KUNDALINI
The word Kundalini is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Kundal’ meaning coiled up. It is the primordial dormant energy present in three-and-a-half, coils at the base of the spine in a triangular bone called the Sacrum. The lowest of the six subtle centers is the coccygeal center, which is located at the bottom of the spine. As mentioned by the yogis, all the subtle powers of consciousness and life force flowing downward from the higher centers into the coccygeal center come into physical manifestation through the channel of this lower center. As the life force flows outward from the coccygeal center, it creates and sustains the region of flesh, bones, blood, marrow, organs, nerves, veins, arteries, glands, muscles, skin, and so forth. Kundilini is this coiled creative life force at the base of astral spine (Mooldhar center). Due to its coiled form of a sleeping serpent, it is symbolized as a snake. When this life force is allowed to flow down due to mental delusion, its stinging venom causes the man to enjoy evil passions. In deep meditation or devotion, when a devotee turns this creative force inward and commands it to flow upward back to its source in the "lotus" of light, it reveals the resplendent inner world of the divine forces and consciousness of the soul and Spirit. The flowing of this power from the coccyx to the Spirit is referred in Yoga or devotion as the awakened Kundilini. In other words, when the spiritual power (born of divine ardor and dispassion) is lifted upward, it opens or awakens the five spinal centers. The purpose of human life is to reverse the flow of consciousness by directing it ascend upward until it unites with the "lotus" of rays of light in the highest center of brain. According to sages, the consciousness of man is identified with the three lower centers of the spine (coccygeal, sacral, and lumbar), which operates under karmic laws. The liberated man (Jivanmukta) rises above the subtle centers and penetrates to the highest center of the brain. Here the devotee beholds his soul as a true reflection of the perfect Spirit, beyond everything. He is transformed into divine bliss. Kundilini can be awakened or released either by yoga system or by the path of Bhagti. Awakening of Kundilini by the yoga system include yogi exercises or Pranayama. The path of the Bhagti includes the practice of loving devotion, joining the Saadh Sangat or the company of the true and the wise ones, and chanting God's Name. In Saadh Sangat, one attains self-control and mental purity necessary for awakening the Kundilini. For the speedy awakening of Kundilini, the path of Bhagti is proclaimed by the spiritual masters to be more practical, simple and effective for this age of Kal Yuga (Dark Age). Adi Sankaracharya wrote: "Having filled the pathway of the Nadis with the streaming shower of nectar flowing from the Lotus feet, having resumed thine own position from out of the resplendent Lunar regions and Thyself assuming the form of a serpent of three and a half coils, sleepest thou, in the hollow of Kula Kunda (Kula Kunda means the hollow of Mooladhara Sacrum bone)." "Saundarya Lahari’: ‘Thou art residing in secrecy with Thy Lord (The spirit) in the thousand petalled Lotus, having pierced through the Earth situated in ‘Mooladhara’, the Water in Manipura, the Fire abiding in the Svadhisthana, the Air in the Heart (‘Anahata’), the Ether above (Visshuddhi) and ‘Manas’ between the eyebrows (‘Agnya’) and thus broken through the entire ‘Kula Path’." Gyaneshwara, another famous saint of Maharashtra born around 1275 AD, described Kundalini in the 6th chapter of his famous book ‘Gyaneshwari’. He wrote:
‘Kundalini is one of the greatest energies. The whole body of the seeker starts glowing because of the rising of the Kundalini. Because of that, unwanted impurities in the body disappear. The body of the seeker suddenly looks very proportionate and the eyes look bright and attractive and the eyeballs glow.’ — (Gyaneshwari, Chapter VI).
Guru Nanak Dev (born in 1496 AD) has made references to Kundalini awakening as mentioned below: "A pure heart is the golden vessel to fill the Divine Nectar which is to be sucked from the ‘Dasham Dwar’ through the two channels ‘Ida’ and ‘Pingala’." Dasham Dwar means Brahmarandhra. (Sahasrara Chakra).
"God has made this human body a house with six Chakras and has established the light of spirit in it. Cross the ocean of Maya and meet the eternal God who does not come, who does not go, who neither takes birth nor dies. When your six Chakras meet in line, Surati (Kundalini) takes you beyond distortions.’ (Sri Guru Granth). Note that the seventh Chakra was not open at this time."
In the Holy Koran Prophet Mohammed Sahib talked of the day of resurrection when he says that the ‘hands will speak’. ‘That day, we set a seal on their mouths, but their hands will speak to us, and their hands bear witness to all that they did.’ When Kundalini awakening occurs, a flow of energy in the form of cool vibrations from the hands is experienced, and the various Chakras can be felt on parts of the hand and fingers.
