Head Pressure Sensations During Meditation - Kundalini Syndrome

[Michel]

Hello Jhananda,

Often while doing meditation I rapidly develop intense pressure sensations in my head. They originate at the base of the skull and are focused like a tight ball at the rear roof of the mouth. As I begin to relax and let go more deeply they then spread to the ears, the sinus, back of the eyes, the forehead, and then often they will expand engulfing the entire head swirling about in a turbulent, pulsating fashion like the aurora borealis; they feel in nature like electromagnetic energy. They will sometimes tend to settle down significantly as I become more peaceful as the meditation progresses; they can be and are often accompanied by blissful sensations.

Some meditation teachers think that these sensations are the result of incorrect practice and require years of corrective measures in ones practice to overcome. They call this phenomena "Kundalini Syndrome". If you have time, please see the following 14 minute video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq4NVSp35Rs&feature=endscreen


Here's what Thanissaro Bhikkhu thinks about this phenomena:

UNUSUAL ENERGIES & SENSATIONS

   As you release tension or tightness in different parts of the body, it can often give rise to unusually strong or unbalanced energies or sensations. This is normal, and these energies, if left alone, can often work themselves out. However, there are two cases where they can become a problem.
   1. The first is when the release is not complete—when energy released from one area gets stuck in another, creating a strong sense of pressure. Two common areas where pressure tends to build up are in the head and around the heart. If the pressure is in the head, check to see whether the energy needs to drain down the front of the throat or down the spine. First focus on opening the energy channel down the front of your throat, and place your attention in the middle of the chest. Think of the energy draining down the channel in the throat to the area where you’re focused, both during the in-breath and during the out.
   If that doesn’t work, consciously trace the energy channels down either side of the spine to see if there’s a point of blockage at any point. If you find one, think of it relaxing. Do this all the way down the spine. Focus your attention at your tailbone. Then visualize the breath going down the spine—again, both during the in-breath and during the out—and then flowing through your tailbone into the air.
   If the pressure is in the middle of the chest, visualize opening the energy channels going out your arms through the palms of your hands. Focus your attention at the palms of your hands and think of breath energy radiating out from your chest—both during the in-breath and during the out—and going out through your palms.
   You can also try a similar visualization with energy channels going down your legs and out through the soles of your feet.As you open these channels, don’t think of pushing the energy into them. In particular, don’t think that you’re trying to push air into them. The breath you’re working with is energy, not air. And energy flows best when it’s not pressured. Simply think, “Allow.” And be patient. Try to distinguish between the flow of the blood—which, because it’s liquid, can build up pressure when it runs up against something solid—and the flow of the breath, which as an energy doesn’t need to build up pressure, as it can flow right through solids.
   If you feel excess pressure in other parts of the body, try connecting those parts, in your imagination, with the energy channels going out the arms or legs.
   2. The other main cause of excess pressure in different parts of the body is when, in an effort to speed up the movement of the breath energy in the body, you push it too much. Here again, the key word is “allow.” Allow the energy to flow. Don’t push it. A comfortable energy, when pushed, becomes uncomfortable. Be patient. Visualize a subtle breath energy that, as soon as you’re aware that you’ve started breathing in, has already spread throughout the body. After a while, you’ll sense that it really is there.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2013-02-01T08:00:00+00:00). With Each & Every Breath: A Guide to Meditation (Kindle Locations 1137-1159). Metta Forest Monastery. Kindle Edition.

[Jhanananda]

Hello Jhananda,

Often while doing meditation I rapidly develop intense pressure sensations in my head. They originate at the base of the skull and are focused like a tight ball at the upper rear roof of the mouth. As I begin to relax and let go more deeply they then spread to the ears, the sinus, back of the eyes, the forehead, and then often they will expand engulfing the entire head swirling about in a turbulent, pulsating fashion like the aurora borealis; they feel in nature like electromagnetic energy. They will sometimes tend to settle down significantly as I become more peaceful as the meditation progresses; they can be and are often accompanied by blissful sensations.

This is the charisms (jhana-nimitta) of the religious experience (samadhi).  If you use them as your meditation object when they arise, then you will find depth in your meditation, and greater bliss.

