कुण्डलिनी
Kundalini
(kuṇḍalinī)The coiled serpent energy at the base of the spine, awakened through yoga
Full Meaning
Kuṇḍalinī is the latent spiritual energy said to lie coiled at the base of the spine (at the mūlādhāra chakra), like a sleeping serpent. When awakened through yoga, meditation, or grace, it rises through the seven chakras to merge with Shiva at the crown — the union of Shakti and Shiva, of individual consciousness with universal consciousness.
Etymology
From kuṇḍala (कुण्डल) — a coil, a ring, an earring. The coiled-up energy, like a serpent sleeping in a ring.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
Kundalini yoga (as taught by Yogi Bhajan in the West) uses breath, movement, and mantra to awaken this energy. In classical tantra, kundalini awakening is a powerful, carefully guided process requiring a qualified guru.
The coiled serpent at the base of the spine — the dormant power of full enlightenment, waiting to be awakened.
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