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Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati defines Kundalini at two levels: "The cosmic manifestation
of maha prana (the great prana) in the individual body is represented by Kundalini.
The entire cosmic experience from creation to dissolution is embedded within the
folds of Kundalini, hence it is known as the universal energy. On one level it is
the macrocosmos; in the form of Kundalini shakti; on the other it is the microcosmos
in the form of prana shakti. Generally, however, prana shakti is only partially
released from mooladhara chakra through the connecting channels; this vitalizes
the mind and body but not to its full potential. Only the full force of Kundalini
shakti can awaken all the conscious and vital functions."
Sir John Woodroff calls it "The Serpent Fire." Robert E. Svoboda says "Kundalini
has been described as vidyut lata, "lightning creeper," and Pandit Gopi
Krishna calls It "Kundalini Path To Higher Consciousness." Zachary F. Lansdowne,
Ph.D tells us that, "The Kundalini energy has three different phases: 'coiled,' when
not stimulating any of the higher centers; 'serpent of wisdom,' when stimulating
one or more of the higher centers, prior to the activation of the basic chakra;
and 'dragon of living fire,' following the activation of the basic chakra."
I am very fortunate and blessed to have experienced Kundalini in all its aspects
without getting traumatized. This probably happened because I had no prior knowledge
on the subject and, moreover, I naturally moved into a state of surrender both to
the Guru and Kundalini. I would describe Kundalini as a "Gentle Force." At the physical,
mental and emotional level the Energy has handled me with utmost care; stopping
when I was apprehensive, resuming only when I was willing and ready. The whole process
seemed as though it was being monitored.
I give below a few visual aspects of the Kundalini as I experienced Her:
 Fig.
1 Kundalini as the Life Force
Kundalini at its most basic state, as the colourless energy that supports the human
body in its day to day functioning. The flow of this energy is constant. The human
body-mind organism has the potential to activate this energy to propel and enhance
its existence towards higher levels of evolution. The free flow of energy is hampered
if there is any form of congestion in the subtle body. In the human organism these
usually occur in the form of negative emotions which if not resolved tend to solidify,
disrupting the free flow of the vital force, thus causing discomfort and disharmony
in the system.
 Fig.
2 Kundalini as 'The Serpent Fire'
Once this Force is aroused, it assumes a totally different identity. It is no longer
colourless but assumes all the colours of whatever form it takes. It is imperative
that the trinity of the physical, emotional, and mental dimensions are in balance
to handle this aspect of the Kundalini for it rises like a green snake with a fiery
cauldron for Its mouth, moving through the subtle body, throwing lava all around;
clearing all blocks in Its path. If the aspirant is not prepared for the onslaught,
this energy can play havoc with the nervous system.
 Fig.
3 Kundalini the Gentle Force
Kundalini relaxes and assumes a gentle flow once the blocks are cleared, moving
freely and energizing the whole body. This beautiful visual which gives an illusionary
sense of being showered with flowers is actually reflecting the process of unfoldment
which the vibrations and process of Kundalini awakening lead the etheric body through.
Arundale, G. S. lends further clarity to it: "What is the nature of the obstruction
at the top of the head? It has the appearance of a mass of grains of 'sand', yellowish
in colour, through which Kundalini is endeavouring to effect a permanent passage,
tearing apart the mass, making a hole through it, a process of some difficulty,
some pain, and a certain amount of danger… These grains of 'sand' presumably are
cells." Arundale, G. S. - Kundalini An Occult Experience.
Fig. 4 Kundalini The Dragon of Living Fire
This experience was the one that sent me into a panic state. The rise was sudden
in the form of a dark cauldron, the sound that of grating girders and a roaring
dragon aroused from its resting place.
It took me two days to exercise surrender and a relaxed state of 'being' for Kundalini
to do Its work.
Fig. 5 Psychic attack
At the end of the experience, I realized that the 'dragon' was rising to defend
Its abode from a dark cloud of a psychic attack that was threatening to engulf
me.
Fig. 6 Kundalini as Light
The dragon had to transform from an angry roaring form into a beam of Light to move
up and dispel the negative energy that threatened to engulf me in the dark form
of a descending cloud.
It is truly said, "Without a guru you can practise any form of yoga, but not Kundalini.
Before commencing the practices, which bring about actual awakening of Kundalini,
you must prepare yourself on the physical, mental and emotional planes. Adequate
preparation is necessary to ensure that one has the strength to bear the impact
of the full awakening of the mighty potential force within. If you can maintain
a balanced mind in the face of mental and emotional conflicts, and you can endure
anger, worry, love and passion, dis appointment, jealousy, hatred, memories of the
past, sufferings and sorrows, you are ready for the awakening." Swami Satyananda
Saraswati - Kundalini Tantra.
Swami Muktibodhananda says that, "If Kundalini is to travel to the higher brain centers,
ajna must already be functioning."
My journey started with the activation of the ajna chakra. My experience makes me
want to share with all aspirants on the path of Kundalini Yoga the knowledge that
it is advisable to have a Guru who has traveled the road himself; to have absolute
faith and trust in him and be without fear. All experience is valid and is a process
of unfoldment and purification. Relax and enjoy the experience with a sense of adventure
and gain a new way of understanding with a heightened sense of awareness.
If you are going through the process consciously and in full awareness, you will
find that Kundalini is the gentlest Force. Its love, warmth, tenderness and care
no human emotion can match. What you need to do is to let go, be equanamous and
'surrendered' to the Guru principle. The greatest learning happened when I discovered
that I had just to ask (in the form of affirmations) and I received, I knocked and
new vistas were opened for me, I sought and I found. That is the trick. The process,
although complex, once understood is very simple. Yes!
Thus, these visuals in a step-by-step manner helped me to understand the process
of awakening as Kundalini energy moves through the etheric body. The process has
been revealed in a visual form so that in turn it may be presented as sign-posts
for you - the meditators.
- Santosh Sachdeva
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