A Kundalini experience can mean different things to different
people. Some understand Kundalini as a symbolic system representing
the evolution of mind and consciousness. For others, it is a more
concrete, physical process that can manifest specific measurable
responses.
Patanjali Kundalini Yoga Care (PKYC) is a specialized centre
in Knoxville, Tennessee, which can help you answer personal questions
about Kundalini. Perhaps you are experiencing symptoms that cause
you to believe you are having a Kundalini experience. You want
to know what is happening to you, and you want to know what to
do about it.
Director of PKYC, Joan Shivarpita Harrigan, Ph.D, has tutored
in traditional Kundalini science since being initiated as a brahmacharyani
in 1987. Harrigan was initiated into the Shankaracharya tradition
of the Saraswati order by Swami Chandrasekharanand of Rishikesh,
India.
The Shankaracharya tradition has a 500-year history of expertise
in Kundalini science, which is the Vedic science of spirituality.
Harrigan had been practising yoga and meditation for over ten
years before she met her guru. Of her meeting with Swami Chandrasekharanand,
she says, His understanding of spiritual development was profound.
He gave me beautiful instruction and specific practices that improved
my Kundalini process and changed my life.
The Shankaracharya tradition stems back to Sri Shankaracharya
(788-820 AD), who wrote commentaries on some of the spiritual
treatises known as the Upanishads, which form the latter part
of the Vedas, the holy scriptures of India. Harrigan was a lover
of Vedanta even before meeting her guru. To this day she feels
blessed and grateful to be accepted into this lineage of specialists
in Kundalini.
Harrigan is a psychologist with a private practice, specializing
in spiritual issues. She has experienced the impact of the ancient
teachings of traditional Kundalini science in her own life and
feels privileged to observe the impact on those she helps through
PKYC. These teachings, which form the basis of PKYC, have been
passed on through scripture and oral lineage.
PKYC offers a variety of services to those who believe they are
experiencing Kundalini. Regarding eligibility, Harrigan says,
We accept sincere spiritual seekers who have sufficient motivation
and capacity to progress spiritually.
According to Harrigan, your Kundalini may be on the rise if you
are experiencing inner sensations of light, sound or heat, feelings
of energy flowing or vibrating within, elevated sensitivity, spontaneous
bodily movements, a height-ened inward awareness or bliss, interest
in spiritual growth, or a sense that something non-ordinary, transformative
or holy is happening.
To avail yourself of PKYCs services, you must first apply. In
your application, you must provide three self-histories: personal,
health and spiritual. Harrigan says that the application materials
help her understand the type of experience a person has had, as
well as the condition of his or her subtle body (the mental sheath).
If accepted, you would receive an assessment that includes Harrigans
interpretation of the type of experience youve had and the level
that your Kundalini has risen to. Lifestyle changes and spiritual
practices could be recommended if you choose to seek further advice.
PKYC expects students to engage in follow-up consul-tations for
a minimum of six months after receiving the recommendations. Spiritual
retreats are also offered for those who wish personal guidance
to further their process.
Harrigan says, Each student is unique, and will receive guidance
on a one-to-one basis. With humility, she adds, The effectiveness
of the teachings in advancing spiritual progress has been a privilege
to observe as I work with students.
