Categories: Cosmic & Kundalini Energy
May the blessings of the Triple Gem be with you all!
Welcome. Today, we continue our exploration into the profound topic of what is known as Kundalini Shakti, or a powerful spiritual energy that resides within us. Our goal is to offer a practical understanding and a method of determination, or adhiṭṭhāna, to help you work with this energy. This is a very practical matter. In our earlier teachings, we have clearly explained what this energy feels like and how it awakens, based on direct, practical experience.
For those who have followed these discussions, you will already have some foundation. If you are new to this topic, we encourage you to explore our previous articles, which are organized for easy access, to gain a proper understanding of the spiritual energy that awakens during meditation.
Today, I wish to speak to both spiritual practitioners and those who may not consider themselves spiritual, about the experience of a Kundalini awakening. Let’s begin by discussing how this manifests for those on a spiritual path
Sensations of Awakening for the Meditator
Imagine you are beginning your meditation practice. Perhaps you are practicing a calming meditation like focusing on the third eye or a practice for cultivating boundless love methods we have discussed before. Or maybe you are learning from another teacher or have started practicing independently. In any form of concentration meditation, known as Samatha, or even during insight meditation, known as Vipassana, or the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna), certain experiences can arise. Therefore, this teaching is relevant for practitioners of both paths.
As this spiritual energy begins to awaken, you may notice distinct changes. We have previously explained that this process involves the activation of seven energy centers, or chakras, along the spinal column from the base of the spine (Mūlādhāra) to the crown of the head (Sahasrāra). It is important to clarify that while the specific terminology of ‘chakras’ is not found in the Buddha’s direct teachings, the results and experiences that these terms describe are certainly explained by the Buddha in the language of the Dhamma.
Ancient sages, however, have described these seven chakras and their corresponding abilities for a very long time, and we use this framework as a helpful guide. As these chakras awaken, you might feel various sensations along your spine sensations that are perceived by the mind, the heart, and even the physical body.
The Physical Signs: A Tightness in the Spine
One of the most common signs of a Kundalini awakening is a sensation of tightness at the base of your spine, in the area of the Mūlādhāra chakra. It might feel like a knot or a ball is stuck there. This feeling is not limited to the base chakra; it can occur at any of the energy centers along the spine: the Svādhiṣṭhāna, Maṇipūra, Anāhata, Viśuddha, Ājñā, and up to the Sahasrāra chakra at the crown of your head. You might even feel a distinct pressure on the top of your head during meditation.
For someone who practices meditation regularly, this is a very normal experience. It is not a major issue and does not require medical treatment or a visit to a doctor. This is simply a result of your meditation practice. As you continue, this sensation will usually subside on its own over time.
When the Sensation Persists: A Path of Misunderstanding
But what if the sensation doesn’t go away? You continue to meditate, but the discomfort remains. At this point, you might decide to see a Western doctor. You may undergo various scans and take medication for months, but find no relief. Even specialists may be unable to identify the cause.
Next, you might turn to an Ayurvedic doctor for treatments like acupuncture, yet the problem persists. From there, perhaps you seek out a traditional Sinhala healer, visiting many different practitioners, but still, the discomfort does not lessen. It is crucial to understand that this is not the fault of the Western doctors, the Ayurvedic physicians, or the traditional healers.
When all else fails, you might start to think it’s something else. Someone might suggest it’s an ‘amanushya dosha‘ a disturbance caused by a non-human entity or the effect of a curse or dark spell (anavina, kodivina). This can lead you down the path of occult sciences. You might visit shrines (devalas), consult mediums, participate in ritual exorcisms (thovil), or wear protective talismans (yantra, mantra). But even after all this, the feeling remains.
Some people have tried all these paths. Others have tried a few. And some, acting with wisdom, have simply observed the sensation without getting caught in fear, perhaps visiting a doctor for a physical check-up but wisely avoiding occult remedies. There is no fault in seeing a doctor for a physical sensation, but it is important to proceed with intelligence.
The True Cause: A Blockage of Spiritual Energy
For the wise and intelligent person, the answer becomes clear. If you are experiencing this kind of blockage, tightness, or discomfort in your back, it is almost certainly related to your meditation practice. It is connected to the Kundalini awakening. It is connected to the chakras. You can understand: “A certain energy within me is awakening.”
The truth of the situation is that what you are feeling is the awakening of this powerful spiritual energy, the activation of your chakras. The sensation of being ‘stuck’ is simply a blockage in the flow of this energy that was dormant in your physical body. When this happens, there is something you need to do.
When Kundalini Awakening Happens Without Meditation
Now, I must mention another important point. While we have discussed this in the context of meditators, this experience can also happen to people who have never meditated in their lives. They too may go from doctor to doctor, explore occult practices, and find no relief for an unexplainable discomfort or a knot-like feeling in their back.
If you know someone like this a friend or loved one you can suggest they explore our teachings on universal energy and Kundalini awakening. The answer may be there for them. For a person who experiences this without ever having meditated, it indicates a hidden meditative potential.
This dormant spiritual energy needs to be awakened by them, and they are being called to turn towards a spiritual path. The pain they feel is the universe’s energy being blocked within them. They may have become lost because they lack a proper teacher or have no interest in spirituality, but the energy is there. The pain is a symptom of this untapped potential. You can help them understand that they should try to awaken this energy consciously.
A Practical Method to Release Blocked Energy
Now, let us discuss the practical steps. This method is for everyone I have mentioned: both the meditators and the non-meditators who feel this sensation.
Here is what you should do:
- Go to your usual quiet place for meditation.
- Sit down in a comfortable posture, whether cross-legged (Baddha Paryanka) or in the lotus position (Padmasana), or any posture that works for you.
- Gently close your eyes.
- Bring your full attention to the exact spot in your back where you feel the pain, tightness, or blockage. Keep your mind focused right there.
- Then, make a strong, clear intention an adhiṭṭhāna. Silently and firmly resolve:
“May the energy that is blocked here awaken again!”
Hold your attention on that spot and repeat this determination. “May the energy that is blocked here awaken again…”
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!.
