KUNDALINI
By Yulius Eka Agung Seputra
(don’t copy or publish this without writer permission)
What is kundalini?
``Kundalini'' literally means coiling, like a snake. In the classical literature of hatha yoga kundalini is described as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. The image of coiling, like a spring, conveys the sense of untapped potential energy. Perhaps more meaningfully kundalini can be described as a great reservoir of creative energy at the base of the spine. It's not useful to sit with our consciousness fixed in our head and think of kundalini as a foreign force running up and down our spine. Unfortunately the serpent image may serve to accentuate this alien nature of the image. It's more useful to think of kundalini energy as the very foundation of our consciousness so that when kundalini moves through our bodies our consciousness necessarily changes with it.
The concept of kundalini can also be examined from a strictly psychological perspective. From this perspective kundalini can be thought of as a rich source of psychic or libidinous energy in our unconscious.
In the classical literature of Kashmir Shaivism kundalini is described in three different manifestions. The first of these is as the universal energy or para-kundalini. The second of these is as the energizing function of the body-mind complex or prana-kundalini. The third of these is as consciousness or shakti-kundalini which simultaneously subsumes and intermediates between these two. Ultimately these three forms are the same but understanding these three different forms will help to understand the differerent manifestations of kundalini.
What is the difference between prana and kundalini? What is the difference between qi (or chi) and kundalini?
First let us try to relate to concepts from the same tradition - prana and kundalini. Prana has been translated as the ``vital breath'' and ``bio-energetic motility''; it is associated with maintaining the functioning of the mind and body. Kundalini, in its form as prana-kundalini, is identical to prana ; however, Kundalini also has a manifestations as consciousness and a as a unifying cosmic energy. One could ascribe these same aspects to prana as well so past a certain point these become distinctions without differences.
From the subjective standpoint of an individual actually experiencing the awakening of kundalini I have found three completely different opinions:
The first opinion is that a pranic awakening is only a prelude to a full kundalini awakening. Tibetan yogins that I have encountered consider the activation of prana (Tibetan: rlung) as merely a prerequisite for the activation of kundalini (Tibetan: gTummo). What's attractive about this viewpoint is that it explains the difference between the experience of simply having pleasant sensations in the spine and the much more powerful experience of having a ``freight-train''-like full kundalini experience.
The second opinion, espoused by Swami Shivom Tirth for example, is that prana and kundalini are absolutely equivalent and that it is not meaningful in any way to describe a difference between kundalini rising and prana rising. When posed with question as to how to distinguish between pleasant sensations that show some pranic-activity in the spine and the much more powerful experience Swami Shivom Tirth said that the difference is not in the nature of the activity but in the consciousness that observes it. If the consciousness that experiences the pranic activity is seated within the spine (or more correctly, the central channel, known as the sushumna), then the experience is felt much more powerfully. The third opinion, espoused by the modern hatha yogin, Desikaran, is that pranic awakening is the true experience to be aimed for and kundalini is actually an obstruction. Desikaran sees the kundalini as a block in the central channel and thus the kundalini must be ``killed'' to make way for the prana. This is the most unusual view of the three.
The Chinese concept of qi (or chi) can be safely identified with the Indian concept of prana.
If all this seems confusing - don't worry, you're in good company. My conclusion is that these are all different terminologies for dealing with a common set of experiences. Any one of these viewpoints is adequate for describing the full range of experiences. What is probably more relevant is to distinguish two different experiences which are often confused. In one an individual experiences some pleasant energizing electric energy running along the spine. This experience itself brings about a wide range of experiences and results in vitality and sensitivity. Another very distinct experience is the experience of kundalini entering the sushumna and rising up the spine. As soon as kundalini enters the sushumna this experience will completely overwhelm ordinary waking consciousness. From the moment that kundalini enters the sushumna there will no longer be a distrinction between the subjective consciousness which experiences and the object of experience. This experience much more profoundly transfigures consciousness.
If kundalini is universal, why do some kundalini yogins seem to have more kundalini-energy than others ??
It's an intriguing question. If an individual's kundalini is viewed as simply a personal reservoir of a cosmic energy then why would one person appear to have more of a reservoir of kundalini energy than another? Nevertheless, this does appear to be the case. This is probably another advantage of the viewpoint that prana (or qi) is the same as kundalini. Some Chinese texts distinguish between ``innate qi'' or ``pre-natal qi'' that one is born with and ``cultivated qi'' that can be developed. Clearly some people simply have more ``innate qi.'' This manifests as a stronger more resilient body and greater general vitality.
Through training those that have relatively weak ``innate qi'' may surpass those who have strong ``innate qi'' but do not train. There are many stories in the Chinese literature of Qi Gong about people who took up Qi Gong in order to improve their poor health became powerful martial artists or great qi gong masters. Of course those that have strong ``innate qi'' and also train their qi may develop the strongest qi of all.
What does kundalini have to do with spiritual enlightenment? What is the goal of kundalini yoga?
