Kundalini is the divine shakti, or feminine energy of Shiva and is usually lying dormant at the base of the spine. As this energy rises, it pierces the energy centers along the spinal column and ultimately unites with Shiva, who resides in the crown center located at the top of the head. The union of Shakti and Shiva is the highest experience, where the consciousness is awakened and the realization of the true Self occurs.

It is important to note that this whole phenomenon is occurring in the subtle physical body, not the gross physical body. Therefore as Gurumaa says, if you cut open the spine during post-mortem analyses you will not be able to see any of these energy centers.

Kundalini Yoga is the yoga of prana, or the life-sustaining force of all living beings. The human body consists of approximately 72,000 nadis (channels), and the three principal nadis which this energy flows through are known as the ida, pingala and sushumna.

These nadis are located in the subtle physical body. The nadi that carries this life-energy on the left side of the body is known as the ida nadi, while the right side is regulated by the pingala nadi. The sushumna nadi is the most important of these three and is the central channel. It is connected to the spinal column and governs all the essential life activities.

The ida, pingala and sushumna nadis all meet at the energy centers known as chakras. These chakras are also called lotuses, and each center has a color, a specific amount of petals, and a mantra associated with them. These seven chakras each have an relationship with a emotional and psychological function within the body and are respectively known as the muladhara, svadhisthana, manipura, anahata, vishuddha , ajna and sahasrara chakras.

Kundalini yoga is a journey into our inner world, which is totally different from the outer world. The ultimate goal of this practice is to become one with the supreme consciousness, and realize our true nature. As we go deeper into this inner world, we begin to have joyful and magical experiences, and realize the hidden powers that are within us.

Sometimes aspirants become so engrossed by these powers, they lose focus of what the path is really for and can end up destroying themselves. Therefore the safest way to practice Kundalini Yoga is under the guidance of a self-realized spiritual master. The master has attained this illuminated state and become one with the shakti, and can transmit this energy into someone through a process known as shaktipat. The master constantly guides the seeker toward the right path, and turns this journey into a wonderful experience.

On being asked by a student in a youth meditation workshop regarding the need of Initiation or Deeksha for spiritual growth, Gurumaa responds and explains about its necessity. She talks about the various types of Deeksha or Initiation such as –

1) Mantra Initiation
2) Chakra Initiation
3) Energy Initiation
4) Gyana or Knowledge Initiation

She says that Mantra Initiation is the most basic type of Deeksha among the above types and allegiance with the Guru (Master) is not a prerequisite for it.

However, as far as pure initiation or shuddha deeksha of the highest form is concerned, there must exist a feeling of love, devotion and surrender in the heart of the seeker towards the Guru.

Only with this attitude and in this state of love, would the disciple be able to absorb the true knowledge imparted through the words of the Guru. This knowledge (Gyana) would sink deep into his/her heart and be a transforming force.

Gurumaa makes it quite clear that for a student seeking worldly knowledge, Initiation is not necessary, but for a disciple and a true seeker, Initiation is an essential prerequisite.

Most often people ask their spiritual master and Gurus for fulfillment of their mundane desires; such as getting a job, cure from a disease, begetting a child and so forth. But, they are unaware of the fact that this is just like asking pebbles from an emperor who can bestow you with diamonds!

In this video, Gurumaa clarifies the fact that when you approach an enlightened master, you should have only one prayer and request – the prayer for enlightenment!

All human beings are born with a capacity to be enlightened, but few ever achieve it. If at all we ask something from the master, we should ask for their grace and guidance, so that we too can be enlightened just like them.

Gurumaa states that a master is a door to the limitless treasure of God, and one should refrain from going to him/her with mundane objectives and desires.