Most people can prepare for trials and tribulations in the known realms: physical hardship, commitment of energy and mental discipline. But they are usually not aware of spiritual emergencies. These emergencies do happen, and usually there is no one around to help. Often the guides and teachers who freely gave advice when the going was good are nowhere to be found when things go wrong. Luckily, there are still some accomplished masters from whom one can get help, but it also requires great strength and stamina on the part of the aspirant.
The practices of haTha yoga and pranAyama are designed to stimulate the hidden reservoir of energy in the human being that is called kundalini.Â
Most of these difficulties begin with the awakening of kundalini. Therefore, I strongly advise sAdhakas to only proceed on their own until the point where this is imminent. I will give the warning signs when this is about to happen so that at that point the sAdhaka can re-evaluate the situation and actively seek a guru. I highly recommend this approach. Beyond this point if the sAdhaka chooses to proceed alone, they do so at their own risk. I am not saying it cannot be done alone, but you are literally taking your life in your own hands. The outcome will depend on your constitution, preparation and past karma, and I am not aware of any person who is able to evaluate the karmic burden of an aspirant. I sincerely wish you good luck.
On this website I only provide information about practices up to the intermediate level that I characterize as the stage just prior to kundalini awakening.