First we need a few concepts: In yogic anatomy the sushumna is the central channel and conduit for the kundalini energy that runs along our spine and up to the crown of our head. Along this channel are placed additional channel networks called cakras. These cakras are associated with major aspects of our anatomy - for example our throat, heart, solar plexus, and in turn these aspects of our anatomy are related to aspects of our human nature. According to the literature of kundalini yoga our experience of these centers is limited due to knots which restrict the flow of energy into these centers. Three knots are particuarly important. The knot of Brahma which restricts the center at the base of the spine. The knot of Vishnu which restricts the heart center and the knot of Rudra which restricts the center between the eyebrows. These knots form an important framework in yogic thinking and the stages toward enlightenment are articulated in terms of breaking through these knots in the yogic classic the Hatha Yoga Pradipika as well as in some of the yoga upanishads. Specifically, four stages of progress are described: arambha, ghata, parichaya nishpatti.
Arambha is associated with breaking the knot of Brahma and the awakening of kundalini. Ghata is associated with breaking the knot of Vishnu and and with internal absorption. Parichaya the absorption deepens and in nishpatti the knot of Rudra is pierced and the kundalini may ascend to the center at the crown of the head. In this state transcendence is integrated and, according to the yogic liteature, the yogi has nothing more to attain.
Putting these elaborate physiological decriptions aside, the goal of kundalini yoga is the same as the goal of any legimitate spiritual practice: To be liberated from the limited bounds of the self-centered and alienated ego. In kundalini yoga this is associated with internal manifestations of the kundalini but the external manifestations should be similar to any other legitiimate spiritual practice.
So does everyone agree that kundalini awakening is necessary for enlightenment?
The view that kundalini awakening is necessary for enlightenment is held in the diverse literature of Kashmir Shaivism and in other Hindu Tantric literature. It is found in the literature of the Hatha Yogis and the Nath Sampradaya. You will find similar views in many Buddhist Tantric works. In addition this view is held by recent spiritual figures such as Shri Ramakrishna, Swami Sivananda, Paramahamsa Yogananda and Swami Vivekananda and of course by contemporary kundalini yogins themselves.
Nevertheless there are some dissenters from this view. These include Sri Chinmoy, Da Free John and Gurdjieff. Dissent can take a number of different forms. For Gurjieff kundalini is associated only with a binding force that leads us to be more attached to the world. Such a view of kundalini is not entirely inaccurate but only reflects the functioning of kundalini in the lower energy centers. For Sri Chinmoy kundalini is an amplifying function that may make an individual more powerful but not more enlightened. From my perspective this also only addresses the impact of kundalini while it operates in the lower energy centers.
Da Free John (born Franklin Jones, a. k. a. Da Love Ananda) has a much more fundamental criticism of kundalini. As far as I understand his position, for him enlightenment cannot be the result of an experience; it is a cognitive transformation. Kundalini may evoke a wide variety of experiences but these are not in and of themselves enlightening. This is an interesting perspective but it seems to assume that the raising of kundalini is an experience in which an ego-consciousness experiences a separate object known as kundalini. Again, this view is consistent with the experience of kundalini in the lower energy centers in which the ego is detached from the movement of kundalini and kundalini experiences are precieved as separate from oneself. However, I would argue that as kundalini rises the ego-consciousness becomes infused in a more fundamental consciousness of cit-shakti-kundalini and this experience does in fact produce a fundamental cognitive change.
Finally, there are many other spiritual practices, such as Zen, Vipassana meditation that consider kundalini irrelevant. Some practitioners or even teachers of these paths, such as Jiyu Kennet, may have kundalini experiences but generally kundalini is not a pivotal part of these paths.
Can I use kundalini yoga simply to improve my health?
Yoga exercises which were traditionally used to purify the body in preparation for awakening the kundalini can also be used simply to improve the health. To practice techniques aimed at actively awakening kundalini with the goal of simply improving your health seems to be a misuse of these powerful techniques.
There are those that teach kundalini yoga principally emphasizing its benefits on health without much discussion of the spiritual benefits. This is how hatha yoga has been taught in the west for some time. The affect of this approach depends on the attitude of the student. There is certainly nothing wrong with trying to improve your health but there is a tension between awakening an energy that will ultimately burn up the ego and trying to shape that energy to simply fulfill an ego-oriented motive.
Is there any scientific basis for kundalini and the cakras? Do I really have to believe that all these cakras physically exist?
Research on kundalini is especially spotty. There is no compelling work to show that the system represents insights into actual human anatomy. But it's important to understand that kundalini and its network of channels and cakras is simply how yogins have chosen to explain their experience and that yogins from many cultures have arrived at similar, though not identical, concepts. The true physical mechanisms underlying these experiences may be very different from those described. Izaak Benthov has proposed a model to explain kundalini in terms of micro- motion in the brain. In this model experiences are associated with parts of the body, such as the heart, because the part of the brain associated with that part of the body is stimulated by micro-vibrations. His model is treated in ``The Kundalini Experience'' by Sannella referenced below. From a practical perspective the key thing is our subjective experience and that the roadmap of these subjective experiences has been mapped out.
Is Chinese qi gong a kind of kundalini yoga?
If there is any contemporary teaching that is even more diverse in approach than kundalini yoga it must be qi gong. As a result it is hard to compare kundalini yoga to qi gong. From my limited exposure to qi gong it is clear there are many qi gong practices that are identical to kundalini yoga practices. What is also clear is that may qi gong practitioners have reported experiences that are identical to those of kundalini yogins. In so far as each of these practices aims at eliminating blocks to the qi/prana energy then they share a common ground.
