There comes in life a pivotal point where certain choices present themselves. Once a choice is selected, life unfolds accordingly. Right now, you may be at the point of making the most important decision of your life: the choice to awaken to a deeper, more profound state of being.

Spiritual awakening happens on many different

levels (psychological, emotional, and physical).

At the root of this is the awakening of the

Divine Inner Energy, or Kundalini Shakti. The

Divine Energy is known the world over by many

names (Serpent Power, Spirit Fire, Holy Ghost),

and is the source of all spiritual and worldly

fulfillment, regardless of religious framework.

The awakening of Kundalini Shakti can happen in a number of different ways. Many aspirants engage in intense spiritual practices for many years, in hopes of arousing Kundalini. For some, it may happen spontaneously, without even having knowledge of this process. Others seek the help of Yogis. Just as one candle lights another, the Kundalini Yoga master transmits his/her Shakti to the aspirant, awakening the dormant Spiritual Energy. Once this is awakened, Yogic processes begin of their own accord. The initiation of this process is known as Shaktipat, or Descent of Grace.

The Kundalini Process

Kundalini is the fully aware, Cosmic Energy that lies coiled at the base of the spine. She is latent potentiality- concealed Essence. Just as a salmon goes back to its' spawning ground, it is awakened Kundalini's nature to go back to her own source (God). With this awakening, She expands through the spiritual centers, purifying the entire psyche and merging one's awarness in the Supreme. As Kundalini uncoils, She automatically moves toward the biggest, Self-limiting contructs that are blocking Her progress. These include things suppressed since childhood and contracted ways of looking at one's self and the world. These karmas come to the surface and are purified (thinned) by being expressed as kriyas (movements).

There are both physical and emotional kriyas. In physical kriyas, Hatha Yoga postures, Pranayamas (breathing techiniques) and Bandhas (yogic locks) take place automatically. In emotional kriyas, suppressed feelings such as anger boil up from the subconscious. Everything in the body-mind complex is fully exposed to the transformative effects of this awakened Divine Power. The extraordinary workings of Kundalini do exactly what is needed for one's ultimate, spiritual welfare. It is an incredible process that leads one into deeper and deeper states of meditation and, ultimately, Samadhi (Union with God).

-excerpted from "Goddess Kundalini" by Shankaracharya