Ritual

After such a survey of various techniques, we must return to the
most fundamental of all questions: What is the evolutionary
mechanism in the human body which generates the illimitable
power to transform? What is the basis of the concept of the subtle
energies operating in the human organism? The tantrikas describe
it as the mysterious Kundalini Sakti. In verse 3 of the Satchakra-
Nirupana, the Kundalini is described thus: 'She is beautiful like a
chain of lightning and fine like a [lotus] fibre, and shines in the
minds of the sages. She is extremely subtle, the awakener of pure
knowledge, the embodiment of all bliss, whose true nature is pure
consciousness.' At first glance it is not at all clear what the
Kundalini is. The verse describes the Kundalini as an extremely
subtle force which has the potency to transform. Can we then say
that Kundalini is the force that impels, a power that transforms, a
feeling that unites? - No, it is something more.
The Kundalini is the microcosmic form of universal energy or,
more simply, the vast storehouse of static, potential psychic energy
which exists in latent form in every being. It is the most powerful
manifestation of creative force in the human body. The concept of
Kundalini is not peculiar to tantras but forms the basis of all yogic
practices, and every genuine spiritual experience is considered to
be an ascent of this power. The Kundalini is described as lying
'coiled', 'inactive' or in 'trance sleep' at the base of the spine,
technically called the Muladhara Chakra or root centre, blocking
the opening of the passage that leads to the cosmic consciousness in
Kundalini as the emblem of
microcosmic energy. Rajasthan,
19th century. Gouache on paper.
Yogi with chakras, Sahasrara (the
'Lotus of a Thousand Petals') is
the place of union between
Kundalini and Pure Consciousness.
Rajasthan, c. 18th century.
Gouache on paper.
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