So, if you’ve found your way to this article, you’re probably already aware that Kundalini yoga has quite a reputation for being dangerous. And be under no misconception, that is undoubtedly the case.
Kundalini yoga is the most potent form of yoga and this gives it great potential to be very dangerous, especially when it isn’t practiced correctly and with the respect that it deserves. You’ve heard the saying…play with fire and expect to get burnt.
Now, don’t get us wrong, there are certainly benefits from the practice. But it is so essential it is done correctly due to its powerful nature. But what are these scary dangers we’re talking about? And what is it about Kundalini that is so potent?
You’ll find all the answers you seek in this article, so you’ll want to carry on reading!
What Is The Meaning Of Kundalini?
To understand the dangers of Kundalini, you really need to understand the practice in general. So, let’s take a minute to get everyone up to speed.
So, Kundalini translates to the Sanskrit word ‘to coil.’ And Kundalini’s practice is believed to expel the coil of the principle energy which coils around the base of the individual’s spine like a snake 3 and a half times. As you can tell, it already sounds pretty intense.
An easier way to understand the term is this: Kundalini is the fundamental life force of existence.
What Is Kundalini Energy?
This energy is seen as the fundamental life force of the universe. So, its power is unmatched compared to any other yoga practice out there, even chi or prana.
And once uncoiled from the base of the spine, Kundalini allows for the free flow of energy. This leads the individual to a completely new state of consciousness, and life is often never the same again once you experience it.
It is believed that practicing Kundalini allows you to become connected to the divine essence. And while this can have many positive effects, it will also alter your complete outlook on the life you are leading.
What Is Kundalini Yoga?
Okay, so now you know a little more about Kundalini, you might be wondering how it fits into the practice of yoga. Well, let’s take a look.
Essentially, Kundalini yoga is a practice that awakens this very powerful slumbering and dormant energy within you. The overall goal of this practice is to stir up enough energy through your spine for the union of Shiva and Shakti.
This is then meant to grant the individual their version of enlightenment.
What Is A Kundalini Awakening?
This awakening is where you activate both the energy and chakras within yourself. It aids the individual to reach samadhi through a regular sadhana.
The only issue with this is that sometimes you can get spontaneous awakenings and this can wreak absolute havoc on your nervous system if it is not well prepared. And this can then result in some pretty dangerous outcomes for the practitioner.
During the awakening, the energy rises from the root chakra known as the Muladhara, and reaches the crown chakra known as the Sahasrara.
So, How Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous?
Now, so far this might not sound too bad. Further enlightenment sounds pretty good. As does a rise in powerful energy. But it is exactly this kind of thinking that can make the practice so dangerous.
With great power comes great responsibility. It can change your life so completely and so quickly that individuals often feel very out of control after their awakening.
Below are a few examples of the ways in which this practice can be very lethal to the practitioner.
- Nervous System Strain – Kundalini can be very tough on the nervous system especially if you haven’t put in the necessary steps to ensure that it is prepared.
- Feeling As If You’ve Lost Your Mind – Kundalini can completely change your mindset and your whole outlook on life. It also has the ability to quieten your mind unlike anything else along with annihilating your ego. This often leaves individuals feeling as if they have gone completely crazy. This can lead to you becoming pretty isolated and fearful.
- Relationship Disturbances – Many individuals find that long-lasting relationships can quickly change and even end after their Kundalini awakening. This can often come from a lack of understanding between those who have experienced the awakening and those who have not.
- Dismantles Your Social Structures – When a Kundalini awakening happens, you can often feel like you no longer recognize yourself, or even the life that you live. Everything can feel new and strange and it can leave you feeling very confused and afraid.
- Losing A Handle On Reality – Since the Kundalini awakening can produce such a euphoric feeling in its practitioners, it can be very hard to center yourself back into reality. You might not even want to come back to reality. This can leave you very dissociated from the real world.
- Exhaustion – As you can imagine an awakening of this magnitude can initially be very draining. Not only this but the actual practice itself is also very physical while also still being highly rigorous in terms of your mental state too. Overall, the whole practice can leave you very exhausted.
- Mental & Emotional Imbalances – If you do not practice Kundalini yoga perfectly, it is very easy for things to go wrong. You may not even release the energy and this can cause it to become trapped in your body. And if it does, you can expect to experience some very intense and potent mental and emotional imbalances.
- Sensitivity Issues – The Kundalini awakening will automatically make you ultra-aware and sensitive not only to the world around you but to yourself as well. This can make you become overly dedicated to seeking out a greater connection with your divine nature.
Final Thoughts
Practicing Kundalini can have many benefits, but it’s definitely worth really delving deep into the available research on the yoga practice before you begin. You’ll also want to ensure that you practice with an instructor or teacher who is incredibly knowledgeable about the practice.
Because as we have learned from this article, it is very powerful and potent and there are many dangers involved too. Having a Kundalini awakening can change your whole life as you know it and the aftereffects can be scary and long-lasting.
I created this website to help newcomers to yoga and enthusiasts alike, and to share our common passions for yoga.
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