Introduction to the roots of Kundalini and Kundalini Yoga.

By Yogi Baba Prem Tom Beal, Vedavisharada

 This article was published in the book Vedic Culture.  This book featured numerous Vedic scholars and their writings.

The kundalini, the ancient mystery of Indian culture, feared, avoided, dark, and mysterious.  While this is still a common teaching in the east and west, the kundalini energy is nothing more than our dynamic essence (shakti) that appears in a variety of teachings and systems.  The kundalini is often misrepresented and misunderstood.  A variety of factors contribute to this, avidya[1] being the most prominent, and western competition between yoga systems is another intriguing possibility.  Whatever the reason, the kundalini has often been approached with fear, and misinformation. 

 Does this mysterious energy belong exclusively to Tantric yoga or does it appear within a variety of teachings veiled with different names?  Is the kundalini to be feared?  And of what benefit is it for human spiritual potential?

 Roots of kundalini

Kundalini yoga is often associated with Tantric yoga.  A variety of explanations are provided for the meaning of the word, ranging from literally meaning serpent or snake to a verbal root meaning “coiled”.  Hence the reason kundalini is always referred to as the serpent energy (kundalini shakti).  The kundalini appears under a variety of names within different Indian systems and traditions, a sampling of these names would be nagi, avadhuti, atma shakti, sarasvati and many others. 

 While almost exclusively associated with Tantra yoga, or packaged as kundalini yoga, in reality Hatha yoga is a kundalini yoga system as well; especially when one considers that the main Hatha text called the Hatha Yoga Pradipika contains numerous kundalini techniques including some of the key techniques to “awaken” the kundalini energy. 

 Within the Hatha Yoga Pradipka (HYP) we find references such as the “Bhastrika” breath (59), Shitali breath (57), “…it awakens the kundalini…”(66), “kumbhaka awakens kundalini…” (75).  The channels of the body and the nadi’s most associated with the kundalni are common within the HYP, namely Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.  The Bhandas or chakra locks common to kundalini yoga appear within the HYP (69-77).  The sacred mountain of Hinduism, Meru[2], is mentioned within the HYP as well as a variety of Vedic terms indicating that the kundalini would have a Vedic association. 

 The Vedic battle between Vrtra and Indra is in essence the human struggle to “awaken” the kundalini energy by “releasing the waters” (Rg Veda)[3].  The reference to the Vedic Sun (Surya), which is hidden, can be a reference to the awakened kundalini.  Which is often described as having the brilliance of a thousand suns (HYP).  This indicates the kundalini references as some of the oldest spiritual references known to humankind still practiced today.  Shakti[4] and shaci[5] are both found within the Vedas also.  There appears to be references to a kundalini awakening within the Rg Veda itself, as Agni and its earthly representation is the kundalini.  Worship of Agni is a form of kundalini yoga, though the postures not evident within the Vedas are often taught as a precursor especially in western society and within the yogic traditions.  But the Vedic tradition can be a separate kundalini system, possibly the mother to kundalini yoga. 

 There is a direct association between the kundalini and the Ashvins[6], this appears in later times as the Ashvin mudra is a powerful tool in yoga.  A strong indication of the kundalini within the Vedas and in reference to the Vedic Ashvins, is a reference to the Ashvins raising the water from the bottom of the well (1.116.22).  This verse indicates the release of raining energy up the spine.  The Ashvins and their powerful association with healing and prana strongly link them with the kundalini, though they are not limited to the kundalini energy. 

 Within the Indus valley, a variety of seals have been located, on a few of these seals there has been identified an image of a man sitting in a cross-legged position with serpents rising up the sides.  This could be a reference to the kundalini, though it is only speculative at this time. 

