This word, kuṇḍalinī , first appears in early Tantric texts from the 8th century, but the concept itself is likely to have been documented within many traditions with varying definitions throughout the ages. Kuṇḍalinī has been symbolically related to the serpent or a snake-like force, and these icons have been associated with spiritual forces spanning across various cultures and time periods in human history. In our modern era, there is much discussion surrounding this term, kuṇḍalinī . Some of these discussions might contain useful material, some of them might be misleading. Alas, such is the nature of any teaching related to the esoteric or spiritual. Therefore, the teachings at BTGY have been intentionally quiet on the matter, however, we sense that the time has come to shine light on this mysterious force.
Due to the seemingly universal nature of mankind's spiritual evolution, it is our belief that we are talking about a fundamental impulse, and one that is perhaps biologically driven. It is useful to note that our basic biology, the human body, brain, and nervous system, has evolved very little, if at all, in the past several hundred thousand years. Which means that, for a very long time, we've been trying to figure out this ancient machine which our spirit inhabits as home. It is possible that our early ancestors spent considerable time in the science lab of their own minds and bodies, seeing as there was no Netflix or YouTube to distract them from the consciousness that was evolving in them. It is also possible that evolution has been surging periodically through us, and through every organism, in fact, since the very first life-form. Not only possible, but highly likely. Hence the complexity of life in the first place. If there was no evolutionary impulse motivating life to diversify, to grow, to expand, to become, we might still be single-celled amoebas floating in a mineral dense ocean.
Thus, we approach the concept of kuṇḍalinī from as pragmatic and grounded a framework as possible. We believe that it is from here, from the realms of science and practicality, that we can venture forth into the unknown and begin to work more meaningfully with the esoteric and hidden realms. Some of our greatest teachers would remind us that if something cannot be observed directly or if, through our personal inference and discernment we could not draw any relevant conclusions, then the information is not useful. So, examine these concepts for yourself! Our entire BTGY philosophy is based on these principles of direct observation, inference, and discernment. We do not see a better way to progress as a collective, because by following these parameters, we can remain open to any improvements to the methodology. We are spiritual scientists and our community is built on a living constitution that is constantly amended by all sincere seekers.
All that being said, we still have not dove into the details of this thing called kuṇḍalinī . Because, after all, what is the point? Why not arrange conditions for our own experiments to take place, and find out for ourselves? Well, for one, anybody who does research into this term might find a variety of information ranging from the most spiritually exciting, where we are tantalized by promises of divine ecstasy, to downright frightening or alarming accounts of people have had kuṇḍalinī awakenings that led them to down a radically altered life path. As it is not our intent to play into any drama or gossip, nor do we wish to feed any lofty spiritual fantasies, or offer any information that might inhibit one's personal spiritual growth, we must be intentional about how we discuss this. With this spirit, we remain true to a core BTGY tenet of simply sharing spiritual information to our community openly and with authenticity, so we will do our best in this post to outline relevant details about this so-called kuṇḍalinī .
As we have been discussing in this post, we believe kuṇḍalinī to be a fundamental biological impulse. A intrinsically driven life-force. Based on our interpretations of anecdotal and scriptural descriptions, along with our own personal experiences, it appears that something quite mysterious seems to be taking place in humans across the globe. People from all walks of life have reported powerful awakenings, and in many cases there is no apparent catalyst. What we find most interesting is the similarity in the descriptions and, even more fascinating to us is the fact that some of these people had no spiritual proclivity prior to their "awakening". It just happened. Which tells us quite a bit, and is an affirmative to our theory that this kuṇḍalinī thing may just be a natural occurrence of life.
What we want to know, what is it? What are we even talking about, and what can we do about it? Part of our gift as human beings with the power of imagination and intellect is that we can participate in this evolutionary process that is seemingly unfolding within each of us. Additionally, we can leave a trail for others to follow, as many have done before us and will continue to do after us. With articles such as those found in various online yoga journals or other pop-spirituality resources inviting us to "awaken to our true potential through the mystical forces of an awakened kuṇḍalinī" we figure that a good place to start, then, is in the original definition of the word. The word is derived from Sanskrit kundal, meaning "coiled", and in the early usages of the word, it was described as a latent force lying at the base of the spine. Now, this is where it get's interesting. Remember how we suggested it to be a natural inner force? Consider this - our body is built like a spring to withstand gravity. Inside and within the musculo-skeletal system is an instrinsic, spring like force, built on a network of interlocking and rebounding forces. There is a natural expansive quality to our body in space, which based on this entirely cosmic piece of architecture, (the body) has an immense potential of energy stored within it. Just like we learned from high-school physics - a coiled spring has potential energy. If we approach the human body, and especially the central axis of the body - the spine - from this viewpoint, we might start to see the significance of this concept.
There is, physically speaking, a massive potential charge that exists within our organism. This is not pseudo-science, nor esoteric philosophy. The question then becomes, can we do anything about this? The yogis would say YES!
The methodologies of yoga that deal with the body and breath, such as the systems propounded in Hatha Yoga, work with the human organism in a way that we can untangle the literal knots that are obstructing the naturally rising life-force energy. As a technology, this is what these yogas serve as. If there is an intrinsically derived force, one that is life's movement through us, as us, working for our evolutionary benefit - and it seems to make sense that this is the case - then our interest as yogis might be in facilitating as smooth of an ascension to this energy as possible.
See, we suspect that all the discussion surrounding the dangers of kuṇḍalinī are a result of these awakenings occurring in unprepared mindbody systems. It's like trying to plug a lightbulb into too powerful of a socket. If we have these powerful surges traveling up the spine to the higher centers of the brain, and no gradual process to acclimate us to this shakti, then where does that leave us? Probably frustrated with a reality where it feels like, suddenly, we've ripped a massive band-aid off an old wound, and now are immediately sensitized to life! It's very much like we are opening our eyes in the emergency room for the first time. Only now, due to the upward surges of energy, we are opening what is commonly known in spiritual circles as the third eye, or ajna chakra, which is referring to the part of the brain that allows us to pay attention. What we pay attention to creates our reality, very much like a projector on a screen. Bringing energy into these higher centers is the result of opening pathways which will alter the flow of our typically diverted or scattered spiritual energies. Instead of our energy being caught in mundane thinking such as what to eat, how to make money, and general urges related to survival, we are now oriented towards less tangible qualities of our reality. This is the birth of true spirituality - the quest into the unknown and the unseen. And we believe that no matter who and no matter where, albeit in varying degrees, this sort of evolutionary step is imminent. Once the basic standards of living are cared for, our natural human interest is to turn towards the spiritual. Towards Creation. A return to the Source. Thus, we wish to support this process and will continue to offer insight to others on their path, contributing our own ideas for consideration to all those interested.
That is enough for today. We hope that this discussion was useful or relevant to you. As always, apply what is useful, discard what is not. Use discernment. Continue to question. Trust your path. Look deeper. Create your own maps of reality. We will continue to collaborate and move forward. Where there is an overlap in understanding, we can make progress. Where there is differences, we can make progress. As long as we continue to keep our minds and hearts open, and remain connected to a sincere wish for truth, we will do well. Don't be afraid to voice your opinion. We are all in this together. Keep it up... and thank you for your work.
May all sincere seekers awaken to the truth of their own being. OM.
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