Kundalini

Kundalini in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism

Kundalini, a Sanskrit term meaning “coiled snake,” originates from ancient India. In Eastern spiritual traditions, it refers to a latent, instinctual energy believed to reside at the base of the spine. This concept of Kundalini has been an integral part of several forms of yoga and meditation, and its understanding has been central to both Hinduism and tantric Tibetan Buddhism. 

While traditionally described in metaphorical or symbolic terms, I have come to see Kundalini not as an impersonal force of human evolution, but as a spiritual entity—what I believe to be a possessing spirit or demon—that can take over a person’s body and mind. That said, such a characterization is not how Kundalini is typically presented in traditional teachings. This article will outline how Kundalini is understood within Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions before offering a personal perspective based on direct experience within the Tibetan yogic system.

Kundalini in Hinduism:

In Hinduism, the concept of Kundalini is primarily associated with the Tantra and Yoga traditions. According to this ancient spiritual philosophy, Kundalini is described as a dormant, cosmic energy present within every individual. It is envisioned as a serpent coiled three and a half times, resting at the base of the spine. 

Its awakening and ascent are believed to purify the body and mind, leading to higher states of consciousness and spiritual bliss. This awakening can be brought about through specific yogic practices such as Kundalini Yoga, involving meditation, mantra chanting, and asanas (“physical exercises”). 

Furthermore, the spiritual journey of Kundalini is often described as the serpent energy’s ascent through the seven chakras (energy centers) along the spine, starting from Muladhara (root chakra) to Sahasrara (crown chakra).

Kundalini in Tibetan Buddhism:

Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, acknowledges the concept of Kundalini, but it is often referred to as candali or tummo, which can be translated as “inner fire.” In Tibetan Buddhist practices, tummo meditation is one method used to awaken this latent energy. 

Unlike Hinduism, where Kundalini awakening is typically part of a singular spiritual journey, Tibetan Buddhism considers Kundalini as a part of various yogic practices incorporated within the Six Yogas of Naropa. The awakening of Kundalini (candali or tummo) in this context is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end, aiding in the attainment of spiritual realization and ultimate liberation. 

Tummo practice includes advanced techniques of meditation and visualization. The primary goal is to generate heat in the body to burn away impurities physically, mentally, and spiritually. Like in Hinduism, the awakened energy ascends through different energy centers, but it is generally visualized as passing through central channels rather than along the spine.

Similarities and Differences:

The Kundalini of Hinduism and Tummo of Tibetan Buddhism share key similarities. Both are viewed as latent energies within an individual, capable of being awakened through specific spiritual practices. Both traditions view the awakening of this energy as a means to higher states of consciousness, spiritual purification, and eventually, liberation or enlightenment.

However, they diverge in their detailed conceptualization and specific practices. Hinduism’s Kundalini is often described in terms of a serpent uncoiling and ascending the spine through the chakras. In contrast, Tummo in Tibetan Buddhism is more focused on the generation of inner heat and is visualized within a complex system of energy channels.

While symbolic and technical descriptions of Kundalini in Eastern traditions offer one lens, my own lived experience compels me to speak plainly: the activation of this force is not benign. From my perspective, it operates more like spiritual invasion than a path to liberation. This view may be controversial, but I offer it as a caution for those engaging in esoteric practices without understanding the profound and potentially dangerous spiritual forces they may be inviting.