Shaktipat

##Description

Shaktipat is a ritual originating in Hindu traditions in which a guru or teacher is said to transmit spiritual power to a disciple. This transmission is usually associated with awakening kundalini energy.

Christian concerns about this practice relate to opening oneself to a spiritual influence whose origin a person cannot verify. Intense experiences, a sense of light or temporary peace are not proof that God is the source of the experience.

##Symptoms / signs

Participants describe waves of heat, trembling, involuntary movements, intense emotions and altered states of consciousness. Similar experiences are presented in the “Spirit of kundalini” card.

Spiritual unease, a strong attachment to the guru and a need to receive further transmissions may also occur.

##Possible roots / causes

Involvement includes consciously receiving “transmissions”, “activations” or a blessing offered as part of shaktipat. Spiritual submission to the teacher and participation in practices intended to awaken kundalini also matter.

##Help / what next

Renounce the transmission received, spiritual submission to the guru and the pursuit of kundalini awakening. In prayer, break the bonds associated with this practice, confess Jesus Christ as the only Lord and ask for cleansing and deliverance. Persistent disturbing experiences should be brought into further discernment and prayer.