quote:
Originally posted by Tibetan_Ice
Hi Nirodha,
But isn't performing the mulabandha (root lock) or most of the other exercises a form of indirectly manipulating the kundalini?
TI
Hi TI,
I don't practice Hatha Yoga, so I can't answer your questions related to it. My vague understanding of Asanas, which come from Hatha Yoga, is that they're to used to teach poise, balance & strength. And, are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation.
Questions regarding life force and energy theories, as such chi, qi and prana, I can't answer either, as these aren't directly addressed within the framework I use - at least not to my knowledge. And, since it's working quite well for me, I don't explore outside of it much as I don't have a need to.
I've experienced psychic heat related issues though; mild burning sensations; giving off an excess of body heat, etc.. However, since it just comes and goes of it's own accord, without causing me any major discomfort, I've not had a need to attempt to manipulate it. If I was having trouble with it though perhaps I might.
From my point of view, my Kundalini Awakening was just a byproduct, or fruit, of my diligently practicing the framework I adhere to, and frequently dwelling in Samadhi as a result of that. The framework I adhere to is called Nikayan Buddhism.
The word Nikayan refers to pre-sectarian Buddhism, as defined in the earliest Nikaya (Collection) portions of the Sutta Pitaka (Discourse Basket) of the Pali Canon. And, the Pali Canon is generally considered by scholars to be the oldest extant record of what the Buddha taught.
Nikayan Buddhism uses a lot of the same Suttas as classical Theravada Buddhism for it's doctrinal basis. However, the two differ greatly in their interpretation of these and in their points of view. Some of the major points of difference are:
1.) Nikayan rejects the emphasis on commentarial writings that classical Theravada relies so heavily upon for framing their interpretation of the Suttas. And, takes the Suttas at face value instead.
2.) It also rejects the classical Theravadin view that developing Vipassana (Insight or Intuitive Wisdom) is the primary mode of bringing the Noble Eightfold Path to fruition.
3.) Nikayan proposes that of the development of Samadhi, all the way to Nirodha-Samapatti (Cessation of Perception and Feeling), is the primary mode for fruition.
4.) It also views Vipassana as a byproduct, or fruit, of Samadhi. And, not as some separate practice strategy the way classical Theravada does.
Nikayan Buddhism doesn't address the issue of Kundalini directly, as the word appears to post-date the Buddha. However, some have proposed that it's addressed indirectly within the framework. Please review the following essay for more information on this issue:
Kundalini - Understanding the Charismatic Experience by Jhanananda
http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/kundalini.htmBy the way, I'm not trying to convert you to Nikayan Buddhism. I'm merely explaining my background, and point of view, so that we can come to some mutual understanding. Also, there are a lot of parallels between Raja Yoga, of which some AYP lessons are based on, and Nikayan Buddhism. This being the main reason I'm here.
Kind regards