Categories: Cosmic & Kundalini Energy
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
For those of you exploring your spiritual life with us, you know that our journey together involves examining spirituality from many practical angles. Early in our teachings, we shared our direct experiences with what is known as Kundalini energy and Universal Energy. We have provided a foundational understanding of these concepts, which has hopefully empowered you to make sense of your own spiritual experiences.
Many of you have been able to gain clarity and face your journey with confidence, even without a personal teacher, simply by engaging with the practical knowledge we’ve shared. This has been possible because we share from direct experience, and because you have approached it with correct understanding and a lack of fear.
However, when it comes to Kundalini energy, there are many conflicting opinions and ideas. Let’s explore these together with an open mind.
Is a Teacher Necessary to Awaken Kundalini Energy?
A widespread belief is that you must have a teacher to practice and awaken Kundalini energy. In some ways, this is true. A teacher is necessary for almost any skill. When we are children, we need a teacher to learn the alphabet, then to form words, and then to understand the names of people and objects, and finally to master a language. Similarly, as we’ve discussed before, a guide can be very helpful in the beginning stages of any meditation practice.
However, a teacher is only truly necessary up to a certain point, especially for those who can proceed with courage. Think of it this way: a good teacher might hold both your hands, then just one, but only for a short distance. Once the teacher sees that you understand and are no longer afraid to walk on your own, they will let go. That is the nature of a true guide.
You know that Kundalini is an energy, and you may know it involves the awakening of seven energy centers, or Chakras. There are spiritual seekers who study this independently and face it fearlessly. I am one such person. I have studied and experienced Kundalini energy without the guidance of any external teacher. The diverse experiences I have gained on this path are what I now share with you through these teachings.
Confronting Common Fears and Misconceptions
A wise and fearless person can absolutely navigate the path of Kundalini awakening on their own, without a teacher. Such individuals are rare, but they exist. Anyone who is not afraid, even of death, can face whatever arises in the body without fear.
However, many so-called teachers, especially those focused solely on tranquility meditation (known in Buddhism as Samatha), often spread fear. We see this in Sri Lanka and abroad. They say, ‘Do not practice Kundalini awakening without a teacher, or you will suffer from various illnesses and side effects as the chakras awaken.’ They create fear by warning that the powerful energies that arise will be unbearable, leading to heart attacks or strokes. They even claim it can cause paralysis or spinal deformities.
These warnings are often born from a lack of direct experience. These teachers take the natural spiritual phenomena that occur during practice and frame them as dangerous Kundalini awakening side effects.
Understanding the Signs: Common Spiritual Experiences
Let’s look at the actual experiences that are often misinterpreted as dangerous. These are the spiritual phenomena that inexperienced people present as reasons to be afraid:
- Visions of Serpents: In the early stages, some practitioners have dreams or visions of one or two serpents (Nagas) rising from the soles of their feet, coiling up the spine, and spreading their hoods at the crown of the head. For those whose Third Eye is open, this can be seen clearly.
- Out-of-Body Sensations: While walking, you might suddenly feel as if you are floating slightly above your own body. You may feel your body is slightly ahead of you, below the ground, or off to the side.
- Spontaneous Movements: Your limbs may begin to move on their own. This is related to what we call ‘Universal Spiritual Exercises.’
- Intense Love and Compassion: A powerful, overwhelming feeling of loving-kindness, or Metta, can arise.
These experiences, the visions, the bodily sensations, the movements, are used by fearful guides to stop sincere practitioners. I have seen how they scare innocent people, claiming their spine will become crooked or they will suffer terrible ailments.
I have personally met and spoken with people, both in person and online, who were told by such teachers to immediately stop their meditation when these things occurred. Thankfully, after listening to our earlier teachings that explain these phenomena, they understood what was happening and were able to resume their practice correctly and without fear.
Debunking the Dangers: A Rational Perspective
Let’s be very clear: you will not get a heart attack from meditation. That is something you create in your mind. Far more people in this world die of heart attacks without ever meditating. Look at the recent health statistics, especially after the pandemic and vaccinations; many young and middle-aged people are suffering from heart failure. Why, then, do people single out Kundalini energy as the cause? You must think about this with wisdom and intelligence.
I have seen many people on the internet warning others not to awaken Kundalini by following online teachings. But here, we do things differently. When you encounter a question or a new experience, we provide the next step based on our own practical journey. A true guide doesn’t just halt the process; they explain what is happening and what comes next.
For example, some inexperienced teachers hear about spontaneous limb movements and immediately say, ‘Oh my goodness, stop that meditation right now! We don’t know what comes next!’ They instill fear and block the practitioner’s progress, like a demon obstructing the path.
Do not let these foolish voices deter you. These spontaneous movements are a natural phenomenon, not happening to everyone, but to those who need it. It is not a forced yoga practice you have learned; it happens on its own and will naturally subside after some time.
Universal Spiritual Exercises: Allowing the Body to Heal Itself
This is precisely why we previously offered a teaching on ‘Universal Spiritual Exercises.’ We explained that when these spontaneous movements occur, you must allow them to happen. Let the limbs move as they will. During this process, you might find yourself speaking in different languages, making sounds, or your hands might perform healing touches on your own body. Various exercises will happen naturally. You should find a private, quiet time to let these movements occur without being seen by others. As we explained, this process will eventually come to a natural stop.
