Kundalini in Religions and Spiritual Traditions

The word Kundalini is derived from the Sanskrit word Kundal, meaning “coiled up.” It refers to the primordial latent energy located at the base of the spine within a triangular bone called the sacrum. The Latin name Os Sacrum suggests this bone is sacred or holy.

How the Sacrum Got Its Name

The os sacrum (holy bone) was so named by the Romans as a direct translation of the older Greek term hieron osteon. Misinterpretations of its “sacred” attribute have historically stemmed from the Greek word hieron, the use of the bone in sacrificial rituals, its role in protecting the genitals (considered sacred), and its perceived necessity as a nidus for resurrection on Judgment Day.

A more plausible explanation is that the sacredness of the sacral bone may derive from ancient Egyptian beliefs. They considered this bone sacred to Osiris, the God of Resurrection and Agriculture.

In the West, the sacrum is symbolized by the sign of Aquarius and the Holy Grail, the vessel of life-giving water. The Kundalini, which nourishes the tree of life within us, is coiled like a serpent and is thus called “The Serpent Power.” It is described in great detail in the Upanishads.

Kundalini: The Seat of Absolute Universal Knowledge

Kundalini is regarded as the seat of absolute universal knowledge. Awareness of this primordial Kundalini energy in the human body was considered the highest knowledge by sages and saints. The Kundalini and chakras are elaborately and vividly described in Vedic and Tantric texts.

Symbols of Kundalini are found in many cultural legacies, such as the serpent of Mercury, an alchemical symbol for the process of psychic metamorphosis. Gnostics viewed the serpent as a symbol of the spine.

In ancient Greek mythology, and later in Roman mythology, Asclepius, the god of healing, is depicted holding a staff entwined with one or sometimes two serpents. For the Greeks, this symbol was associated with healing because the staff represents the central support of the human body—the spine (the physical location of the Sushumna). In Rome, Asclepius held a caduceus, a staff entwined with serpents, representing the Kundalini rising in a spiraling, double-helix motion along the central subtle channel.

Kundalini in Hinduism

Adi Shankaracharya, a Hindu philosopher of the Advaita Vedanta school (7th–8th century CE), wrote in his Tantric text Saundarya Lahari (Waves of Beauty):

“After the Nadis are filled with a stream of nectar (Amrit) flowing from the Lotus Feet, You return to Your position in the vast lunar regions and assume the form of a sleeping serpent coiled three and a half times in the hollow of Kula Kunda (the hollow of the Mooladhara sacrum bone).”

He continues:

“You reside in secret with Your Lord (the Spirit) in the thousand-petaled lotus, after piercing through the Earth in Mooladhara, the Fire in Svadhisthana, the Water in Manipura, the Air in the Heart (Anahata), the Ether above (Vishuddha), and the Mind (Manas) between the eyebrows (Ajna), traversing the entire Kula Path (Core Path).”

Gyaneshwara, a saint from Maharashtra (1275 CE), described Kundalini in Chapter 6 of his famous book Gyaneshwari:

“Kundalini is one of the greatest energies. The practitioner’s entire body begins to glow as Kundalini rises. Impurities in the body are eliminated, leaving the body balanced. The eyes become clear and radiant, and the eyeballs shine brightly.” (Gyaneshwari, Chapter VI).

Kundalini in Islam

The Prophet Muhammad spoke of the Day of Resurrection:

“…and the hands will speak. On that day, We shall place a seal on their mouths, but their hands will speak to Us, and their hands will testify to all they have done.”

During Kundalini awakening, the flow of energy can be felt as cool vibrations in the hands. Various chakras can be experienced through parts of the hands and fingers.

There are four secondary chakras in the hands and feet: two in the heels and two near the wrists. These chakras are responsible for energy discharge and distribution, aiding in creation and self-assertion. In Maha Kundalini Tantra, these chakras are used as energetic projectors.

Kundalini in Christianity

Christians often associate Kundalini energy with the Holy Spirit, worshipping its manifestations as flames above the apostles’ heads during Pentecost.

Jesus
In the Old Testament, the serpent symbol gained importance in Christianity when Christ referred to the awakening of Kundalini:

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15)

In the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas and elsewhere, Jesus states:

“The Holy Spirit is My Mother,” and “The Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).

Kundalini in Judaism

Moses
Moses encountered Kundalini energy in the form of the burning bush. During the Exodus, when the Israelites lost faith and were struck by fiery serpents, God instructed Moses:

“Make a serpent and set it on a pole. Whoever is bitten and looks at it shall live.” (Numbers 21:8)

Moses fashioned a bronze serpent, which healed those who gazed upon it. This is a clear and detailed description of the healing properties of awakened Kundalini.

Over time, some Israelites began worshipping the bronze serpent, passing the practice to future generations. Bronze, copper, and stone serpent artifacts have been unearthed during excavations in Canaan, Gezer, and other parts of Israel.

Kundalini in Taoism

In the Tao Te Ching, primordial Kundalini energy is described as motherly. Lao Tzu referred to Kundalini as the “Spirit of the Valley” (through which the Sushumna Nadi flows). The energy of the valley never dies. Taoist texts, such as The Secret of the Golden Flower by Lü Dongbin, also discuss the effects of awakened Kundalini energy.

Kundalini in Buddhism

Buddha taught the “Middle Path” to reach Nirvana, referring to the central channel (Sushumna) through which Kundalini ascends. Later Buddhist masters regarded the inner path to liberation as the greatest secret, shared only with a few deserving disciples.

Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism refers to Kundalini as Chandali—the inner fire or heat. Buddhists believe that safe Kundalini awakening requires a strong focus on selfless love. By becoming aware of selfish tendencies and replacing desires with unconditional love, Kundalini’s power strengthens this motivation, aiding union with the Universal Spirit.

Tibetan Buddhist monks experience active energy through the central channel. The Buddhist approach focuses on naturally and safely purifying latent unconscious energies to establish a healthy connection with the chakras. These energies naturally flow into the Sushumna, allowing illumination of the different levels of consciousness associated with each chakra.

Conclusion

Kundalini, as recognized across various traditions, is a profound symbol of spiritual awakening, inner transformation, and connection to the Divine. Whether described in Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, or Taoism, its universal significance remains undeniable.