ost Yoga practices have elements of Kundalini Yoga in them. There is some confusion about Kundalini and its connection to sexuality. Most beginners to this practice are drawn to it by this interest alone, assuming that the term, Kundalini Rising, refers to some kind of orgasm. All Yoga pursues the ideal of total Enlightenment. Yes, Kundalini Yoga is excellent for improving your sex life, (as is most Yoga), but let's examine it a little further.
The literal meaning of Kundalini (in Sanskrit) can be translated as a 'coiled, corporeal energy' or an 'unconscious, instinctive, libidinal force (Shakti)' which lies (curled up) at the base of the spine. It is a spiritual energy or life force which is generally conceptualized as a serpent. Hence the name - Kundalini (or Kundala) - 'that which is coiled, to coil or to spiral'. Kundalini Yoga arouses this sleeping Kundalini Shakti (from its coiled base), up the body, through the 6 chakras (travelling along the main channels of pranic energy in the body) to penetrate the 7th chakra (the Crown), developing strength, character, consciousness and awareness. It has been called 'serpent power' and is described by Nirmala Srivastava as a 'residual power of pure desire'. Describing the actual location is very difficult, with some saying it resides somewhere between the rectum and the navel, while others say it is in the sacrum bone. We all feel it to some extent especially during heightened times of danger or excitement - perhaps in conjunction with the 'fight or flight' adrenaline response.
Sexual energy is the most powerful energy in the human body - it has to be to create life. While some Yoga practices may renounce sexual energy, Kundalini Yoga embraces it and uses its techniques (asanas, meditations, active and passive kriya sequences, control and pranayama) to channel sexual energy up the spine to empower spiritual development. To clarify the first point made in this article - Kundalini Yoga is indeed excellent for shifting ALL energies in the human body and this naturally includes sexual energy. To note, the main goal of Kundalini Yoga is not great sex, but great sex is a pleasant side effect of it.
Yogi Bhajan (who taught and practiced Kundalini techniques for more than 35 years) was of the view that sex was holy, should be reserved for committed relationships and did not advocate casual sexual encounters at all. Yogi Bhajan believed sacred sex was blissful love in action with both partners treating each other like sacred temples of the divine and his overwhelming theme was always - 'See God in All'. He was the first to teach Kundalini Yoga openly, touching many hearts, opening many minds and mentoring many politicians, statesmen and famous personalities. He was equally at home whether teaching in a boardroom or sitting on the grass in a park.
Kundalini Awakening Stages
Below are the stages that present the energies of Ida and Pingala (both right and left) and the central channel which flows through the chakras (Sushumna nadi - also called the 'silver cord'). These represent Kundalini Awakening in six stages;
- Prana flowing in Ida or Pingala
- Prana flowing in Ida and Pingala
- Prana flowing in Sushumna
- Kundalini energy awakens
- Kundalini energy leads upwards
- Kundalini rises to Sahasrara (crown chakra)
Shakti and Shiva
The journey of Kundalini Yoga, leading to Kundalini Awakening leads to the realization of the Absolute where consciousness divides itself into two parts which seem to be apart but cannot exist without each other. They are called Shiva (a static, formless quality) and Shakti (a dynamic, creative aspect of consciousness). They can be conceptualized as deities or as principles / processes of the universe. Either way, the journey is an inner one travelling to the centre of one's own consciousness. Interestingly enough, some people have experienced spontaneous Kundalini Awakening without doing any intentional practices.
Once Kundalini Awakening has taken place, and becomes more established through meditation, Kundalini has been known to automatically purify the body and dispel all mental, physical and spiritual clutter. Preparation for Kundalini Awakening is very important because once it occurs, there is a certain amount of time and effort needed to blend the aspects into the body and personality. However, after genuine Enlightenment and Self-Realization, the body becomes more active and zestful, the face younger and the personality beautiful and magnetic.
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