Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Suggested Readings on Kundalini
Many people encountering Kundalini for the first time as well as those involved in an ongoing process wonder where to begin their research into this unfamiliar topic. The following list is arranged more or less in the order of difficulty, with the most basic texts presented first.
Tara Springett––Enlightenment Through the Path of Kundalini: A Guide to a Positive Spiritual Awakening and Overcoming Kundalini Syndrome
This book is "written for everybody who wants to learn about the mysterious phenomenon of kundalini and use it to reach the pinnacle of huan development––enlightenment. The book is equally written for those who are going through an involuntary awakening..."
This volume contains much valuable information from a therapist who has extensive experience in the field of Kundalini, although I do not agree with her assertion that Kundalini is a certain path to enlightenment (what is?) I also think it can be dangerous to try to trigger it through intent. I am with Gopi Krishna, who felt that the inner guide would bring spontaneous awakening when the student was ready. Of course, one can prepare for the time when that may happen in order to be fully receptive.
Bonnie Greenwell––The Kundalini Guide: A Companion for the Inward Journey (Inward Journey Guides) (Volumes 1 and 2)
Both volumes contain easily accessible information that is especially useful for the beginner on the path.
Gopi Krishna--Enlightenment: The Evolutionary Energy in Man
Gopi Krishna's Kundalini awakening is accepted as the classic account of how Kundalini awakens and operates within the human system. As a result of his experience, he became convinced that Kundalini was the driving force behind universal evolution of conscious. I agree with him, since Kundalini itself seems to bring about radical transformation of the nervous system, the mind, and the spirit. His view is especially persuasive given the current widespread accounts of kundalini awakening reported across the globe. Further, Kundalini appears to be catching, as often one initiate triggers similar reactions in others close to them.
Lawrence Edwards––Awakening Kundalini "With his unique expertise in modern psychology, neuroscience, meditation training, and spiritual traditions, Lawrence Edwards clarifies for readers the many dimensions of Kundalini awakening, including practices and meditations for recognizing its manifestations and preparing the body and mind to enter its expansive, empowering flow/..." A Jungian therapist, Lawrence is available for phone consults.
Dorothy Walters––Unmasking the Rose: A Record of a Kundalini Initiation Dorothy experienced spontaneous intense Kundalini awakening in 1981 in a setting (Kansas) where she did not know a single person who had even heard of Kundalini. This book offers an "inside view" of what it is like to undergo such awakening in a process that has continued to unfold over many, many years with only the guidance of the "guru within." It is one of the few accounts of the personal journey written in contemporary times. Many find this book useful as a guide for their own experience, even if theirs is merely spiritual transformation as such, in whatever guise. For the author, Kundalini is the manifestation of the "beloved with," a presence which brings recurrent experiences of ecstatic union with the divine essence, as well as many chanllenges along the way as she seeks to balance and integrate these unfamiliar energies. In recent years, she has focused on writing spiritual poetry and reflections on the journey which she publishes as a blog (www.KundaliniSplendor.blogspot.com) as well as printed texts. She takes inquiries at dorothywalters72@gmail.com
El Collie, now deceased, was a pioneer in the area of Kundalini studies. Her early newsletter (called Shared Transformation) brought myriad responses from those willing to share their experiences at a time when Kundalini was seldom spoken of. Her articles on Kundalini, expressed with eloquence and grace, are extremely insightful. Unfortunately, she herself experienced primarily the negative symptoms of Kundalini, and she suffered much pain as a result, with the result that she pays little attention to the blissful aspects of the process. Nonetheless, hers is one of the most fascinating discussions of the many features of the Kundalini process. The first entries on this site are mainly her own earlier autobiography. The later segments (beginning around p. 61) focus more specifically on aspects of Kundalini.
Kundalini Rising--from Sounds True (anthology from various perspectives--includes Dorothy Walters on the relation of Kundalini and the mystical journey)
Lee Sannella––The Kundalini Experience: Psychosis or Transcendence
Lee Sannella was one of the first to note the resemblance between psychological crisis and Kundalini awakening. Sometimes one is mistaken for the other. This book is of special relevance to all who are counseling those undergoing apparent spiritual awakening.
Evelyn Underhill--Mysticism This book is a classic in the field of mystical scholarship. Though Underhill frames her study in terms of Christian belief systems, her presentation applies equally to all mystical traditions and lineages, of whatever disposition. Since Kundalini is itself one of the great mystical journeys, this book is extremely helpful for those Kundalini voyagers pursuing this path. Note: Skip the first section (too academic) and start with Part Two (more relevant).
