Kundalini Arousal And Vibrations In OBE-ing

In Theosophy and Yoga vibrations are considered as a special form of kundalini manifestation.

According to a Hinduistic myth the god Shiva created the universe by emanating the sound OM. In the saga the first stage of universe was a large ocean. On the surface of this ocean consisting of the substance "supreme consciousness" (Sanskrit: Chitta, personified as Shiva) this vibrational force "OM" (personified as the female aspect, called Shakti) caused waves (called Chittavrittis). These waves were the first traces of individual form. By differentiation of these waves the diversity of forms and matter of the universe originated. In the course of evolution of universe Shakti descended to the lowest form of "vibration", the physical matter. This state is associated with the lowest form of consciousness. In human body this evolution is reproduced as descendence of Shakti (the inner power) from the top of the head down the spine to the base of abdomen (Mulhadhara Chakra), creating an awareness more and more linked to the physical matter. This evolution of soul is thought to have happened in past aeons. In Theosophic philosophy the evolution of soul is independent of the evolution of biological life and the above mentioned first step evolved not in physical but in subtle worlds. The aim of the Yogis is to elevate Shakti from chakra to chakra by means of meditation, by sound exercises (Shabda Yoga) and energetic exercises (Kundalini Yoga). Each chakra is characterized by a category of sounds, by a special colour of inner light and by special forms of transcendental awareness. In a certain respect the kind of subtle body separation depends on the kind of activated chakra:
 

Mulhadhara Chakra .... Shakti is sleeping in the material world Svadhisthana Chakra .... dense, mediumistic body separation,  accompanied by paranormal phenomena Manipura Chakra (navel) .... etheric body separation Anahata Chakra (heart) ..... astral projection Vishudha Chakra (larynx, throat) ....? Ajna Chakra ("third eye", between the eyes) ..... mental projection

In Theosophy and Yoga philosophy the activation of a higher located chakra is characterized by higher sounds. With higher chakra location frequencies are increasing: sounds become higher, and light is changing from red (Mulhadhara Chakra) to orange- yellow (Anahata Chakra) and to bluish white (Ajna Chakra). This statement goes conform with my own observations (in accordance with the chakra color observations of Leadbeater 2)).

The kundalini has  three qualities which correspond to the three shells (subtle bodies): etheric, astral, mental.
 

spiritual (chit): kundalini is activated in the "tube" Chittrini astral shell (rajas): kundalini is activated in the "tube" Vajrini etheric shell (prana): kundalini is activated in the "tube" Sushumna spine

Based on this philosophy in esoteric field the terminology "higher planes" and "higher vibrations" was established. The spiritual theory seems very mythological and unrealistic, but its practical implications work very well. This is why chakra meditations have become so popular in modern esoteric field. Because of the OM theory the above quoted philosophy declares vibrations and kundalini arousal as identically. Following I shall try to provide arguments supporting the assumption that vibration and kundalini arousal have to be considered as different phenomena, though both can occur simultaneously.

Difference Between Kundalini Arousal And Vibrations - Personal Point Of View

Despite similar effects between kundalini arousal and vibrations (acoustic perceptions, energetization and warmth), both phenomena seem to be different. As I believe kundalini arousal and vibrations in OBE-ing can be distinguished by the kind of movement of etheric substance, in respect to the vertical axis of the human body, the spinal column. The vector of upwards moving etheric force can be:

Vector of 0 (zero) degrees in respect to the axis of body (upwards streaming or longitudinal waves): Examples are the well known slow energy circulation (upwards on backside, downwards on frontside), furthermore kundalini arousal (without overlapping vibrations).

Vector between 0 and 90 degrees to the vertical axis (more or less transversal waves): Kundalini motion in the form of waves moving upwards at the backside. This most common form of kundalini arousal is accompanied by acoustic perceptions, sensed heat adjacent to the spine, very strong energy flow, euphorization, inner light perception (mostly in gold and white) and is sometimes accompanied by paranormal effects.

Vector of 90 degrees to the axis (vibrations): There is no upward motion of force. The vibrations are felt locally (f.i. breast) or in the whole body and are independent of energy flow in the spine. Vibrations are sensed as frequently on front side as on back side. Very often warmth is felt and sometimes acoustic phenomena are perceived. The 90 degree vector is facilitating a loosening of the etheric double. Practically only these vibrations are important for OBE-ing.

Kundalini Experiences:

Kundalini experiences published so far tend to describe highlights like "cosmic consciousness". However, in most cases experiences are less divine, but nevertheless very interesting for basic understanding. Altogether a wide range of experiences can be made in waking state, as well as in trance or in sleep.

