What Is Kundalini? 3 Kundalini Awakening Stages

Kundalini is often described as the fundamental life force that exists within every living being. It is the vital energy animating everything – from you reading these words, to a flower blossoming, to a dog barking outside. This same energy, when awakened within the human system, is called Kundalini.

Understanding Kundalini Energy

Think of your human system as a “life package” filled with layers of energy. One dimension of this energy activates immediately at birth to support your survival. The other dimensions remain dormant until you become aware of them and activate them through conscious effort or spiritual practices. The dormant energy within you is far greater than the energy currently in use.

The mind of an ordinary person often lingers in the three lower energy centers – those connected to the navel, the sexual organs, and elimination. When the mind dwells there, it focuses on lust and material wealth, losing higher spiritual vision. Yoga and deeper spiritual growth are not possible while the mind remains tied to these lower centers.

According to yogic teachings, there are three primary energy channels in the spine: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. Kundalini, described as a primordial energy, resides at the base of the spine in the Muladhara (root) chakra, coiled like a sleeping serpent. Awakening this energy leads to spiritual evolution, self-realization, and ultimately union with the divine.

The Chakras Along the Sushumna

Along the Sushumna lie six main chakras or lotuses:

• Muladhara (Root)
• Svadhisthana (Sacral)
• Manipura (Solar Plexus)
• Anahata (Heart)
• Visuddha (Throat)
• Ajna (Third Eye)

Above them all is the Sahasrara (Crown) chakra, the thousand-petalled lotus at the top of the head. As Kundalini ascends through these centers, the aspirant experiences increasing levels of spiritual consciousness.

When Kundalini reaches the heart center, the mind begins to withdraw from worldly objects and glimpses higher spiritual light. At the throat center, one becomes free from ignorance and illusion, caring only for truth and the divine. When it reaches the third eye center, the aspirant perceives the form of Satchidananda (Existence–Knowledge–Bliss Absolute). Finally, at the crown center, the individual self merges with the universal consciousness, attaining samadhi – the state of non-duality and ultimate realization.

Duality vs. Non-Duality

In ordinary consciousness, we experience duality – such as light and dark, right and wrong, positive and negative. In samadhi, reached at the final stage of Kundalini awakening, this duality dissolves, revealing the non-dual nature of existence and merging the individual with the ultimate reality.

3 Stages of Kundalini Awakening

In ancient traditions, three primary methods were practiced to awaken Kundalini:

1. Breathing Technique (Pranayama)

By controlling the breath (inhale, exhale, hold), over disciplined practice spanning years – sometimes decades – one can awaken Kundalini. This method is powerful but must be practiced under the supervision of an experienced guru to avoid complications.

2. Chanting Mantras

Mantras are specific sound vibrations that resonate with your biomagnetic energy and life force. Repeated chanting of mantras, even without fully understanding their meaning, can create powerful energetic vibrations that gradually awaken Kundalini. As with pranayama, this too should be practiced under the guidance of a trained master.

3. Visualization and Imagination

Focusing your mind on specific imagery – such as the full moon above your head, a sacred flower, a deity, or a serene landscape – can align your brain frequencies with subtle energies, allowing Kundalini to awaken naturally. This also requires proper guidance to ensure safe practice.

The Importance of Devotion

A person’s spiritual consciousness cannot awaken unless Kundalini is aroused. Along with these practices, prayer and devotion to the divine play an essential role. With sincere dedication, Kundalini awakening leads to spiritual growth, expanded awareness, and ultimately enlightenment.