So, if you are learning about Kundalini awakening, whether online or from a teacher, first check if they provide answers to these potential experiences. If they have explained these phenomena and can guide you through them, then that is a suitable guide. We have explained what is to come, so you can proceed without fear.
The Astral Body and Out-of-Body Experiences
What about the sensation of floating above your body while walking? This happens when your energy body, sometimes called the astral body or manokaya, rises slightly during a Kundalini awakening. Do not be afraid of this. If it happens, you can simply make a firm intention, or adhitthana, three times: ‘May my energy body, which has risen, now return and reconnect with my physical body.’ It will automatically come back and settle, and the sensation will stop.
This experience will not happen suddenly or dramatically to everyone. It happens gradually and often only to those with the capacity and understanding to handle it. The universe gives you these experiences bit by bit, allowing you to build understanding. This is why we provide these step-by-step instructions, to be your reliable guide on this path.
Forced Yoga vs. Natural Awakening
The physical injuries some people warn about, like spinal problems, may happen if you attempt forceful yoga exercises on your own without proper instruction. Going to the gym and lifting heavy weights without a trainer can also cause harm. There are correct ways to increase weights and proper routines to follow. The same is true for certain advanced yoga practices intended to awaken Kundalini energy; they require a skilled teacher.
However, the path we guide you on is not through forceful physical exercises. Our method is through meditation, specifically, the Third Eye meditation and the Dhyana (meditative absorption) practices. Through these methods, Kundalini energy awakens naturally. The ‘Universal Spiritual Exercises’ happen spontaneously for some, but not for all.
It is not a requirement. Some people awaken their energy with these movements, and some awaken it without them. The awakening of the Third Eye is the awakening of the Ajna Chakra. Attaining deep meditative states, or Dhyanas, is also a sign of Kundalini awakening.
The Reality of Chakra Awakening and Energy Flow
The complete awakening of all seven chakras, from the root (Muladhara) to the crown (Sahasrara), is an extremely rare event. It happens for great beings who have perfected themselves over countless lifetimes, beings like Buddhas, Silent Buddhas (Paccekabuddhas), and some, but not all, enlightened disciples (Arahants).
The awakening of the chakras and the attainment of liberation (Nibbana) are two different things. This full awakening is for those with immense virtue and sincere, honest characters who have built up spiritual perfections (paramitas) over many lives.
Some teachers claim that the sudden influx of energy is unbearable. This is not true. The intensity can be compared to a blood pressure machine. When the doctor wraps the cuff on your arm, it tightens, and there is a moment of intense pressure before it releases.
Many people, especially the elderly, get scared at that moment of constriction. But it only tightens to a certain point and then releases. Likewise, when Universal Energy enters your body, there can be a sensation of pressure. But it only comes in a measure that you, whether you are a child, a youth, or an elder, can handle. The energy will naturally adjust.
If you ever feel it is too much, simply make the intention: ‘May this energy come to me in a measure I can bear.’ Repeat this a few times, and the flow will regulate itself. This, too, is an experience that varies from person to person, regardless of gender, race, or religion. Inexperienced teachers mistake this temporary pressure for one of the dangerous Kundalini awakening side effects, but with proper understanding, you can navigate it with ease.
Conclusion: There Are No Dangerous Side Effects, Only a Lack of Understanding
In truth, there are no dangerous Kundalini awakening side effects on this path. The only harm comes from attempting things like forceful, unguided yoga exercises. Life itself is uncertain. You can have an accident or fall ill at any time, whether you are meditating or not. How many people are paralyzed from motorcycle accidents? To blame meditation for life’s inherent risks is based on ignorance and fear.
According to the Buddha’s teachings, our lives are not permanent; they are characterized by impermanence (Anicca). Injury, illness, and death can happen at any moment. Understanding this, we should act wisely. In fact, if one were to pass away during meditation, it would be a great blessing. The mind is pure and concentrated at that moment, which would lead to a fortunate rebirth, in a heavenly realm or as a human again. This is also something to understand.
Therefore, do not be afraid of stories told by others. Use our teachings as your guide and practice with confidence, regardless of your age, race, or religion. If you are new to these teachings, please explore them from the beginning to build a solid foundation.
Listen to the discourses on Kundalini, Universal Energy, and the Universal Spiritual Exercises. As you practice, your sincerity will grow, and you will develop the ability to experience these truths for yourself, whether it’s awakening certain chakras or attaining the eight Dhyanas.
This concludes our teaching on why there are no side effects or dangerous results from Kundalini energy. We have aimed to give you a clear understanding of the false information that is spread by those who lack direct experience. Trust the path, trust your practice, and move forward without fear.
May the power of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, the Triple Gem, bless you to understand these matters clearly, to practice them well, and to progress on your spiritual journey.
We invite you to walk this path with us. Read our teachings, and most importantly, apply them practically in your own life. as you practice, questions will naturally arise. Please feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments below, via email or contact form. I will do my best to offer guidance in future talks based on your progress. For now, begin this practice with an open heart and a mind free from expectation. Cultivate it correctly, and may you find the clarity and peace you seek.
Thank you for joining us. We hope this blog will be of great benefit to your spiritual journey.
May you all be well and happy.
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
