Tantra
Kundalini
According
to the philosophy of Tantra, the entire universe is a manifestation of pure
consciousness. In manifesting the universe, this pure consciousness seems to
become divided into two poles or aspects, neither of which can exist without
the other. Each requires the other in order to manifest its total nature.
One
aspect, Shiva, is masculine, retains a static quality and remains identified
with un-manifested consciousness. Shiva has the power to be but not the power to
become or change.
The
other aspect, Shakti, is feminine, dynamic, energetic and creative. Shakti is
the Great Mother of the universe, for it is from her that all form is born.
According
to Tantra, the human being is a miniature universe. All that is found in the
cosmos can be found within each individual, and the same principles that apply
to the universe apply in the case of the individual being.
In
human beings, Shakti, the feminine aspect is called Kundalini. This potential
energy is said to rest at the base of the spinal cord. The object of the
Tantric practice of Kundalini-yoga is to awaken this cosmic energy and make it
ascend through the psychic centers, the Chakras, that lie along the axis of the
spine as consciousness potentials. She will then unite above the crown of the
head with Shiva the pure consciousness. This union is the aim of
Kundalini-yoga: a resolution of duality into unity again, a fusion with the
Absolute. By this union the adept attains liberation while living which is
considered in Indian life to be the highest experience: an union of the
individual with the universe. Once Kundalini Shakti has ascended to above the
crown of the head and merged with Shiva, it is made to reverse its course and
return to rest at the base of the spine.
In
Tantrism the state of ultimate bliss is a transcendence of dualities
male-female, energy-consciousness, Shiva-Shakti…
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