What about Tibetan Buddhism - has kundalini been known in Tibet?
Kundalini yoga in the Natha Sampradaya and Vajrayana in Tibetan Buddhism both take their origin from the Mahasiddhas who were active in India from the 8th century to the 12th century. Kundalini yoga practices formed the core of the teachings of a number of these Mahasiddhas and are strongly represented in both Tibetan Buddhist practices and contemporary kundalini yoga practices. Kundalini yoga was spoken of as ``Candali yoga'' by these Mahasiddhas and became known as gTummo rnal 'byor in Tibet. Candali yoga was a key practice of the famous Tibetan yogin Milarepa. The role of kundalini yoga in Tibetan Buddhism is discussed in more detail in the Kundalini Yogas.
Are there any other traditions that show awareness of kundalini?
If you believe that kundalini is at the basis of spiritual progress then every valid spiritual tradition must have some awareness of kundalini. Christianity (especially Quakerism and Pentecostalism), Sufism, Qabalistic mysticism, alchemy and magick all have literature which demonstrates some awareness of the kundalini process but these traditions are not, to this author's awareness, so open in their exposition of the techniques and so it is hard to judge the depth of understanding latent in these traditions. Nevertheless, the imagery is so unmistakable in these traditions that each must have, at least at one time, been conversant with the movement of kundalini.
So how do I awaken kundalini?
Indirectly kundalini can be awakened by devotion, by selfless service, or by intellectual enquiry. In these paths the blocks to the awakening of kundalini are slowly removed. Occasionally, individuals on these paths will experience a sudden awakening of kundalini but generally because the blocks are slowly and gently removed kundalini-like experiences evolve slowly in these paths.
Broadly speaking there are two radically different direct approaches to awakening kundalini. One approach requires initiation by a guru and relies upon a technique called shaktipat, or ``descent of shakti.'' It is variously called: Siddha Mahayoga, Kundalini Mahayoga or Sahaja Yoga (Spontaneous Yoga). These approaches are treated in the Siddha Mahayoga FAQ. The other approach uses intentional yogic techniques . The styles using intentional techniques include Mantra Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga or Kriya Yoga. These approaches are treated in the Kundalini Yogas FAQ .
Fundamentally the approach of Siddha Mahayoga and the Kundalini Yogas are different. In Siddha Mahayoga the guru awakens the kundalini and after that the core of the practice is the inactive and non-willful surrender to kundalini. In Kundalini Yogas the will is used to awaken the kundalini and to guide its progress. Clearly these are different approaches. Nevertheless, elements of the each approach occur in the practices of the other. Siddha Mahayogins may use asanas, pranayamas and other hatha yoga practices. On the other hand gurus in Kundalini Yoga may give infusions of shakti to their students to help them at particular points in their practice.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using effort, in kundalini yogas, as opposed to the grace of the guru, in siddha mahayoga, to awaken kundalini?
Since every practitioner brings his own unique inclinations and obstacles to the practice of yoga it is very hard to generalize on this point. In terms of actually awakening kundalini gurus of Siddha Mahayoga claim that the kundalini is more easily and reliably awakened by the grace of the guru than by individual effort. In my limited experience I would agree. with this assertion. While not every long-term student of either practice necessarily shows signs of kundalini awakening it is amazing how many people have had instant awakenings of kundalini through initiation from siddha gurus.
In terms of encountering difficulties along the path the siddha gurus would also claim that fewer problems due to kundalini awakening, such as mental imbalance, are encountered by students of Siddha Mahayoga. Here I think the results are mixed. It seems to me that the guidance of the teacher in either Siddha Mahayoga or Kundalini Yoga is more a determining factor than which style of kundalini practice is employed.
Generally speaking each style of practice has its strengths and weakness. The strength of Siddha Mahayoga is the ease with which it awakens the kundalini. The weakness is that because the kundalini is so easily awakened by the guru students of Siddha Mahayoga often have completely undisciplined personal meditation practices. Time is spent instead to trying to recreate some of their initial experiences by following the guru around hoping for his or her grace Some people spend 20 or more years in this manner without ever developing an inner core of practice or experience.
The strength of the family of Kundalini Yogas is that the progress is at least apparently more under the control of the student of the yoga. These students seem more likely to have disciplined personal practices and more of an understanding of how the practice relates to their own experience. Unfortunately for some students this leads to a fairly egotistical approach to their practice and ultimately the kundalini energy is used to bolster the ego rather than to merge the ego in bliss.
What are the signs of an awakened kundalini?
Briefly, according to classical literature the signs of an awakened kundalini can be grouped into: mental signs, vocal signs and physical signs. Mental signs can include visions that range from ecstatically blissful to terrifyingly frightful. Vocal signs can include spontaneous vocal expressions that range from singing or reciting mantras to make various animals sounds such as growling or chirping. Physical signs include trembling, shaking and spontaneously performing hatha yoga postures and pranayamas.
