The Kundalini Force
When the cosmic energy manifests itself as the life energy of living creatures, it is called kundalini energy or force. This force is the substance and cause of all energies of the mind and body. Vedanta does not regard mind and body as distinct entities. Both are manifested kundalini energy and the apparent diversity is just a question of degree of fineness. In its process of coarsening, the kundalini force makes no leaps. Consequently, there is no division-line between mind and body - both are part of one continuous whole. Like everything else in the universe, the kundalini energy is constituted by the gunas and whatever goes on in the mind and body is owed to the interactions of these three forces. - In its purer forms, the kundalini force moves in a net of subtle channels (nadis) which resembles a finer counterpart of the net of nerves. The main channels are directly connected to the central nervous system and run from the top of the head, along the spinal cord to slightly above the perineum. Along these main channels are located seven centers (chakras) which serve as reservoirs for the kundalini energy. In its purer forms, the kundalini energy or force is too subtle to be detected and comprehended by any other means than the mind.
At the beginning of the creation of a new human, the kundalini force resides in sahasrara chakra at the top of the head and is one with the Ultimate Reality. At this stage the kundalini force is unmanifested. Its self-manifestation starts as it departs from the Ultimate Reality and descends through the chakras. During its descend, the kundalini force becomes more and more coarse. The first thing to be created is the mind, which is associated with ajna chakra at the center of the head. Next comes the creation of akasha, which is associated with vishuddhi chakra in the spinal cord in the neck. Then follows the creation of the other four elements - air, which is associated with anahata chakra in the spinal cord near the heart - fire, which is associated with manipura chakra in the spinal cord at the level of the navel - water, which is associated with swadhisthana chakra at the base of the spinal cord - earth, which is associated with muladhara chakra at a point slightly above the perineum. - After this initial arrival to muladhara chakra, a new human mind and body has come into existence.
Throughout life, all mental and physical activities get their energy from the chakra in which the kundalini force resides. In most persons, the kundalini force remains in muladhara chakra the whole life through. However, by means of the techniques of yoga and meditation, the kundalini force can be raised to higher chakras. During its initial descend from the sahasrara chakra, the kundalini force deposited some of its energy and powers in each chakra. Consequently, as long as the kundalini force remains in the muladhara chakra, only a minor portion is available. As the kundalini force is raised to higher chakras it regains its powers accordingly. Raising the force to a higher chakra corresponds to reaching a higher level of consciousness. Raising the kundalini force to sahasrara leads to reunification with the Ultimate Reality.
The description given above is rather simplified. It is the chakra, in which the major portion of the kundalini energy resides, that determines a person's fundamental nature. However, in most persons, portions of the kundalini force fluctuate between the various chakras and it is these fluctuations that determine the ups and downs we all are experiencing. In most persons, the force fluctates mainly between the 2-3 lower chakras but occasionally a small portion may reach anahata chakra. - To raise the kundalini force to higher chakras, partially or fully, is usually an affair that takes a lot of disciplined effort. However, sometimes the kundalini force may rise spontaneously in an unprepared person. The kundalini force indeed is powerful, so a spontaneous rising always causes a lot of confusion in the minds of the persons it happens to. Some learn to handle the force, often resulting in great art or literature or the person may become one of these few who literally radiates love and compassion. Others may end up as permanently mental diseased.
