Hour 46 Meditation – Sushumna Awakening Meditation
Sushumna Awakening Meditation
Sushumna Awakening Meditation Introduction
In yogic tradition dating back centuries, Sushumna is understood as the central channel of the spinal column, serving as the central energy pathway in the body. It is regarded as the strongest of the three primary nadis (energy channels) of the yogic system, in addition to Ida (the left channel, which is linked with the lunar energy) and Pingala (the right channel, which is linked with the solar energy). The Sushumna nadi is a spiritual channel that enables the flow of prana(life force energy) when activated.
Sushumna Awakening Meditation is a dynamic practice that is intended to awaken and energize the latent energywithin the Sushumna nadi, which extends from the Muladhara chakra (root chakra) at the spinal base to the Sahasrara chakra (crown chakra) at the crown of the head. The final objective of this meditation is to enable the transmission of energy via this central channel, leading to a condition of inner equilibrium, spiritual evolution, and enlightenment.
Knowing the Sushumna Nadi
The Sushumna nadi is sometimes referred to as an empty tube or light channel that flows along the spine, from the base of the spine (root chakra) to the top of the head. It is the most significant channel of energy in the body since it is the route that Kundalini energy follows when it is awakened.
Most Significant Features of Sushumna:
Central Channel of Energy: The Sushumna is the main channel whereby the prana gets to move in high-level meditation practices.
Awakening of Kundalini: As the energy is directed correctly via Sushumna, it can stimulate the Kundalini(the laying dormant spiritual power) at the base of the spinal cord and enable it to ascend through the chakras.
Path to Spiritual Awakening: When the prana moves upward via the Sushumna nadi, it serves to cleanse the body and mind, culminating in increased consciousness and enlightenment.
Ida-Pingala balance: To awaken the Sushumna, the Ida and Pingalachannel energies need to be balanced. It is due to this that activities such as meditation and pranayama are necessary.
Stages of Sushumna Awakening Meditation
The meditation practice of Sushumna Awakening is a slow process that assists in channeling energy along the Sushumna nadi. This process has multiple stages that cleanse the mind, soothe the body, and activate the latent spiritual energy within. Following are the steps of the meditation practice:
1. Preparation: Building the Right Atmosphere
Posture: Begin by sitting in an upright, relaxed position (like Padmasana or Sukhasana) with a straight back.
Breathing: Start by concentrating on your breathing. Do slow, deep, and controlled breathing (like Ujjayi breath) to relax the mind and switch on prana.
Mindfulness: Bring awareness to the present and release any distractions. Create a serene and peaceful atmosphere in readiness for intense meditation.
2. Balancing the Ida and Pingala Channels
Prior to waking the Sushumna, there is a need to balance the energies of the Ida and Pingala nadis. This is achieved through pranayama techniques such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to balance the left and right energy channels.
Nadi Shodhana eliminates any obstructions and enables the prana to flow freely along the Sushumna.
3. Practice the Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Shift your awareness to the Muladhara chakra, which is situated at the root of the spine. This chakra is known as the root chakra where Kundalini energy is latent.
Imagine the color red that is associated with the Muladhara chakra and envision that the energy present at the bottom of the spine gets awakened.
4. Awaken the Sushumna
Start off with the concept of Sushumna nadi as an energy flow going through the spinal area. Try imagining it like a pillar of light, and it is this middle channel of energy that will travel through using the prana.
Keep observing the Muladhara chakra as you also try to see Kundalini energy gradually pass upwards through Sushumna nadi. Picture it travelling higher, through every one of the chakras.
5. Rising Energy Through the Chakras
As the energy flows through the Sushumna, it will travel through every chakra:
Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra): Visualization of the color orange and sensations of creative energy.
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra): Visualization of the color yellow, sensation of empowerment and personal change.
Anahata (Heart Chakra): Visualization of the color green, nurturing love and compassion.
Vishuddha (Throat Chakra): Visualization of the color blue, opening throat to communication and truth.
Ajna (Third Eye Chakra): Practice the indigo color and development of intuition and wisdom.
Sahasrara (Crown Chakra): Imagine the violet or white light, symbolizing spiritual awakening and unity with the Divine.
6. Final Union and Absorption in the Self
After the energy is in the crown chakra, feel a sense of unity with the Divine or universal consciousness. The energy passes unobstructed through the Sushumna nadi and gives a deep feeling of inner peace, harmony, and connection.
In this state, there can be glimpses of samadhi or blissful quiescence.
The Role of Kundalini in Sushumna Awakening
The Kundalini energy is said to be the sleeping spiritual energy at the base of the spine. In Sushumna Awakening Meditation, the final aim is to awaken the energy and let it ascend through the Sushumna nadi, energizing each chakra as it ascends. The Kundalini’s passage through the Sushumna is said to result in higher consciousness, spiritual awakening, and finally, enlightenment.
As the Kundalini ascends through the Sushumna:
It cleanses the mind and body, clearing obstructions in the energy system.
It assists in waking up higher levels of awareness, usually with feelings of divine light, inner peace, or bliss.
It unites the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, resulting in a greater spiritual awareness.
Sushumna Awakening Meditation Benefits
Physical Benefits:
Increases vitality and flow of energy
Improves posture and overall physical well-being
Increases flexibility and strength of the body
Balances the hormonal function and nervous system
Mental Benefits:
Silences the restless mind
Enhances mental clarity and concentration
Boosts memory and cognitive ability
Emotional Benefits:
Reduces emotional turmoil
Releases suppressed emotional tension
Fosters inner peace and emotional stability
Encourages emotional resilience
Eases emotional healing and transformation
Spiritual Benefits:
Results in self-realization and spiritual awakening
Awakens Kundalini energy, culminating in enlightenment
Bridges the individual to universal consciousness
Fosters an enhanced connection with the Divine
Tips for Effective Sushumna Awakening Meditation
Consistency: Practice regularly in order to awaken the Sushumna nadi. Allocate time every day for your meditation session, even if only for 15-30 minutes.
Create a Sacred Space: Meditate in a place where you feel calm and free from distractions. This increases your concentration and makes you attuned to your inner energy.
Start Slowly: If you’re new to energy-based practices, start with pranayama and gentle meditation to balance your energy before attempting the deeper stages of Sushumna awakening.
Be Patient: The awakening of the Sushumna nadi is a gradual process. Patience and dedication are key in achieving success.
Stay Open: Be open to the experiences and sensations that arise. The process may bring up emotional or spiritual insights that require integration.
Reflective Questions to Gain Deeper Insight
How is the idea of Sushumna connected to my concept of energy and consciousness?
What obstacles or challenges have I faced in attempting to awaken my Sushumna and how can I overcome them?
How can I attune my sense of the prana flowing through my body during meditation?
What shifts do I feel in my energy and emotions as I continue to practice Sushumna Awakening Meditation?
Conclusion
Sushumna Awakening Meditation is a deep and powerful practice that directs the practitioner’s energy and consciousness towards spiritual development and enlightenment. By awakening Sushumna nadi and permitting Kundalini to ascend through the chakras, we attain an intimate sense of connection to our real self and to the universe. This meditation is not merely a journey towards greater mental clarity and emotional equilibrium, but it leads to spiritual awakening and deep inner peace too.
By regular practice, you can realize the full potential of the Sushumna nadi, resulting in a more harmonious and enlightened life.