How Do Christians Deal With Kundalini Awakening?

23. Other Systems and Alternate Approaches
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Hi Parvati!
Is this true? Does kundalini experience somehow indicate greater worth in the eyes of the divine?
Also, you seem to be putting together kind of a reference (self-defense?) manual for those who experience kundalini awakening in a Christian context. If you don’t mind my asking… are you currently being attacked by your pastor or by those in your church for your own awakening?
All the best!

Hi Whippoorwill Thank you very much for your heartfelt response. Are you a Christian? I was not being deliberately provocative. It was a question that deserved an answer; gave it my best shot. If the answer is lacking or inappropriate, it is hoped that you and others will offer correction. No, I'm not being attacked and only occasionally go to church. The first thought given to Christians experiencing k awakening was three weeks ago when this topic was initiated. It was when I began research on the subject that my naivity was exposed, as I had no idea this topic was so controversial. Knowing in advance what was involved, I may not have started the thread. But since the OP, I've become educated as to what is at stake and feel obligated to follow through with my original intent - to the best of my ability. Your post seems to indicate that I could use a bit of help in that regard. Yes, please. All sincere contributions are received with gratitude. Kindly notice that it is maintained to be one's higher self in conjunction with the divine, together, that determine merit. Greater worth? I don't know about that. Earnestness, integrity, sincerity, pure hearted prayer/ supplication, intense spiritual longing - these qualities constitute the yardstick. Luke-warm Christians are mentioned in the bible with the implication that they are not held in the highest esteem by god. If the bible is authoritative on this matter, the implication is that the absolute holds them in contempt. Does this mean they aren't worthy in the divine estimation? I'm not sure worthiness is the issue, perhaps deceit or insincerity is the issue. In Christian terms, all who sincerely confess Jesus as their lord and savior are found worthy, regardless of their personal failings. But if this confession is phony, then it doesn't fool the divine. Expansion on your point of contention would be appreciated as you make a valid point which may benefit from clarification. Thank you again for taking time to respond. love parvati
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Let’s just say “I am” and leave off the labels. It’s more comfortable that way. :slight_smile: I have a Christian background. And no worries. I wasn’t provoked or offended. :slight_smile:

What is at stake? I was reading the posts, and they seemed to constitute something like a reference manual that a person could go to in order to explain/defend their kundalini awakening in their Christian context. The defense focus caught my eye, and I was wondering who was being attacked. I completely understand the desire to rescue. I used to be in the business of rescue – firefighter/EMT/Emergency Management Coordinator --the whole bit! But in this, where are the real, live, breathing victims? Or is all this energy being expended on an imagined (albeit plausible) scenario? Do you see where I’m going? The focus on defense makes an enemy of the potential attacker before there is even an attack. So the first violence is in the defense. Does this make sense?

If you take the view that all creation is god, then how can any part of that creation be more or less worthy? Everyone and everything is perfect – even the ones who don’t know it. :slight_smile:
Love!!

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Hi Whippoorwill
As explained, when the thread began, it was unfamiliar territory. Research previously engaged was to sort my experience, and not specifically in a Christian context. It was through attempting to make sense of my own awakening that the AYP website was discovered. This was last summer. Since then I’ve learned much more about k awakening. I was relieved and grateful to Yogani for this website because accurate information on kundalini can be found here. So I emailed him and poured out my heart because finally, finally I knew what was happening. I expressed my desire to help others experiencing spontaneous k awakening.
For me, this information is precious and was very hard to find. I’ve also learned to regard my k awakening as a precious valuable experience, indeed a gift from the divine. Several times (while trying to sort my own experience) I encountered kundalini being presented in a negative and fearful light, and because that position was unappealing, those websites were avoided as unhelpful. I hadn’t realized until three weeks ago, that a certain percentage of this unhelpful information regarding k awakening is coming from Christian sources. From my point of view, it is a concern.
A link is being provided so you can see for yourself the results in one man’s life. He is Catholic. Needless to say, now that extensive research has enabled greater familiarity with the negative approach to kundalini awakening (please research yourself), this man’s plight is understood within the proper context. For me, it is very sad that kundalini is sometimes regarded so negatively as to be considered the diametrical opposite of a divine experience.
With my own k awakening, even from the onset, my intuition guided me to a balanced position… and while it was mysterious and very hard at times, the experience was embraced as well as it could be. I soon figured out that surrendering to the process was enormously helpful. And so I began working with the process; the process itself became my guide and inspiration. There was never a time when I lost hope, not even close. My attitude toward my own awakening, even when I didn’t have a clue, was either positive or neutral. I didn’t see any reason to be pessimistic about a challenging condition.
Not all, who are clueless, are as fortunate as I was. My tendency is to avoid negativity when it makes no sense. In my k awakening, this tendency served to protect and guide me into the arms of the divine. I didn’t know that when I trusted the process, all would be well. I was ignorant and naive, but it seemed the right thing to do. Whether it was good karma or something else, I feel blessed because my instincts were right on. Others have not been so fortunate. As more is learned about kundalini through research, we are in a better position to offer assistance. I’m grateful every day for this experience and my intent is to help others with their k awakening in whatever way I can.
www.aypsite.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13183
love
parvati