 Kundalini energy is referenced in a variety of systems and under different names such as the Tantric union of Shiva and Shakti.  This manifests on the lower physical form with sexual Tantra, which is a physical representation of the union of Shiva and Shakti.  The actual union of Shiva and Shakti occurs not on a physical level but on the level of the astral body.  The kundalini (shakti) becomes “awakened,” travels up the sushumna and merges within the Sahasrara chakra (shiva). Shiva represents the masculine attribute at the crown chakra, as Shakti is the kundalini shakti located within the tailbone area of the astral body.  In the higher stages this is a personal internal process, merging our personal masculine and feminine qualities together as one.  This actually occurs on the level of the chakras as well, as one-half of each chakra is masculine and the other feminine. 

 Astrologically within Jyotish or Vedic astrology, the kundalini is represented with the planets or nodes Rahu and Ketu.  Rahu and ketu represent the head and the tail of the serpent.  With ketu embodying qualities such as liberation, and rahu representing the lower tamasic qualities of the dormant kundalini energy.  These two planets are associated with the sushumna, with Rahu being the base of the spine and Ketu representing the top of the spine.  Clearly they both are associated with the kundalini and the astral body. 

 Within the Vedanta, Yogic, Vedic and Shaivite systems we see a merging of terms that clearly describes the kundalini concealment.  Maya becomes a common term and is one of the 36 tattvas of Shaivite religious teachings.  Maya, in the non-intelligent form, manifests as three attributes: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas[7].  The non-intelligent form of maya is concealed by avarana shakti.  Avarana Shakti is the concealing force of Vrtra within the Rg Veda.  This keeps the kundalini within a Tamasic state, commonly referred to as sleeping or dormant. 

 Within the Shiva Samhita, the sun is referred to as being at the bottom of Meru (II. 10), which is a reference to the kundalini.  Within the same text, the Bhandas, or chakra locks, appear again.  This is clearly a Tantric teaching, but one that has been discovered, shared, or known between a variety of different groups.  These techniques also appear within Nath teachings such as the Gheranda Samhita, which includes teachings on classical techniques such as Bhastrika, Shitali, maha-mudra, such as seen within the Hatha Yoga Pradipka and other teachings dealing with the kundalini shakti.  It is important to note that Nath teachings are most likely much older than their recorded dates. 

In light of this, it is difficult to make the kundalini owned by one sect, cult, group, or series of teachings.  Clearly the kundalini belongs to the realm of mystics, and has been recorded in a variety of writings spanning a four to five thousand year period, possibly longer. 

Is the kundalini sleeping?

 Another common misconception is that the kundalini is sleeping and must be awakened.  While these terms are good for illustrative purposes, they do have their limitations and can be misleading to western readers.  The term sleeping, in reference to the kundalini, would be better classified as a static state.  The most proper term would be a tamasic state.  An awakening of the kundalini would involve moving from a tamasic state to a rajasic state.  Or in modern terms, the kundalini would move from a static state to a dynamic state.  Though the gunas would be a clearer example keeping with tradition.  The kundalini rising to the crown chakra, under proper situations, results in a sattvic state. 

 This process has lead to much confusion regarding the awakening of the kundalini energy.  Eastern teachers that have traveled to the west often viewed any experience as a small movement of the kundalini energy, more properly classified as a small release of shakti.  This is represented as the ‘bulb” suddenly going off in someone’s head.  Though this experience does come from the kundalini, it is not a true kundalini awakening. 

 In classic texts, the experience of the kundalini was equated with various animals, with some animals holding gentler qualities than others.  So the kundalini is not sleeping but is an active part of our self, and the human existence.  It is the essence of spiritual awakening and transformation, belonging to the realm of the modern mystic, though other systems have developed their own paths to cosmic truth that are just as valid.  All these systems fall under the umbrella of Sanatana Dharma.[8]

 Illusionary kundalini awakenings 

 One of the greatest illusions present within the modern new age movement is the kundalini awakening.  Many people mistake their initial awareness of the spinal upward and downward flows to be a full kundalini awakening.  It is for this reason that detachment and discrimination are so important on the spiritual path.  It is easy to conjure up experiences that have attachment to, or to desire the kundalini experience so much that any experience is mistaken for a kundalini awakening.  This has lead to much confusion, it is wise to have one’s experience verified by a qualified teacher, Guru, or other spiritual authority.  As the true kundalini awakening is a rather rare event amongst the masses, the importance of consulting an authority cannot be underestimated.  It is important to remember that the ancient sages have provided numerous texts and yoga systems for the sole purpose of preparing the mind and body for enlightenment. 

