Kundalini-Normalized
Brent Spirit (above) is the Founder of KundaliniAwareness.org. This not-for-profit org offers a lot of free, grounded information, including a podcast about Kundalini. Brent understands that some people start their journey of awakening with an experience of Kundalini, and some people become very distressed with the phenomena associated with Kundalini. In fact, it may cause of spiritual crisis during which a person needs support from someone qualified who they can consult. It can be a lonely path as qualified support people are few. (See end of blog for resources)
Kundalini-Defined
Kundalini is a Sanskrit term that refers to a powerful energy that typically lies dormant in a person. When it is activated, or “awakened,” it works to bring a person into higher states of consciousness. This does NOT depend on taking any mind-altering substance; but may be activated by meditation, yoga, or other practices aimed at creating deeper peacefulness. The interview above gives more detail. When Kundalini is active it can lead a person to feel bliss. It can also lead a person to feel confused, out of balance, and ungrounded as an understanding of Kundalini is rare in the West.
“By the definite science of meditation known for millenniums to the yogis and sages of India, and to Jesus, any seeker of God can enlarge the calibre of his consciousness to omniscience to receive within himself the Universal Intelligence of God.”—Paramahansa Yogananda (a Self-realized Guru from India)
Kriyas- Definitions
Kriya is all about the clearing, aka purification, needed so that Kundalini can be fully activated.
“Kriya is an advanced Raja Yoga technique of pranayama (life-energy control). Kriya reinforces and revitalises subtle currents of life energy (prana) in the spine and brain.” —Yogoda Satsanga Society of India(following Yogananda)
The word “Kriya” may be used in 3 different ways:
- “Kriya” is a form of meditation associated with Raja Yoga to bring about kundalini rising to Self-realization (above).
- “Kriyas” are an essential part of kundalini yoga. These refer to exercises designed to reduce stress and increase overall well-being. They combine breathing techniques with movement to raise the energy of the body.
- “A Kriya” may involve shaking or uncontrolled movements that occur as part of kundalini rising. They may even be painful. A kriya then is a phenomena that happens when blockages are breaking down opening a pathway for the increased flow of consciousness/ subtle energy rising.
Q&A on Kundalini and Kriya
The following was gleaned from the internet from unrecognized sources and edited by Emma Bragdon, PhD.
What happens to the body when Kundalini rises?
In the Yoga tradition, Kundalini Shakti is the dormant energy that lies at the base of the spine, waiting to be awakened. When this energy is awakened, it starts to move up the spine, clearing the beliefs, pains and knots of the past that limit our consciousness that we often store in the body.
What are the side effects of Kundalini rising?
One of the effects of Kundalini awakening is psychological and emotional upheaval, including intensification of unresolved psychological conflict, fear of death or insanity, overwhelming mood swings. heightened sensitivity to others’ moods, and confusion.
What are the involuntary Kundalini Kriyas?
During meditation many disciples experience involuntary Yogic Kriyas like Asan (body posture), Bandh (lock), Mudras (gestures), Pranayam (breath regulation) or body movements like swaying, nodding of head, clapping, laughing etc. These are induced by Kundalini rising.
What are signs of a Kundalini Awakening Experience?
- Feelings of blissfulness.
- Enhanced psychic abilities.
- More compassion and empathy.
- Increased creativity.
- Increased spiritual connection; desire to learn more.
- Feeling aligned and in the flow.
How do I know if my Kundalini is rising?
First, you may feel increased pranic (a subtle form of life) energy in your body, often starting at the hands and feet. Later, particularly in the spine. This energy may cause physical sensations like tingling, shaking, or heat. Secondly, you may begin to experience powerful emotions and thoughts that you previously suppressed.
What happens when Kundalini rises?
The Kundalini awakening or rising means you have found the technology of tapping into that energy. However, if you tap into this dimension of energy, which is a phenomenal force, you must be on stable ground. This is just like learning to operate nuclear energy.
What does a full Kundalini awakening feel like?
