Kundalini Shakti
Lit., “coiled one.” The primordial shakti, the power of spiritual evolution in a human being. The dormant form of this spiritual energy is represented as lying coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened and guided by the Siddha Yoga Guru, and its progress aided by the seeker’s own disciplined effort, this energy brings about purification on all levels, physical and subtle, and leads to the permanent experience of one’s divine nature.
Mantra
A sacred invocation; sacred words or divine sounds invested with the power to protect, purify, and transform the awareness of the individual who repeats them. A mantra received from an enlightened Master is enlivened by the power of the Master's attainment. The Siddha Yoga mantras include Om Namah Shivaya, Guru Om, and So’ham.
Self
When capitalized, the pure Consciousness that is both the divine core of a human being and the essential nature of all things.
Shaktipat
Lit., “descent of power, descent of grace.” On the Siddha Yoga path, the initiation (diksha) by which a Siddha Yoga Guru transmits the divine grace that awakens Kundalini Shakti, the inner spiritual energy in an aspirant; shaktipat-diksha signals the beginning of Siddha Yoga sadhana, the disciplined practice that culminates in spiritual liberation.