Notes on Kundalini Shakti by Neela Raju What is KS? All creation is energy. Matter is made up of atoms and these vibrating atoms are energy. All matter does not have life. The highest and rarest life giving energy of Universe is KS and she gives the life activation to the human body. The KS is represented as a coiled serpent sleeping at the base of the spinal column around a Shiva linga in three and half coils with her head down. Her resting place is a cave below the base chakra. When and how does the KS enter the body? When pregnancy takes place, the male and female cells fuse and start multiplying forming the cells and shape of the human body. The foetus depends on the mother for nourishment and oxygen and cannot sustain life by itself. In the seventh month, the KS enters the mothers body and then into the baby’s body through the crown and gives life to the crown chakra and the organs connected with it, then the third eye, the throat, the heart, the solar plexus, the navel charka and base chakra and connected organs. The spinal column is sealed below the base chakra and the energy coils up there and becomes dormant. This is the reason why the babies born before the 7th month don’t survive. Before the KS gives life activation to the growing foetus, it is just a mass of growing cells which are attached to the mother’s womb. The foetus is not an independent life form which can sustain itself. In India, during the seventh month, on an auspicious date, religious rites are performed by the parents of the baby to welcome the KS into the body of the baby and giving it independent life. This ceremony is called “sheemantam”. What is the significance of the KS entering the body of the baby and then becoming dormant? When the KS enters the body of the baby, she gives the life activation to the baby. When she reaches the sealed base of the spinal column she goes to sleep or becomes dormant. As long as the KS is dormant or sleeping, man’s consciousness is enmeshed in worldly activities and he is fully into this material world. Only when the KS is aroused, man’s return journey back to the Spirit starts. What are the body systems related to KS? All of us have the chakra and nadi systems or energy pipe lines in the body. We also have five koshas or five bodies. These are not apparent in any laboratory tests done on the physical body but they exist nevertheless. What are the five bodies? The five koshas or bodies are: Anna maya kosha – physical body made up of anna or food. We all know this body and its various systems like skeletal system, the respiratory system, digestive system etc. This is the grossest of all bodies. Prana maya kosha – the energy body which surrounds the physical body which we see as golden outline around the saints. The health of this body depends on our thoughts, food we eat, the exercises we do and meditation and prayers. Mano maya kosha – the mind stuff which is an intangible body and creates thoughts at a fantastic speed. The quality of the thoughts depends on the karma or habits of the person and the quality of energy possessed. The upper layer of the mano maya kosha has the karmas of this life time and past lifetimes. These karmas have direct effect on the mind. Vigyna maya kosha – the higher mind which is the voice of conscience. This voice speaks the soul truths in all but the karmas or habits are very strong and the thoughts produced in the mind clamour and shriek and drown this voice. Ananda maya kosha – the soul which is right outside these bodies. The nature of the soul is ananda or joy or bliss. When the lower bodies are cleansed and polished, the beauty and light of the souls shine through and reflects on the face of the individual. All these bodies are interconnected by the chakras and nadi systems. What are the nadis? Nadis are energy pipe lines which carry the cosmic energy into the systems to enable the individual to function more efficiently and to optimum levels. The central nadi is the system is the sushumna which runs in the centre of the backbone. The Ida and pingala are the other two main nadis which run along with sushumna but they criss cross and wherever they intersect, chakras are found. What are chakras? Chakras are centres which pull in the cosmic energy. Cosmic energy is found everywhere and we draw in this energy at all times. These are like noses for breathing in energy. Seven main chakras are found in the human body and they are located on the spinal column along the sushumna where the Ida and pingala intersect. They are: Crown chakra or sahasrara Third eye chakra or ajna Throat chakra or vishuddha Heart chakra or anahata Solar plexus chakra or manipura Navel chakra or swadhistan Base chakra or mooladhar What are the qualities of the chakras? What is the relation of chakras to the endocrine glands and physical functions? The chakras govern the body functions and control the endocrine glands. The endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood