It is the specialty of Indian philosophy that the saints of this tradition evaluate many paths to realize the ultimate reality. If seekers follow and practice anyone of these paths by their interest then they attain assuredly their goal sooner or later. These paths can be divided into three major paths i.e. Bhakti, Gyan, and Yog. The seekers follow any of these paths according to their interest and convenience.
There is an excellent path derived from these ancient traditions named as Kundalini Maha Yoga. This path is known as Maha Yoga because it includes all the three major paths as Bhakti, Gyan and Yog. So Kundalini Maha Yoga is worthy by anyone regardless of any interest and merits. Kundalini Yoga is mentioned in our many ancient upanishads such as Yoga Kundalini Upanishad, Yoga Bindu Upanishad, Shandilya Upanishad, Mandala Brahmana Upanishad, Jabala darshana Upanishad, Varaha Upnishad. It is also mentioned in many chapters of yoga and tantra scriptures such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shiva Samhita, Shiva Sutra etc. In the commentary of sixth chapter of Shrimad Bhagwad Gita, Shri Gyaneshwar maharaj describes the kundalini Shakti and features of its awakening.
It is revealed in the scriptures that the Aadi Shakti of God, Mahamaya which is also known as Shiva, kaali, Mahalakshmi or Mahasaraswati is the essential form of Kundalini energy. This energy is responsible for creation, preservation and destruction of all universes. Kundalini is the mothering energy that is lying dormant at the base of the spine in the sacrum bone. While this energy is in dormant state, a person leads an incomplete, unfulfilled life. Ones understanding of the universe is restricted, and everything is perceived and interpreted according to a limited capacity. On the other hand, when this energy is active, progress is rapid on the path of spiritual evolution. One realizes the full potential of body and mind, attains inner peace, harmony and integration, and ultimately experiences the sublime truth of unity in diversity the fact that all life is one and is bound by that divine power called love. The purpose of Kundalini Maha Yoga is to awaken this source of energy if it is dormant, or to intensify the activity if it is already awakened. Thus, Kundalini Maha Yoga is a direct method for spiritual evolution and as such its importance is obvious. A side benefit of the awakened Kundalini is the automatic healing of diseases of the body and mind by the divine energy.
Spiritual evolution is the result of the awakening of the Kundalini and Her upward travel from the bottom of the spinal column (Muladhara chakra) to the brain center (Sahasrara chakra). As She travels upward, the individual develops deeper and deeper spiritual insight and life becomes more fulfilling. When the Kundalini completes Her travel to the Sahasrara chakra, the individual attains liberation, understands his or her true identity, and is established in eternal happiness.
Kundalini can be awakened by attaining perfection of certain hatha yoga postures called asanas, by certain breathing exercises aimed at controlling the breath called pranayama, by God’s grace, by meditation or by intense devotion. All paths for awakening Kundalini requires practice for many years. Another technique of great importance is Shaktipat, the transmission of energy. An enlightened yogi can transmit energy to an aspirant and awaken the Kundalini. This is accomplished in one of four ways: by touch, gaze, mantra or sankalpa. The process of Shaktipat can be performed only by those yogis who have gained complete control over the life force, which in Sanskrit is called prana.
Once the Kundalini is awakened, the seekers may have a variety of experiences: seeing flashes of light or colors, hearing internal sounds of bells ringing or bees humming, spontaneous vibrations or movements of the body, and greater mental peace, to name a few. Different individuals will have different experiences there is no definite pattern applicable to everyone. If at this stage the seeker persists in spiritual practices like meditation, then the Kundalini will travel upward from the base of the spinal column where She lies dormant before. During Her upward journey through the spinal column, She pierces all the chakras in succession and ultimately reaches the Sahasrara chakra. When this happens, the seeker attains a state of transcendental consciousness called samadhi, understands ones true identity, and is thereby liberated.
Parampujya Gurudev Dhyanyogi Shri Madhusudandasji was competent yogi of this ancient tradition of Kundalini Yoga. In his lifetime he facilitated many disciples in their spiritual journey by this rare shaktipat initiation. Gurudev empowered Shri Anandi Ma and Shri Bapuji to perform Shaktipat and to guide spiritual seekers. On behest of Guruji, Shri Anandi Ma and Shri Bapuji have been offering Shaktipat and teaching meditation and advanced yogic practices throughout the world for many years.