Some Notes Out Of Diaries:

Bal.: "I was dreaming something, when all of a sudden I became lucid and got aware of lying in a wide unknown room. It was dark, but by means of concentration I became aware of some contours. Thus encouraged I increased concentration and by doing this I got the impression that the walls got cracks and light was shining through. Suddenly I felt the kundalini arising in form of hot waves, moving upwards the spine. In the next moment the kundalini criss-crossed up to the shoulder-blades and thereafter moved again straight upwards the spine. Instantly I could see:  While lying in bed, I was surrounded by bizarre, demonlike creatures, staring at me and approaching. There were so many of them, that they filled the room, to the rear piling up to the ceiling. I felt myself keeping them away at a distance of about 11/2 meters making use of an inner force, which required a tremendous amount of concentration. They were standing there without moving and stared at me. One of them in front of me was imposing by his long claws. I tried to scare them away by Mantras but they echoed disharmonically. Since all my efforts were in vain I turned to awake state as speedily as possible, turning my body around still out of trance state. Later on I was amazed how fast I had been able to leave trance and to move my body. The experience was very vivid and vigorous and interesting. Subsequently my back, especially in the region of the spine, felt strikingly heated."

Bal.: "In trance I had the inner sight of the Anahata Chakra (breast). It was a shallow whirl of energy and kundalini moved out of its center like a chain of small fire-balls, creating spirals in the whirl and finally spreading out over the body."

Bal.: "The past months, while awake, I frequently felt energy circling up and down my body; this happened spontaneously.  I started with light-exercises on my Anahata Chakra. An emotion of cosmic love arose and I felt something like small inner flames, originating at my feet and moving upwards in spirals. Then the stream of the golden flames became vertical and my body was forced to bow forewards (in Yoga called kriya). Afterwards I felt strengthened and 'high'."

Vibrational Experiences

Examples see in the article: OBE Related Phenomena

Examples and Correspondence

OBE Letter 471
...... "I was suddenly shocked by some energy coming in through my head, roaring loudly and filling my body like a baloon, completely excited I tried to stay calm but my heart was beating very fast and my mind went crazy, everything stopped, it was fantastic!

...... I was flying and when I realized I was dreaming I concentrated on the details on the ground, it helped a bit but I felt an energy pulling me from behind. I started to fight against it but the dream faded, I began to see white from the morning light in the room and a blue electric energy all around me, I felt this energy forcing my extremities into a certain position. When It beat me I woke up and had my body in that exact positon, it was an incredible fight......"

There are two mechanisms, which (they may mix) may provide you an OBE. In pure idealized description these two states are:

1) The hypoarousal state: near sleep state (deep relaxation, hypnagogic state, phases before and after a sleep phase). All LDs (lucid dreams) are based on this state and the greatest part of astral projections as well.

2) The hyperarousal state: this is a hyperactive energetic state, providing you OBEs which you even may have in a quasi full "day awake" state (ecstasy). The most obvious accompanying effect is the "Kundalini Arousal".

People who experience an OBE in the hyperarousal state, commonly don't set their experience in relation to OBEs but to mystic ecstasy. They call their kind of experience "mystic elevation", "vision of flight into the heaven" or similar expressions. For that reason their experiences are brought in mystic related sites but not in OBE sites. The basic power for this kind is called Kundalini. Kundalini can be awakened by very strong emotions combined with relaxed muscles (as you have it when the body is exhausted by long ritual dancing etc.). The same combination, however, you can have in a deep relaxed state with "awakening effects" like desire to meet a beloved deceased, by desire for an OBE, by concentration, by vivid imagination, by stillness of thoughts, by concentrated observation of body sensations. You see, there are several features, which are recommended in different OBE methods. The quality marks of the kundalini are: heat, sounds, vibrations (and commonly not observed in OBEing but well observed in Yoga: unwilling movements, forced by an inner power, in Yoga called Kriyas - I never would have mentioned the Kriyas in an OBE respond, as you did not have asked for this curious side effect). Unwilling Kriyas are mentioned for instance in the book of Swami Muktananda (I do not know the title at the moment, but I will let you know).

To your experiences:
"Energy coming in through my head" and especially "a blue electric energy all around me" this was the Kundalini
"Pulled back" - this was done by the Silver Cord
"energy forcing my extremities into a certain position" - Kriyas
"Concentrating" - a difficult task of balance is needed - too much awakening impulses breake the state and make you day awake, too less let you fall into common dream state. In every case avoid thinking and avoid attentive analytic concentration but instead try a kind of concentration which may be described as "intensifying the emotional impression of colors and forms" (let's say looking with wide eyes and not focusing too much).