Hidden Treasure

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Kundalini Shakti

Kundalini Shakti is the divine cosmic power that manifests the entire physical universe. Kundalini is the core energy behind the functioning of the physical body, maintaining existence through the prana – the subtle breath that prompts inhalation and exhalation. Kundalini Shakti also resides as a dormant spiritual energy – like a hidden treasure – within each human being. When this dormant energy is awakened, she rises to different psychic energy centers called chakras and "purifies" by erasing energetic impressions of false concepts and limitations. Through this process, Kundalini brings about the state of bliss through the expanded awareness of one's inherent divinity and unity with all creation. Kundalini Shakti is a treasure chest of good fortune both worldly and spiritual.

The Hidden Treasure Within

On a treasure map, "X" marks the spot to indicate the location of the sought-after hidden treasure. Similarly, in this piece, the light blue irregular "X" in the center symbolizes the inner treasure of Kundalini awakening. As with any treasure, the contents are often concealed. In this piece, the two heads of the serpent, representing the Kundalini Shakti, are disguised. The heads face in opposite directions to indicate static equilibrium and the state of being at rest. The two heads appear to be suspended in space, because the sides of the elongated diamond-shaped box are drawn in perspective. The open box can be viewed from a variety of angles. From one view, we look up into it and from another view we look down upon it. In addition, the box-like shape suggests the notion of a treasure chest.

The Muladhara Chakra

The fifth verse of the Shat Chakra Nirupana translated by Sir John Woodroffe in his book, The Serpent Power, describes the Muladhara chakra, which is situated at the base of the spine. This verse mentions eight shining spears in the square region of the earth element. (1) These spears represent the eight directions of space found on a compass. In this digital artwork, the four blue triangles and the four corners of the yellow square portray the eight shining spears – the eight directions. To further reinforce this concept of the eight directions of space, the corners of the blue triangular the yellow square are within the circle. The circle symbolizes space. (2)

As for the texture within the blue circle, more than one interpretation is plausible: Does the texture in the blue circle represent the deep space of the universe, the pattern of the serpent, or the basic material of life? These multiple possible interpretations add artistic meaning and complexity to the piece.

The square and the yellow color (which signifies the earth element) represent the basic symbolism of the Muladhara chakra. However, the square in this artwork is green, which also signifies earth because it is the dominant color of foliage and vegetation. The crimson-colored petals are a traditional symbol of this chakra. The Sanskrit letters Va to Sa are often displayed on these petals. (These letters are explained in the discussion for the artwork called Power in Action.) In this artwork, however, the Sanskrit letters are excluded. Nonetheless, the red petals suggest the existence of the letters even though they are not visible here.

The large golden triangle that interacts with the other shapes represents Kundalini. The texture of the golden triangle with its angular lightening-like marks could also represent the triangle known as Traipura. Traipura, a symbol for the three powers of Will, Knowledge and Action is described in verse 8 of the Shat Chakra Nirupana, as beautifully luminous and soft, and lightening-like. (3)

The Serpent

image of the serpent with its tail in its mouth has long been used in art to convey fundamental concepts of life. The joining of the head and tail forms a circle, a traditional symbol for infinity. Also, this configuration of the serpent with its tail in its mouth illustrates a continuous devouring and regenerating of itself, expressing the cyclical nature of the universe as witnessed in the perpetual destruction and re-creation evident in nature. (3) Also, the snake serves as a symbol for rebirth, because of the shedding of its skin. These meanings apply to the Kundalini Shakti - Kundalini Shakti is infinite and unborn. The awakened Kundalini Shakti destroys impurities (the inability to experience one's unity with the divine) and rejuvenates a person. And, she causes the awareness of our divine nature to be reborn.

Describing Kundalini, the Yoga Kundalini Upanishad says that Kundalini "shines as the stem of a young lotus; like a snake, coiled round upon herself, she holds her tail in her mouth". (4) In this work, the serpent flows in between the different layers of the compositional structure and illustrates the serpent at the moment of releasing the tail from her mouth. The act of releasing the tail indicates that she has stirred and is no longer dormant.

Passing through the body of the serpent, there is a repetitive pattern of the symbol AUM (OM), depicting her relationship with the cosmic sound, the source of creation. Woodroffe, in TheSerpent Power, states that the innermost sheath of the channel through which Kundalini Shakti travels has the luster of the primordial sound AUM and that Kundalini Shakti is the embodiment of AUM. (5) The gradual color change in the background (the area containing the repetitive symbol of AUM) creates the illusion of space and suggests the innermost space of the central energy channel. Also, the choice of the color violet – a color often seen in meditation – conveys an inward spiritual feeling.

Using Art to Contemplate the Divine

The Shat Chakras Nirupana gives the description of the chakras so that seekers can focus and meditate on them as a way of rousing Kundalini Shakti. In India, art in the form of yantras and mandalas serve as objects of contemplation specifically designed to lead a person into meditation and, ultimately, to an experience of the universal Truth. In the same way, the elements, such as shape, color, texture, and other components in this artwork, serve as psychic stimuli for contemplating the mystery of the divine energy within us. For further explanation view Ways to Participate in the Experience of Art.

The Serpent Power, Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), Dover Publication, New York, 1974, p. 332.
Tools for Tantra, Harish Johari, Destiny Books, Vermont, 1986, p. 52.
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit9/uint9.html
Kundalini: The Arousal of the Inner Energy, Ajit Mookerjee, Destiny Books, New York, 1983, p. 75.
The Serpent Power, Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), Dover Publication, New York, 1974, p. 332.