Sushumna Nadi (Center Channel)

Qualities: present, unconscious
Gross expression: parasympathetic nervous system
Manifestations: sustenance, revelation, connection with the all-pervading power

The central channel begins at the Mooladhara Chakra (subtle body chart, 1) and passes straight up into the highest chakra of Sahasrara (subtle body chart, 7). Only partly active up to the human stage, it expresses the evolutionary power, virtue and righteousness and the power of awareness.

On first awakening, Kundalini ascends through the Sushumna Nadi up to the Agnya Chakra (subtle body chart, 6). It covers the lower plate of the brain, then descends like melting clouds on the Ida and Pingala Nadi to the void. It fills this area and then the three combined powers of Ida Nadi (the left or Moon Channel), Pingala Nadi (the right or Sun Channel) and Sushumna Nadi re-ascend the Sushumna Nadi to open the Sahasrara Chakra. The spirit, residing in the heart, has its seat at the top of the head in the centre. All the chakras have their seats in the Sahasrara (subtle body chart, 7).

Chakras on hands, feet, head

The Sushumna Nadi is the central channel meant for our evolution. It is through this channel that we become collectively conscious and all the disparate factors of our being are integrated in one whole. It makes the connection between our conscious mind and the “auto” of the autonomous nervous system, the spirit, which is the reflection of the all-pervading power in us.

Meditation in thoughtless awareness is the key to the development of a strong Sushumna. Another basic requirement is to enjoy a virtuous and noble life. After realisation, try to keep yourself in thoughtless awareness as much as possible with the attention centred in the Sushumna Nadi, the channel of the eternal present, where the only time is ‘now’. In this way, with Kundalini Awakening, we transcend time and space.