The three channels

In each human being, the energy flows in one of three different channels. For simplicity we refer to them as the left, right and centre. Prior to Self-realization through Sahaja Yoga, the energy flows – the attention settles – in the left or the right. The left – the tamo guna – is concerned with desire, with yesterdays, with the moon, with conditioning, with memory. If the left side is out of kilter we can become cold, insecure, depressed, fearful. On the other side is the right channel – the rajo guna – concerned with action, with tomorrows, with the sun, with planning. If the right side is out of kilter we can become tense, aggressive, even violent. Some of us swing from one side to the other, and back again with painful consequences.

But Self-realization opens up the central channel – the satwa guna – bringing about the yoga, the union of the spirit with the Divine energy of creation. And once this central channel has been opened, then good meditation, health and well-being follow. When the energy flows along this central channel the other two – the left and the right – are brought into balance so that insecurity and depression on one side, tension and aggression on the other, disappear.

The energy that flows through the central channel is called kundalini, a sanskrit word. There is no English word for it. This power is the mothering energy in us, the nurturing energy, the energy that transforms us into spiritual beings. It is a reflection, in miniature, of Divinity. It is a seed of God’s power, the First Power, the Adi Shakti, the Holy Spirit, the Devi, the Feminine Aspect of God. The Goddess. And it is our honouring of this Divinity within us, our dedication, our worship, that strengthens the flow of kundalini, and opens up the rich world of the spirit.

Brian Bell