What exactly is Kuṇḍalinī? It depends... What began as an energetic metaphor has morphed into a framework for transcending trauma, and much else besides. Does a snake-like entity really ascend? What sparks the experience? If it happens by chance, how should someone respond? There are few simple answers.Sravana Borkataky-Varma and Anya Foxen are co-authors of The Serpent’s Tale, subtitled “Kuṇḍalinī, Yoga and the History of an Experience.” Both are scholars as well as practitioners – of Tantra (Sravana) and yoga (Anya) – and their research combines historical analysis with people’s experiences.Together, we explore why it can be hard to differentiate the physical from the psychological and the spiritual. We also ask if there are limits to what Kuṇḍalinī stands for and reflect on the challenges involved in defining them. In the process, we consider why reports of Kuṇḍalinī awakenings are increasingly common.Although The Serpent’s Tale is an academic book, it’s an engaging guide to some fascinating characters – along with cultural overlaps between East and West that explain the evolution of Kuṇḍalinī narratives over the centuries. As we discuss, the most famous of these is the story of Gopi Krishna.🧘‍♂️ To explore the evolution of yogic traditions, join me online at truthofyoga.com🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee... Your support is greatly appreciated! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ancientfutures.substack.com/subscribe

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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