Kundalini Arousals and Vibrations in OBE
Spiritual Interpretation Of Kundalini And Vibrations As Provided By Theosophy And Yoga:
In Theosophy and Yoga vibrations are considered as special form of kundalini manifestation.
According to a hinduistic myth the god Shiva created the universe by emanating the sound OM. In the saga the first stage of universe was a large ocean. On the surface of this ocean consisting of the substance “supreme consciousness” (Sanskrit: chitta, personified as Shiva) this vibrational force OM (personified as the female aspect, called Shakti) caused waves (called chittavrittis). These waves were the first traces of individualism. By differentiation of these waves the diversity of forms and matter of universe originated. In the course of evolution of universe Shakti descended to the lowest form of “vibration”, the physical matter. This state is associated with the lowest form of consciousness.
In the human body this evolution is reproduced as descendence of Shakti (the inner power) from the top of the head down the spine to the base of abdomen (Mulhadhara Chakra), creating an awareness more and more linked to the physical matter. This evolution of soul is thought to have happened in past aeons. In theosophic philosophy evolution of soul is independent of the evolution of biological life and the above mentioned first step evolved not in physical but in subtle worlds. The aim of the Yogis is to elevate Shakti from chakra to chakra by means of meditation, by sound exercises (Shabda Yoga) and energetic exercises (Kundalini Yoga). Each chakra is characterized by a category of sounds, by a special colour of inner light and by special forms of transcendental awareness. In a certain respect the kind of subtle body separation depends on the kind of activated chakra:
Mulhadhara Chakra …. Shakti is sleeping in the material world
Svadhisthana Chakra …. dense, mediumistic body separation, accompanied by paranormal phenomena
Manipura Chakra (navel) …. etheric body separation
Anahata Chakra (heart) ….. astral projection
Vishudha Chakra (larynx, throat) ….?
Ajna Chakra (“third eye”, between the eyes) ….. mental projection
In Theosophy and Yoga philosophy activation of a higher located chakra is indicated by sounds becoming higher. In Kundalini Yoga all three kinds of sensory perceptions can be obtained in each activated chakra though in different qualities. With higher chakra location frequencies are increasing: sounds become higher, and light is changing from red (Mulhadhara Chakra) to orange- yellow (Anahata Chakra) and to bluish white (Ajna Chakra). This statement is based on my own observations and on those of the yogis of ananda ashram (in accordance with the observations of Leadbeater 2)). In modern literature chakras are described in all kinds of colours, but I think this is uncorrect. The respective statements are produced by different “clairvoyants” who want to demonstrate their individual better sight. (I don’t like chaos which is caused by seminar leaders who try to make money by creating an “outstanding” individual way.) The basic experienced phenomena of sensory perception – tactile, acoustic and light – are explained in Kundalini Yoga by three different qualities of kundalini. These three qualities of kundalini correspond to the three shells (subtle bodies): etheric, astral, mental.
spiritual (chit): kundalini is activated in the “tube” Chittrini
astral shell (rajas): kundalini is activated in the “tube” Vajrini
etheric shell (prana): kundalini is activated in the “tube” Sushumna spine
All three qualities of kundalini (qualities of vibrations respectively, see above) may be superimposed and therefore can exist simultaneously. Based on this philosophy in esoteric field the terminology “higher planes” and “higher vibrations” was established. The spiritual theory seems very mythological and unrealistic, but its practical implications work very well. This is why chakra meditations have become so popular in modern esoteric field. Because of the OM theory the above quoted philosophy cannot discriminate between vibrations and kundalini arousal. Following I shall try to provide arguments supporting the assumption that vibration and kundalini arousal have to be considered as different phenomena, though both can occur simultaneously.
