The universe of cosmic energy, or prana, exists in two tendencies: one is unmanifest, the other manifest. The unmanifest exists as the vast potential of formless being out of which the universe arises. It is self-absorbed—that is, with the power to be, but without change. The second tendency of prana is dynamic and creative: that which manifests and which we see as matter, as living organisms, and all that we behold with our minds. Astronomers bring us to the threshold of pure Kriya Yoga philosophy with their assertion that we see only ten percent of our universe. The ninety percent that is imperceptible to our senses exists as potential to be penetrated by our minds. We must bring that light of consciousness within our minds to the similar state of vibration of cosmic light to be aware of the rest of the vast, yet unseen, universe.
This potential energy force of prana is called kundalini. It is neither electric nor is it mechanical. It is not the energy that is normally used by us throughout the day to maintain our expressive and creative life, but it is that reservoir of energy which exists to be drawn through the mind into the human nervous system. That potential kundalini energy of prana within us is not surplus, not dormant, but is as yet unknown. We call it spiritual because it determines the quality of our character, our state of consciousness and our ultimate peace and happiness.
All spiritual aspirants ought to know and clearly understand kundalini power. To the intiate trained to use kundalini it comprises the inner path to God. In Kriya meditation, kundalini is the specific and conscious link between individual prana or life energy pervading the human being and cosmic prana, the source and perfection of all beings.
This cosmic energy is finer than electrons or any other vibrating force identifed in nature. Spirit Absolute vibrating becomes cosmic consciousness, which becoming grosser becomes cosmic energy leading to material vibration and finally to matter itself. Hence the connection from undifferentiated pure consciousness to multifaceted manifestations of matter.
The life energy in the body of each human being is divinely given by the cosmic energy, but it loses its contact the more it becomes individualized, selfish, body-bound.
Your mind is the engine that draws the cosmic prana from the universe of life and directs it within you.
It is helpful to know that the root of the word “kundalini” suggests a reservoir or storehouse for prana. We already know that our individualized self-consciousness is awakened at Muladhar, at the base of the spine and that finally at Sahasraram that individualized consciousness is liberated into cosmic consciousness. In terms of kundalini, the base of the spine is like a reservoir, a lake from which the pranic current is generated. Figuratively speaking, the connection must always be there with a larger source, or the lake would dry up. And so it is that this kundalini, drawing from the potential of infinite cosmic energy, generates the life current in ascending consciousness through the spine until the individual self-consciousness is liberated into the ocean of bliss-consciousness, of infinite existence. The ascending powers of kundalini are divine illumination, self-mastery and love.
Swami Kamalananda
The Mystic Cross