(This is a partial listing of the many books available which include some discussion of Kundalini, or present a good introduction to yoga or spiritual awakening for those looking for education and supporting their own Kundalini awakening.)

Adyashanti. (1992). The Impact of Awakening. Los Gatos, CA. Open Gate Sangha. (Excerpts from the inspired teachings of an awakened spiritual teacher from the Zen Buddhist tradition that discuss many of the issues that arise following an initial spiritual awakening.)

Adyashanti. (2003). My Secret is Silence. Los Gatos, CA. Open Gate Sangha. (Brief sayings and poetry by a remarkable awakened teacher that touch the heart, unsettle the mind and bring insights related to spiritual awakening.)

Adyashanti. (2004). Emptiness Dancing. Los Gatos, CA. Open Gate Sangha. (A collection of dharma talks by Adyashanti, compiled and edited by Bonnie Greenwell, describing the major themes of his teachings.)

Aurobindo, S. (197l). Letters on Yoga. (4 parts) Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram. (Discussions on
spiritual development, problems and stages of spiritual practice, and transformation of physical and subtle bodies. Esoteric, lengthy but interesting & readable for those interested in yoga philosophy.)

Avalon, A. (1974 rev.). The Serpent Power. New York: Dover. (One of the first books published in English on Indian philosophy and cosmology; excellent esoteric resource, but challenging to read.)

Bentov, I. (1977). Stalking the Wild Pendulum: On the Mechanics of Consciousness. New York: Bantam. (Introduces idea of physio-Kundalini complex, and explores scientific approach to understanding consciousness.)

Caplan, Mariana. Halfway Up the Mountain: The Error of Premature Claims to Enlightenment. (An excellent compilation of teachings from several traditions warning of the delusion of enlightenment which follows intense spiritual experiences.)

Cousins, Gabriel. (1986). Spiritual Nutrition and the Rainbow Diet. Boulder: Cassandra Press. (Good discussion of Kundalini and subtle body theory, sharing some of his personal experience, and introducing dietary approach to supporting spiritual processes.)

Da Free John. (1979). Compulsory Dancing. Clearlake, CA. Dawn Horse Press. (An easy to read book with interesting spiritual truths relevant to people committed to spiritual processes.)

Da Avabhasa. (1992). The Knee of Listening. Clearlake: The Dawn Horse Press. (Biography which describes spiritual journey, awakening and Kundalini processes of Da Free John, aka Da Avabhasa.)

Edwards, L. (1996). The Soul’s Journey: Guidance from the Goddess Within (Av. from Dr. Edwards at
45 Lake Shore Dr., Putnam Valley, NY 10579.) (A deeply personal account of visionary and awakening experiences, and his approach to establishing a relationship with the “divine presence”.)

Freke, T. & Gandy, P. (2002). Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians. (Fabulous book with incredible research about early Jewish and Christian Gnosticism, which is the best analogy I have ever seen that shows that Jewish and Christian mystical practices originally led to self-realization or enlightenment in the same way it is described in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Nothing here about kundalini, but tremendous clarity about what it is to be self-realized, and how it happened that the Christian churches no longer recognize or support it.)

Goel, B.S. (1985). Third Eye and Kundalini. India: Third Eye Foundation. (Hard to find; a detailed autobiographical description of the awakening of an Indian intellectual who studied Freud and Marx. Shows clearly emotional problems, self-doubts, and other problems that can accompany awakening.)

Greenwell, Bonnie (1995). Energies of Transformation: A Guide to the Kundalini Process. Shakti River Press. Saratoga, CA. (A comprehensive overview of Eastern and Western views of Kundalini, including 23 case histories, descriptions of seven categories of symptoms, and guidelines for assisting someone in this process.)

Grof, S. and Grof, C. (1990). Spiritual Emergency: When Personal Transformation Becomes a Crisis. Los Angeles, CA. Tarcher. (An anthology of many experiences. A good overview of a varieties of spiritual emergency including information on NDE, psychic opening, Shamanic openings, Kundalini.)

Grof, S. and Grof, C. (1986). Spiritual Emergency: The Understanding and Treatment of Transpersonal Crises. ReVision, 8, 7-31. (The entire issue is focused on issues of spiritual crisis.)

Grof, C. (1990). The Stormy Search for the Self. Los Angeles, CA. Tarcher. (Information similar to the above, but includes Christina’s personal experiences and information on addiction and spiritual emergence, and general guidelines for working with spiritual emergence.)