Some meditation teachers think that these sensations are the result of incorrect practice and require years of corrective measures in ones practice to overcome. They call this phenomena "Kundalini Syndrome". If you have time, please see the following 14 minute video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq4NVSp35Rs&feature=endscreen


Here's what Thanissaro Bhikkhu thinks about this phenomena:

UNUSUAL ENERGIES & SENSATIONS

   As you release tension or tightness in different parts of the body, it can often give rise to unusually strong or unbalanced energies or sensations. This is normal, and these energies, if left alone, can often work themselves out. However, there are two cases where they can become a problem.
   1. The first is when the release is not complete—when energy released from one area gets stuck in another, creating a strong sense of pressure. Two common areas where pressure tends to build up are in the head and around the heart. If the pressure is in the head, check to see whether the energy needs to drain down the front of the throat or down the spine. First focus on opening the energy channel down the front of your throat, and place your attention in the middle of the chest. Think of the energy draining down the channel in the throat to the area where you’re focused, both during the in-breath and during the out.
   If that doesn’t work, consciously trace the energy channels down either side of the spine to see if there’s a point of blockage at any point. If you find one, think of it relaxing. Do this all the way down the spine. Focus your attention at your tailbone. Then visualize the breath going down the spine—again, both during the in-breath and during the out—and then flowing through your tailbone into the air.
   If the pressure is in the middle of the chest, visualize opening the energy channels going out your arms through the palms of your hands. Focus your attention at the palms of your hands and think of breath energy radiating out from your chest—both during the in-breath and during the out—and going out through your palms.
   You can also try a similar visualization with energy channels going down your legs and out through the soles of your feet.As you open these channels, don’t think of pushing the energy into them. In particular, don’t think that you’re trying to push air into them. The breath you’re working with is energy, not air. And energy flows best when it’s not pressured. Simply think, “Allow.” And be patient. Try to distinguish between the flow of the blood—which, because it’s liquid, can build up pressure when it runs up against something solid—and the flow of the breath, which as an energy doesn’t need to build up pressure, as it can flow right through solids.
   If you feel excess pressure in other parts of the body, try connecting those parts, in your imagination, with the energy channels going out the arms or legs.
   2. The other main cause of excess pressure in different parts of the body is when, in an effort to speed up the movement of the breath energy in the body, you push it too much. Here again, the key word is “allow.” Allow the energy to flow. Don’t push it. A comfortable energy, when pushed, becomes uncomfortable. Be patient. Visualize a subtle breath energy that, as soon as you’re aware that you’ve started breathing in, has already spread throughout the body. After a while, you’ll sense that it really is there.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu (2013-02-01T08:00:00+00:00). With Each & Every Breath: A Guide to Meditation (Kindle Locations 1137-1159). Metta Forest Monastery. Kindle Edition.

This nonsense made me laugh.  It is amazing how clueless Buddhist priests are about the experience of samadhi.

[Michel]

Jhananda

This nonsense made me laugh.  It is amazing how clueless Buddhist priests are about the experience of samadhi.

Thank-you so much, Jhananda. I was worried about these sensations going on in my head for the last year. I'm glad you explained it to me. I'm so very happy to hear that they are nothing  to worry about, that they are a sign of correct meditation practice. Just think of all the unfortunate people who look up to these Buddhist priest for guidance and instruction; they'll never learn to meditate properly - this is really very tragic, it's saddening.

[Jhanananda]

Thank-you so much, Jhananda. I was worried about these sensations going on in my head for the last year. I'm glad you explained it to me. I'm so very happy to hear that they are nothing  to worry about, that they are a sign of correct meditation practice. Just think of all the unfortunate people who look up to these Buddhist priest for guidance and instruction; they'll never learn to meditate properly - this is really very tragic, it's saddening.

The sad part is all religions instill fear of the charisms among their flock, which is one of the major reasons why mystics are marginalized.  The fear is that mysticism is contagious. 

I think underneath all of the fear mongering is almost no priests ever has the charisms, so they are afraid that people will no longer honor, respect and support them, when the people develop the charisms; which is true.

The other aspect of the conflict is, if you can bilk $1 out of a billion peasants, then you have made a billion dollars, so religion has always been the biggest business on earth, second only, maybe, to war.  War almost always has an economic incentive behind all of the patriotism. So, the wealthy and powerful families are generally behind every religious institution, because religion is a vehicle for vast wealth and power.  After all who builds the great temples of the world.  Is it the mystics who give up everything for their enlightenment?  No, it is the wealthy and powerful.  This means the great temple architecture of the world is just a theme park, an arcade game, built by the wealthy as a money stream.

