Power of Action

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Kundalini Shakti

The sixth verse of the Kundalini Stavaha (1), a Sanskrit hymn praising the Kundalini Shakti, states that she is power in action, which is the inspiration for title of this piece. In this artwork, the two serpents give an impression of movement that exemplifies power in action.

Movement and Expansion

A yantra is an Indian diagram symbolizing subtle divine energy and is used as an object of meditation. The typical frame of a yantra is square. In this digital artwork, however, the action takes places in a rectangle. A square represents a static, very stable shape. While a rectangle is equally stable, the elongated width makes it slightly more dynamic, creating visual movement to the right and left of its center. The smaller squares within the rectangle convey a dynamic visual impression, because they pivot on one of the corners. They are also diamond shaped.

The entire group of dynamic squares can be seen as two overlapping larger dynamic squares or seven individual ones. If we look at the group of squares as two overlapping ones, then the overlapping symbolizes the expansion of the square by doubling. The doubling of the square suggests movement and expansion within the Muladaha chakra, the psychic energy center at the base of the spine. This apparent expansion and movement indicate that the Kundalini Shakti is active. Also, the seven individual squares can be seen as representing the seven charkas or psychic centers in the human body. As Kundalini Shakti passes through different psychic centers, she activates and purifies them in her journey to higher levels of consciousness. In either case, the symbolism of movement and expansion applies to the action of the awakened Kundalini Shakti.

In a yantra the triangle denotes the vital life force – Kundalini Shakti. In this piece, both the red downward-pointing triangle and the serpent represent Kundalini Shakti. The red color of the triangle signifies vitality and the nature of fire. The ruling planet for the Muladhara Chakra is Mars, whose nature is fiery. The red color of the triangle, therefore, suggests the energy of Mars. In this context, Mars is the spiritual warrior.

In the center of the artwork, the central serpent dwells within a double square – one vertical and one horizontal. The vertical square is only the outline of a square and appears as a wire-like shape. The other square has four red petals, typically representative of the Muladhara Chakra.

The four Sanskrit letters are the seed sounds of the four petals of the Muladhara Chakra. Starting in the upper left corner, they are vam, sham, ksham, and sam. The ancient Tantric seers have described them as being of the color yellow. Here, the letters are black because they are the shadows cast by the letters, rather than the direct view. The bluish background has a night-like quality and, for that reason, they are seen as shadows. Also, the dark color and texture of the background suggest the cosmic void – the energy-filled wholeness, pure potential – from which all creation manifests.

Viewing the Artwork

This piece can evoke a strong emotional response. The meaning behind the shapes, colors, and textures will be personal. The following procedure is recommended to explore the experience of the art.

Investigate all the components and mentally record your emotional response. Do not be overly analytical and try to figure out what this or that means. Enough information is given to serve as a guide. Just record your inner response without being judgmental. Sometimes, the emotional impression is subtle and difficult to describe. In this case, whatever impression occurs is fine.

Look at the image by focusing on the eye of the serpent. With soft eyes allow the whole image to envelope your field of vision. Record what happens. If you look at the image long enough, parts of the image will move, shift, decrease and increase in size. If tears come as the result of long viewing, close your eyes and rest in the quietude that follows.

The first part of this process allows the mind to function in its normal mode by recording and classifying information. Next, the intuitive aspect of our nature is fulfilled by acknowledging and engaging in emotional impressions. Lastly, closing the eyes (after focusing on the serpent) allows the mind to rest. In this quietude, the mind becomes still and flashes of insight can occur.

Kundalini Stavaha, New York: SYDA Foundation, 1979, verse 6.