What is the spiritual energy in the body (Kundalini)?
The inherent spiritual energy in the body is known as Kundalini. This spiritual energy is present within everyone from birth; it is not acquired from any external source. This energy lies in a non-functional state and hence is known as the dormant Kundalini. Just as non-functional electricity is stored in a battery cell, similarly the dormant Kundalini is stored in the spiritual energy centre at the base of the spine also known as the Muladhar chakra. For more information on the chakras please refer to the article on ‘Kundalini Chakras’.
So where does this spiritual energy come from? This is where it gets a bit technical and we will do our best to simplify the explanation. Please refer to the diagram and its explanation below.
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There are many levels of energy in the Universe. If we look at the Supreme God Principle in Its purest form, It is inert and all Its energy is unmanifest, i.e. Its energy exists but in a latent form.
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In order to perform functions in the universe such as Creation, this latent energy needs to manifest. While we call it manifest energy it is still unperceived. In short it is the potential energy of the Universe.
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This manifest energy becomes transformed and acts through the three subtle basic components (trigunas) and is known as transformed energy (like kinetic energy). These components are subtle in nature and are the fabric upon which the Universe exists. We recommend that you refer to the article that explains the three subtle basic components (trigunas) in detail.
They are:
| Manifest Energy acting through the basic subtle component of | Transformed Energy known as | Results in (at the level of the universe) | Results in (at the level of the individual) |
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Sattva |
Energy of Knowledge |
Universal intellect |
Intellect |
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Raja |
Energy of Action |
The five vital energies (panchpran) |
The five vital energies (panchpran) |
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Tama |
Energy of Will |
Feelings and emotions and all gross created matter |
Conscious and unconscious mind and the gross body |
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The remaining divine energy after the creation of the Energy of Knowledge, Action and Will is known as the Residual Energy. This Residual Energy supports the Universe by Its mere presence, it does not perform any other function. It is therefore also known as support energy or unmanifest support energy. Modern science explains that the force of gravity holds the various stars and planets in place. In a spiritual paradigm, the force holding all the stars and planets together is one form of this Residual Energy.
So if we bring this energy in the paradigm of a human being.
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The physical and subtle bodies are formed when a small part of Energy of Knowledge, Action and Will collects around the Omnipresent God Principle and the Residual Energy. Therefore the God Principle is embodied in every human being also known as the Soul, the residual energy is known as the Kundalini and lies dormant in an unseen spiritual energy centre at the base of the spine.
The transformed energy performs the following functions in an individual:
The creation of the Universe from the divine energy is known as Chronology of Creation and the dissolution of the universe is known as Chronology of Retro-creation. When the Kundalini is activated it destroys a person’s desires, conscious mind, sub-conscious mind (chitta) and ego and facilitates the merging back of the individual with God. This is known as the Chronology of Retro-creation in the body.