From a more subjective perspective the more pleasant experiences associated with a kundalini awakening may include: waves of bliss, periods of elation, glimpses of transcendental consciousness. The less pleasant experiences associated with a kundalini awakening may include: trembling, sharp aches in areas associated with the cakras, periods of irrational anxiety, sudden flashes of heat.
Are these methods of awakening kundalini dangerous? What about Gopi Krishna's books?
If we take the psychological perspective and view kundalini as the power latent in our unconscious then it is easy to understand that awakening this force is going to bring a greater amount of unconscious material into our consciousness. Even in the best of circumstances this is likely to be uncomfortable and if an individual is barely coping with his unconscious even under normal circumstances then awakening kundalini may push the individual over into psychosis. This phenomenon has been documented many times.
Forceful methods of awakening kundalini pose additional dangers. Because quite forceful methods can be used to awaken kundalini these techniques themselves are potentially physically and mentally disruptive. An individual named Gopi Krishna awakened his kundalini by doing unguided meditation on his crown cakra. His life after awakening was both blessed by ecstatic bliss and tormented by physical and mental discomfort. Eventually his experience stabilized. He wrote down his experiences in a recently re-released autbiography entitled ``Living with Kundalini.'' Gopi Krishna's autobiography appears to be an honest representation of his experiences but it is only one extreme datapoint in the panorama of experience on kundalini yoga. It represents dangers in forceful unguided practice but it is not representative of a typical practicioner's experience.
But even if kundalini is dangerous, isn't it a faster way to enlighenment?
First of all it may be useful to observe that there is no technique currently known on earth that appears to be rapidly catapulting large number of individuals toward enlightenment. Because kundalini yogas deal so directly with a powerful enlightening force it seems natural that they would be ``faster'', but there appears to be alot of tortoise and hare phenomena at work with newbie kundalini yogins. Many people begin kundalini yogas, have strong initial experiences and then become frightened. Many who perservere through this initial phase become distracted by the energy and focus on temporal and phenomenal applications of the energy.
There have been many scandals among kundalini yoga teachers - particularly sexual scandals. Is there a correlation between sexual scandals and kundalini yoga practice?
There have been scandals regarding the teachers of many paths, both spiritual and non-spiritual ; however, it is probably fair to say that kundalini yogins have had more than their share. Since the first publication of these frequently-asked-questions in 1994 more than one well-known kundalini yoga teacher has been implicated in having clandestine affairs with students and has been asked to step down from his position as spiritual leader as a result.
An advanced kundalini yogin is typically a powerful charismatic individual who has the ability to directly influence the minds of others. Westerners often mistake this power as a sign of enlightenment and allow such teachers liberties as a result.
In addition it is quite common for kundalini yoga to temporarily accentuate the sex drive. This period requires extra discipline. Finally, kundalini yoga is closely associated with tantrism and sex is often used in conjunction with tantric practice. Where sex is used there is of course the opportunity for misuse or abuse.
If my kundalini is awakened will I need to change my lifestyle?
It's hard to have your cake and eat it too. If you awaken kundalini in order to change and enrich your life it's reasonable to expect you may need to change your lifestyle as a result. The recommendations of both classical literature and experience is that sleep and diet will need to be moderated otherwise severe discomfort may arise. Furthermore without moderating sexual activity and physical work it will be hard to experience much success with kundalini. The extent that these elements of your life need to change depends on the nature of the individual. While genuine mental imbalances arising from kundalini are rare nearly every kundalini yogin will find periods when one needs to be especially sensitive to needs for sleep, quiet and diet.
After your Kundalini Awake, you can clean your Chakra and I will explain Chakras advantages, if you clean them
Muladhara the base chakra.
· Origin of our basic human instincts
· Essential after loss or trauma.
· Will improve motivation after a single use.
· Revitalise you whole body.
Swadhistana the genital chakra.
· Origin of our sexual instincts
· Will improve sex drive after a single use.
· Will improve impotence after longer use.
· Thought to increase sperm count with extensive use.
· Revitalise and rejuvenate your sexual organs.
Manipura the solar plexus chakra.
· Origin of our emotions and self awareness
· Will improve self worth and self-confidence with regular use.
· Will bring increased success through improved attitudes
Anahata the heart chakra.
· Origin of our ability to love and communicate
· Will increase your natural charisma
· Essential for individuals who find it difficult to find love.
· Will massively increase your ability to communicate using your body.
Vishuddhi the throat chakra.
· Origin of our ability to be creative
· Will increase your creative ability with regular use
· Essential for individuals who speak or sing for a living.
· Will greatly increase your ability to communicate using your voice.
· Develop the ability to 'think on your feet' and say the right things.
Ajna the head chakra.
· Origin of our ability to be intuitive
· Will increase your intuitive and perceptive ability with regular use.
· Increase your awareness. Perceive things before others and create an advantage.
· Increase your ability to use your will to influence an outcome.
· Develop extra sensory perception (The ancient texts state that this is entirely possible.)
Sahasrara the Crown chakra.
· For spiritual connection
· Will increase your understanding of the cosmos with regular use.
· Will give an understanding of life's purpose.
· The Ultimate pleasure - Samadhi
How Kundalini Works ??
