Day 250 - Rama’s Question on Kundalini and Consciousness

Day 250 - Rama’s Question on Kundalini and Consciousness

Rama asked Vasistha,

"Isn't infinite consciousness always indivisible? If so, how does kundalini arise and reveal this consciousness?"

The Nature of Infinite Consciousness

Vasistha responded,
Indeed, infinite consciousness is always present, unchanging, and pervasive, much like space. However, it manifests differently depending on various conditions. Just as the sun reflects uniquely when its rays hit a mirror, consciousness, though ever-present, appears differently in individuals. In some, it seems hidden, while in others, it shines brightly.

This consciousness itself is the foundation of the five elements. With your consciousness, you perceive this same consciousness in the elements and the world around you, much like using one lamp to light many others. The world, as we know it, is merely the movement of energy in consciousness, appearing as the elements, nature, and living beings.

The Play of Energy and Nature

Vasistha explained further that all distinctions we observe—heat, cold, living, non-living—are simply the result of conditioning and thought patterns. These thought patterns can be latent or obvious, and they determine the diversity we experience. In some, conditioning is dense and leads to ignorance, while in others, it's lighter and leads to liberation.

This cosmic diversity is like a tree: the first thought is the seed, with the past, present, and future as its fruits. The fivefold elements that create this tree arise, diversify, and eventually become unified again. Nature's play continues in this cycle of energy and diversity.

Kundalini: The Life Force in the Body

Kundalini, Vasistha explained, is the life force that exists within the body composed of the five elements. It manifests in different ways: as Apana, it moves downward; as Samana, it resides in the solar plexus; and as Udana, it rises upward. Maintaining balance among these forces is crucial for health. If the forces move excessively in one direction, it can lead to death.

When the life force is in perfect balance, it leads to a state of unceasing equilibrium, overcoming all diseases. However, if the secondary energy channels (nadis) malfunction, it leads to minor ailments, while issues in the principal nadis cause more serious illness.

The Causes of Physical and Mental Illnesses

Rama asked Vasistha,

"What are physical illnesses (vyadhis) and psychic disturbances (adhis), and how are they related?"

Vasistha explained that both physical ailments (vyadhis) and psychic disorders (adhis) are rooted in ignorance. These conditions are sources of sorrow and hinder happiness. Physical illnesses arise from improper habits, unhealthy environments, and irregular activities. They are also caused by the blocking of energy in the nadis, which disrupts the natural flow of life force.

Psychic disturbances, on the other hand, result from mental confusion and attachment to desires. This confusion leads to improper functioning of the mind and body, causing further disturbances. Physical illnesses can result from psychic imbalances when the life force flows irregularly through the nadis.

How Kundalini Heals Through Pranayama

Vasistha then described the power of pranayama (breath control) in balancing the life force and awakening Kundalini. When the Kundalini energy at the base of the spine is activated, it purifies the body and mind, allowing the life force to flow freely through the nadis.

Through certain practices, like breath retention, the energy channels are warmed, and the Kundalini rises, purifying the entire body. This purification allows the yogi to transcend normal physical limitations, even enabling space travel in certain advanced practices.

Perceiving Celestials and Yogic Powers

Rama asked,

"How can we see celestial beings if our eyes are mortal?"

Vasistha answered,
Celestials are not seen with mortal eyes but through the eyes of pure intelligence, much like visions in a dream. The difference between such visions and dreams is that their effects are lasting. By mastering the life force, one can transcend the physical body, travel through space, and perceive these celestial realms.

The Union of Fire and Moon in the Body

Vasistha continued, explaining that within the body, fire represents the life force (prana), while the moon represents the cooling energy (apana). These two forces work in harmony, sustaining life. When balanced, they symbolize the union of consciousness and the physical body, driving life experiences and spiritual growth.

The goal is to merge these energies, symbolized by the union of the sun and moon within oneself, leading to self-realization and enlightenment.

Yogic Powers and the Mastery of Kundalini

Through the mastery of Kundalini, Vasistha explained, yogis can manipulate their physical and subtle bodies, making them as small as an atom or as large as a mountain. This mastery allows them to transcend the limitations of the physical world, achieving a state of pure consciousness.

Ultimately, Vasistha concluded that the world and the body are illusions, created by thought. When one realizes this truth through self-knowledge, the individual self dissolves into the infinite consciousness, and peace is attained.