The Connection between the Chakras and Kundalini Yoga

What is the connection between the Chakras and Kundalini Yoga?

First of all, let's get clear on a misconception about what the Chakras are.

They aren't exactly physical. Chakras are often visualised as vortices of light. Literally Chakra means wheel, so like spiral galaxies your Chakras are turning wheels of light.

The light that we are talking about can be thought of as Prana (energy) or even Consciousness itself.

Light is Consciousness, and the Chakras are the gateways for information to pass through in the form of Prana/Energy.

The Chakra system is part of the subtle body described in Yogic philosophy.

Why does any of this matter?

If Light is Consciousness and Chakras are portals for light/matter/energy then what happens if the Chakras are blocked, or out of balance?

This phenomenon of Chakra imbalance is not only possible but also extremely common. It is very likely that you have some sort of energetic imbalance in the body. Is this so hard to imagine? You may already be aware of particular imbalances within your physical body — for example an imbalance of strength or flexibility, limitations in ranges of movement and your ability to be mobile.

These physical imbalances are symbolic of a deeper truth that shows up in the form of energetic imbalances, or even limitations in ways of thinking and your ability to be intuitive. It's comprehending such parallels that lends insight and awareness of self. This is one of the primary assumptions or driving motivations within Yoga as well as in Shadow Work.

Shadow Work, Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga all operate within the framework of the Chakras and the underlying paradigm is that Light is information and Light is Consciousness. Balancing your Chakras can be thought of as the prelude to Kundalini Yoga but they do not happen in isolation. You can practice Kundalini whilst you are balancing your chakras. Optimising and maintaining the flow of consciousness through your body is key within Shadow Work. You are illuminating your inner body, awakening insight (or inward seeing) as well as creating a holographic light body that exists as a kind of energetic sheath pervading and transcending your physical body.

Kundalini Yoga traditionally works with the chakra system and the central energy channel of the subtle body.

This is delicate, patient work. Enlightenment (or in-light-enment) is the casting away of darkness and ignorance as to the nature of self. It is the withdrawal of the veil of maya, the hypnosis of separation from being, from source, and from truth. Satya, truthfulness, is absolutely fundamental to Yogic philosophy (it serves as the second of five initial restraints known as the Yamas of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga).

Finally, Kundalini can be thought of as a final trajectory within this light body. Kundalini, a dormant or potential seed of energy, is waiting to be awakened through this inward seeing. Like the snake it symbolises, it must crawl on its belly through the darkness, sensing and navigating the jungle in spiritual blindness. Awakening this inner light is to draw the serpent into its ascension through the portal of Sushumna.

Sushumna is the axis that penetrates the centre of the Chakra matrix, the energetic channel that aligns with the spine. In classical yoga this is known as the Sushumna Nadi, the central channel through which Kundalini rises. The central and primary line of awakening that has been there since your inception is reawakened during Kundalini practice. When the Chakras are balanced, light can pass freely throughout the system, carrying with it information and consciousness into a multidimensional light body, a kind of body of self-awareness that overlays and pervades your physical form except in the place where there was once darkness there is now a sensory being of self-awareness, feeling, sensation, and knowing.

It is this symbolic journey of the soul and the psychospiritual growth that occurs in parallel to this light awakening process that constitutes the egoic journey to awakening. Shadow Work is the language of this egoic process of transforming the mental plane. Kundalini Yoga is the symbolism of energetic ascension and the turning on of the lights. The Chakras are the emotional roadmap, containing within fragmented clues to your own transformation.

Blended as one is the practice of Yoga, both implying and resolving this multidimensional approach to conscious inner illumination and the dissolution of separation, ignorance, and darkness into one pervading reality of truth, light, and knowing.

Curious for more?

Join Josh on 17th May for the Kundalini Yoga Workshop

Tickets available here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chakras and Kundalini

What is the relationship between the chakras and Kundalini energy?

The chakras are energetic centres within the subtle body, while Kundalini is a dormant spiritual energy said to rest at the base of the spine. In Kundalini Yoga, this energy rises through the central channel (Sushumna Nadi), activating and balancing the chakras as consciousness expands.

What happens when the chakras are blocked?

Blocked or imbalanced chakras are believed to restrict the natural flow of prana (life force energy). This may manifest as emotional imbalance, mental limitation, or physical tension within the body.

Do you need to balance your chakras before practicing Kundalini Yoga?

Not necessarily. Many Kundalini practices are designed specifically to help clear and balance the chakras while awakening inner awareness.

Is Kundalini awakening dangerous?

Traditional teachings emphasise patience, grounding, and guidance. Kundalini is described as a gradual process of inner illumination rather than a sudden forceful event.