The process of Kundalini is usually described as beginning in the root chakra and then proceeding up the spine to the crown of the head. This is misleading however, because oftentimes the energy will be felt in the heart, solar plexus or throat first. Because the heart center is the largest energy center in the body, it is fairly common to experience the first signs of Kundalini in this center. Where the Kundalini begins to make itself known is dependent on various factors; whether you had begun this process in a previous life, your current body’s physiology, your spiritual beliefs and expectations and the method(s) used to awaken the energy
When the heart center is awakened first, as it was in my case, it is common for the psychic gift of clairvoyance to be awakened. Even though clairvoyance is actually accessed through the 3rd eye (6th chakra), it is the heart that gives us the wisdom to know what to do with the insights we receive. I like to think of it this way; We want to see with the eye of God and understand what we see with the heart of God. Therefore, these two usually go together, especially when the Kundalini is aroused naturally (without any special practices or techniques).
The first signs of Kundalini activity may be felt as any of the following: fluttering in the heart or solar plexus; tingling throughout the body; intense heat (especially around the chakra areas); a feeling of pressure or expansion in the heart area, a shooting sensation or sense of movement at the base of the spine and upward toward the head; involuntary movements or shaking of the body; changes in breathing patterns; visions of lights in the head; hearing high pitched sounds, to name a few. Along with these physical signs one may experience states of heightened awareness, the emergence of psychic gifts, feelings of ecstasy or bliss, extreme joy, etc. All these states may come and go, as may depression, mood swings, emotional outbursts, uncontrollable crying, etc. One may experience past lives, psychic visions and heightened sensitivity to touch, smell, taste or hearing.
As the Kundalini progresses one may experience any number of physical sensations, psychic experiences and emotional swings. One may experience spontaneous yogic postures as the body tries to open energy centers for the flow of energy (these are referred to as Kriyas). Breathing may change at random, ranging from shallow to deep and spasmatic. At times, especially during meditation, it is not uncommon for breathing to stop altogether as the Kundalini floods the system with prana and shifts are made in the physiology of the body. Some people experience physical pain and/or a burning sensation while channels are being cleared. This pain can range from mild to severe. Headaches are not uncommon, especially when the Kundalini reaches the head
Clean Lower Chakra
Once the Kundalini is active in the system, it begins an intense cleansing process. The mental, emotional and physical bodies will be cleansed through this process. Karma will be brought up to be cleared. These old energies tie you to the Earth plane and to your old existence and must be released. They are referred to as Samskaras, and are the impressions of past experiences and conditioning which are held in the Sushumna Nadi (energetic meridian which runs in the subtle body near the spine). In the early stages of cleansing, it may not be readily apparent what is happening. Cleansing may take years, depending on your current state of awareness, past karma, life situation, physical and emotional stability and your degree of commitment to the process.
Kundalini will seek to clear the lower three chakras first. From the root will come lessons to do with survival and safety. Insecurity in oneself, family situation, job situation or relationships will surface to be healed. This cleansing will lead into the 2nd chakra, from which will come lessons to do with the need for the approval form others, serving others before yourself, body image issues, and sexual fears, insecurities and imbalances existing within you. This will bring you to the third chakra in which issues relating to self-identity will be cleared. You will be cleansed of any identity you derive from the outside world. Your sense of security, peace and self will then come from within. It is very difficult to clear these lower three chakras. Most people I see in the course of my work are still working on issues of the 1st and 2nd chakras and some have moved into the 3rd chakra. The purpose of our lives is to learn the lessons of these lower three chakras as they are the ones that relate to the physical world.
Clean Higher Chakra
Once the energy stabilizes in the heart it will move into the throat chakra. This is when it becomes imperative to live your life and speak your truth in exact accordance with your Divine Self. The throat chakra is the center of expression for the soul. What you project outwardly must match what you feel inwardly. When one reaches this level of Kundalini ascension, it is necessary to change one’s life to reflect the evolving and awakening soul. When we are reluctant to make these changes, the process is greatly hampered and the Kundalini is unable to ascend. To stabilize the Kundalini energy in the higher chakras it is necessary to totally surrender your life to the process of spiritual transformation. It becomes all consuming and all-pervasive. The desire to know God and to be one with God is felt like an ache, sending you into hours of meditation, intense devotion and deeper commitment. Nothing less will due, the Kundalini requires that you give everything. You will be cleansed of all ideas, concepts, desires, plans and identities.
Kundalini Meditation
Raising the Serpent
Not only Adam and Eve fell in the Garden, the serpent fell also. And, as Moses raised the serpent in the desert, so must we all raise the serpent power within ourselves in order to receive the presence and the power of God, the Omnipotent, within our temples, our bodies. One of the most primary practices for doing this is kundalini meditation.
Like the Magic Silence method, this method will use words, breath and spaces of silence, but in more powerful ways. Since there is more power involved, there are more warnings in the readings about using this method without proper preparation and self-examination.
Warnings
"But make haste SLOWLY! Prepare the body, prepare the mind, before ye attempt to loosen it in such measures or manners that it may be taken hold upon by those influences which constantly seek expressions of self rather than of a living, constructive influence of a CRUCIFIED Savior. Then, crucify desire in self; that ye may be awakened to the real abilities of helpfulness that lie within thy grasp. ...without preparation, desires of EVERY nature may become so accentuated as to destroy...." Therefore, let's examine our purposes, searching our hearts for our true passion. Is it cooperation and coordination with God, or are we still longing to gratify some lingering desires of our own self interests?
