Ganeshwara Often spelled Jnyaneshwar was a saint who lived in the 13th‑century lived in Maharashtra, India.
Ganeshwara was one of the 1st saints who clearly mention the Kundalini in his writings, especially in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, the Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha Deepika). He describes Kundalini as the latent spiritual energy that awakens through yogic practice and devotion.
Kundalini Appears in Ganeshwara/Jnaneshwar’s Works
Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha Deepika)
This is his famous Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
In the section on Dhyanayoga (Chapter 6),
In his Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Jnaneshwar elaborates on Dhyanayoga (Chapter 6). He explains that the dormant Kundalini energy, coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine (mooladhara chakra), awakens through meditation and devotion.
The Role of the Sushumna Nadi (Central Channel)
The sushumna nadi is the central energy channel running along the spinal column. It connects the lower energy centres (chakras) to the crown (Sahasrara). When Kundalini rises through this channel, it bypasses the the channel to the left (Ida nadi) and one to the right (Pingala nadi) bringing them into balance whilst rising through the central channel.
Process of Awakening
At birth, ida and pingala are active, governing breath and bodily functions, while sushumna remains dormant.Through meditation, devotion, and yogic discipline, Kundalini is activated at the mooladhara.The awakened energy ascends through the sushumna, (central channel as described in Sahaja Yoga Meditation) it rises from the sacrum bone piercing each chakra, purifying the subtle body, and ultimately reaching the sahasrara at the crown of the head.
Serpent imagery: Kundalini is a coiled serpent that uncoils and ascends when awakened.
Divine union: The rising energy is described as a bride meeting her bridegroom, symbolizing the soul’s union with the divine.
Light and flame: The awakened Kundalini is likened to a flame rising upward, illuminating the seeker’s consciousness.
How He Describes Kundalini
As a serpent power: Coiled at the base of the spine in the sacrum bone (Greek for sacred bone) waiting to be awakened.
As divine energy: Rising through chakras, leading to union with the supreme consciousness. often called the Yoga meaning the connection wit the divine.
As experiential reality: This is not just theory, and can be actualized by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi probably the words leading saint in this area, a great yoga teacher who spent her life helping seekers get their Self Realization/enlightenment/self awareness.
Ganeshwara/Jnaneshwar writes from direct realization, making his descriptions poetic yet practical.
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