Some describe their Kundalini awakenings as “near-death experiences” or even “psychosis,” while other yoga practitioners have described the moment as “a total and complete sense of peace that could only be described as bliss.”
12 Simple Things You Can Start Doing to Awaken Kundalini
- Love God. …
- Serve others.
- Keep a positive attitude. …
- Live in the consciousness of Light. …
- Live in greater awareness. …
- Meditate. …
- Do gentle breathing exercises, visualizations, yoga postures, Energization Exercises.
- Chant.
- Say “Yes” to life. Embrace every situation and be energetic in everything you do.
- Keep good posture and your spine straight. Learn to live in the spine and stay centered there.
- Create a strong field of magnetism in the upper chakras, particularly the spiritual eye.
- Think of saintly people and let their magnetic energy help you. They will inspire you..
What encourages the arousal of Kundalini energy?
Long training and preparatory disciplines are undertaken for the arousal of Kundalini, but there is no fixed rule, and practices vary considerably. To activate the Kundalini energy through yogic methods for the upward journey along the Brahma-Nadi (a specific, subtle energy channel), the aspirant must summon all the strength and skill at his command. Some consider that a qualified teacher who is Self-realized is necessary to be successful.
What is Kundalini sickness or syndrome?
Kundalini syndrome is a term used to describe a range of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that some people experience after engaging in practices to awaken the Kundalini energy—or having spontaneous Kundalini experiences.
What are the symptoms of spiritual blockage?
When imbalanced and blocked, you may struggle with depression, an inability to learn, and sensitivity to light, sounds, and environment. Emotionally, there are issues with self-knowledge and great imbalances that come from rigid thoughts on religion and spirituality.
Spiritual blockages are the result of mistakes of previous lives and also current life. These relate to harmful acts you have done to others and even negative thoughts that you maintained and may have become repeated patterns of thinking. Since they often catalyze negative karma, we might call them “karmic blocks”.
How do you get rid of karmic blocks?
Follow steps to give yourself a karmic cleanse.
- Be grateful: for every experience, both the good and the bad.
- Act with love: towards everyone no matter what they’ve done.
- Check your motives: and make sure they come from a place of love for self and others.
It is said that once all the knots or blocks have cleared (or in western terms, when trauma has been released from the nervous system) the “kriyas” subside.
What does an energy blockage feel like?
When the energy flow is blocked, it can lead to physical, emotional, and mental imbalances. It is important to note that energy blockages can manifest differently in different individuals. For some, it may manifest as physical pain or discomfort, while for others, it may manifest as emotional or mental distress.
What are other symptoms of a blocked energy?
Common blocked energy symptoms on the physical level are thyroid issues, sore throat, laryngitis, ear infections, ulcers, facial problems, or neck and shoulder pain. Feeling like you have no willpower or are out of control are common psychological markers. Another emotional symptom is having issues with communicating.
How do you release trapped energy?
Releasing energy blocks can be quite simple, keep moving your attention to the area in which you feel blocked with the intention of clearing…Meditate on what caused the blockage and how you can release it. Insight into the origins can be helpful but is not essential. Following your intuition about what you need to release the blockage may be the most effective. You can also consult with professionals who understand how to release trapped energy. . It may take a long time, week, years, decades, but eventually, the blockage will clear. After abuse and trauma, it is always a good idea to visit a professional who is trauma-informed.
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Resources for Support
Ways of recognizing and managing blockages is covered in IMHU’s course on “Kundalini, BioEnergy and Awakening“. This gives practical information for a therapist as well as someone with lived-experience. Link HERE.
If you or someone you care for is having distress caused by Kundalini: Spiritual Emergence Coaches® can be supportive. https://imhu.org/coaching/directory will connect you to more than 100 coaches in 14 countries.
There is also a Directory of licensed professionals with Kundalini experience who are listed at KundaliniAwareness.org.
Brent Spirit can be reached at [email protected]
Emma Bragdon can be reached at [email protected]