Gupta, S. (1971). The Laksmi Tantra -- A Pancaratra text. Leiden, Netherlands: E.J.Brill. (Available at CA. Inst. of Integral Studies, S.F. CA., library; scriptures describing Kundalini as a goddess, and the methods and outcomes of a relationship with her.)

Hari Dass, B. (1981). Ashtanga Yoga Primer. Santa Cruz: Sri Rama. (Basic introduction to the practices of Ashtanga or eight-limbed yoga, including use of yogic locks, pranayama and asana... a how-to book; no specific references to Kundalini.)

Harrigan, J. (1996). Kundalini Vidya: A Comprehensive System for Understanding and Guiding Spiritual Development. Available through Patanjali Kundalini Yoga Care: 227 Suburban Rd., Knoxville, TN 37923. (A concise and helpful 43-page booklet that outlines the basics of Kundalini science as described in ancient scripture. Describes the causes for a Kundalini release, the kinds of rising, and methods for management. Dr. Harrigan also has a book service and imports many of the Indian books recommended on this list.)

Harris, B. and Bascom, L. (1990). Full Circle: The Near-death Experience and Beyond. New York: Simon & Shuster. (An enjoyable story of Barbara’s personal story of NDE and the impact it had on her life, with a scientific commentary.)

Irving, Darrel (1995). Serpent of Fire: A Modern View of Kundalini. York Beach, ME: Weiser. (A basic discussion of the myth and reality of Kundalini awakening, including details of the author’s experiences, two interviews with Gopi Krishna, and comparisons of Kundalini with madness.)

Jayakar, P. (1986). Krishnamurti: A Biography. San Francisco: Harper & Row. (Describes in some detail Krishnamurti’s Kundalini experiences.)

Joy, B. (1979). Joy's way: A Map for the Transformational Journey. Los Angeles J.P. Tarcher. (Joy, a physician and healer, describes his Kundalini experiences and theories regarding subtle body energy.)

Judith, A. (1996). Eastern Body Western Mind; Psychology and the Chakra System. Berkeley: Celestial Arts. (An extensive exploration of the chakra system as a seven-leveled philosophical model of the universe, and of chakras as the transmitters of life force energy. Offers a detailed description of the relationship of psychological forces to the chakras.)

Kalweit, H. (1988). Dreamtime & Inner Space: The World of the Shaman. Boston: Shambala. (If you think your Kundalini experience has echos of Shamanic experience this is an excellent overview of the inner world of the shaman, with several descriptions that sound much like Kundalini phenomena, and helpful perspectives on near-death, out-of-body and other altered state experiences.)

Kason, Y. (1996). A Farther Shore: How Near-death and Other Extraordinary Experiences Can Change Ordinary Lives. San Francisco : Harper Collins (An excellent, thorough description of the Kundalini process, using the model proposed by Gopi Krishna, and expanded by Dr. Kason, who is a physician specializing in work with people who have had spiritual experiences. Many vignettes and stories of people in various spiritual processes with some emphasis on the awakening of spiritual, psychic and creative abilities.)

Karanjia, R. K. (1977). Kundalini Yoga. New York: Kundalini Research Foundation. (Good descriptions and information regarding Kundalini)

Kennett, J., and MacPhillamy, Rev. D. (1977). How to Grow a Lotus Blossom. Mt. Shasta, CA.: Shasta Abbey. (Describes Kennett's personal experiences during her third stage kensho, or spiritual awakening, with many visionary experiences. A radical book to be offered from a Zen Buddhist monk -- also see The Wild,Wild Goose, a book about her initial awakening experiences.)

Kennett, J. (1979). The Book of Life. Mt. Shasta, CA.: Shasta Abbey. (Describes theories regarding bodywork based on ancient Anma massage to help people with energies awakened due to meditation.)

Krishna, G. (1993 rev. by Leslie Shepherd). Living With Kundalini. Boston: Shambala. (His detailed autobiography, a version of Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man, updated and expanded, describing a wide range of difficult experiences and ultimate transformation with Kundalini, and providing much theory regarding the process.)

Krishna, G. (More than 30 books were published by Krishna related to the Kundalini experience and its evolutionary potential, predicting events of the future and exploring the impact on the brain and consciousness of Kundalini awakening. Some titles include The Secret of Yoga, The Wonder of the Brain, Higher Consciousness and Kundalini, The Riddle of Consciousness, The Shape of Events to Come, The Present Crisis, and Kundalini for the New Age (1988, Bantam, Ed. by Gene Keiffer).

