Awakening (Initiation)
A mantra given by a true guru has the power to awaken the sleeping kundalini. When used in this fashion, as an initiation, the mantra should be received verbally directly from the guru. It can then directly `strike', vibrate, the dormant energy in the muladhara chakra. As long as the mantra is repeated by the sadhaka the kundalini will remain awake and can continue to rise. Once the repetition stops the kundalini descends and becomes dormant again. If the mantra is continuously repeated (mentally) then the kundalini is always awake. It is only when the kundalini is awake that the mind can enter the fourth state of consciousness, nirvikalpa samadhi or turiiya. This is the state of non-duality.[CAS]
There are two aspects to initiation:
diipanii shakti, which allows the sadhaka to visualize the mantra
in the mind. This is necessary for the mantra to be effective.
The second is Mantra caetanya, whereby the whole
of the Cosmic citta is also
vibrated. This is what gives the mantra its true power, and can only
be accomplished by a mahakoala guru. [CAS]
Once awakened the kundalini begins to work its way up through
the chakras with the goal of merging into
the Cosmic Consciousness seated in the
sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head.[CAS]
As made very clear in Kopi Krishna's account of his experience
of the rising kundalini, this is a very powerful force, which if not
channeled properly can cause the body harm and even lead to death.
His experience indicates that when the kundalini starts to rise it
is possible for it to enter any of the three
nadis along the spine; the Susumna, the Ida, or the Pingala. The
proper channel is the Susumna and if it enters one of the other two
then it can cause severe problems, in his case, having entered the
Pingala, it came close to burning up his body with fever before he
managed to shift it back to the proper center channel.[LK]
His subsequent experience showed clearly that the processes which
expand the mind also adjust the physcial body,
so that it can hold and support the expanded consciousness. The
kundalini was felt to race through the body working on the nerves and
the various organs to adjust them to hold and support his expanding
consciousness.[LK]
The purpose of many of the auxiliary yogic practices (e.g. diet)
and even some of the limbs of astanga
yoga (e.g. asanas and pranayama) are involved in preparing the body for
this energy, and easing the process of transformation. In particular
the nadis must generally be purified and
strengthened, to safely carry the increased flows of energy.
It is important to note that Gopi Krishna's experiences also showed
why mental purification is as necessary as physical. [LK]
Leadbeater states that as the kundalini is initially awakened a
dull glow is experienced at the coccyx, or in the abdomen. As the
kundalini rises it burns "etheric dross" around the spinal cord. This
is said to be a painful process (see Kopi Krishna's comments above).
As it rises through the head and expands into the atmosphere there
is a only temporary loss of consciousness and slight fatigue. Once
awakened proper control is important. Generally each chakra is activated by concentration and an
infusion of prana, then the kundalini is
wakened and directed to the chakra. The order of working the chakras
varies with the individual and this close supervision of a Guru is
necessary. As the kundalini passes through the chakras they are
awakened along with various astral powers
and abilities. When the seventh chakra is awakened the kundalini
can pass easily through all the others, ordinary consciousness is transcended and bliss is
experienced. [TC]
Leadbeater states that one must be properly prepared before
awakening the kundalini. This preparation is of physical and moral
nature. The development of selfless love and service to society
are necessary, as is the guidance of a guru. He mentions possible
problems due to premature activation. These include i) damage to
the physical and possibly subtler bodies, including possible death,
ii) movement of the kundalini downward, activating
seven lower, animal, chakras. iii) intensification of base
characteristics, e.g. ambition, jealousy, selfishness. [TC]
Satyanada states that as the kundalini rises any negative or
pessimistic attitudes or thoughts may cause it to descend again
to the muladhara. When this happens
from the manipura, or below, it can
be raised again, but if this happens from the anahata it becomes very difficult to
raise it again. [TC]
As the kundalini rises the sadhaka experiences qualitative
differences in samadhi . In each of these
the Omkara is also perceived differently.
[CAS]
Certain of the chakras are particularly difficult to `pierce' and
have been called granthi, or knots. These include
Brahma Granthi ( at the manipura chakra),
Vishnu Granthi ( at the anahata chakra),
and Rudra Granthi, or the knot of Shiva, (
at the ajina chakra). [AS]
Brahma Granthi. The process of piercing Brahma Granthi
requires firm adherence to Yama and Niyama
and purity of mind and body. There may be problems with the digestive
system.[CAS] This knot must be untied before the kundalini (shakti) can
rise [TC].
Vishnu Granthi.
Rudra Granthi. In piercing the ajina chakra there must
be extreme devotion and intense desire for
the supreme. After this the sadhaka loses will power, which is why the last
step to raise the kundalini to the sahasrara
chakra requires the assistance of a mahakaola
or sadguru. This results in nirvikalpa samadhi.
[AS]
In the teachings from BPI there are said to be three Kundalini
channels. The first rises from a triangular structure at the first chakra,
through the chakras and out the crown. The second comes up through the
feet and legs, through the first and second chakras, into the third,
exiting out the front of the third. The third channel comes down through
the crown, sixth, fifth, fourth, into the third and out the front. Some
energy also flows down the arm channels from the fifth. [MB]
The main channel is essentially the traditional
Sushumna, while the second two channels are the routes of the two
principle vayus, the Prana and Aprana Vayus.
Note: the specific invocation of these two in Drunvalo's Merkaba
meditations. [AHM]
The Rising Kundalini
The Granthi
The Psychic Kundalini
