Books by Joan Shivarpita Harrigan
Spiritual Book Service
Kundalini Vidya: The Science of Spiritual Transformation Sixth Edition, 2005 Joan Shivarpita Harrigan
"For many in the West, Kundalini has been a subject of mystery and confusion. Now for the first time, Joan Shivarpita Harrigan presents the most exciting, profound, and comprehensive and accessible explanation of Kundalini available. For health professionals and spiritual seekers alike, this is the single best book on Kundalini, and truly indispensable? Kenneth Porter, M.D., Director of Psychiatry Center for Spirituality and Psychotherapy New York City
Kundalini Vidya is a primer for the science of spiritual development according to Traditional Kundalini Science, which offers the Vedic perspective on this universal topic. Based in scripture, oral tradition, case study, and personal experience, the expanded and revised 2005 6th edition succinctly and engagingly presents a basic and tradition-based introduction for seekers who want to understand and support spiritual life and a Kundalini process. Much of the material in this book is the first and only written presentation of the oral teachings of the author's lineage of Kundalini specialists. Defining Kundalini as the spiritual Omnipotence within, the book distinguishes its traditional, comprehensive perspective from other, specialized variations and popular modern concepts (and misconceptions). It emphasizes the universal application of Kundalini science, a phenomenon that every spiritual tradition has addressed in its own language and symbols. Preceded by a whirlwind history of Kundalini in America, traditional texts and philosophical orientations are reviewed. A description of the author's lineage and her teacher, Swami Chandrasekharanand Saraswati, is also offered, along with the story of their karmic first encounter. Readers are invited to use the simple yet vivid Sanskrit terms of Traditional Kundalini Science, with English technical terms provided as needed, and a convenient glossary at hand. Kundalini Shakti, also known as the Divine Mother or Holy Spirit, among many other names, works in and through the subtle body, which is her container. The subtle body, as the text describes, includes three of the five sheaths (koshas) of the human being: energy, mind, and discernment. Its energy sheath has a subtle physiology of its own, involving subtle energies (vayus), subtle elements (tattvas), subtle energy flow patterns (svaras), subtle energy currents (nadis), subtle energy centers (chakras), and subtle brain centers (dalas). The mind and discernment, karma and reincarnation, the astral and celestial realms--all are discussed within the context of Kundalini Shakti's ascension agenda. Kundalini Vidya is unique among texts on Kundalini. It clearly lays out the conditions for, causes of, and sequential steps in a Kundalini release, with attention to factors that may prevent or complicate that release. Physical, psychological, and non-ordinary experiences associated with Kundalini risings are listed, with a special section on differentiating among various non-ordinary experiences. Some common medical diagnoses that may be concurrent with a Kundalini process are discussed, along with the DSM-IV category “Religious or Spiritual Problem”. Traditional Kundalini Science identifies the six routes, or nadis, through which Kundalini Shakti may rise. Each route is described, with the differing experiences inherent in each, and additional specifications based on the level of the rising and the condition of the individual's subtle body. Another special offering is the description of a Full rising, which occurs when Kundalini Shakti reaches the Upper Brow (Ajna) chakra at Makara point. The shift that takes place at Makara point can establish a sincere person in true spiritual life, and it is believed to change brain function, allowing for the production of new neurotransmitters, the unloading of stored unconscious impressions, and the development of new neuro-psychological patterns. This is called the Renovation/Restoration phase, the benefits and challenges of which are considered. From Makara point, Kundalini Shakti selects one of the Upper Process routes to complete her journey to Bindu, the culmination point where she merges with the One. A description of each of the five upper processes described in Vedic texts is given. Mention is then made of the Plateau and advanced phases of spiritual process that follow the re-descending and ascending of Kundalini Shakti that takes place in Complete and Advanced Kundalini process. The last section of the book addresses lifestyle considerations and basic spiritual practices essential to the proper maintenance of a healthy Kundalini process. According to the author, difficulties in a process are due to a lack of understanding of how to manage the experience effectively. She notes simple, positive methods that can help and indicates the importance of receiving good spiritual direction and seeking divine intervention. Cautions about unhelpful practices are given, and the reader is urged to accept the spiritual solution for improving a Kundalini rising, as it is considered to be the only truly effective method. Appendices describe Patanjali Kundalini Yoga Care (the spiritual service based on Traditional Kundalini Science) and offer a preliminary report on the results of its services. A third Appendix reviews a mind/body perspective on the chakras. A bibliography, glossary, and index are also included.
Revision of the April 2002 expanded text. ISBN 0-9710128-2-2 255 pages, 8-1/2 x 11, spiral bound, 70 figures and illustrations, bibliography, glossary, index, color plate of Kundalini Shakti. $26.00