Prayer Words
Now let's look at the mechanics of this method. Assuming that our ideals, purposes and hearts are in the right place, that we have crucified our selfish desires, conceived of our ideal, and drawn on the power and protection of the God, "love of God-Consciousness" &emdash; let's begin with prayer-words for the seven chakras. These words vary with different practices, but the Cayce readings teach that one reason the Master created the Lord's Prayer was for this purpose. The readings give a slightly different version of the prayer, which we'll use. The readings are also comfortable with the feminine aspect of the Godhead as well as the masculine, so let's also use this. As you say the prayer, feel the meaning of the words as your consciousness is directed to the location of the chakra.
KEY WORD CHAKRA ENDOCRINE GLAND ORDER
Heaven Third Eye - Forehead Pituitary 7th
Name of God (Allah) Crown - Top of Head Pineal 6th
Will Throat Thyroid 5th
Righteousness Heart Thymus 4th
Trespasses Solar Plexus Adrenals 3rd
Guide Navel Cells of Leydig 2nd
Bodily Needs Root - Gonads Testes - Ovaries 1st
To fully realize the power of this prayer, one must understand that it is intended to call forth the highest in each chakra. Just as we felt the words "stillness" and "God" in the earlier affirmation/mantra, so now we must feel or imagine the change brought on by these words and their meanings. Take your time. Consider this as part of the meditation period.
The order of the chakra prayer is significant in that it attempts to awaken the higher chakras before awakening the lower ones. This is the best approach. Awakening the first chakra before the seventh and sixth is like opening the serpent basket without the charm of the flute. The serpent is loose to its own interests, rather than under the charm of the higher music. Keep a higher ideal, a higher purpose, a right heart, and the consciousness focused predominantly on the higher centers. Draw the kundalini upward.
Breath Power
Now once again we take hold of the breath. This time we take a stronger hold and use it in ways that arouse the life force and draw it up through the chakras of this wonderful bio-spiritual instrument in which we abide. Why the breath? "BREATH is the basis of the living organism's activity. ...this opening of the centers or the raising of the life force may be brought about by certain characters of breathing &emdash; for, as indicated, the breath is power in itself; and this power may be directed...."
Strengthening and Opening Breath
There are several breathing patterns we may use. The first is described often in the readings. It begins with a deep inhalation through the right nostril, filling the lungs and feeling strength! Then exhalation through the mouth. This should be felt throughout the torso of the body &emdash; STRENGTH! After three of these, shift to inhaling through the left nostril and exhaling through the right (not through the mouth). This time feel the opening of your centers. As you do this left-right nostril breathing, keep your focus on the third eye and crown chakra, letting the other centers open toward these two. This will not be difficult because the sixth and seventh centers have a natural magnetism &emdash; just as the snake charmer's music.
When you have finished this breathing pattern, go through the prayer again slowly, directing your attention to each chakra as you recite the phrase and key word.
Rising and Bathing Breath
Then, begin the second breathing pattern. It goes like this. Breathe through your nostrils in a normal manner; however, with each inhalation feel or imagine the life force being drawn up from the lower parts of the torso to the crown of the head and over into the third-eye center. Hold the breath slightly, and then as you exhale, feel or imagine the life force bathing the chakras as it descends through them to the lowest center. Pause, then inhale while again feeling or imagining the drawing upward. Repeat this cycle at a comfortable pace &emdash; using your consciousness and breath to direct the movement in synchronization with the inhalations and exhalations. As the breath and life force rise, feel or imagine how they are cleansed and purified in the higher chakras. As they descend, feel how they bathe the chakras with this purified energy. Take your time; again, consider this as part of the meditation. Do about seven cycles of inhalations and exhalations.
"These exercises [yoga breathing] are excellent.... Thus an entity puts itself, through such an activity [yoga breathing], into association or in conjunction with all it has EVER been or may be. For it loosens the physical consciousness to the universal consciousness.... Thus ye may constructively use that ability of spiritual attunement, which is the birthright of each soul; ye may use it as a helpful influence in thy experiences in the earth."
The Rising Incantation
After this breathing pattern is a good time to use a rising incantation. Here's one from an ancient Egyptian mystical practice described in the readings. Breathe in deeply, then as you very slowly exhale, direct your consciousness to the lowest chakra and begin moving the life force upward as you chant in a drone "ah ah ah ah ah, a a a a a, e e e e e, i i i i i, o o o o o, u u u u u, m m m m m." Each sound is associated with a chakra. "Ah" with the root chakra (reading 2072-10, "this is not R, but Ah," as the "a" in spa). "A" with the lyden center (sounds like long "a" in able). "E" with the solar plexus (sounds like long "e" in eve). "I" with the heart (a long "i", as in high). "O" with the throat (long "o" as in open). "U" with the pineal (sounds like the "u" in true) . And, "m" with the third eye (like humming the "m" in room).
