Kundalini

A latent energy that lies coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened, this benevolent, nurturing energy passes upward through the nerve plexuses in the body and comes out of the top of the head at the fontanelle bone area. One can feel this energy as a cool breeze above the head, as well as in the palms of the hands.

In every sentient being there is an energy located in the sacrum, the large, triangular bone at the base of the spine (sacrum coming from the word ‘sacred’). This energy is known in Sanskrit as Kundalini – literally “coiled” – because it is curled up in three and a half spirals.

When the energy residing in this bone is awakened it rises up the spine and comes out through the fontanelle area- the part of the head which is soft in babies. When the Kundalini passes through this area it can be perceived as a cool breeze, as if it were pouring out of a fountain. Fontanelle derives from the Old French for “little fountain”, which no longer seems like a coincidence in the light of this experience.

The Kundalini energy generally starts out dormant. The aim of meditation is to awaken this energy so that its qualities can be manifested. It can be awakened through our power of pure desire, the desire to know our true self, our spirit. In other words, the desire to have our self realisation.

Our true self is often hidden from us by thoughts and emotions, but when the kundalini rises it spontaneously brings us into a state of meditation. Thus we can detach from these thoughts and emotions to experience the pure joy and peace that exists within all of us.