Latent cosmic energy known as Kundalini rests in the mooladhara chakra at the base of the spine, and is
symbolised by a sleeping snake. When all the nadis are purified, when all the chakras are open, and when prana is flowing freely up along the sushumna nadi and throughout the body, this latent cosmic energy, also known as Shakti – primordial creative energy, may be awakened with specific advanced yogic techniques. It rises through the other cha on top of the head and joins with Shiva – the seat of pure consciousness. When Shakti is permanently united with Shiva in sahasrara, it stimulates the dormant areas of the brain, resulting in the experience of higher planes of consciousness which is normally unobtainable. But the path of Kundalini does not stop here. However, Kundalini Yoga is beyond the scope of thishandbook. It has only been necessary to include this additional information in order for the student to fully understand the ultimate goal of all yogas, which is self-realisation and union with the Divine.
After several years of practising Hatha Yoga serious spiritual students may wish to work towards the
awakening of Kundalini and spiritual enlightenment.This is a very difficult process, requiring extreme discipline and proper guidance from an experienced teacher. It could take several lifetimes to achieve. Kundalini Yoga is for advanced students only and should never be attempted without guidance from a qualified instructor.