Concept of Kundalini According to the Tantric philosophy, the entire universe is the manifestation of pure consciousness. In manifesting the universe, this pure consciousness seems to become divided into 2 aspects, each of which cannot exist without the other. Each requires the other in order to manifest its total nature. The aspects are Shiva and Shakti. Shiva, the masculine part retains a static quality and remains identified as long as the consciousness is not manifested. Shiva has the power to be but not the power to change the world. The other aspect of the power is Shakti, which is feminine, dynamic, energetic and creative. Shakti is the Great Mother of Universe, from which all the other creatures are born. According to the Tantra, the human being is the miniature of the Universe. All that is found in the cosmos can be found within the individual and the principle that applies in case of universe also applies in the case of individual being. Practice of Kundalini Yoga "Kundalini Awakening" is said to result in deep meditation, enlightenment and bliss. This awakening involves the Kundalini physically moving up the central channel to reach within the Sahasrara Chakra at the top of the head. Many systems of yoga focus on the awakening of Kundalini through meditation, pranayama breathing, practice of asana and chanting of mantras. In physical terms, one commonly reports the Kundalini experience to be a feeling of electric current running along the spine. |