8

Enlightenment Journal | Fall 2011

I

n the body of a 

person who is 

not yet spiritually 

awake, surplus soul force which is not 

needed to maintain physical functions 

remains dormant at the base chakra. 

This is kundalini, the "coiled" dormant 

soul force with innate potential to be 

expressive and transformative. It is an 

individualized aspect of the power of 

Consciousness which pervades the 

universe. Its energy (shakti) is an 

aspect of the cosmic energy that 

enlivens nature. 

Kundalini awakens naturally when 

the soul's innate urge to have its aware-

ness clarified and restored to whole-

ness is dominant. It can be encouraged 

to awaken by sustained aspiration to 

be spiritually aware, devotion, compas-

sion, prayer, pranayama practice, 

practice of hatha yoga, use of mantras 

and other meditation techniques, and 

superconscious meditation practice. 

It can awaken spontaneously when 

psychological and physical health is 

optimum, when one is in an envi-

ronment where refined spiritual 

forces prevail, and when the mind 

and nervous system are receptive in 

the presence of a person in whom 

kundalini energies are freely flowing. 

When the activation of a disciple's 

vital forces occurs because of the influ-

ence of the guru's kundalini energy, 

the process of energy transmission 

is referred to as shaktipat. When the 

disciple is receptive, this transmission 

may occur spontaneously or it may be 

induced by the guru's intention, touch, 

or eye contact. 

Receptivity to the beneficial influ-

ences of the guru's consciousness and 

awakened spiritual energies can be 

improved by regular meditation prac-

tice and by nurturing faith, mental and 

emotional calmness, and humility. I 

experienced a sudden and unexpected 

awakening of kundalini energies a 

few weeks after I met Paramahansa 

Yogananda. He had not suggested 

that it would occur, nor did he ask me 

about my reactions. In the weeks that 

followed, he quietly observed me and, 

from time to time, provided helpful 

advice of a personal nature. Enlight-

ened teachers emphasize the value of 

personal instruction. The disciple can 

then acquire accurate information and 

be guided through progressive stages 

of spiritual growth. 

Awakened kundalini energies flow 

upward through the chakras, enliv-

ening their actions. The mind is ener-

gized. The body is vitalized. Psycho-

logical transformation may be gradual 

or fast. Awareness is clarified and, 

no longer confined, expands. Powers 

of discriminative intelligence are 

enhanced. Intuitive powers improve. 

Superconscious states emerge. Interest 

in ordinary activities and relationships 

may diminish. 

Awaken Your Inner Potential

Roy Eugene Davis