[Michel]

Jhananda:

The sad part is all religions instill fear of the charisms among their flock, which is one of the major reasons why mystics are marginalized.  The fear is that mysticism is contagious. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, the Buddha was rather unique - he was really clever - he had a wide following, and was not marginalized, and he was also well supported by wealthy patrons as well as the common person, although a number of attempts to do him in all failed. But as you point out, most mystics are marginalized. Some are either murdered, imprisoned, tortured or executed.

[Jhanananda]

I disagree.  While the suttas are written to make it look like Siddhartha Gautama had a huge following, if you read between the lines, especially in the Samyuta Nikaya, I believe you will see that, while Siddhartha Gautama was not persecuted, he was not as lionized in the way the suttas want us to believe.

On the other hand, there are a number of references that indicate that Siddhartha Gautama was given lands "parks", and possibly even buildings, where he and his followers were welcome to reside; however, those lands and buildings do not seem to be present in his later life; and it almost looks like it was Siddhartha Gautama who rejected them, as a temptation that might make his followers too soft, or the lands were taken away.

Additionally, in the Samyuta Nikaya there are a number of references that indicate a period of mass suicide among his followers during at least one rains retreat.  I believe it was his last rains retreat before his death.

The suttas are not specific about what he said, but they clearly state that he spoke to his followers once, then he told Ananda that he was going into seclusion and not to bother him for anything.

It is a fact that both Mugallona and Sariputta died before Siddhartha Gautama.  It is clear in the suttas that Siddhartha Gautama was very pleased with those two students of his; and I believe he felt he could die and leave his mission in their good hands.  But, when they both died in his 80th year, I believe, he felt his whole mission had been wasted, and that is why his last discourse discouraged so many of his followers that 500 of them committed suicide. 

Later, after that rains retreat, he ate his last meal, which he knew was poisoned.  That is suicide.  In conclusion, while Siddhartha Gautama was not necessarily marginalized, but he certainly was not lionized, and I believe he felt his work had been completely wasted.

[Michel]

Jhanada:

It is a fact that both Mugallona and Sariputta died before Siddhartha Gautama.  It is clear in the suttas that Siddhartha Gautama was very pleased with those two students of his; and I believe he felt he could die and leave his mission in their good hands.  But, when they both died in his 80th year, I believe, he felt his whole mission had been wasted, and that is why his last discourse discouraged so many of his followers that 500 of them committed suicide.

Later, after that rains retreat, he ate his last meal, which he knew was poisoned.  That is suicide.  In conclusion, while Siddhartha Gautama was not necessarily marginalized, but he certainly was not lionized, and I believe he felt his work had been completely wasted.

This is the first time I've heard it said that the Buddha thought that he had failed in his mission, and that he committed suicide as a result of Mugallona's and Sariputta's deaths. He did succeed in helping some to attain arahantship. Maybe that wasn't enough for him? Why would 500 hundred of his followers commit suicide when they had the teachings of the Buddha to guide them? Did not Ananda achieve full enlightenment the night before the First Council? The First Council was held shortly after his death, and was attended by some 500 Arahants who could pass on the teachings to future generations. And for us today, are we not fortunate that we have the legacy of the Buddha's teachings? Why would he think that he had failed in his mission?

[pj]

The mass suicide (according to the sutta) occured after the buddha left for the forest for some solitude.  Before leaving, he gave a discourse on body contemplation.  I don't know if you tried any intensive body contemplation before, but if one's defilements are strong it is very depressing.  The reason the monks committed suicide was because they became so disgusted with their body.  That is, by practicing incorrectly, they ended up increasing their aversion.  Moral of the story: be careful with body contemplation!  Make sure if you practice this method, that you do a type of meditation that clears, and energizes the mind (which is really any kind that you have developed well) afterwards.  (Im not sure if body contemplation really is a type of meditation, or if it rather is just a development of the first frame of reference.  Of course, in the suttas, it can be at times difficult to separate sattiphana from jhana.)

[Michel]

PJ:

The mass suicide (according to the sutta) occured after the buddha left for the forest for some solitude.  Before leaving, he gave a discourse on body contemplation.  I don't know if you tried any intensive body contemplation before, but if one's defilements are strong it is very depressing.  The reason the monks committed suicide was because they became so disgusted with their body.  That is, by practicing incorrectly, they ended up increasing their aversion.  Moral of the story: be careful with body contemplation! 

Hi PJ. Thank-you for your advice. I'm familiar with what you are saying about body contemplation and how it can lead to contempt  for one's body. But what sutta are you referring to. Is it the Mahaparinibbana sutta, DN16?
 
