Kundalini Awakening -- The Path to Enlightenment

Kundalini, in yogic theory, is a type of primal energy within the base of the spine. According to different spiritual traditions, Kundalini can be awakened in order to reach spiritual enlightenment. In the Upanishads, Kundalini is "coiled" at the base of the spine, often in the form of a sleeping serpent. Kundalini may be considered a type of mother energy, necessary to become completely enlightened. 

When Kundalini is awakened, the experience is often one of deep bliss. The kundalini physically moves up to the Sahasrara Chakra, located at the top of the head. Through meditation, breathing, and chanting mantras, one may awaken Kundalini -- which is often said to be a sense of electric current running through the spine. 

Reiki is a type of hands on energy healing, created by Mikao Usui. A practitioner of Reiki channels energy from the infinite reservoir and directs it to the recipient. Reiki is similar in energy healing benefits to Qi-gong and Tai chi, but one must practice frequently to become sensitive to the internal energy flow. Reiki may help to awaken Kundalini by clearing energy blockages. A body torn by bacteria, viruses, and negativity requires the freeing practice of meditation to fully become sensitive to Kundalini awakening. 

The importance of a good teacher to awaken Kundalini is vital. This is because the teacher has first-hand experience with the process of awakening. Without an experienced teacher, blockages cannot be cured and one may simply give up. A good teacher, one experienced in the rules of Qi-gong, Reiki, Tai chi, and Theravada Buddhism may understand that there are important ways to prevent energy blockages. For example, growing accustomed to meditation. Some people experience hallucinations and shaking when they first start meditating; it can be a frightening process. But a good teacher would recognize which chakra the blockage is located at, and be able to assist the practitioner in unblocking his or her energy. 

Another reason good teachers are important: shaktipat. This is the idea that spiritual transmission can be passed down from teacher to student. Yoga and meditation are two ways the student can receive enlightenment. The student will know when Kundalini is awakened, for there is a sense of mystical experience, a very profound thing. One may be prepared or unprepared for Kundalini awakening -- sometimes intense personal experiences will cause a sense of spiritual crisis or emergency. However, one may also approach the awakening process through visualization, chanting, and yoga in order to purposefully awaken Kundalini. Now that Kundalini has spread beyond the confines of Hindu practice, many other regions around the globe are finding ways to awaken this energy within interested followers. 

If one simply desires to improve help, Kundalini yoga can help immensely. Yoga exercises which once were used to purify the physical form in order to prepare for awakening can also be very useful in improving physical health. It is both a spiritual and physical practice, and its benefits for both aspects of life should be recognized. One important consideration is the loss of ego that occurs from practicing Kundalini yoga, Reiki, or Qi-gong. By separating from ego, the practitioner may experience a sense of peace, electricity,or even a sense of spiritual eruption. These are not unpleasant sensations -- on the contrary, often one experiences deep bliss after awakening.