The word Kundalini is derived from a Sanskrit word `Kundal' meaning coiled up. It is the primordial dormant energy present in three-and-a-half, coils at the base of the spine in a triangular bone called the Sacrum. The Latin name `Os Sacrum' suggests that it is a holy or sacred part of the body. The ancient Greeks were aware of this and therefore they called it the `Hieron Osteon', noting that it was the last bone to be destroyed when the body is
burnt, and also attributed supernatural powers to it. Egyptians also held this bone to be very
valuable and considered it the seat of
special power.
In the
West, Sacrum is symbolised by the sign of Aquarius and by the Holy Grail, container of the
water of life.
The Kundalini, which is to nourish the tree of life within us, is
coiled up like a serpent and therefore it has been called, `The
Serpent Power'. It has been described in great detail in the
Upanishads. Kundalini Yoga is supposed to be supreme in all the
Yogas. Guru Vashistha asserted that Kundalini is the seat of absolute
knowledge. The awareness of the presence of this primordial energy
Kundalini within the
human body was considered by the sages and
saints to be the highest
knowledge. The Kundalini and Chakras have
been vividly described in Vedic and Tantric texts.