The Cosmic Universal Energy.

Cosmic energy represents the universal consciousness, often referred to as divine energy or prana. This energy enters the body through the crown chakra, known as sahasrara, and travels down to the base of the spine. It is then distributed throughout the body via the spinal nerves. This cosmic energy plays a crucial role in awakening the kundalini. When it flows into the body, it enhances the existing energy of the kundalini, amplifying its power. In the natural course of evolution, kundalini rises autonomously, which contributes to increased wisdom and spirituality as one ages. The nervous system can be adversely affected by substances like drugs, alcohol, smoking, and sleeping pills. If the nervous system is not properly cared for, the awakening of kundalini can lead to complications. Therefore, maintaining a healthy nervous system is essential when engaging in kundalini meditation. Attempting to access higher chakras without first activating the lower ones can result in a nervous breakdown. The rise of kundalini should be approached gradually and with focused practice, rather than through shortcuts. Historically, rishis would perform penance with a pebble placed beneath the perineum to facilitate the rise of kundalini through the pressure it created. While connected to the first five chakras—from muladhara to visuddhi—individuals remain tied to worldly concerns, as these chakras are influenced by the mind and often reinforce the ego. However, as one progresses toward the higher chakras, the ego diminishes. The time required to master kundalini varies based on one’s concentration abilities; some may reach the crown chakra and beyond in just a few months, while others may take years. For those seeking complete mastery, a minimum commitment of six years is advisable, though success ultimately hinges on personal perseverance.

Kundalini is a profound subject that involves three distinct sheaths, which should not be confused with the five sheaths that cover the atman discussed previously. Here, we focus solely on the sheaths of kundalini. This divine energy is enveloped by three layers: the five basic elements (akash, air, fire, water, and earth), the tanmatras (sound, light, smell, taste, and touch), and the three gunas (satwik, rajas, and tamas). Each of these sheaths has a significant impact on our mind, and to cultivate a refined mind, it is essential to shed these layers. Kundalini is often depicted as a coiled snake with three and a half turns, where the three coils symbolize the coverings and the half coil represents the ego. As she rises through the lower five chakras, she carries these three and a half sheaths with her. We have previously explored the concepts of tatwas, gunas, tanmatras, and ego, and now we will delve into another aspect related to breathing. We have already examined the ida, pingala, and sushumna nadis. The ida nadi, associated with the sun, corresponds to the right nostril, while the pingala nadi, linked to the moon, corresponds to the left nostril. The sushumna nadi, known as the nadi of fire, runs along the central canal of the spinal cord. Inhaling through the right nostril warms the body, whereas inhaling through the left nostril cools it. It is important to note that you will not breathe through both nostrils equally. The sun nadi remains active for 90 minutes, followed by the moon nadi for the next 90 minutes, and this cycle continues. You can observe this pattern by placing your finger near your nostrils; you will notice that the airflow is more pronounced through one nostril at a time. This alternating breathing mechanism helps maintain the body's optimal temperature, which is the essence of pranayama.

Without adequate training in pranayama, the kundalini energy can rise through the ida nadi, potentially leading to serious harm to the nervous system. It is crucial to approach kundalini meditation with patience; rushing through the process can be detrimental. Embracing a gradual and steady pace will yield results that exceed your expectations.