and these hormones govern the involuntary systems of the body. When the endocrine glands functions well, the organs of body are fit and working at peak efficiency. When the energy is drawn in well by the chakra, the positive emotions governed by the chakras manifest in the person and when the chakra does not function well due to not taking in energy properly, the negative qualities dominate. Crown chakra or sahasrar – controls the pineal gland, the large brain and when it functions well, the person is joyous and balanced. When it does not function well, the person is depressed and at times goes insane. From here, the knowledge of god and universe enter into a person. Third eye chakra or ajna – controls the pituitary gland which controls all the others endocrine glands of the body. All the autonomic functions of the body are governed by the ajna chakra. The small brain, the medulla , the eyes are also controlled from here. Development of this chakra leads to higher intelligence, memory and intuition. Throat chakra or vishuddha- controls the thyroid gland and the ear, nose and throat functions. A well developed throat chakra leads to excellent communication, clarity of speech, music, fine arts, mathematical and scientific skills. Heart chakra or anahata – controls the thymus gland, the respiratory organs and circulations systems. A well developed heart chakra leads to a loving and compassionate personality. Solar plexus chakra or manipura – controls the insulin gland and digestive organs of the body. A well developed solar plexus chakra leads to stamina in doing work, wisdom and self confidence Navel chakra or swadhistan – controls the sex glands, the sex organs and urinary system. A well developed navel chakra leads to enjoyment of life at all levels and ability to cope up with stresses of life easily. Base chakra or mooladhar- controls the adrenals on top of the kidneys, the bones and muscles of body and the spinal column and legs. A well developed base chakra gives a well rounded positive personality with balanced emotional traits.
What is the relationship between the nadis, chakras and KS? The chakras are centres for taking in cosmic energy and the nadis are the pipelines for carrying energy. The aroused KS controls the nadis and chakras and cleanses and develops them to maximum potential bring about a well balanced personality physically mentally emotionally and spiritually. Then the KS rises through the sushumna nadi and piercing the chakras and reaches the crown chakra where she unites with the universal consciousness bringing about self realization – the inner realization that the soul is one with god and all creations. What is KS arousal and how it is done? KS is aroused by mantras, meditation, living a spiritual life, drugs, a knock at base of spinal column, pranayams, hatha yoga, mudras, mantras, by sex tantra and by shaktipat or energy transfer by a siddha guru. When the KS is aroused, the sleeping serpent stirs at the base and her head which is downwards turns upwards. What is the effect of the arousal of the KS on the body? The aroused KS control the various pranas or vital airs or energies in the body and forces the body into kriyas for purification of body. The chakras are cleansed and strengthened, all diseased parts of the body healed and karma dissolved to bring out physical mental and emotional purification. The body is made to perform automatic hatha yoga postures called asanas and pranayams which are breathing patterns. These bring about the purification and healing of body systems. What are kriyas? Kriyas are involuntary body and breathing movements during meditation aimed at cleansing the body. They occur by themselves. They are controlled by the aroused KS and won’t harm the systems however tricky they appear. What are asanas? Asanas are postures of hatha yoga which are learnt and practiced. They also aim at cleansing of nadis and chakras What are mudras? Mudras are movements of fingers and hands which communicate certain meanings. Fingers of our hands represent the five elements and when pressed together in combinations like thumb and first finger – have certain balancing effects on system Also mudras have their own meanings. The common one which we see in the pictures of all gods is the upraised palm all finger closed – the abhya mudra meaning I take care of you What is the difference in kriyas, mudras and hatha yoga asanas? Kriyas are involuntary body movements and postures brought about by the aroused KS. They can be asanas, pranayams or mudras Hatha yoga postures are learnt and done with care along with control of breathing during the movements. Mudras are hand poses which are learnt and practiced for cleansing and balancing of body elements, nadis and chakras Kriyas are not within our control and the movements are not learned. They come as pure asana postures, mudras or in combinations which are decided by the aroused KS Mudras and Hatha yoga postures are learnt