Kundalini: The Sacred Energy at the Heart of Tantra

Podcast E42 Kundalini & Sexual Energy – A Path to Awakening

Any genuine exploration of the spiritual dimensions of sex and consciousness would be incomplete without addressing kundalini. This mysterious and powerful force has long been central to Tantric philosophy and yogic practice, yet remains widely misunderstood. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what kundalini truly is, how it connects to sexual energy, its role in the spiritual journey, and the wisdom needed to approach it safely and consciously.

What Is Kundalini?

Kundalini is often described as a dormant spiritual energy residing at the base of the spine. In many esoteric traditions, it’s visualized as a coiled serpent — hence the term “serpent power.” But kundalini is far more than just energy; it is consciousness itself — intimately tied to our karma, our life force, and our soul’s journey.

In Tantric understanding, kundalini is the full spectrum of our physical, emotional, and spiritual potential. It is the primordial source of life within us, the Divine spark that fuels growth, creativity, and transformation.

The Connection Between Kundalini and Sexual Energy

Sexual energy is often misunderstood as something purely physical, but in Tantra, it is seen as a manifestation of the sacred. It is the creative force that brings all life into being — not just in humans, but in the entire cosmos.

In the Tantric worldview, kundalini and sexual energy are intimately connected. When we feel sexual arousal, what we are really experiencing is the stirring of kundalini. This is Shakti — the Divine Feminine — yearning to rise and unite with Shiva, the Divine Masculine, in a sacred cosmic dance.

But for most people, this energy doesn’t rise far. It remains anchored in the lower chakras and is usually discharged through orgasm. However, through Tantric practice, this same energy can be consciously channeled upwards through the chakras, awakening deep spiritual states of awareness.

The Tantric Life Podcast

Listen to the podcast episode of this topic on your preferred platform, here: E42 Kundalini & Sexual Energy – A Path to Awakening.

Kundalini Awakening Through Tantra

One of the key goals of Tantra is to awaken kundalini and guide its ascent through the subtle energy system. This process is not merely about ecstasy or psychic powers; it is a journey of self-realization — of becoming one with the Divine essence within.

Tantric practices such as meditative visualization, breathwork, mantra chanting, and sacred sexuality help to activate and move kundalini. A common practice involves visualizing the kundalini rising up the spine (the sushumna nadi), passing through the chakras, and culminating in union at the crown chakra.

It’s important to note that this is not a forced or mechanical process. It is a deep, inner surrender to the sacred — a collaboration with the Divine, rather than a conquest of energy.

Should We Retain Sexual Energy to Awaken Kundalini?

This is a common and often controversial question in spiritual circles. Some traditions advocate for brahmacharya or sexual abstinence, while others — particularly within Tantra — embrace sexual expression as part of the sacred journey.

In classical Tantra, semen retention or withholding orgasm isn’t a strict rule. In fact, some Tantric rituals include ejaculation as an offering to the Divine. The key is intention and awareness. Whether one chooses retention or release, what matters most is how consciously the sexual energy is being channeled.

This topic of sexual retention is, I would say, a very personal issue, which each person should explore in their own way, to find out what works best for them. Certainly there are times and context in which sexual release through orgasm can indeed be withheld or prolonged. But equally there are benefits also to allow that physical orgasm to happen naturally.

The Sacred Nature of Kundalini

Kundalini is not something to be taken lightly. It is the living embodiment of the Divine Mother within us — Shakti, Kali, the Virgin Mary, Gaia. When we begin to revere our sexual and spiritual energy as sacred, we become participants in the Divine dance of creation.

When we work respectfully with kundalini, we begin to see the Divine not as something “out there,” but as an intimate presence within. We become co-creators with that presence — in our healing, our relationships, our creativity, and our spiritual growth.

The Challenges of Kundalini Awakening

While kundalini awakening is a profound and transformative experience, it is not without risks. When this energy begins to rise, it can bring repressed emotions, unresolved traumas, and energetic blockages to the surface. The process can be disorienting — sometimes even painful.

People may experience:

Sudden mood swings
Physical sensations or discomfort
Heightened sensitivity or anxiety
Emotional catharsis
Spontaneous states of bliss or despair

This is not a sign that something is going wrong — it is the energy clearing out what no longer serves. However, it underscores the importance of being prepared and supported.

The Importance of Guidance and Patience

Advanced kundalini practices should not be undertaken lightly or in isolation. While beginner Tantric meditations are generally safe, more intense energy work requires the guidance of an experienced teacher or guru. A qualified guide can help you:

Work with kundalini safely
Avoid spiritual bypassing
Stay grounded during intense energetic shifts
Keep your focus on the deeper spiritual context

Attempting to force or accelerate the awakening can lead to serious imbalances. Patience, humility, and surrender are far more powerful than willpower alone.

Kundalini and the Personal Relationship with the Divine

In the end, the heart of all spiritual practice — including kundalini awakening — is our personal relationship with the Divine.

As my own Guru taught me, techniques and practices are secondary to this relationship. When we make God our focus — not power, not bliss, not awakening itself — then kundalini will rise naturally, as an expression of Divine grace.

It is not something we must control, manipulate, or rush. Instead, we allow it to unfold as a sacred dance between our soul and the Divine Mother within.

A Final Reflection: Trust the Process

Think of yourself like a lump of coal that keeps falling out of the fire. Your job is simply to keep placing yourself back into that fire — the fire of Divine presence, the fire of truth. Again and again, with patience and devotion.

Eventually, the coal catches fire. You begin to burn with spiritual passion, with awareness, with love. And even when you fall out again — as we all do — the memory of that sacred fire stays with you, calling you back.

Kundalini is not the destination. She is the Divine Mother within you, patiently waiting for your return. Trust Her. Surrender. Let the process unfold in its own divine timing.

You may also be interested in these other posts about Tantra…

Sex and Tantra: Myth, Mystery or Truth?

Tantra Basics Part 1: Meaning and Origins