Originally published in the Samhain issue of WodenWood
   Review by Iarwain
   Kundalini for the New Age

   Kundalini for the New Age is a
collection of 15 essays written by the
late Gopi Krishna.  In this book
Krishna explains the Kundalini force in
detail.  He covers the chakras and how
Kundalini effects each of them. He
explains how the awakening of kundalini
has effected his own life and different
ways Kundalini can manifest itself in
others.  There is an essay where he
compares biofeed back, drug experiences
and other forms of meditation to Yoga
meditation.  There is a wonderful essay
on the after life where he likens
individuals to icebergs in an ocean.
The individual dies (the iceberg melts)
and returns to the Kundalini (the ocean)
only to return in part when a new iceberg
forms.
   Krishna also explains Kundalini in
biological terms.  He writes that there
is a physiological pathway for the
Kundalini which is transported by a yet
undiscovered essence.  He also writes of
the glorious evolution to which humanity
is being directed.  His arguments for
the biological explanation of Kundalini
and directed evolution are unconvincing.
He often falls on 'further study will
reveal...' as support for his ideas.
   Since the book is a collection of
essays his writing style is varied.
Some of the essays are written in an
eloquent descriptive style, others in a
more formal argumentative style.  I
have also found much repitition between
the essays.  He often writes about his
biological theory of Kundalini. Most of
the better parts of the book are buried
between his biological theory arguments.
There is no index, and the table of
contents is not descriptive.
   This is not a how to book on
meditation or awakening of Kundalini.
It does relate Kundalini to spirituality
and everyday life.  It is also filled
with unconvincing arguments of the
biological source of Kundalini and
directed evolution of Humanity.
   For $8.95, I can not recommend this
book to the Neo-pagan.  It may be useful
to the new-ager if they are looking for
additional information on Kundalini. If
you can borrow this book, read chapters
4 and 9 on meditation and chapter 15 on
the afterlife for a Yogic view on these
subjects.
   Kundalini for the New Age;  Gopi
Krishna/ Editor: Gene Kieffer; Bantam
New Age; 1988; $8.95
   Not Recommended