Kundalini yoga is a term, with which the population, in general may not be oblivious in today’s times. After the pandemic, people have started taking yoga very seriously. And, Kundalini yoga seems to be one of the most celebrated forms of yoga, as it is regarded as a separate spiritual discipline altogether. There is no other form of energy, which is as potent as the female form of energy, which is called Kundalini Energy. It is the only universal shakti that is equivalent in power to the male shakti, which is called Shiva.
Before you start delving into the combined powers of Shiva and Shakti, it is important, for you to know about Kundalini energy. Many of you, may already be acquainted with the term ‘Kundalini’ by now, owing to the immense propagation of the idea. However, before we proceed with the combined forces, of Shiva Shakti, it is imperative for you to know about Kundalini energy and awakening.
Kundalini Energy Decoded
Kundalini Shakti is a form of divine power that resides at the base of the spine, which is also called Muladhara. There are various religions, which call it by various names. You will be amazed to know, that every human being is the owner of such a form of energy, but is not aware of it, in an entire lifetime. So, the power often lies unutilized. In this context, you must also know, that the royals came to know about this divine shakti, and kept it a well-guarded secret for a long time. They did not want the common man to know about it. However, some of the sages who also had an inkling about such forces, transmitted the knowledge to the common masses.
It is this Kundalini Shakti that is present in every human, which empowers one’s allure towards spiritual enlightenment. In the dormant state the Kundalini Shakti is a tightly coiled and lies at the base of the spine, in the Muladhara region. When the power is unleashed, Kundalini Shakti rises up the spine, and clears the blockages in the chakras that lie along the Sushumna nadi. To be precise, there are two other nadis, Ida and Pingala, that runs on either side of the Sushumna. Once the power reaches the crown, it helps one to become a part of the highest consciousness. It is an essential and a common factor, that leads to all kinds of spiritual experiences.
Shiva Shakti Relevance Today
Having somewhat understood, the symbolism of Shakti, you should now be able to understand, what Shiva stands for. Shiva mainly signifies masculine power and consciousness. You must have seen Lord Shiva and his myriad representations. He is generally seen holding a trident in hand, representing the Ishwara, Purusha, and the Prakriti.
You must have also heard about and seen the Ardha-Nareshwar. It signifies that Shiva and Shakti happen to be different sides of the same coin. These are the two primal forces, that make up the universe. The left side is that of Mother Parvati and the right side is, Lord Shiva.
Only when Shiva and Shakti combine with one another, the actions occur and movement also takes place. You have to impregnate energy, with consciousness. It alone is nothing. Moreover, consciousness without any thrust or energy is also nothing, but dormant power. Thus, you can say that Prakriti without Purusha and the opposite, cannot stay viable.
Many people think, that Shiva Shakti is Male-Female sexual energy. And their cosmic union is almost always regarded as sexual energy. You need to understand that sexuality is a natural phenomenon, but most people mix up sexuality and spirituality. For the unversed, sexuality is the union between a man and a woman, whereas, spirituality is the union between an earthly object or power with a divine power.
The powers exist in both human beings, in the form of masculine and feminine energies A man generally has tendencies towards female energies, and the women have tendencies towards male energies.
The Location of Shiva and Shakti – The Awakening
You must know, each one resides to be able to make the most of your Kundalini yoga practice. Shiva resides in the Sahasrara Chakra and Shakti resides in the Muladhara chakra. When the unification of the Prakriti and Purushas takes place. In the Sahasrara chakra, the knowledge owner, knowledge and the object become one. When one experiences this stage, there is no feeling or desire in a being. You will not feel any positive or negative feelings in this stage. The only feelings that reside, comprise unconditional love, compassion for all, and an understanding for all humans and other beings.
Now, that you have some knowledge about Shiva and Shakti, you should know how to awaken the Shakti. The awakening of the Kundalini Shakti is a major event in the life of any individual. There are many different ways, through which you can awaken the Kundalini. Read about them here.
- Mantra Yoga Method – This is one of the ways, in which you can awaken the Kundalini. Mantra is nothing, but a sacred syllable, which has the power to affect spirituality. These mantras have come around in the last few centuries, at the same time, when the rishis and sages passed them on to the common man. You can awaken the Kundalini through mantra japa. You need a master, who will be able to do the initiation.
- Pranayama Method – You can also awaken the Kundalini energy, through Pranayama exercise. However, you have to prepare your body to receive the initiation by going on a Sattvic diet. Moreover, you also need to get yourself and your internal organs cleansed, through Shatkarma Kriya. The practice of Pranayama purifies the energy channels. It also leads to the creation of heat, that awakens the Kundalini shakti. You can facilitate the process, by practicing the bandhas. They are an important part of the Kundalini yoga teacher training.
- Raja Yoga – This is another way, in which you can awaken the kundalini shakti. Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are the three most important steps of the Ashtanga Marg that facilitates the same. If you want to take this path, you have to practice Hatha Yoga, thoroughly first.
So, you now have a basic idea, about Kundalini, Shiva, and Shakti. To know more, you must enroll in one of the best yoga teacher training schools in Rishikesh.