Remember that true incanting is an inner sounding which vibrates, stimulates and lifts the life force. It is done in a droning manner, with a monotonous, humming tone &emdash; vibrating the vocal cords and then directing this vibration to the chakras, thus vibrating them. Feel the chakras being tuned to the specific sound/vibration, and then carry your consciousness upward as the sound changes. Do this chanting three or more times, or until you feel its effect. You may also want to finish this chanting portion of the practice with a few soundings of the great OM chant (as in home).
Often at this point in the meditation, the head will be drawn back, the forehead and crown may have pronounced sensations or vibrations, and the upper body and head may be moving back and forth, or side to side, or in a circular motion (circular is preferable). These are all natural results of the practice and are identified as such in the readings. In the Revelation, St. John associates body-shaking ("earthquakes") with the opening of the sixth chakra, followed by "silence in heaven" as the seventh chakra opens.
In to the Mind
Now we want to move in consciousness, so let the breathing and body go on autopilot (the Autonomic Nervous System will watch over them).
At this point in the practice, the whole of the body, mind and soul are aroused and alert. Now, the ideal held is the formative influence, and development proceeds according to the ideal held.
The mind has a somewhat different experience in this type of meditation than it does in the Magic Silence method. All self-initiated activity is suspended. The mind has been changing as we have raised the energies of the body. By now it is very still, yet quite alert. Stay here. Do not draw away or attempt to affect anything. Heightened expectancy and alertness is an excellent state of mind at this point. Here's where we have the greatest opportunity to receive God. Completely open your consciousness to God's. St. John says that he was "in the spirit" (the readings says this was John's way of saying that he was in meditation) and he "turned" (in consciousness) and his revelation began. St. John's word "turned" so precisely describes the cessation of all self-initiated activity. We too must reach a point in the meditation where we turn around from our constant outer-directed thoughtstream, to become transfixed on God's consciousness, and purely receptive.
Expansion and the Imaginative Forces
The readings say we should have a strong sense of expansion and universalization while in this state. They also recommend that we imagine expansion as we progress toward this place in the meditation. The imaginative forces should be used to help us reach higher consciousness. So, imagine expansion as you raise the life force in the early stages of the practice. According to the readings, the pineal's primary functioning is "the impulse or imaginative" force. It is the pineal chakra that aids in the transition from heightened material consciousness to real spiritual consciousness. Use your imaginative forces to aid in this transition. Also, reading 294-141 adds, "Keep the pineal gland operating and you won't grow old &emdash; you will always be young!" Again we see the rejuvenative powers of stimulating the imagination.
A More Wonderful Life
The power gained from this type of meditation is not used to rule but to allow more of God's influence to come into our lives and into this dimension. Raising the Life Force within the body is key to higher consciousness and resurrecting mortal flesh as spiritualized flesh.
We are the channels of God in this realm, if we choose to be so. We could literally transform this realm if more of us developed ourselves to be better, clearer channels of the Life Force, the Great Spirit, God. The residual effect of this is that our individual lives become more fulfilling, abundant, rejuvenated and eternal.
Success is in the Doing!
From the readings' perspective, "In the doing comes the understanding" &emdash; not in the talking, the reading, the believing, the knowing, or thinking &emdash; but in the doing. So come, take up your practice. Not just to feel better, but that the infinite may manifest in the finite, lifting all to a more wonderful life!
WHY MEDITATE?
"I just can't find time for it."
"I just don't see the value in it."
"I'm not very good at it."
Why meditate? When we feel moody, out-of-sorts, overworked, tired, frustrated; why meditate? When we find ourselves whiny, or angry, or depressed, or weary, or any of the many feelings that human life brings; why meditate? When we can't quiet our minds because there are so many pressures, so many things that need attention; why meditate? When we are bored; why meditate? When we are sick or our loved one is sick; why meditate?
The answer to this question "Why meditate?" is both simple and complex, requiring some willpower and faith. The answer goes like this: As individuals we have only a limited amount of energy, strength, wisdom and power to effect change in our lives. As the Master asked, "Who among us, by taking thought, can change one hair on their head, or add an inch to their stature?" In the normal, human, individual condition, the answer is "None of us." But there is another condition that we CAN get into. In the universal condition, with the spiritual influences flowing, any one of us can effect change in our lives and the lives of those around us. This is the real reason for finding time and space to meditate. As a human individual we can do little, but as the universal forces find more presence within our minds and bodies, we become potent beings of the Life Force.
"As the body-physical is purified, as the mental body is made wholly at-one with purification or purity, with the life and light within itself, healing comes, strength comes, power comes."
"So may an individual effect a healing, through meditation, through attuning not just a side of the mind nor a portion of the body but the WHOLE, to that at-oneness with the spiritual forces within, the gift of the life-force within EACH body."
"The gift of the life-force within each body" &emdash; what a wonderful statement. Within each of us is a latent gift waiting to be claimed. It is claimed by purification of body, and the mind being wholly at-one with purity. This correlates to the passage-in-consciousness stage in which the "earthly portions" are removed from the body and suspended above it, thereby leaving the body clear, clean, pure, so the soul can rise and the spiritual influences can penetrate the whole of our being. Then comes healing, strength and power.
"The nearer the body of an individual draws to that attunement, or consciousness, as was in the Christ Consciousness, the nearer does the body become a channel for LIFE &endash; LIVING life &endash; to others to whom the thought is directed. Hence at such periods, these are the manifestions of the life, or the spirit, acting THROUGH the body."
