09/07/2025 14:00
- 17:30
HALL: Senate Hall
Proponent:
Foxen A.,
Thaler M.,
Westoby R.
Chair:
Thaler M.
Speaker:
Constantini L.M.,
Foxen A.,
Hirmer M.,
Olsson T.,
Thaler M.,
Westoby R.
This panel explores the multifaceted nature of the South Asian religious concept of Kundalini. Rather than imposing linear chronology as the only way of accounting for the development of Kundalini, it investigates the diverse expressions and dimensions of Kundalini across cultures, religions, and contexts. One key theme is the embodied experience of Kundalini, as suggested by the panel title paying homage to William James's Varieties of Religious Experience. In relation to experience we particularly draw attention to affect, sensuality, and sexuality. We explore how Kundalini manifests in personal experiences, highlighting its deep connection to physical, emotional, and psychological states. This theme invites reflection on the sensual dimensions of religious practice and the interrelationship between body, mind, and environment. Another central focus is the regional, national, and global articulations of Kundalini, considering how the concept has travelled and been adapted across cultural and geographic boundaries. We pose the question, "To what extent is Kundalini universal?", to expose how its interpretations have shifted in different cultural settings. This theme highlights the hybridity and local adaptations of Kundalini, showcasing its dynamic role in contemporary religious practices and ideas. The panel aims to present a rich, multidimensional understanding of Kundalini, emphasizing its diverse, evolving expressions in the modern world.
For more info click here