Lad, V. (1984). Ayurveda: The Science of Self-healing. New Mexico: Lotus. (Describes Indian medicine as taught for thousands of years in relationship to diet, food categories, exercises and constitutional aspects which balance the elements and the body to attune it physically, emotionally and spiritually.)

Lumiere-Wins, John and Lynn Marie. (2000). The Awakening West: Evidence of a Spreading Enlightenment. Clear Visions Publications, Oakland. (Interviews with 15 contemporary spiritual teachers, primary of the Advaita or Non-dual traditions, with insights into their personal stories and experiences of awakening.)

Malik, Arjan. (1991 & 1994). Kundalini and Meditation. Published by Ajay Kumar Jain, Manohar Publications, 2/6/ Ansari Rd. Daryaganj, New Delhi 110 002. ( A nice story of a classic awakening with a teacher in India.)

Maharshi, Sri Ramana. (1989). Published by Venkataraman, Sri Ramansramam, Tiruvannamalai. (An excellent collection of talks given by Sri Ramana Maharshi, a great modern Advaita teacher and sage of India, who is credited with bringing the teachings of non-dualism back into the forefront of India teachings. Many modern non-dual teachers have come from his lineage, and this book is one of several that give clear and understandable teachings on the nature of Self and Self-inquiry.)

Mishra, R. (1959). Fundamentals of Yoga. New York: Lancer. (Excellent introduction to yoga theory and practice.)

Mishra, R. (1963). Yoga Sutras: The Textbook of Yoga Psychology. New York: Anchor. (Excellent interpretation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.)

Mookerjee, A. (1983). Kundalini, the Arousal of the Inner Energy. New York: Destiny. (Easy to read, skims a broad range of information on chakras, subtle energies, tantra and Kundalini.)

Motoyama, H. (1981). Theories of the Chakras: Bridge to Higher Consciousness. Wheaton, Ill.: Theosophical Publishing House. (Describes his personal experience with Kundalini, and relates specific changes to the movement of Kundalini through the chakras; suggests practices for opening each chakra.)

Moss, Richard (1986). The Black Butterfly. Berkeley, Ca. Celestial Arts. (A Western physician and healer describes his experiences of awakening and his work leading seminars.)

Muktananda, S. (1978). Play of Consciousness. Ganeshpuri, India: Gurudev Siddha Peeth. (Autobiography describing his experiences, and presenting clearly the significance of the guru in Indian spiritual practices, and many experiences of visions, energy and consciousness.)

Muktananda, S. (1979). Kundalini: The Secret of Life. South Fallsburg, N.Y.: SYDA Foundation. (Tiny book with supportive messages, and good descriptions of the positive aspects of Kundalini.)

Narayanananda, S. (1950). The Primal Power in Man or the Kundalini Shakti. Gylling, Denmark: N.U.Yoga Trust & Ashrama. (Includes discussion of some problems of Kundalini & recommendations.)

Paulson. G. (1995). Kundalini and the Chakras: A Practical Manual. Llewellyn Pub. (A good introduction with an esoteric slant and emphasis on practices for the chakras from a woman with a Christian background, esoteric “New Age” language, and experience with people who have activated Kundalini energy in her training programs.)

Pradhan, V.G. (1969). Jnaneshwari: A Song-sermon on the Bhagavadgita (Vols. 1-2). London: Blackie and Son. (Inspiring poetic interpretation of the Gita, a classic Indian scripture. This is the only version of the Gita in which Kundalini is specifically described and discussed.)

Prasad, R. (1969). Nature's Finer Forces (rev. ed.). London: H.P.B. Press. (Complex and specific description of prana, the subtle body, the soul, and the science of breath as taught in Indian scriptures.)

Radha, S. (1978). Kundalini Yoga for the West. Boulder, CO.: Shambala. (Presents Radha's views of the chakras in great detail, with psychological issues and practices for transformation.)

Radha, S. (1981). Diary of a Woman's Search. Canada: Timeless. (Autobiography describing her spiritual experience in India, with emphasis on her psychological struggles and yoga practices.)

Radhakrishnan, S. and Moore, C. (1957). A Sourcebook in Indian Philosophy. Princeton, N. J.: Princeton University. (Good history of Indian thought and scripture without discussion of Kundalini.)

Rama, S., Ballentine, R. & Ajaya, S. (1976). Yoga and Psychotherapy: The Evolution of Consciousness. Honesdale, PA.: Himalayan Institute.

