Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man (Paperback)

by Krishna Gopi (Author) "ONE morning during the Christmas of 1937 I sat cross-legged in a small room in a little house on the outskirts of the town of..." (more)
Key Phrases: seventh centre, conscious centre, extended consciousness, Gopi Krishna, Hatha Yoga, Divine Will (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Gopi Krishna was a pioneer in the land of spirituality."—Deepak Chopra, M.D. "Gopi Krishna never felt that what took place was personally his. From the beginning he was a mere instrument; therefore, at the end, he is merely a mouthpiece for a vaster truth."—James Hillman, author of The Soul's Code

Product Description
Coiled like a snake at the base of the spine, kundalini is the spiritual force that lies dormant in every human being. Once awakened, often through meditation and yoga practices, it rises up the spine and finds expression in the form of spiritual knowledge, mystical vision, psychic powers, and ultimately, enlightenment. This is the classic first-person account of Gopi Krishna, an ordinary Indian householder who, at the age of thirty-four, after years of unsupervised meditation, suddenly experienced the awakening of kundalini during his morning practice. The story of this transformative experience, and the author's struggle to find balance amid a variety of powerful physiological and psychic side effects, forms the core of the book. His detailed descriptions of his dramatic inner experiences and symptoms such as mood swings, eating disorders, and agonizing sensations of heat—and of how, with the help of his wife, he finally stabilized at a higher level of consciousness—make this one of the most valuable classics of spiritual awakening available.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (February 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570622809
• ISBN-13: 978-1570622809
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #150,316 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Unique but difficult work of literature, November 30, 2007

By	Linda Anderson (Denver USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In reference to the other two-star review, I thought I was the only one who found this book difficult to get through. I was left wondering why this is a classic, and a must-read kundalini book, with the exception of the few passages that describe the author's tormenting experiences to highlight the dangers of such a powerful evolutionary process.

I have been in the throes of an involuntary kundalini progression for a number of years now, although not on the same level of trauma as the author experienced, so I do have a very good understanding at this point in my process of the mechanics involved in such an awakening.

And I do understand that the author experienced this during a time when so very little was known about kundalini, so in this respect it is an important piece of literature, and I do honor and revere his wisdom and experience. However, I found the text to be occasionally superfluous, tedious and extremely redundant. As I neared the end of the book I couldn't help wonder in how many different ways the author could describe the same thing: an unknown, powerful, intelligent, conscious force making its way up his nervous system and vital organs to stimulate and awaken his system with accompanying symptoms of sleeplessness, change in appetite, and increased consciousness and constant awareness of a golden glow painting his vision.

James Hillman's occasional commentaries were of little help also and were just as wordy, vague and confusing in trying to translate and explain the author's psychological and physical processes.

The most helpful books about kundalini that I've found so far are "Farther Shores" by Dr. Yvonne Kason, and "Energy Work" by Robert Bruce. Even though Mr. Bruce's book contains only a small section on kundalini, it is exact in its description and process. He also describes in other areas of the book the body's energy channels and centers that play a part in the workings of the kundalini energy. I have used his techniques to restore balance to my system and to ease the progression of the unpredictable energy surges so I will undergo fewer problems.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have for all people interested in Kundalini, August 14, 2001

By	John Tylwalk (Lebanon, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This was a great work done by a great man. It tells the story of the horror and delight a yogi went through when he accidently tapped the powers of the serpent. Kundalini dwells within all of us and this book forwarns all who wish to awaken it. This book is Gopi's account of the changes which took place inside of him self and the complex bioelectric changes which must occur for Kundalini awakening.

Although this is a great account of Kundalini awakening, it is not a book of exercises or practices. It is more of a warning of the pain one will go through if not prepared for the "Evolutionary Energy". Gopi has written many other books which deal with meditation, exercises, preparation, and the like.

Even if you wish to find books which teach how to awaken the Kundalini through practice, this is still a must have. It tells of the different effects the Kundalini awakening will have on your body and also and added comentary from a respect psychologist.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must for anyone interested in evolution, November 12, 1997

By	[e-mail] (UK) - See all my reviews

While in Canada in the 70's I had the good fortune to come across books written by Pandit Gopi Krishna. I also had the opportunity later to meet and talk with this Indian writer. After going through nearly all of the books he wrote during the last 25 years of his life, I am certain that his unusual insights into the biology of the brain and the physical roots of mysticism will form the basis for a brand new direction for both science and religion. The man was far ahead of his time. When the mystery of the brain and its still hidden potentials are gradually unfurled, Gopi Krishna's books will, I am certain, be the inspiration for a new generation of unbiased investigators, who are certain to shed new light on the mystery contained within all of us. Should be required reading in schools!