Kundalini
Also known as: Kundalini shakti, Serpent power
Sanskrit: कुण्डलिनी (kundalini), from kundala, 'coiled' or 'ring.'
Kundalini is a subtle energy described in yogic and tantric traditions as lying dormant, often symbolized as a coiled serpent, at the base of the spine. Through practices such as pranayama, asana, and meditation, this energy is said to be gradually awakened and directed upward through the body's subtle channels.
Classical texts describe kundalini rising through the central channel (sushumna nadi), passing through and activating each chakra along the way. Traditional teachings consistently caution that this process should be approached gradually and, ideally, under the guidance of an experienced teacher, since rapid or forced practices are described as potentially destabilizing.
Classical tantric texts describe kundalini as dormant, coiled energy at the base of the spine that can be awakened through sustained practice, traveling up the central channel (sushumna) and past the three granthis, or energetic knots, toward the crown. Reports of intense physical or emotional experiences during kundalini awakening appear across multiple traditions and eras, which is why serious teachers consistently recommend gradual, supervised practice under an experienced guide rather than aggressive or unsupervised techniques aimed at forcing rapid results.
Go Deeper
Related Terms
Chakra
Chakras are subtle energy centers described in yogic and tantric anatomy, traditionally numbered at seven along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Each is associated with specific qualities, glands, and psychological themes, and is used as a focus for meditation, breathwork, and energy practices.
Nadi
Nadis are the subtle energy channels described in yogic physiology through which prana is said to flow. Classical texts describe thousands of nadis, with three considered most important: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna, which form the basis for many pranayama and kundalini-related practices.
Shakti
Shakti is the Sanskrit term for divine feminine energy or creative power, understood in tantric and yogic traditions as the dynamic, active force that animates consciousness. In Kundalini Yoga, the dormant energy at the base of the spine is specifically referred to as Kundalini Shakti.