and in our control. They have to be performed well and as per norms to have right effect on the system. The KS which makes a person perform kriya, controls the body in such a manner that the person who does not know anything about mudras, asanas or pranayams does them in the most beautiful and graceful manner possible – a skill which a hatha yogi gets after years of practice. What is the relation between kriyas, asanas and mudras on the glandular systems of the body? All kriyas, asanas and mudras have direct effect on the glands and their secrections. When the hormone secretions of the glands are normal, the body functions normally. Also the kriyas, asanas and mudras have direct effect on chakras and nadi systems of the body. They strengthen and develop them. What happens after the KS arousal? When the KS is aroused and the person meditates daily, the body performs kriyas. The health, mental and emotional well being of the person improves day by day. The physical healing of many diseases takes place, the negative qualities are erased and positive qualities are developed. The skin takes on a glow of energy and the person radiates peace, joy and balance. Intelligence and memory develop by leaps and bounds. The person has inner guidance in all aspects of life and lives a stress free life. Youthfulness and happiness are the hallmarks of such a person. What is KS rising? When the aroused KS cleanses the body and the cleansing reaches the levels of inner purity of a Buddha, the KS rises in one shot piercing the three knots or grantis and the six chakras and enters into the crown chakra and merges with the cosmic awareness there which is called Shiva. This union of the KS with Shiva brings self realization. This merger causes Nirbi kalpa Samadhi which is union of self with Spirit without any distinction or boundaries. Sometimes the KS does not rise further than the third eye and brings about an awareness of self with Spirit but with boundaries. This brings about Sabi kalpa Samadhi. Once the KS rises, she has to come down and she comes down and goes back to rest in her cave below the base chakra. A person can have rising more than once in a life time. What are the dangers of KS arousal and rising? When the KS is aroused accidentally or by drugs or forced arousal without the help of a siddha or perfected guru, she is the most dangerous and awesome power a person can experience. The aroused KS is out of control and she can throw the physical body around and play havoc by gushes of energy in the nadis. The person is then plagued by heat rushes and pain in the system and depression and lack of control in life Where without sufficient cleansing, the KS is forced up the sushumna; it is like forcing water under extreme pressure in a small pipe. The pipe will burst. In case of the KS, the energy will hit the delicate brain centres leading to madness or death. How can the KS negative effects be controlled? When a person undergoes proper cleansing and arousal of the KS under the care of a siddha guru, it is very safe and brings about all the positive development of a person in all fields.
Who is a siddha guru and what is his relationship with KS? A siddha guru is one who has had a complete rising of the KS and complete self realization. Such a guru has the grace of the KS and he can arouse the KS by touch, mantra, will power or intent or a look. The KS is under his control and she takes care of the disciple as a mother cat would take care of her kittens. The kriyas do not harm the body and there is no onrush of heat or depression or extreme pain as is there when the KS is out of control. Do all human beings undergo the KS rising? Yes, all of us undergo the KS rising whatever path we follow in life – whether it is the path of karma yoga or yoga of doing work and serving god, bhakti yoga or love of god, gnana yoga or path of knowledge, mantra yoga or chanting of mantras etc. Each soul is on its way back to God and for realization of self, the rising and merger of KS in crown chakra is necessary. Those who do the Kundalini yoga work on this goal primarily. Those who walk other paths also spend years on character transformation, cleanse themselves and have a spontaneous arousal and rising of the KS. Is it possible for the average disciple to control the KS and make her rise at will? NO. it is not possible to command the KS to rise and fall at one’s will. Most disciples feel the onrush of energy in the chakras or spinal column and mistaken it for the rising of the KS. When the KS rises, it is an unmistakable experience leading to self realization. The power of the KS is like a freight train compared to the crawling of an ant which is the feeling of normal energy rush. The power of KS must be respected, revered and worshipped. Not controlled by the disciple and commanded to move up or down the chakras. What is meditation? Meditation is the art of reaching higher level of consciousness and absorbing the divine