Difference Between Kundalini Arousal And Vibrations – Personal Point Of View
Despite similar effects between kundalini arousal and vibrations (acoustic perceptions, energetization and warmth), both phenomena seem to be different. As I believe kundalini arousal and vibrations in OBE-ing can be distinguished by the kind of movement of etheric substance, in respect to the vertical axis of the human body, the spinal column. The vector of upwards moving etheric force can be:
Vector of 0 (zero) degrees in respect to the axis of body (upwards streaming or longitudinal waves): Examples are the well known slow energy circulation (upwards on backside, downwards on frontside), furthermore kundalini arousal (without overlapping vibrations).
Vector between 0 and 90 degrees to the vertical axis (more or less transversal waves): Kundalini motion in the form of waves moving upwards at the backside. This most common form of kundalini arousal is accompanied by acoustic perceptions, sensed heat adjacent to the spine, very strong energy flow, euphorization, inner light perception (mostly in gold and white) and is sometimes accompanied by paranormal effects.
Vector of 90 degrees to the axis (vibrations): There is no upward motion of force. The vibrations are felt locally (f.i. breast) or in the whole body and are independent of energy flow in the spine. Vibrations are sensed as frequently on front side as on back side. Very often warmth is felt and sometimes acoustic phenomena are perceived. The 90 degree vector is facilitating a loosening of the etheric double. Practically only these vibrations are important for OBE-ing.
In both kinds of phenomena, kundalini arousal as well as vibrations, sensory inputs can be perceived as in normal awake state, as in trance, as at the border of sleep or as in sleep (producing special dream symbols like fire, volcanos, earth quakes etc.). Since sensory perception may be experienced in all states of consciousness, it is difficult to define kundalini phenomena and vibrations as either physical or subtle. Therefore theories – if materialistic or spiritual – can be based on arguments each of them conclusive in the respective paradigma. Therefore a wide range of possible interpretations is legitimate.
Kundalini Experiences:
Kundalini experiences published so far tend to describe highlights like “cosmic consciousness”. However, in most cases experiences are less divine, but nevertheless very interesting for basic understanding. Altogether a wide range of experiences can be made in waking state, as well as in trance or in sleep.
Some Notes Out Of Diaries:
Bal.: “I was dreaming something I can’t remember, when all of a sudden I became lucid and got aware of lying in a wide unknown room. It was dark, but by means of concentration I became aware of some contours. Thus encouraged I increased concentration and by doing this I got the impression that the walls got cracks and light was shining through. Suddenly I felt kundalini arising in form of hot waves, moving upwards the spine. The next moment it criss-crossed up to the shoulder-blades and thereafter moved again straight upwards the spine. Instantly I could see: I was lying in bed, surrounded by bizarre, demonlike creatures, staring at me and approaching. There were so many of them, that they filled the room, to the rear piling up to the ceiling. I felt myself keeping them away at a distance of about 11/2 meters making use of an inner force, which required a tremendous amount of concentration. They were standing there without moving and stared at me. One of them in front of me was imposing by his long claws. I tried to scare them away by mantras but they echoed disharmonically. Since all my efforts were in vain I turned to awake state as speedily as possible, turning my body around still out of trance state. Later on I was amazed how fast I had been able to leave trance and to move my body. The experience was very vivid and vigorous and moreover I liked adventures. Subsequently my back, especially in the region of the spine, felt strikingly heated.”
Bal.: “In trance I had the inner sight of the Anahata Chakra (breast). It was a shallow whirl of energy and kundalini moved out of its center like a chain of small fire-balls, creating spirals in the whirl and finally spreading out over the body.”
Bal.: “The past months, while awake, I frequently felt energy circling up and down my body; this happened spontaneously, whilst I did no aim for it deliberately. The experience changed in a remarkable way the day I started light-exercises on my Anahata Chakra. An emotion of cosmic love arose and I felt something like small inner flames, originating at my feet and moving upwards in spirals. Then the stream of the golden flames became vertical and my body was forced to bow forewards (in Yoga called kriya). Afterwards I felt strengthened and ‘high’.”
Authors Details: Alfred Ballabene Alfred.Ballabene@univie.ac.at
