The Kundalini activates when Prana effectively enters the Sushumna (Central Column) and rises. 

Prior to this, the Kundalini lies ‘coiled” below the root chakra. You can practice stimulating it with a deep voiced “Ahh” 

You may feel a reverberation near or just below your bhole :) 

Before the full Kundalini enters the central column,  it will do the seeker good to spend time purifying the Ida & Pingala.

These two channels, are the nerve endings on the spinal column and are ruled by the Sun & the Moon being both male and female. 

This is an important clue to the Mystic about the influence of Nature & Celestial Bodies on our systems. 

With practice, you will notice that naturally the Prana enters the left or right nostril more than the other at alternating times of day. 

Nature aside, the dedicated practitioner slowly begins to become aware of the pranic movements in the body.

In Solo practices like Kundalini Yoga & Kriya Yoga, there is variations of movements, mantras, & breathing which aims at intentionally moving prana into different Nadis and pathways in the subtle body. 

This is done to influence both physical & spiritual intentions like healing or meditation. 

The ultimate aim is to move Prana Shakti(see part 2)  into the Sushumna thereby activating  Kundalini Shakti.

In modern transmission based practices like Kundalini Activation, the facilitator begins transmitting Prana Shakti into the receiver which stimulates & activates Kundalini shakti to begin moving in the Central Channel and other Nadis. 

There is a whole slew of things that can happen once the kundalini begins to rise but the aim of the Yoga is to raise the Kundalini to the crown at the seat of Shiva, and then out the head thereby unifying the Yogi with Cosmic Consciousness.

The self practices of Kriya & Pranayama prepare & cleanse these primary 3 channels rather quickly and one can gauge progress based on these 3 markers.

1. The yogi begins to perspire. 
2. There is a tremble in the body - anyone who has practice classical tantra & prolonged love making will know this feeling
3. The Yogi will levitate - This hasn’t happened to me yet -  The most I’ve got is feeling like each step is a jump rather than a movement. 

The perspiration should be rubbed into the body and re absorbed. You can also put a drop under your tongue.

Seriously. Try it.

When one practices Pranayama for 3 to 4 weeks twice a day, one will notice a prevailing vibration of calm, peace & mental/emotional equilibrium.

Continue to practice more and one may begin to journey into the entry level states of Samadhi and know Atman as one’s true self.

In November, I am teaching a 2 week online Pranayama intensive which will cover foundational practices for both physical vitality and spiritual evolution.

Click here for the details 

-Taylor