The term "kundalini" is a Sanskrit word that means "coiled up" or "coiled like a snake." It may be defined other ways as well, but within the definition there is always an emphasis on something to do with serpents or snakes. A common symbol for Kundalini is the caduceus, the coiling snake symbol, also used to symbolize medicine. This is said to be a symbol of Kundalini physiology. Kundalini itself is thought to be a psychic energy state, a spiritual experience or a life energy. It is also associated with psychological awakenings, physical issues and yoga.
History
Kundalini is associated with various world religions, but mainly Hinduism. Somewhere between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, Swami Svatmarama wrote a text called "Hatha Yoga Pradipika," which was translated into English in 1992. It describes the practice of Hatha yoga, which is a type of yoga aimed at encouraging the rising of Kundalini.
Kundalini and the Body
In the yogic tradition, prana is the life force in the body. Kundalini is sometimes called a "pranic awakening," and is thought to bring spiritual maturity. There are seven chakras, or energy centers, in the body, starting at the base of the spine. Each chakra is said to correspond to various behaviors and characteristics, and stages of spiritual growth. The first chakra is where Kundalini energy is thought to originate.
Kundalini Syndrome
Humanistic psychologists, transpersonal psychologists and those who study near death experiences have described something called Kundalini Syndrome. This syndrome consists of a pattern of symptoms that result in psychosomatic arousal and excitement. The most notable symptom is a feeling of energy going up the spine, but other symptoms can include changes in body temperature, mood swings, feelings of deep peace, tremors, feeling like electricity is in your body and vibrations.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga was brought to the Western world in 1968. This type of yoga is also called the Yoga of Awareness. Kundalini yoga is a subgroup of Hatha yoga, and its focus is on psycho-spiritual growth and maturity, and increasing creative potential. This is done through meditative postures, breathing patterns and expressive movements. Since the Kundalini energy is thought to be part of the third chakra, near the base of the spine, this kind of yoga pays special attention to the spine and movements of the spine.
Kundalini as a Goddess
Some Eastern traditions view Kundalini as a goddess. She is seen as the Great Mother, who gives birth to everything. She is the creator of the universe, and is the essential life energy. Kundalini may also be used in this sense to describe the religious power of her as a creator in each person, that spiritual grace and energy that is thought to be a result of her presence. In other religions, she would be comparable to the Holy Spirit, Shekhinah, Chi and Anima.
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