Jhananda:

Additionally, in the Samyuta Nikaya there are a number of references that indicate a period of mass suicide among his followers during at least one rains retreat.  I believe it was his last rains retreat before his death.

The suttas are not specific about what he said, but they clearly state that he spoke to his followers once, then he told Ananda that he was going into seclusion and not to bother him for anything.

I think Jhananda in this case was referring to something the Buddha may have said that caused the mass suicide. (see above)

Quote from: Michel on September 18, 2013, 09:31:05 AM

I have questions on 'mindfulness of the body'...

Jhananda:

Another of the common delusions in mainstream Buddhism is we have to engage in all kinds of mental exercises to get to enlightenment, which probably explains why there has not been a Buddha in Buddhism in 26 centuries.  The thing to keep in mind is the whole of the Noble Eightfold Path points to jhana.  So, just use as much of the Noble Eightfold Path as you need to get to jhana and traverse all 8 stages of samadhi.

So, the reason why there are all of those meditation and mindfulness exercises (sati) is because some people need to work at it harder than others.  So, get to jhana, however you can.  If you need to do all of the sati mindfulness exercises, then do them, but if you do not, then just get to jhana during each meditation session and stay there saturating yourself in its depths.

I asked Jhananda above about mindful contemplation of the body, PJ. It's not for everyone. (See above)

[Alexander]

The mass suicide (according to the sutta) occured after the buddha left for the forest for some solitude.  Before leaving, he gave a discourse on body contemplation.  I don't know if you tried any intensive body contemplation before, but if one's defilements are strong it is very depressing.  The reason the monks committed suicide was because they became so disgusted with their body.  That is, by practicing incorrectly, they ended up increasing their aversion.  Moral of the story: be careful with body contemplation!

One of the Spanish mystics (I can't remember if it was Theresa or John) said something like, "You must dig out the root of self-love with the knife of self-hatred." To get over the world, despise it. And yourself. But not so radically or hopelessly that you also abandon love, forget the brahma viharas, or forget the "other" world! The self-hate is utilitarian.

I disagree.  While the suttas are written to make it look like Siddhartha Gautama had a huge following, if you read between the lines, especially in the Samyuta Nikaya, I believe you will see that, while Siddhartha Gautama was not persecuted, he was not as lionized in the way the suttas want us to believe.

Later, after that rains retreat, he ate his last meal, which he knew was poisoned.  That is suicide.  In conclusion, while Siddhartha Gautama was not necessarily marginalized, but he certainly was not lionized, and I believe he felt his work had been completely wasted.

Jesus, that's depressing. I definitely agree with your reading of the suttas, and how all of this is implied in them, but I prefer not to read it so fatally. The Buddha -did- live an extraordinarily long life, like 80 years, so that means he was around perhaps -half a century- after reaching enlightenment. And, given the difficult nature of what he was trying to teach, it is only natural that his message would never extend beyond a small number of people (Sariputta and the 1-2 other disciples who the suttas say attained the siddhis, etc).

Despite whatever idealistic "goal" we could say he fell short of, he ultimately created one of the most excellent religions in the world. One which, even after 2500 years, still has perhaps the lowest amount of crap to all of them, and which tries to get at directly what life's purpose is.

Of course the real person who we would compare the Buddha's success with would be Jesus. Since he died in this mid-thirties (honestly probably not long after his full enlightenment), Jesus had a more dramatic way of going out. But the central thing to Christianity is that despite his torture, crucifixion, & entombment, there followed the resurrection. I.e., in his "failure," Christ was triumphant.

[Jhanananda]

...Despite whatever idealistic "goal" we could say he fell short of, he ultimately created one of the most excellent religions in the world. One which, even after 2500 years, still has perhaps the lowest amount of crap to all of them, and which tries to get at directly what life's purpose is.

I have to agree with you here.  Even with all of the corrupt forms of Buddhism, and pretentious priests in Buddhism, nonetheless, the Pali canon certainly has the best record of the path to enlightenment, and the fruit there of.

Of course the real person who we would compare the Buddha's success with would be Jesus. Since he died in this mid-thirties (honestly probably not long after his full enlightenment), Jesus had a more dramatic way of going out. But the central thing to Christianity is that despite his torture, crucifixion, & entombment, there followed the resurrection. I.e., in his "failure," Christ was triumphant.

Martyrdom might be the next best thing, if a mystic cannot depend upon leaving behind a document, like the Pali Canon.  But, since the Pali Canon was not around at the death of Siddhartha Gautama, then he may have not been so sure that anything would be left of his teaching.