Book Review: Bonnie Greenwell’s book The Kundalini Guide: A Companion For the Inward Journey

The Kundalini Guide: A Companion for the Inward JourneyIntroduction

Bonnie Greenwell, Ph. D., is the author of 5 books on enlightenment and personal transformation as those topics relate to the kundalini process. She has studied yoga and meditation extensively under legendary teacher and mentor Adyashanti. She has been quoted as saying that “My intention is to provide guidelines that help people through the challenges of kundalini activation.” Her 5 books, and her life’s work as a transpersonal psychologist as well as a non-dual teacher of the kundalini process, work along those lines.

The Idea

Dr. Greenwell wrote The Kundalini Guide: A Companion For the Inward Journey in the hopes that she could help others benefit from the powerful kundalini process. She believes that many of us receive alerts and notices that our kundalini energy is ready to be released, but since we don’t know what to look for, this incredible opportunity at enlightenment and a heightened consciousness passes us by.

She has seen the incredible and positive physical, mental and spiritual changes in herself, as well as the thousands she has mentored, and wants to help others receive those benefits as well

How the Book Is Laid Out

After a short Dedication to the globally renowned yoga and kundalini teacher Adyashanti, Greenwell starts your kundalini journey with a Table of Contents. You begin with an Introduction, entitled The Kundalini Guide. The book then moves through 9 chapters, followed by a helpful Appendix.

The first part of the book’s Introduction is titled God, Consciousness and Energy. The author points out that most cultures, both modern and ancient, have revealed a direct connection between consciousness and energy. This knowledge came to be when people began searching for the presence of God, or simply what their purpose was in life.

Embarking on journeys of self-discovery, humans quickly find that the answer to any serious question can only be found within. You must turn to your inward self for answers to questions regarding your role in the universe. She recommends reading “the maps created by others who’ve gone in this direction”.

She believes that by following the teachings of those who have reached a higher enlightenment than ourselves, we too can achieve “a new kind of consciousness”. Holding a doctorate in psychology, the author was amazed to find that once you learn to channel the spiritual energy inside you, marvelous health changes take place.

She gives an in-depth description about how your 7 chakras (main energy centers) and thousands of nadis (lines of energy) are created at birth. She shows that your “residual energy of consciousness” coils around the base of your spine, waiting to be unleashed so you can experience the fullest level of energy in each of your chakras. This is your kundalini energy. The introduction ends with a note of thanks to the yoga and meditation influences in her life.

Chapter 1, What Is Kundalini?, effectively answers that question. She points out that skeptics consider kundalini energy imaginary, while those who have experienced it understand it is a real, life-altering experience. The imagery of kundalini as a serpent is explained, since a serpent coils before striking. Your kundalini energy is coiled at the base of your spine, waiting for you to release it.

You also discover that ancient Far East traditions teach there is only one source of consciousness. Human beings are simply one of many parts of the process by which this one consciousness creates “all forms that appear in existence”. The actual word kundalini comes from a Sanskrit term which describes this energy of human creation which gives you consciousness.

Chapter 2 is titled Phenomenon in the Kundalini Process. You learn that you are here, reading this book, for a reason. That is because of 1 of 2 standard starting points on the kundalini journey.

1 – You are here because you have a longing search for

the truth about who you are and where you belong in the universe.

2 – Some accident or other unplanned event created an awakening unexpectedly.

Sometimes, the first response to feeling the release of kundalini is resistance or fear. This often happens when you are awakened unexpectedly. When this happens, several layers of startling revelations may feel disarming or even frightful.

The author then guides you through the 7 categories of phenomena which can help you identify the onset of the kundalini awakening. After 30 years of study and speaking with over 2,000 people of their kundalini experience, Greenwell recognizes 7 phenomena listed below.

Kriyas, pranic activity – these are involuntary body movements, sometimes vibrations, shaking or jerking, attached to the sensation of electricity rushing through your body.

Other involuntary energies – these can evidence themselves in the sounds of chanting, hearing Sanskrit words and tones, kettle drums beating, bees buzzing, etc.

Physiological issues – the release of kundalini can often times solve physical problems which have lasted for years. Also, kundalini can reveal latent problems which have been hidden beneath the surface.

Emotional, psychological release – intense emotional and psychological responses to long-held beliefs and unresolved issues may occur.

Extrasensory abilities – when kundalini awakens, it “superpowers” your senses. You may experience “superhero” powers of 1 or more of your 5 senses when you awaken this powerful energy.

Parapsychological abilities – psychic awareness, healing abilities and remote viewing are all possible through a kundalini awakening.

Satori or Samadhi experiences – put simply, this is a “clear perception of existential truths”. It includes definite self-realization.

Chapter 3 is titled Chaos and Challenge, and describes how kundalini works when your body feels threatened. You also understand psychological reactions to change. This is important, because the release of kundalini in your body and mind is a massive change for your system to undergo and understand.

Fear and Memory is the title of chapter 4. You learn that fear is rooted in the DNA of every human, since we are temporary beings that will inevitably die. This fear is unconsciously made stronger throughout our lives. We become subconsciously reactive, sometimes self-defeating, and even violent because of our deep-seated fear of eventually no longer being.

When you release your kundalini energy, the process is so powerful that this fear can be magnified. It is simply your human consciousness trying to resist the freeing knowledge of your place in the universe, reminding you that you will one day die. When you let kundalini take over, this fear subsides, and a wonderful transformation takes place.

Chapter 5, The Secrets of the East, covers different kundalini approaches and traditions. You learn of Buddha’s beginnings, as well as how Zen and Dzoghen Buddhism teachings made their way to the Western world. The actual science behind the kundalini experience is also explained.

Chapter 6 helps you understand The Grace of Kundalini. This reveals the nature of the process. Along with chapters 3 and 4, this can help remove any fear or unexpected emotional responses you have to your own kundalini experience. You develop the capacity for self-acceptance, and also how to align your mind and body in harmony to provoke a kundalini awakening.

Chapter 7, Supporting the Kundalini Process, offers more proven methods for opening yourself to this enlightened change. The author shows you how to deconstruct past beliefs which are hindering your enlightenment. You are than able to open your chakras, and give loving witness to fulfilling kundalini energy.

Chapter 8 is titled Where to Stand in the Kundalini Process. (For a sneak peek of this chapter, you can head to www.KundaliniGuide.com.) This section gives you the final piece of the puzzle. It recognizes several different ways to prepare yourself for, and recognize, your kundalini energy trying to release itself.

Chapter 9 is full of helpful Frequently Asked Questions the author has encountered in 30 years of teaching the kundalini process. Finally, the book closes with an Appendix.

Who Benefits from The Kundalini Guide: A Companion For the Inward Journey?

Do you often question your place in the universe? Have you lived with the feeling that “there was something more” waiting inside you? Have you taken time to contemplate the presence of God, of one major consciousness, or some greater reality? These are all questions which can be answered through a release of the kundalini energy that has been waiting inside you to bring you to a higher state of consciousness.

Dr. Greenwell is a respected psychologist and kundalini mentor. In The Kundalini Guide: A Companion For the Inward Journey, she gives you the tools you need to recognize and release this powerful energy which has been patiently preparing to enlighten and transform you.

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