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The k journey
During the beginning of the intense phase of my experience, I cried a lot, partially because it was an effective energy release. There were times when I succumbed to self pity. But I don’t recall trying to judge the process or energy (as good or bad). For better or worse, it was what it was. I knew that my reaction was key. And while my reaction was sometimes desperation and crying, it seemed like there was a place in me that was aloof, unaffected. It was this place that I identified with, because it remained constant and neutral. My body was going through some extreme changes that couldn’t be explained. Acceptance of those changes was happening, in spite of resistance to them. Remaining in the aloof place helped considerably in keeping a balanced perspective.
In the beginning when it was assumed to be an illness, I wanted to ‘get over’ the sickness. But it seemed that was not going to happen, the energy was going to do whatever it was going to do. And there wasn’t much I could do to stop it or make it go away. I probably was not sick anyway, it was something else. So I tried a different approach of observation from the aloof place in me, without attempting to interfere with it. That was when the process began to reveal itself as a most extraordinary phenomenon. Also my metabolism was stabilizing in the very high level of energy and at that point I realized: Hey I can do this! It still wasn’t easy, but it was do-able.
Consciously grounding myself would have helped a lot, but I didn’t know it. So when grounding happened spontaneously, I noticed that the energy calmed down. The energy stabilizing or leveling off, nearly always occurred when I was in or near water. And it also happened frequently when walking or doing tai chi in a natural setting.
There was a choice of how to react to this mysterious energy: Wanting it to go away, silently observing it without interference, or actively partnering with it. Once the third option was tried, I found that to be far and away my best choice.
While I didn’t have a clue what was going on, it was obvious that it had to be dealt with one way or another. And I was scouting around for the best way, through trial and error. Partnering with the energy worked out very well. At first it was a bit rough, but I was learning that this energy was in a teaching mode a lot of the time. I could make inquiries about how to most effectively do this or that, and the answer would come to me almost instantly. I learned that this energy in me was something I could balance with or entrain or piggy-back on. It was like a current running through me and I could ride it the way a surfer rides a wave. And it was amazing! I started having a great time with this enigmatic energy, still not knowing what it was. My experience had transitioned seamlessly from overwhelmed and confused to radiant and confident.
I became aware that there would be subtle bodily sensations just prior to an energy surge. Instinctively my body felt like it wanted to stretch or exercise at these times. So I went with the urge. Lo and behold, it really helped to level out the energy spike. So while I didn’t know anything about grounding, I was slowly learning how to deal with this energy efficiently.
It never occurred to me that the energy was engaged in a process of purification. But it slowly dawned on me that whatever was happening was an opportunity to clear out mental and emotional blockages. I was beginning to learn a new skill of paying close attention to the changes occuring in me, which was essentially blockages being loosened up and dissolved. It wasn’t clear that was happening, but still I was paying attention, observing and learning.
In my life, I’ve not been that comfortable in a body. One that can’t fly. I felt that birds had the best life because they were free to fly wherever they wanted. This seemed far preferable to being stuck in a human body with no wings. Well all that changed with k awakening. I developed a new reverence and awe for my body. No matter it couldn’t fly, it was amazing. I became in tune with tiny changes going on and was able to dance with them, so to speak. For the first time in my life, I felt quite comfortable with my body. I often felt delighted for no reason except to be alive.
Spiritually there were changes too. I felt closer to god and it seemed that this energy - whatever it was - contained the essence of pure joy, there was something about it that was holy, divine. In quiet moments, I could feel it and it was sublime, exquisite, unfathomably loving. This thing that was happening to me was positively miraculous. And being with it became effortless. Being with it was all I wanted to do. It was then that I realized whatever home is, wherever it is, this was it. I was home.
May we all be enfolded in love :heart:
love
parvati
Edit/typo

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This is good. :slight_smile: If you don’t mind my asking… How are the energies now? Are there still massive fireworks, or has it settled in? Are you able to entertain the thought of doing Deep Meditation with plenty of grounding activity, or is there still too much risk of overload?
All the best to you!

