In the writings of authors such as Hitoshi Yōga and Sōichirō Kōtō of the Sen'dō school, the concept of "Shō-ten" (minor circulation) appears as a fundamental practice, which involves channeling energy through various parts of the body like a line. The basic method is to move energy along the body's central axis, from the back up and down the front. However, there is also a stage where, by channeling a larger amount of energy, the body doesn't just have energy flowing through specific routes, but the entire body radiates a luminous energy.

There is a stage called "Dai-ten" (major circulation) beyond that. However, when comparing descriptions in books, there have been times when I felt like I was at the entrance to that stage. Now, it seems more appropriate to consider that I have finally reached a stage close to completing Shō-ten or the whole-body circulation, but I have not yet reached Dai-ten.

At the current stage, energy has just begun to flow through various parts of the body. In particular, the head was previously only channeling energy through specific points, not the entire area. It is still not complete, but at least, it is significantly different from the previous state.

My understanding of Kundalini energy has also changed. While Kundalini is often interpreted as rising along the spine, even if it does rise once, it is only temporary. It can serve as a trigger for energy to flow, but if the energy channel cannot be continuously opened and maintained, it becomes unstable and can lead to Kundalini syndrome.

Therefore, a certain phrase that people in the Theosophy system often quote is true.

・"It (Kundalini) gives liberation to yogis, but binds fools." ("The Esoteric Science of the Asteroids, Vol. 1, The Etheric Body" by Arthur E. Powell)
・"The awakening of Kundalini gives liberation to yogis, but gives the fool the chains of suffering." ("The Chakras" by C.W. Leadbeater)

This appears to be based on verse 107 (or 106, depending on the version) of the third chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The original text states the following:

・"Kundalini Shakti sleeps above the Kundalini. This is a cause of liberation for yogis, but a cause of bondage for fools." (Translation of Chapter 3, paragraph 106, from "Yoga Honpon Kyohon" by Tsruji Saho).
・"Kundalini Shakti sleeps above the Kundalini (the place near the navel where nadis join and separate). It gives liberation to the yogi, and bondage to the fool. He who knows Shakti knows Yoga." (From "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" by Swami Vishnu-Devananda).
・"Kundalini Shakti sleeps above the Kundalini. This Shakti is a means of liberation for the yogi, but a cause of bondage for the ignorant." (From "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" by Swami Muktibodhananda, supervised by Swami Satyananda Saraswati).

As I understand it now, awakening Kundalini should be done after the purification of various parts of the body, allowing energy to flow through the energy channels. However, it can also occur spontaneously, even without practice or advanced training. This happens when dormant energy is temporarily awakened by some stimulus or experience. However, if there is no vessel to contain it, having more energy than one can handle is dangerous.

My current understanding is that it is safe to activate Kundalini after the completion of the Small Circulation (小周天), or when the entire body circulation is being established, allowing energy to flow to all parts of the body. If it awakens prematurely, it may be better to seek guidance from a qualified guru and receive appropriate treatment in a safe environment.

Many yoga-related organizations consider Kundalini to be dangerous, perhaps because historically, many people have experienced mental confusion as a result of Kundalini practices. Even if someone seeks power and awakens Kundalini, if their body is not purified (which means they are foolish), they will not be able to handle the energy properly, and it will become a source of suffering, as stated in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Therefore, the first goal should be the completion of the Small Circulation, or the state called the entire body circulation. This is likely a similar concept in various schools, regardless of the name. It can be achieved through meditation, practice, Taoist practices, yoga, or even Buddhism, and it serves as a benchmark for a certain stage.