 The student should be prepared mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and the body systems should be prepared.  Without proper preparation the kundalini experience can be a challenging event.  If properly prepared the student is engaged in powerful spiritual transformation.  A classic example exists for the importance of preparation.  In the United States it has become common to see someone shake violently when the kundalini becomes awakened.  While this might be common place, it is a serious warning sign that the subtle nervous system of nadi’s, chakras, and the physical nervous system has not been prepared for the increased energy released by the kundalini energy as it travels up the sushumna releasing energy via each chakra.  With proper preparation using yoga, mantra, meditation and guidance from a qualified teacher there is no such shaking.  The lack of shaking indicates that the body had been fully prepared for the kundalini shakti.  Few students are equipped or prepared to awaken the kundalini without training, though I have met some, clearly the preparatory work was completed in the previous life.

 Challenges of kundalini awakening

 Pre-requisite considerations for kundalini awakening would be the quality of the student.  In the west, the common mentality is often, “I have some money, give me what I want, and now.”  This mentality actually can slow spiritual progress.  Qualities such as humility, grace, and qualities such as the yamas and niyamas should be cultivated within the student.  While it is uncommon to find students that possess all of these qualities, the other practices of yoga can cultivate those qualities within the practitioner.  In fact, this should become the primary role of yoga in western culture.  Once the initial pre-requisite are met, to the degree required by the yogi, then one may proceed to the more disciplined practices. 

 The goals are quite simple and well defined within kundalini yoga:

 

1. Purification of the Nadi’s.  Purification of the three primary nadi’s should eventually lead to the purification of all remaining nadi’s providing the appropriate lifestyle and activities are followed. 
2. Purification of the chakras, in concert and resulting from purification of the nadi’s.
3. Strengthening of the subtle nervous system and glandular system. 
4. Preparation of the aspirant on a psychological level for spiritual transformation. 
5. Sadhana.  The challenge for the average western student is to begin a strict sadhana[9].  While most students change their practice, within kundalini yoga, and numerous other systems, the key is to stay with a practice for a period of time.  While the term is sadhana is usually associated with Tantra yoga, it does appear within the Nath teachings and within the Vedantic tradition. 
6. Proper direction of the kundalini flow. The kundalini energy can flow in one of four directions.
   1. It can flow downward, which can result in serious health and psychological issues.
   2. It can flow into the Ida, which can result in serious health and psychological issues.
   3. It can flow into the Pingala, which can result in serious health and psychological issues.
   4. It can flow upward through the sushumna.  This is the only direction that one would want the kundalini to flow.  All three other directions can result in serious problems on a mental, emotional, or physiological level. 

 Aside from the preparation required and noted here and in the previous section; once the kundalini has awakened, the real work begins.  As the kundalini may initially only rise to the second, third, or other chakra, the student and teacher must evaluate how well the student physically and emotionally performed during and after this process.  The kundalini may return to the dormant state after this, in which it would require additional work.  Then work begins, if appropriate, to re-awaken the kundalini again.  This process will repeat until the kundalini rises to the crown chakra (7^th, Sahasrara).  It is important to note that kundalini yoga should be practiced under the guidance of a master, yogi, or other qualified teacher. 

 Kundalini manifestation in other cultures

 My first teacher taught me that the kundalini was practiced within the Egyptian systems.  He would often reference the appearance of the serpent on their headwear as an indicator of the mystical kundalini teachings within the Egyptian and ruling castes.  This is not a difficult concept to grasp, considering the widespread impact of the Vedic culture.  The Vedic culture was the dominant culture within the region as evidenced by seals being distributed in Mesopotamia and other areas.   David Frawley, in several of his books, references that the Greeks referred their culture as coming from a great civilization to the east.  While this could be called “Aryan”, it is not the Aryans of the outdated Aryan invasion theory, but would likely be the Vedic culture.  It is interesting to note that the Greeks had a serpent god known as Ophiucus, who was the god of medicine.  The Greeks also had dragon the serpent of the cosmos, a concept that is shared with the Mayan civilization under a different name.

