kundalini

Kundalini is a Sanskrit word meaning either "coiled up" or "coiling like a snake." There are a number of other translations of the term usually emphasizing a more serpent nature to the word - e.g. 'serpent power'.

The caduceus symbol of coiling snakes is thought to be an ancient symbolic representation of Kundalini physiology.

Kundalini - the root meaning

Kh'
a dot (black stone); hollow, aperture (sometimes symbolised by the open vagina), the cup; the yoni as the feminine symbolised
u'
the moon calling to the sun
N'
wave (as of the ocean) ebb and flow of consciousness
Dh'
virtue, merit, true wealth as in receptive, assuming focus of that which is inner
A'
the concept of going inward, within or in; the feminine of the firstsound (sruti) (hidden) from which all words are formed and from which all life emanates as a bidirectional action
li'
to adhere and to hold; to rock, pulse, sway, tremble, vibrate
n'
the lotus plant; the pearl; the primal mother; seed; naked
i'
to pervade as perception or consciousness; to go beyond; to grow; to evolve;

The word Kundalini is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Kundal’ meaning coiled up. It is the primordial dormant energy present in three-and-a-half, coils at the base of the spine in a triangular bone called the Sacrum. The Latin name ‘Os Sacrum’ suggests that it is a holy or sacred part of the body. The ancient Greeks were aware of this and therefore they called it the ‘Hieron Osteon’, noting that it was the last bone to be destroyed when the body is burnt, and also attributed supernatural powers to it. Egyptians also held this bone to be very valuable and considered it the seat of special power.

In the West, Sacrum is symbolised by the sign of Aquarius and by the Holy Grail, container of the water of life.

The Kundalini, which is to nourish the tree of life within us, is coiled up like a serpent and therefore it has been called, ‘The Serpent Power’. It has been described in great detail in the Upanishads. Kundalini Yoga is supposed to be supreme in all the Yogas. Guru Vashistha asserted that Kundalini is the seat of absolute knowledge. The awareness of the presence of this primordial energy Kundalini within the human body was considered by the sages and saints to be the highest knowledge. The Kundalini and Chakras have been vividly described in Vedic and Tantric texts.