' Kundalini ' literally means, 'coiled one'. The Oriental (Eastern) Spirituality defines 'Ananda' as Bliss; the letter 'A' symbolising Shakti . Kundalini is the primordial ' Shakti' or cosmic energy that lies coiled in the muladhara chakra (Base or Root Chakra) corresponding to the base of spine, in your body.
The cosmic energy is your life force, which keeps your body alive, and can be pictured as a coiled snake living at the base of the spine.
When awakened, Kundalini begins to move upward within the sushumna, the subtle central channel, piercing the chakras and initiating various yogic processes, which bring about total purification and rejuvenation of the entire being. When Kundalini enters the sahasrara ( the Crown Chakra) region, the spiritual center in the crown of the head, the individual self merges in the universal Self and attains the state of Self-realisation.
The goal of ' Kundalini Yoga ' is to en the life force by causing energy to travel up through the spine, where it will stimulate various chakras (emotional centers throughout the body). Kundalini yoga can be profoundly emotional - it can allow you to see what's really going on in your life; if helps you become more aware of negative thought patterns and make the choice to change them.
When Kundalini awakening happens to people who are not on a spiritual path, the experience can leave them fragile and fragmented. As the Kundalini process involves a redefinition and reintegration of self, it adds extra pressure when people wish to suppress the transformation and insist to lead their lives normally.
Of greatest benefit is a supportive framework, which can allow people to make sense of the intricate connection between spirit and the movement of physical energy in the body, rather than fearing they are going insane. It is important to understand that Kundalini awakening is a process that taps into the blueprint for higher consciousness, which is latent within every human.
While the enormous changes associated with a spiritual awakening may demand psychological and social adjustments, they are not in themselves necessarily indicative of illness. Communication and connection with others who can provide support and a meaningful context for understanding the process reduces the isolation and overwhelm and can help to minimise the disturbance. Someone who has the personal qualities of creative adaptation to change and a flexible mental framework is more likely to weather the changes with grace and style than those who are rigid in their beliefs and world view.
Essential precautions
When practising for example kundalini yoga, be careful about these points:
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There may be heat developing in the body. You may wish to go slow on the exercises a little for some days.
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There may be tingling sensations in the spinal column, palms of the hands or soles of the feet. This is due to energy rising and freely circulating leading to opening of sleeping charkas. You should not bother too much as it will gradually subside.
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Negative thoughts and desire to express violent emotions. This is part of the energy rising and cleansing process. Control and practise the yamas and niyamas strictly.