knowledge, love and joy from there. It is not blanking out the mind. It is not merely creating silence in mind It is not creating and entering into a void It is not just focusing on breath or mantra It is not just for improved health or peace of mind It is all these and much more It is medium for reaching higher levels of consciousness daily and swiftest method of reaching the Spirit and self realization It’s a vibrant state within when one feels the Spirit closer and there is a smoother flow of cosmic energy, love and knowledge within from universe In mundane life, the art of meditation teaches us how to ignore the clamouring of mind and focus single-minded on work to be done and connects us with higher mind for guidance How does the mechanism of meditation work? One can meditate by many methods. The most common and effective one is the watching of the breath along with mantra. When the consciousness is engaged in this observation and chanting, the mind is neglected. The neglected mind screams in agony and tries to draw your attention to it in all possible ways. But if one keeps neglecting the mind without anger, then the neglected mind slows down and the speed at which thoughts are churned out becomes lesser and lesser. Soon a gap comes between the thoughts and the consciousness slips through this gap to higher levels of spiritual planes. Here the consciousness absorbs the divine knowledge and love and comes back to the physical plane Most of us do not recall this knowledge at once or very clearly but it is stored in the sub consciousness and it surfaces later when we need it With practise, one is able to retain complete memory of the knowledge one absorbs in the higher planes. Each time we sit in meditation, we reach out to the next higher level plane. Hence it is imperative that meditation is done with sincerity and faith and regularly and consistently. How long and how much does one practice meditation to feel difference? It depends on the sincerity and faith of the disciple and how regular he is with meditation. It also depends on the power of the guru and the past of the disciple. Where the guru is a siddha, his shaktipat brings the depths of Samadhi in disciple in the first sitting itself. Where the disciple has walked the path in his previous lives, the attaining of Samadhi state is easier. For the average person, even a month’s work in mediation will give results. Only one needs to be regular and sincere. How much and how long does one practice mudras and asanas to feel the difference? It takes several months of sustained regular practice of asanas and mudras to feel the difference in the systems. The effects of meditation are fast on system. The effects of meditation combined with mantra from guru are faster The effects of meditation combined with mantra and asanas and mudras are also very quick. One needs an experience teacher or guru to teach the hatha yoga asanas and mudras. What is the role played by the Ida, pingala and sushumna in the energy systems and KS? The Ida is the moon energy and pingala is the sun energy. Ida is feminine and pingala is masculine. Ida is connected to left nostril and pingala to right. They are both opposite qualities and the energy passing through them are very different. We either breathe through left or right nostril but rarely through both. There has to be a balance of both the qualities in any person. By meditation, the sushumna which is the central nadi or tube clears and opens up and then the breath comes through nostrils – not left or right. This is sign of opened sushumna and then the pathway to KS is clear and open for her rising. How does one go about starting on the path of K yoga? Live a spiritual life. Watch your thoughts, speech and actions. Do not wish ill of others even by thoughts Take care of your diet – have more of fresh foods, vegetables, and fruits. Do regular deep breathing Walk or exercise. Learn hatha yoga if possible Meditate daily. Find a realized spiritual teacher to give you shaktipat and mantra. Else follow the other principles and let go. God will send you a suitable teacher when you are ready. Never ever tamper with the KS energy by yourself. Never ever tamper with the KS energy by yourself Never ever tamper with the KS energy by yourself Summary of the talk Every soul goes back to God. What ever path we walk in life, when time of realization comes; there is KS rising and merger with crown chakra All of us have the nadis, chakras and energy systems. By different methods, the KS is aroused and she cleanses the systems The cleansing of systems brings about health, freedom from stress, change in thinking and lifestyle, joy, peace, health and balance in life. When the systems are cleansed, she rises in one shot and merges with the consciousness in the crown chakra making one realize about the souls oneness with Spirit. The KS systems are not based on any particular system though the greatest amount of information and data on this