Ring, Kenneth (1992). The Omega Project: Near Death Experiences. UFO Encounters and Mind at Large. New York: William Morrow. (An outstanding scientific study of the presenting conditions and early childhood patterns of people who report NDE and UFO experiences and report some of the phenomena related to Kundalini awakening.)

Rishabhchand (1953). The Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo. (2 vol.) Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram. (Excellent and understandable introduction to teachings of yoga as interpreted by Aurobindo; discusses specific problems and solutions regarding the spiritual life.)

Sannella, L. (1987). The Kundalini Experience. Lower Lake, CA. Integral Publishing. (Important book for Western therapists written by physician, comparing Kundalini with psychosis and speculating on the reasons for Kundalini awakening; describes many symptoms and case histories.)

Saraswati, S. (1984). Kundalini Tantra Mungar: India: publ. by Sri G.K. Kejriwal at Bihar school of Yoga. (This is an excellent overview of the Kundalini tradition and philosophy, the experiences related to Kundalini and practices which awaken and nurture the process.)

Saraswati, S. (1967). (1982 most recent edition). Taming the Kundalini Published by Bihar School of Yoga, India. (Letters from the Swami to his students with lots of guidance about their Kundalini process and its relationship to other issues.)

Satprem. (1970). Sri Aurobindo or the Adventure of Consciousness. Pondicherry: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust. (Another great overview of the Aurobindo teachings).

Scott, M. (1983). Kundalini in the Physical World. London, Routledge & Kegan Paul. (Intellectual views of a scholar who has studied Tantra and Yoga extensively and describes Kundalini as an earth energy, relating it to the energy flows of the entire planet.)

Selby, John (1992). Kundalini Awakening: A Gentle Guide to Chakra Activation and Spiritual Growth. Bantam Books. (Has simple exercises and is a gentle guide, as it says it is. Selby is a well known therapist but this book is a very simplified approach to the experience.)

Singh, J. (Trans.) (1979a). Siva Sutras: The Yoga of Supreme Identity. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. (Classical scripture describing higher consciousness.)

Sivananda, S. (1935). Kundalini Yoga. Himalayas: Divine Life Society. (Classical discussion of the practice of Kundalini Yoga, including good descriptions of subtle body, and specific yoga practices.)

Sivananda, S. (1969). Spiritual Experiences (Amrita anubhava). Himalayas, India: Divine Life Society. (Discusses some of the ecstasies and problems of spiritual aspirants )

Some, Malidoma (1994). Arcana, Of Water and Spirit. Penguin Books. (A remarkable story of a spiritual teacher trained in the African Shamanic tradition. Kidnapped in Africa, and taken to Jesuit mission school, and raised for 15 years by Europeans, he then returned to his home and underwent Shamanic initiation. He is now a teacher in the bay area.)

St. Romain, P. (1991). Kundalini Energy and Christian Spirituality. New York: Crossroads. (A Christian perspective of the awakening process, told by the experiencer.)

Teasdale, W. (1999). The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions. New World Library, Novato. (A lovely synthesis of the issues related to spiritual awakening and mysticism and the “transforming presence of the divine in all traditions.”)

Tirtha, S. (1948). Devatma Shakti: (Kundalini) Divine Power. India: Yoga Shri Peeth Trust. (Excellent overview describing Kundalini by a respected authority. A thorough and understandable presentation of subtle body system).

Tweedie, I. (1986). Daughter of Fire. Grass Valley: Blue Dolphin. (Interesting autobiography describing Kundalini experiences.)

Venkatesananda, Swami. (1976). The Supreme Yoga: A New Translation of Yoga Vasistha (2 volumes). Divine Life Society, Himalyas, India. (This is a wonderful advaitan scripture from India for those ready and able to study the foundational Truths of Self-Realization. These teachings describe the non-dual perspective of creation, existence and the nature of Self and consciousness. Vasistha was a great ancient rishi and sage of India.)

White, J. (1979). Kundalini, Evolution and Enlightenment. New York: Anchor. (A collection of essays by scholars and yogis describing aspects of the Kundalini process.)

Whitfield, B. Spiritual awakenings: Insights of the Near-death Experience and Other Doorways to the Soul.
Deerfield Beach, Fl: Health Comm. (Tells a remarkable spiritual awakening story, and describes a
range of awakening experiences including NDE, Kundalini, and psychic awakenings, along with hints
on how to hold on through the power of these processes, and the need for unconditional love.)

Wolfe, W. T. (1978). And the Sun is Up: Kundalini Rises in the West. Red Hook, New York: Academy Hill. (Biography of a Westerner who claims to have awakened Kundalini using biofeedback.)

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