"Let these remain as sacred experiences, gathering more and more of same &endash; but remember, as such is given out, so does it come."
I particularly like the explanation that many of our deep meditaiton experiences are the manifestions of the life or spirit acting through our bodies. After all, our bodies are atomic structures:
"The body-physical is an atomic structure. Each atom, each corpuscle, has within it the whole form of the universe &endash; within its OWN structure. Each individual body must bring its own creative force in balance about each of the atomic centers in order for the resuscitating, revivifying to occur in the body. The law then is compliance with the universal spiritual influence that awakens any atomic center."
It is simply a matter of natural and divine law: If we remain in the individual, human condition, then we have limited potency in dealing with life's challenges. However, if we open ourselves regularly to the "universal spiritual influence," then human conditions are tempered by these forces, and these forces are life and light, with power to make all things new.
"What moves the spirit of life's activities? GOD, but Will and Choice misdirect."
Meditation helps our will and choice be in accord with God's. Then life's activities move with the Divine Influence.
When is the best time to meditate? Here's a great answer from Cayce: "The best hour for meditation is 2:00 o'clock in the morning. The better [is] that set as the period in which the body and mind may be dedicated to it. Then keep thy promise to thy inner self, and to your Maker, or that to which ye dedicate they body, mind and soul."
Position for Kundalini Meditation :
Afirmation to Increase Kundalini Energy for Buddha Religion
Wake up Mother Kundalini,
Thou whose nature is Bliss Eternal - the bliss of Brahman,
Thou dwelling like a serpent asleep at the lotus of Muladhara,
Sure affected and distressed am I in body and mind,
Do thou bless me and leave thy place at basic lotus.
Consort of Shiva, the Self-caused Lord of universe,
Do thou take thy upward course through the central canal,
Leaving behind Svadhishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Visuddha
And Ajna, be thou united with Shiva, thy Lord the God,
At Sahasrara - the thousand-petalled lotus in the brain,
Sort there freely, O Mother, Giver of Bliss Absolute,
Wake up Mother Kundalini,Wake up
For Islamic Religion (Moslem) :
" Assalam alaikum (mention my name =Yulius Eka Agung) , may Allah bless you. Let's pray together to Allah SWT, to awake my kundalini. May Allah send Malaikah Mikhail (ArchAngel Michael) to accomplish this process. I promise to use this power in the name of justice and law. I will take all responsibility on causes of implications of this power. Kun faya Kun says Allah, then be it" Then, do meditation about 20 minutes, enjoy the process. (Please confirm me=Yulius Eka Agung), if you want to awake Kundalini.
For Christian and Catholican Religion :
Our Father in Heaven,
let your holy name be known,
let your kingdom come,
and your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today the bread that we need,
and forgive us our wrongs,
as we forgive those
who have done wrong to us.
Do not lead us into trial,
but save us from evil.
Amen
Miracles of Mudras for Meditation
People fold their fingers in various Mudras (Gestures). It is little known, however, that Mudra Science is Tatva Yoga-Yoga based on science of elements. And, believes Acharya Keshav Dev, these mudras can help cure many diseases.
MRIT SANJIVINI MUDRAIn the case of severe heart attack, this life giving divice Mudra provides instant relief within a few seconds.Helping hand for Cardiacs.First Aid for Heart Problems.
APAN MUDRAProvide relief in urinary problemsFacilitates discharge of waste material from the body.Cleanses & purifies the body.
PRAN MUDRAEnergy Bank - Improves Vitality of the body & Eyesight.
LING MUDRAPractice the Mudra and get rid ofFrequent Cold, Congested Chestand Incurable Infections.
GYAN MUDRAYogic Tranquilizer.Its practice ensuresMental Peace,Concentration of the mindand Sharp Memory,Spiritual enhansmentdevelops creativity.
SHUNYA MUDRACures ear aches injust a few minutes.
· Mudras can bring about miraculous change and improvement in our body.
· Mudras generate Powers to provide all round development of mind & body which brings peace and happiness.
· Mudras look like miraculous remedies. They provide instant relief in many illnesses.
· Mudras can cure almost any ailment from simple earache to heart attack.
· Mudras help in moulding the Physical, Mental and even the Moral aspects of the individual.
· Some Mudras can balance the elements of the body within 45 minutes while some are fast enough to act within a few seconds.
· Practice of some of the Mudra's regularly can cure Insomnia, Arthritis, improves memory.
· Mudras have extra ordinary powers, practice of mudras brings about a quick and fundamental reversions of the destructive changes in the human body. They also develop virtuousity, social amiability, non-violence, piety and courteous dispositions.
· All Godly and superhuman persons like Lord Mahavir, Gautam Buddha, Lord Shankaracharya and others used to remain in these Mudras.
· Mudra helps in Kundalini Yoga to awaken the Cosmic Energy and to unite consciousness of inner Supreme Soul.
· Mudras are significant and simple yogic function by which one can develop internal and external dispositions.
· Detailed description of Mudras are found in Tantra Shastra, Upasana Shastra, Nritya Shastra, Art of Sculpture etc.
