, a balanced liver and gallbladder, and a constant body temperature.
This chakra is related to the way in which we connect with food and sex, the communication between the body and the internal Being, the body’s needs and desires, what gives pleasure, and fertility. This chakra is also attributed to the following: absence of a clear relation with the water element, the emotional body, and our willingness to feel emotions.
Third Chakra: Maṇipūra Chakra
Location: Between the navel and ribs, in the lumbar region, opposed to the navel, closely related to the solar plexus.
Presiding Deity: Rudra
Element: Fire
Glands: Pancreas
Parallel organ in the physical body: Heart
Number of petals: Ten
Mantras of petals: [D]aṁ , [D]haṁ , [N]aṁ , Taṁ , Thaṁ , Daṁ , Dhaṁ , Naṁ , Paṁ , and Phaṁ
Mantra: Raṁ
Color: Yellow
Mineral: Tiger’s Eye, Amber
Loka: Svar—loka, or celestial level
Sense: Sight
Characteristic symptoms of malfunction:
At a mental level: Attachment and dependency, insecurity, boredom, denial of feelings, unjustified sadness, indifference, stubbornness, longing for peace, extreme desire for strength and power, egoism, and unbalanced emotion.
At a physiological level: Rigidity, tension in the muscles, problems in the stomach and digestion, and problems in the lower back.
Good operation of the chakra: Satisfaction in life, ability and power to change, motivation, persistence, confidence, concentration, ability to overcome, firmness, self—acceptance, clarity, lightness, realization, and a healthy digestive system.
Fourth Chakra: Anahāta Chakra
Location: The center of the chest, at the height of the heart and on in the Suṣumnā nāḍī, directly related to the cardiac plexus.
Presiding Deity: Īśa
Element: Air
Glands: Thymus
Number of petals: 12
Mantras of petals: Kaṁ , Khaṁ , Gaṁ , Ghaṁ , [N^]aṁ , Caṁ , Chaṁ , Jaṁ , Jhaṁ , [Nt]aṁ , Taṁ , and Thaṁ .
Mantra: Yaṁ
Color: Emerald Green
Mineral: Tourmaline, Jade, Rose Quartz
Loka: Mahā—loka, or the plane of balance
Sense: Touch.
Characteristic symptoms of malfunction:
At a mental level: A lack of sensitivity to others and their feelings, emotional blocks, difficulty in creating new connections, nostalgia for a relationship, difficulty receiving love and affection, disharmony between the mental and emotional, negative thoughts, and disgust with life.
At a physiological level: fallen shoulders, sunken chest, constricted chest, breathing disorders, diseases of the lungs and skin, and heart nerves diseases.
Good operation of the chakra: security in relations, sensitivity, sympathy, trust and love toward oneself and others, kindness, support, flexibility, health, balance, vital rhythm, optimism, enthusiasm and warmth, inner peace, and harmony.
The sense of this chakra is touch. Embracing is an activity of the heart chakra. When we embrace, we are conscious of what the other person feels within him. In the same way, he feels what we feel in the interior of our body. The sensitivity to the person being touched is the sensitivity of the heart’s chakra. The relation of a person with air reflects his relationship with love. The operation of this energy center is reflected in our perception of love, the way we relate to people close to our heart such as our partners, siblings, parents, or children.
Fifth Chakra: Viśuddha Chakra
Location: Below the neck, in the Suṣumnā nāḍī where the backbone and “oblong marrow” meet, in the thyroid gland.
Presiding Deity: Sadāśiva
Element: Ether
Glands: Thyroid and Parathyroid
Number of petals: 16
Mantras of petals: Aṁ , Āṁ , Iṁ , Īṁ , Uṁ , Ūṁ , Ṛṁ , [R—]ṁ , [L]iṁ , [L]īṁ , Eṁ , Aiṁ , Oṁ , Auṁ , Aṁ , and Aḥ.
Mantra: Haṁ
Color: Blue
Mineral: Sapphire, Turquoise
Loka: Jana—loka, or human plane
Sense: Hearing
Characteristic symptoms of malfunction:
At a mental level: speech impediments and communication problems, babbling, lack of creativity, feeling of insecurity when creating, evasion from responsibility, infantilism, nostalgia for stability and security, depression, stubbornness, isolation, self—hatred, and ennui.
At a physiological level: weakness, digestive problems, vocal problems, unstable weight, frequent colds, throat problems and infections, shoulder tension, tightness in the neck and back of the head, and stiffness in the arms and hands.
Good operation of the chakra: Greater sense of responsibility, creativity, wealth of ideas, high—capacity to communicate and to express, generosity, independence, flowing with life, mature personality, and strong immune system.
Sixth Chakra: Ājñā Chakra
Location: Between the eyebrows in the cavernous plexus.
Presiding Deity: Śambhu
Element: Mind
Glands: Pituitary
Number of petals: Two
Mantras of petals: Haṁ and Kṣaṁ .
Mantra: Oṁ
Color: Indigo
Stones: Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli
Loka: Tapo—loka, or the austerity plane.
Sense: This chakra is related to cognitive functions.
Characteristic symptoms of malfunction:
At a mental level: concentration and identity problems, difficulty in receiving criticism, personal repression, constant internal talk, forgetfulness, ambition, and lack of confidence with respect to the feelings of others.
At a physiological level: A lack of balance in pair organs such as eyes, ears, etc., headaches, and impaired sight.
Good operation of the chakra: balance in pair organs, concentration, balance between the poles of personality, awareness of the soul, self—knowledge, intuition, spiritual experience, power of thought, and strong willpower.
Seventh Chakra: Sahasrāra Chakra
Location: The top of the head at the crown
Presiding Deity: Paramaśiva
Element: Ether
Glands: Pineal
Number of petals: 1000
Color: White or Violet
Mineral: Diamond, Amethyst, Crystal Rock
Loka: Satya—loka, or plane of truth
Characteristic symptoms of malfunction:
At a mental level: doubts about mysticism, developed ego, exaggerated belief in logic, and disbelief in intuition.
At a physiological level: problems in the sexual organs, diseases of the pineal gland, and general weakness in the muscles.
Good operation of the chakra: a pure and fresh mind, fullness and union with the Divine, and enlightenment.
Śrī Rāmakṛṣṇa Paramahaṁ sa (1836—1886) described the experience of kuṇḍalinī:
“As She [the kuṇḍalinī—śakti] awakens, I sometimes experience a feeling as if ants are walking from my feet to my head. As long as it does not reach the brain, I maintain my consciousness, but when it arrives in the brain, I die to the external world. The functions of seeing and hearing are stopped. And who can talk then? The differences between “I” and “you” vanish. Sometimes I try to tell all of you what I see and feel when this mysterious power ascends to here (points at his heart) or to here (points to his throat). From that state you can still talk, which I do, but when kuṇḍalinī goes higher than here (points to his throat) it is as if someone is blocking my mouth. Then, to put it in other words, I drop all ties. More than once, I have tried to tell you what I feel when kuṇḍalinī ascends beyond the throat, but when I even think about it, the mind jumps up, and the whole thing is over.”
In any case, even if in the beginning you do not experience what Rāmakṛṣṇa Paramahaṁ sa speaks about, you can be assured that if you dedicate time for practice every day, you will immediately start feeling greater vitality, clarity, internal peace, and you will balance your mood considerably. Progressively, your personal charm will shine brighter, and your possibilities of transformation will be unlimited due to the awakening and elevation of your consciousness.