comes from India. It is a universal system for all mankind. Mantras Healing by tones and sounds is an ancient art and widely used in healing. The impact of tones or chants on systems is tremendous and here I present some notes on this matter. The explanations are long and will come in parts over a period of time. In the beginning the Word was with God and the Word was God. The cosmos is upheld by the energy force of the Spirit. All energies vibrate and the sound of the vibration of the cosmic energy is the Aumkar or Aum or Amen or Amin. The rishis/sages of India heard the Aum in meditation and observed it closely and they were guided into the break-up of the sound of Aum. They found 50 variations in the sound, which became the alphabets of the Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is the most perfect language and has maximum number of syllables as compared to other languages. Bill Gates has commented that Sanskrit is the perfect language for computers as it is the most comprehensive. WHAT IS A MANTRA The rishis/sages of India experimented with the combinations of vowels and consonants of the Sanskrit language and made mantras. Just like elements combined in specific proportions make compounds with special properties, chemicals combined in specific proportions make medicines with "X" properties; sounds combined in specific ways make a mantra with definite results. The one who creates the mantra has the siddhi or power of mantra. It is best to take mantra from such a person who transfers the power of mantra along with the intent of transfer of the mantra. Then the receiver gets the results of the mantra very fast with fewer repetitions. SANSKRIT SYLLABLES, CHAKRAS AND MANTRAS There are a total of 50 consonants and vowels in Sanskrit language. Each of them is represented in each petal of various chakras. Total of the petals: Muladhar 4+ Swadhisthan 6+ Manipur 10+ Anahat 12+ Vishuddha 16 + Agya 2 = 50 The Sahasrara has a thousand petals and the fifty syllables are repeated in endless circles on them. As you can see some of the syllables will look same in English as there are no proper equivalents for the Sanskrit ones in English. MULADHAR CHAKRA has four petals. The syllables represented are: VAM, SHAM, SHAM, SAM The syllable which controls the centre and other petals or nadis: LAM SWADHISTHAN CHAKRA has six petals The syllables represented are: BAM, BHAM, MAM, YAM, RAM, LAM The syllable which controls the centre and other petals or nadis: VAM MANIPUR CHAKRA has ten petals The syllables represented are: DAM, DHAM, NAM, TAM, THAM, DAM, DHAM, NAM, PAM, FAM The syllable which controls the centre and other petals or nadis: RAM ANAHAT CHAKRA has twelve petals The syllables represented are: KAM, KHAM, GAM, GHAM, DAM, CHAM, CHHAM, JAM, JHAM, NYAM, TAM, THAM The syllable which controls the centre and other petals or nadis: YAM VISHHUDHA CHAKRA has sixteen petals The syllables represented are: AM, AAM, IM, EEM, UM’, UUM’, RSH’, REEM’, LRIM’, LREEM’, EIYM’, EEIYM’, OM’, AUM’, AM’, AH’ The syllable which controls the centre and other petals or nadis: HAM AGYA CHAKRA has two petals The syllables represented are: HAM, KSHAM The syllable which controls the centre and other petals or nadis: AUM SAHASRAR CHAKRA has thousand petals All fifty syllables from AM KSHAM come in repeats in these chakra petals. The syllable which controls the centre and other petals or nadis: BINDU or the humming sound in the end of AUM EFFECTS OF MANTRA ON SYSTEM The syllables of each mantra vibrates the respective petals of the chakras and the series of vibrations within open up the chakra and it draws in more energy from the cosmos and the healing and development of chakra takes place. THE IMPORTANCE OF BIJA AKSHAR MANTRAS: The chanting of bija akshar mantras in meditation heals and develops chakras. It quickens pace in spiritual progress as it raises the levels of consciousness and fineness in vibrations of energy in self. It leads eventually to the rising of Kundalini Shakti and Self Realization or Ascendance. Toning the bija akshar during healing helps in quick healing of the patient or self. Since the bija akshars govern all petals of the chakra, toning them for the diseases related to chakra helps in healing of the chakra. I give you some examples of the healing by mantras. Kidney, liver, anus, genital organs, muladhar – vam Reproduction – muladhar – sham Drainage of energy – muladhar – sham Exhaustion – muladhar –sam Control of all the four petals or nadis of muladhar – lam The healer must lay his right hand on the affected area with unconditional love, faith and compassion and tone the mantra repeatedly for quick relief from pain and agony and the healing of the diseased parts. One needs to take the bija akshar attunement and get the right pronunciation to make healing and development faster. The problems encountering pronunciation can be avoided when one chants within silently to the best of ones ability. Quote |