Question
Hello, Master Kosen,
For a few months I have practiced zazen fairly intensively (rohatsu, sesshins...). I do little or no yoga (a few postures or prana exercises occasionally), so basically only zazen. And it seems I am experiencing a rise or the beginning of an awakening of kundalini. I have a whole host of symptoms matching what I have read online about it.
My question is: What is Zen's position on this? It isn't discussed at all, yet I don't think I am the only Zen/zazen practitioner in this situation! Have you yourself experienced kundalini awakening? Whom should I turn to for guidance through this inner process, which seems long? Can this rising, which I do not want, be stopped? Is there really a danger to my body and mind? (I hear about psychosis or combustion—it's frightening!!)
In short, I have seen kundalini mentioned occasionally in your online mondos, without being treated as a subject in its own right, which is why I am writing...!
Best wishes.
maxxime
Answer from Master Kosen
When we conserve sexual energy, energy in general develops in our body.
Then we must know how to manage it, particularly if we practice meditation intensively.
High-level athletes must also manage this phenomenon to amplify their abilities, but they expend this intense energy
in their athletic feats.
When you practice meditation, unlike sports, you store energy, and the first rule is to circulate this energy from bottom to top and top to bottom.
We regulate this energy through breathing. To raise it, inhale, calmly hold the breath after inhaling, contract the anus and perineum, and concentrate on the crown of the head.
To lower it, concentrate on exhaling, hold the breath after exhaling, and gather all the energy in the hara region.
That is a very brief explanation that you can explore further yourself by reading about it.
Kosen