There are profound energetic elements in yoga that go beyond the physical realm. Kriyavati are the manifestations of intense energetic absorption, where bodily movements are no longer governed by logic but by the natural flow of energy.

Kriyavati are often observed in those who have awakened their Kundalini energy through rigorous Hatha Yoga practice. People who are inherently energetically sensitive show these actions too. It’s not unusual to see spontaneous and seemingly random bodily movements in these individuals—movements that strange to the untrained eye. These include involuntary motions in the hip area, uncontrollable engagement of the Bandhas during almost all physical activities, and involuntary twitching of the joints.

These spontaneous actions tend to affect various parts of the body, particularly the hands, fingers, legs, feet, tongue, eyes, neck, and even the nostrils. People who experience this often find themselves in a completely different position from the one they originally assumed. The posture still resembles the technique, but it seems less symmetrical, often crooked and swaying.

Mastery of the Subtle Body

These practitioners have already mastered the inner workings of their core, so much so that breathing ceases to be a mechanical process and instead becomes something they can fully control. They have gained mastery over the autonomic functions of the body, enabling them to direct energy through the deep channels for nourishment, cleansing, and unblocking. They can generate high levels of energy, sustaining long periods of intense activity without the need for food or sleep.

While these experiences can overwhelm us, for these highly sensitive practitioners, such deep inner structural cleansing (kriya) is essential for their well-being.

What are Guhyasana and Kriyavati?

Externally, Guhyasanas resemble ordinary yoga poses, but they go much further. They often defy conventional physical alignment principles (which are risky for an unprepared body). In this stage, the body surrenders to the primal energy of Kundalini, and external anatomical alignment becomes irrelevant. All adjustments come from within, organically guided by the breath and the Bandhas. It’s not uncommon to see these practitioners in what to be crooked positions as they practice. They move restlessly, repeating the same elements many times to dissolve blockages in the energy pathways (Nadis). Stopping before these blockages are fully cleared can leave them feeling tight, heavy, and in pain.

Guhyasana, which translates to “the secret pose” or “hidden pose” in Sanskrit, is an advanced meditative posture in Hatha Yoga and Tantra. Interestingly, every enlightened practitioner develops their own unique form of Guhyasana. Personally, I often find myself using my tongue to support my body in weight-bearing practices, as well as during pranayama and meditation. As I flow through my asana, I naturally roll and extend my limbs away from my body. These movements help to release tension and create more ease and space within my inner joints. These actions aren’t deliberate; they simply occur as I practice.

A Spiritual Transformation

Kriyavati on the other hand, is a state where the practitioner experiences involuntary physical, emotional, or mental movements, which are seen as the body’s natural way of releasing blockages and purifying itself. This phenomenon is absolutely a strong sign of the Kundalini, where the energy begins to clear the chakras (nerve clusters) and nadis (energy channels) without conscious control.

Kriyavati is a natural, spontaneous process that occurs when the body’s energy system is sufficiently aligned and purified. This profound state is a sign that the body’s subtle energies are moving freely, leading to spontaneous kriya or movements that promote further purification and awakening.

Even my teaching has evolved to express this personal transition. Initially, I was hesitant to incorporate Guhyasana and Kriyavati into my lessons, but I can not resist the natural flow. It’s heartwarming to see my students embrace these practices with such grace. The feedback has been incredible, with students brim with joy as they achieve breakthroughs they once thought impossible. These achievements, both physical and spiritual, are unfolding before their very eyes, and it’s a true delight to witness.

The Primal Energy

The energy that causes the body to move in seemingly uncoordinated and restless ways comes from the deepest layers of our psychic body. Common perceptions are transcended, and the body achieves what the mind can only dream of, organically. The asana, in this context, become expressions of the powerful presence of this energy, necessary for releasing energetic blockages and entanglement.

As this primal energy takes over, it asserts its dominance over everything, including the breath. This experience is too intense for many to comprehend and certainly not for everyone to try. While challenging, these practices are actually the easiest of the remaining hurdles. They form part of the meditative process of separation and detachment.

First, the separation of the body from the senses.

Then, the separation of the breath from the senses.

Finally, the separation of the absolute energy from the breath.

This absolute energy is unique, timeless, and boundless.

And what happens to the mind? It simply observes, bearing witness to the process so that it can retell the story again and again.

Class Application: Mastering your Energetic Body

Other Indications of Kundalini Activation

These signs can range in intensity and can be either temporary or ongoing, depending on one’s personal experience with kundalini activation. For me, I encountered all of these symptoms, particularly during the first two years. Interestingly, they are now much milder and more manageable.

1. Involuntary Movements: Spontaneous movements like bending, twisting, swaying, or trembling. This can also include twitching of the eyes, tongue, hands, and fingers.
2. Heat Sensations: A feeling of warmth or heat rising up the spine or throughout the body, often described as a burning sensation.
3. Vibrations or Shaking: The body can feel as though it’s vibrating, or there are episodes of intense shaking.
4. Pressure or Tingling: A sensation of pressure, especially around the head, neck, or base of the spine, as well as tingling or prickling sensations in the limbs or scalp.
5. Skin Sensations: You can also feel a crawling sensation on the skin or scalp, along with hair standing on end and sudden sweating throughout the body.
6. Energy Rushes: Sudden bursts of energy moving through the body, which can be exhilarating or overwhelming.
7. Spontaneous Body Postures (Guhyasana): The body can move into yoga postures or mudras without conscious effort.
8. Changes in Breathing Patterns: Unusual breathing patterns, like deep, slow breaths or sudden, rapid breathing, often occurring spontaneously.
9. Emotional Release: Intense emotional experiences, including sudden crying, laughter, or feelings of bliss or ecstasy. You can also experience an overwhelming sense of inspiration, creativity and energy.
10. Amplified Sensory Perception: Heightened senses, including sharper vision, more acute hearing, or increased sensitivity to smells and tastes.
11. Altered States of Consciousness: A shift in awareness, including feelings of oneness, heightened intuition, or a sense of connection to the divine.
12. Changes in Sleep Patterns: Difficulty sleeping or periods of intense dreams, lucid dreaming, or even experiencing sleep-like states while awake.
13. Flashes of Light or Colours: Seeing bright lights, colours, or geometric patterns, often with eyes closed.
14. Brain Emission: There can be a spontaneous release of cerebrospinal fluid through the nasal cavity and mouth, particularly during or after asana, pranayama, and meditation. This can also occur unpredictably throughout the day.
15. Distinct Tongue Sensations: The tongue involuntarily curls back towards the hard palate or the rear of the mouth. You also wake up with a stiff tongue pressed against the hard palate.