Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

KUNDALINI! SHAKTI

teaching being for the purpose of worship (Up&sana) and Yoga. The aims and object of the two Sh&stras are not the same. —

The Merudanda is the vertebral column. Western Anatomy divides it into five regions; and it is to be noted in corroboration of the theory here exposed that these correspond with the regions in which the five Chakras are situate. The central spinal system comprises the brain or encephalon contained within the skull (in which are the Lalana, Ajna, Manas, Soma Chakras and the Sahasr&ra) ; as also the spinal cord extending from the upper border of the Atlas below the cerebellum and descending to the second lumbar vertebra where it tapers to a point called the filum terminale. Within the spine is the cord, a compound of grey and white brain matter, in which are the five lower Chakras. It is noteworthy that the filwm terminale was formerly thought to be mere fibrous cord, an unsuitable vehicle one might think for the Mfladhara Chakra and Kundali Shakti. Recent microscopic investigations have, however, disclosed the existence of highly sensitive grey matter in the filum terminale which represents the position of the Mflladhara. According to western science the spinal cord is not merely a conductor between the periphry and the centres of sensation and volition but is also an independent centre or group of centres. The Sushumna is a Nadi in the centre of the spinal column. Its base is called the Brahmadvara or Gate of Brahman. As regards the physiological relations of the Chakras all that can be said with any degree of certainty is that the four above the Mfiladhara have relation to the genito-excretory, digestive, cardiac and respiratory functions, and that the two upper centres the Ajna (with associated Chakras) and the SahasrAra denote various forms of its cerebral activity ending in the repose of pure consciousness therein gained through Yoga. The Nadis on each side called Id& and Pingala are the left and right sympathetic cords crossing the central

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