Embracing Divine Self-Discovery Through Kuṇḍalinī Awakening
This discussion was adapted from Nathaji's September 6 Satsang. You can watch a video of the event here.
Every spiritual journey begins with a moment: a quiet whisper, a sudden shift, or a deep question that emerges seemingly out of nowhere. For some, it is subtle—a fleeting thought like “Is this all there is?” For others, it is a dramatic awakening. Regardless of how it arrives, this moment is often described as Grace, a spark that ignites the longing to know our true Self.
In the tradition of Kuṇḍalinī awakening, this longing is not seen as random or accidental. Rather, it is the Divine calling us inward, reminding us of who we truly are. This journey of discovery is not about rejecting life as it is, but about recognizing that every breath, every challenge, and every moment carries the potential for liberation and joy.
The Call of Grace
Spiritual traditions across the world describe an initial spark that draws us inward. In nondual Kashmir Śaivism this is known as śaktipata—the descent of Grace. Far from being something bestowed by an outside force, Grace is understood as the awakening of our own inner consciousness.
It’s the subtle yet undeniable voice within saying, “I am here.” This whisper awakens longing, which is the deep desire to know our true nature. My teacher Rudi described it as a “wish to grow” that transcends material desires and asks us to seek the source of existence itself.
This longing is the foundation of spiritual practice. It magnetizes the energy we need to continue the journey, guiding us toward teachers, practices, or traditions that help us remember what we already know: we are divine beings in human form.
We Are the Divine Made Flesh
One of the most profound teachings of Kuṇḍalinī awakening is that we are not separate from the Divine—we are Its living embodiment. Whether you call this God, Śiva, Śakti, Jesus, or simply Consciousness, the essential message is the same: the Sacred lives within us, as us.
It is easy, however, to resist this truth. Many people look at their lives and wonder why things are not easier, why they are not richer or more beautiful. We may reject our circumstances and long for a different life. Yet spiritual teaching reminds us that the very life we’ve been given—the challenges, joys, and struggles—is the precise field in which our awakening takes place.
When we stop resisting and start engaging with life as it is, we begin to see ourselves as the Divine embodied. From this perspective, life is not an obstacle but a sacred opportunity to live fully, joyfully, and freely.
Understanding Kuṇḍalinī Śakti
Kuṇḍalinī is often described as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine, waiting to awaken. But more essentially, Kuṇḍalinī Śakti is the power of Consciousness Itself. It is the intrinsic force that gives rise to life, awareness, and individuality.
There are three dimensions of Kuṇḍalinī:
- Prāṇa Kuṇḍalinī is the life force that animates the body. It is the energy of incarnation, giving breath and vitality to our physical form.
- Citta Kuṇḍalinī is the energy of mental and emotional awareness, experienced through the mind and heart. This energy can become scattered if not guided inward, but when awakened, it helps us recognize the deeper source of our individuated life.
- Parā Kuṇḍalinī is the energy of our spiritual essence, the unbounded awareness that connects us directly to the Divine.
When Kuṇḍalinī awakens, it is not merely an energetic surge—it is the recognition that our individual consciousness is inseparable from the universal Consciousness. This awakening often brings profound shifts in perception, dissolving the sense of separation between “me” and “the world.”
Awakening and Its Challenges
Kuṇḍalinī can awaken in many ways. For some, it comes gently through meditation, breathwork, or devotion. For others, it may erupt suddenly after a trauma or life-altering event. While both can be transformative, without guidance, sudden awakenings may feel destabilizing as energy floods the mental and emotional body.
That is why sādhana (daily spiritual practice) is considered essential. Sādhana provides the discipline and structure to channel Kuṇḍalinī energy inward, guiding it through the central channel (suṣumṇa) and opening the cakras. With consistent practice, Kuṇḍalinī awakening becomes not just an energetic phenomenon but one that leads to a conscious realization of one’s true nature.
Kuṇḍalinī awakening is not about acquiring power or special experiences. Its true purpose is liberation, what the tradition calls jīvan mukti, or freedom while alive. This means we do not wait for death to merge with the Divine. We realize it here, in this body, in this very life.
I’m often asked: does individual awakening affect the collective? The teachings suggest yes. Each person’s realization resonates outward, touching those around them. A heart that has opened to joy and love naturally influences others, creating a ripple effect.
But the primary focus remains inward. As Ramana Maharshi said, “The greatest service to the world is your own realization.” By embodying our divine nature, we uplift not just ourselves but also the collective consciousness.
Breath as the Gateway
One of the most accessible tools for awakening is breath. In tantric traditions, breath is seen as the pulsation of Consciousness Itself. It is God breathing us. Every inhalation and exhalation is an opportunity to return to Presence.
The hamsa meditation is a simple yet profound practice that can bring our awareness to this pulsation. By attuning to the natural sound of the breath—“ham” on the inhale, “m” on the pause at the end of the inhalation, and “sa” on the exhalation—we reconnect with the rhythm of life. Practicing this throughout the day transforms ordinary breathing into a constant reminder of Divine Presence.
As awareness deepens, the breath becomes more than a physiological act. It becomes a bridge between the individual and the universal, dissolving duality and revealing Oneness.
Living Liberation with Joy
Awakening is not meant to be austere or heavy. In our practice we understand that mokṣa, or liberation, is paired with bhoga, enjoyment or delight. To be liberated while alive is not to retreat from the world but to embrace it fully—with gratitude, joy, and playfulness. This perspective encourages us not only to realize the Divine within but also to celebrate it. Dance, love, breathe, and live with awareness.
Kuṇḍalinī awakening is not a distant or abstract goal. It is available in every breath, every longing, and every moment of Grace that reminds us of who we truly are. We are the Divine made flesh: not to escape this world but to live within it as expressions of joy, freedom, and love.
So, pause, take a breath, and remember: Grace is here, now.