7\. कुण्डल्येव भवेच्छक्तिस्तां तु सञ्चालयेद्बुधः । स्वस्थानादाभ्रुवोर्मध्यं शक्तिचालनमुच्यते ॥ – Kuṇḍalinī itself is Śakti. The wise practitioner should awaken and move it from its resting place towards the space between the eyebrows. This is called Śakti-cālana.

Introduction to Kuṇḍalinī

Kuṇḍalinī is often described as a dormant energy, a potential that resides at the base of the spine within every individual. When awakened, it travels through the central energy channels (nāḍīs) and leads to spiritual enlightenment. Understanding its significance is crucial for anyone engaged in spiritual practices.

The Nature of Śakti

As per the wisdom expressed in the ancient texts, particularly the Upanishads, Kuṇḍalinī is identified as Śakti, the divine feminine energy. It embodies the dynamic power of creation and transformation. The awakening of this energy is not merely a physical phenomenon but a profound spiritual journey that leads to higher states of consciousness.

Significance of Awakening Kuṇḍalinī

Awakening Kuṇḍalinī is considered essential for achieving self-realization and union with the ultimate reality. The practice of moving this energy towards the space between the eyebrows, as mentioned in the verse, is key to this transformative experience. This area, commonly referred to as the ‘Ajna’ chakra, is associated with intuition and spiritual insight.

Understanding Śakti-cālana

Śakti-cālana refers to the intentional movement of the Kuṇḍalinī energy. The practitioner must cultivate mindfulness and focus to journey this energy upwards through meditation and breathing techniques. By centering the awareness at the ‘Ajna’ chakra, deeper states of meditation and heightened awareness can be achieved.

The Practice of Śakti-cālana

To engage in the practice of Śakti-cālana, the following steps are generally recommended:

Consider Your Posture: Sit comfortably in a meditative posture; this could be Padmāsana or any other stable position.
Focus on Breathing: Begin with deep, conscious breathing to calm the mind and prepare the body.
Visualize the Energy: Imagine the Kuṇḍalinī energy at the base of your spine, visualizing it as a coiled serpent.
Channel the Energy: With each inhalation, imagine the energy rising through the chakras and stopping at the Ajna chakra.

Benefits of Śakti-cālana

Engaging in this practice can yield numerous benefits:

Increased mindfulness and awareness
Enhanced spiritual insight and intuition
Emotional balance and stabilization
Overall improvement in mental clarity

Conclusion

In summary, the practice of awakening Kuṇḍalinī through Śakti-cālana is a profound and transformative experience that every spiritual seeker can benefit from. By moving the energy to the Ajna chakra, practitioners can unlock deeper levels of consciousness and engage in a journey towards enlightenment.