Kundalini in the Different Religions
What is kundalini? The term kundalini , as used by yogis, refers to the Sacred Fire located near the base of the spine. It is also called the fiery serpent in Exodus 7:9-12, Numbers 21:6-8. The kundalini has seven layers; each layer has seven sub-layers and therefore, there are 49 degrees of awakening it. In other words, it is not a matter of whether the kundalini is awakened or not, rather it is a matter of how awakened the kundalini is, or to what degree it is awakened. Even with common people, kundalini is awakened already, but to a very minute degree.
What i the use of the kundalini energy in spiritual practice? The kundalini energy enables the brain cells to register spiritual or “higher” experiences and stimuli. The quality of the physical body, especially the brain and the nervous system, is improved or upgraded. After a certain period of time, a person whose kundalini is highly awakened may become a genius, a great charismatic leader or a great spiritual teacher.
In Egypt, the awakening of the kundalini energy, which has risen up to the head centre, is symbolised by a snake on a headgear of the pharaoh. The pharaoh in ancient times was supposed to be an illuminated person, a spiritually soul, benevolently guiding and ruling his people.
In China, a sage who has fully awakened the kundalini energy and has mastered it, is represented by a person standing and riding a dragon. This is why some plantings depict Buddha Kuan Yin in this manner.
In India, the degree of awakening of the kundalini energy is symbolised by the number of cobras hovering on the top of the head of the yogi. The number of cobras symbolises the number of layers of kundalini has been awakened. Sometimes you may see a statue of a yogi meditating with one or three or even five cobras hovering over his head. But seldom would you see a sculpture showing seven cobras of top of yogi’s head. Seven cobras symbolises a very great soul, a great spiritual teacher.
A person whose kundalini is highly awakened may become a genius, a great charismatic leader to a great spiritual leader.
Reference : Achieving Oneness with the Higher Soul. Master Choa Kok Sui.