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:heart:
We realize that happiness is a transient state and therefore comes and goes. During happy moments, we enjoy ourselves, though we recognize that such times aren’t necessarily geared toward emotional growth but are more like rest periods in our emotional evolution.
This is why we choose authentic joy. Authentic joy isn’t an emotional state, but a state of being in which we accept all of life’s offerings as required, especially challenging moments. Authentic joy knows that as happiness is a time for laughter, rest, and play, moments of seeming unhappiness are times for growth, introspection, and gaining strength for our journey.
In this light, what we think of as happiness and unhappiness blur into one. We are joyful in both states because we accept both as essential ingredients for achieveing an integrated life experience. Embracing both brings our experience into wholeness, and this is how we tap into holiness.
~ From Michael Brown, The Presence Process, pp 247-8 ~
May we all be enfolded in love :heart: :pray: [OM]

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Hi Whippoorwill
You asked about my personal energy now, which has been discussed at length in other threads; take a look at them if you like. Brief summary, it’s all good. Don’t know exactly what you mean by fireworks… just the highs, both highs and lows, or ?
As in the previous quote, I’ve found inspiration in the lows as well as the highs. Happiness and unhappiness have blurred into one. Whatever is happening, there’s no more second guessing it, rather a complete and abiding trust in the process. It often feels as though love is overflowing out of the heart chakra. If I were a pomegranate, this fruit is bursting and beautiful ruby pomegranate seeds are springing forth from my heart. I love the process and what it has made of my life. Every day gratitude accelerates and love for the divine expands.
While equanimity is craved, the highs and lows returned a while ago, following several months of relatively smooth sailing. In consistently employing a balanced perspective, acceptance, and abidance in consciousness which is peaceful yet alert, tranquility resumes. However it is understood that spiritual bypass isn’t helpful on my path. The period of premature settling in, or smooth sailing, was characterized by a reduction in spiritual growth, and probably less purification as well. Periods of growth and rest are both necessary and appreciated. Moving meditation, like tai chi, is helpful but requires self pacing. In general, there is oversensitivity to spiritual practices.
I want to be open and responsive to this energy. What is sometimes referred to as settling in of the energy, in my experience, may have been a case of spiritual bypass. All the best,
love
parvati
edited for clarity

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Kundalini awakening is a psychological process as well as a spiritual one.
Michael Washburn is a professor of philosophy at Indiana University. During my research, I’ve come across several people highly recommending his book as being helpful in coming to terms with their energetic awakening. There is also an interview. This appears to be a wonderful find. Washburn has written at least two books, but the one most often cited as helpful for k awakening is: Michael Washburn, The Ego and the Dynamic Ground. He has been referred to as a therapist and knowledgeable in Transpersonal Psychology. However his domain of specialty appears to be philosophy. If warranted there may be more information on Washburn, his books and interviews.
love
parvati

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As a Christian I will answer in the same way as I did this weekend in answer to how I reconcile being a yoga teacher and a Christian… With Love.
“Kundalini awakening is a psychological process as well as a spiritual one.” Precisely and without love it is, imo, an unfulfilling and I would suggest a pointless experience.