 While in Palenque, Mexico, my first teacher would comment on the feathered headwear of the Mayans as a symbolic indication of the kundalini rising to the crown chakra.  This illustrates the kundalini mystical connection in cultures separated by vast oceans and continues to strengthen the mystical aspect of the kundalini.  In other words, truth will manifest in a variety of cultures under different names such as Kukulcan (the Maya plumed serpent god). 

 The Persians were strongly associated with the Vedic culture as well.  This illustrates how information regarding the kundalini could easily travel across a vast region.  The kundalini also appears within the earliest teachings of the Judaic tradition as the Holy Spirit.  In ancient teachings pertaining to Abraham, he appears to have some degree of fear of the Holy Spirit, and referred to it as being painful, shaking, and other difficulties. 

Abraham often described it as descending down upon him and then a series of difficult physical experiences.  This does follow the traditional Sanatana Dharma teachings, as the kundalini can appear initially to move downward before moving up.  In fact, Abrahams story appears to be a kundalini awakening within someone that has not been properly prepared for the kundalini energy.  In modern history, the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost has become almost meaningless to most people, as people are moving away from the realm of the mystic.   

Conclusion

 For the modern day student, Kundalini yoga is a focused attempt to awaken the kundalini energies.  Though this is often the goal of most yoga systems, kundalini yoga takes a more forward and direct stance toward this process.  Different schools and systems place the kundalini techniques with Tantra, Hatha and other yoga systems, though it is clearly represented within the Vedas and Vedic teachings.  Making the kundalini among the oldest recorded yoga teachings in the world, and possibly dating as old as 6500 BCE, or older depending on the date given to the Rg Veda.  It is important to note that the current Rg Veda dates are most likely at the end of the Vedic culture and the core teachings would be considerably older. 

 The kundalini is not something to be feared, avoided or misaligned.  It is the transformational power of divinity that resides within each individual.  It is an accelerated program of spiritual awakening, perception, and understanding.  Each awakening of the kundalini is the equal of years of spiritual work through daily methods.  The awakening of the kundalini is the journey of the seen perceiving the seer, as stated in the Yoga sutras of Patanjali.  While it should be given respect, as it is literally the power of creation, it is an attribute of our true nature. 

  

Sources, references, and recommended reading:

 Beal, Yogi Harinam Baba Prem Tom “Understanding the Kundalini” Universal Yoga

www.vedicpath.com

 Beal, Yogi Harinam Baba Prem Tom “Qualities of a Student”

www.vedicpath.com

 Beal, Yogi Harinam Baba Prem Tom “Vrtra: The Spiritual Adversary” Vedic Friends Journal #1 http://www.vedicfriends.org/vfa_journal_and_newsletter.htm

 Feuerstein, George “The Shambala Encyclopedia of Yoga” Shambala: Boston 1997

 Frawley, David “Gods, Sages and Kings” Passage Press: Salt Lake City 1991

 Frawley, David “The Rig Veda and the History of India” Aditya:Nw Delhi 2001

 Feuerstein, Kak, Frawley “In Search of the Cradle of Civilization” Quest Books:Wheaton 2001

 Kashyap, Dr. R.L “Rig Veda Samhita:First Ashtaka Vol. 1,2,3” Saksivc:Bangalore

 Worthington, Vivian “A History of Yoga” Routledge & Kegan Paul: London 1982

 Schuhmacher, Stephan et al “The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion” Shambala:Boston 1994

 Feuerstein, George “The Shambala Encyclopedia of Yoga” Shambala: Boston 1997

 Web Pages:

www.vedanet.com

www.vedicfriends.org

www.vedicpath.com 

Sanskrit texts:

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Shiva Samhita

Gheranda Samhita

Rg Veda Samhita

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

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