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UPDATE
Previously stated earlier in the thread:
It is being assumed until ascertained otherwise, that kundalini awakening is primarily classified in two ways by the conventional church authorities: Either 1)it is considered in the realm of Christian mysticism or 2)it is dealt with under the term New Age.
It is somewhat gratifying to provide positive update to that assessment. My belief remains that k awakening does not presently have sanction and support from the status quo in general, nor from the ostensible authorities in the largest religions globally, including Christianity. From my perspective, a position of denial and/or dismissal, with regard to these awakenings, is not only avoiding the inevitable, but in the interim is unhelpful and unsupportive. That said, it isn’t necessarily constructive to be judgmental about the situation either i.e., it is what it is… Unless that judgment facilitates much needed discussion and compassionate response.
I would like to report what appears to be an enormously positive trend. While it has been proceeding very slowly, it now appears to be picking up speed. It is reassuring to note that, as energetic awakenings are increasing, so is the positive response to those awakenings. At first, the positive response was too subtle to be noticed, possibly due to under-reportage. With intent focused on digging beneath the surface in terms of online research, it has been discovered that there is indeed a very positive and helpful response being nurtured as a consequence of the emergent need of those undergoing k awakening.
It now appears that an overall shift, a realistic and pragmatic approach to k awakening, is gaining traction. Due to the sheer number of these awakenings, gradually the general public is being brought up to speed and becoming familiarized with the facts regarding energetic awakening. It seems that various professionals involved in dealing with the energetic awakening of their clients, are sharing accurate information between themselves. In the near future, there could be a significant shift in the status quo regarding k awakening i.e., it will be more socially acceptable.
The terms - spiritual awakening, spiritual crisis, spiritual emergency - are being employed, along with a recognition of responsibility in meeting those needs effectively and compassionately. The usage of these terms, in itself, is indication of a shift. With continued research, further verification may be uncovered regarding a shift in the social perception of k awakening.
As suggested recently, Professor Washburn may be one of those at the vanguard of this initiative. In fact, he may have been (intentionally or unintentionally) influential in supporting this positive (or empirically neutral) approach to k awakening, more than a decade ago. That remains to be seen as so far, my research on the specifics of the matter is inconclusive. I do know that some people have claimed Professor Washburn himself has experienced the energetic awakening. Also, at least one person said he has written a textbook on k awakening, while refraining from calling it such. (The Ego and the Dynamic Ground)
Psychologists, therapists, philosophers, sociologists, psychiatrists, counselors, educators and other professionals - are beginning to team up in their evaluation of the energetic awakening. These people, for the most part, are qualified, credentialed, licensed and well educated. Many of them are respected members of their communities and thus have credibility i.e., their opinions matter. They represent the status quo, and due to this fact, their voices and their recommendations cannot be easily dismissed or tossed aside as nonsense. They are concerned about the sheer volume of k awakenings and are attempting to meet the need realistically and pragmatically. As their knowledgeable opinions are shared more publicly, the facts regarding k awakening are being more openly, frankly and compassionately discussed. If true, this is wonderful news.
Because these professionals are speaking out on behalf of their clients - some of whom are in desperate need of quality guidance and resources - those needs will perhaps be met with wisdom and compassion. More and more counselors, therapists, researchers, college professors and church leaders - will be addressing the need from their own personal experience with the energetic awakening. And they will be doing so from an informed and realistic vantage point. This whole trend is enormously encouraging. Although at the moment, I can’t offer much in the way of verification to support my position, it is hoped that this conclusion is accurate and based upon solid evidence.
love
parvati
edit/ for clarity and expansion

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Hi Kembolini
Thanks for the post, great reply. Was the question asked by yoga practitioners?
love
parvati

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“Kundalini arising is an invitation, truly a doorway, into knowing what you are, and realizing or remembering the true nature of existence. This is why the energy is called divine. It is the energy of the source of life that enabled you to exist as part of creation, and when it activates it is possible for consciousness to shift in such a way that it recognizes its true nature. It shows you that you are not the thoughts in your head, and patterns in your life that you previously identified with”.
Bonnie Greenwell is a Transpersonal Therapist who received dharma transmission in 2004 from Zen master Adyashanti. She is author of the book Energies of Transformation: A Guide to the Kundalini Process. The above is an excerpt from the latest entry in her beautiful kundalini blog. Highly recommended.
http://kundaliniguide.blogspot.com

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Here is possibly some evidence supporting the Update post above. An Annual Conference of the European Transpersonal Psychology Association based in Geneva, Switzerland. Conference title - The Awakening to Life, to Sexuality, to Death. It was held a year ago, September 7-9, 2012. Some of the presentations:

  • Vladislav Matrenitski (Ukraine): The Shamanic Overtone Throat Singing as the Tool to Activate the Sexual Energy
  • Anca Munteanu (Romania): Sexuality, as an Opening Towards Transpersonal Experiences
  • Lucien Alfille (France): The Everyday Life Spiritualized by the Awakening
  • Karina Minda (Romania): Psychological and Spiritual Effects of Meditation
    The Annual Conference this year titled Transcendence and Cosmic Consciousness, will be held October 19-20.
    www.etpa.co/conferences.html
    love
    parvati
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Here is another European transpersonal psychology conference, this one sponsored and organized by Eurotas. The group ostensibly advocates interdisciplinary discussion among various professionals including scientists, psychologists, psychotherapists, doctors, teachers and philosophers. They state that professionals from more than 30 countries will take part in the next conference.
Eurotas 2013 Moldova is a meeting place for global thinking professionals, who would like to represent the latest trends of human mind science, evolution of consciousness, new educational vision and inner potential unlocking.
Conference Mission: To share the knowledge we have gained about human potential and consciousness evolution from years of practice and research in Transpersonal Studies to encourage individual and social transformation for future generations. Emphasis on human potential, education, consciousness evolution, global knowledge sharing. The conference to be held in Moldova Sept 19-22, 2013.
A disclaimer was discovered on the website indicating that the group is definitely not New Age, and I could find no indication that k awakening will be formally presented or discussed. Many topics were mentioned, but k awakening omitted, no matter what name it is going by. Unless it is covered under the topic of consciousness evolution. However I didn’t find any scheduled program topics dealing with consciousness evolution either. This particular group may be overtly distancing themselves from anything associated with New Age, including k awakening.
I have also found that when and if k awakening is covered in these conferences, it is usually presented by some other name. Most religiously connotated references seem to be deliberately avoided.
www.eurotas.org
love
parvati

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Important Post
For those needing a little assistance with their k awakening, please check out the following book. It has received rave reviews from people experiencing k awakening. Even though it was published in 1989, it is still relevant and extremely helpful - going by the reviews it has gotten on Amazon. There have been nine reviews in the last three years… “spiritual masterpiece” and “a life saver” were two of the comments. Essays on the transformative experience.

Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof (editors), Spiritual Emergency: When Personal Transformation Becomes a Crisis.

love
parvati

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This is a very good book for those experiencing spontaneous kundalini awakening. I read all the essays and would overall rate it 4.5 stars.
Some readers may find it helpful in establishing an anchor, platform or support for their k awakening. The book assists in putting one’s k experience in sensible accurate perspective. It will be a great resource for viewing one’s experience in a wholesome light and persuading others to do so as well (like family and friends).
While some of the essays are rather dry and boring, others are chock full of insight and truly excellent. I learned something valuable and beneficial from nearly every essay in the book.
There may be a few resources out there that are more useful for understanding the kundalini process, but this one is definitely a good place to start. It offers a wide and positive perspective on spiritual transformation from the standpoint of various cultural and intellectual traditions.
I think it will help sort the confusion and give the reader greater confidence in addressing the difficulties often associated with a spontaneous k awakening.
love
parvati

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Thank you Parvati9. Really good stuff.

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Thanks Parvati I’ll add it to my book list. :slight_smile:
So satisfying throughout your thread to see you put esoteric spiritual stuff in the context of mainstream Christian tradition. :wink:
Having attended thousands of Catholic services over the decades in my younger years(but rarely now)I always had a gnawing feeling that a lot was missing. Its fun to hear you fill in the missing pieces and trumpet the need for the modern Church to get ready for its members spiritual awakening. :pray:

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Hello I am new to AYP and I have recently undergone a spontaneous K awakening that was an extreme experience for me. I also have been researching information about K awakening mainly because (that is my personality and my professional background - I research). I would consider myself agnostic when it comes to religion although have always believed in collective consciousness and a greater consciousness in general. Some may call this ‘god’. I am from a Christian culture and like you when in stages of profound Kundalini experience found myself finding help from Eastern religions and philosophies. I just couldn’t find any documents that were of help coming from Christian understanding, except a little from Eastern Orthodox Christianity which appears to have more of a acceptance of the ‘mystery’ side of Christianity in General and then the Christian Gnostics. I find this to be very interesting and maybe could be the start of a thesis on some of the ‘ills’ of western society in general. The fact that the Christian churches of today so adamantly separate the body and spirit of man is a disservice to individuals and society as a whole. When you have been through a K awakening the first major understanding that you have is that body and spirit are so intimately connected.
Thanks for the links to documents. I will read them with much interest.

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Thanks for the comments Jonesboy and BillinL.A.
love
parvati