Yogic wisdom’s insights on snakes, mysticism, and their connection to infinity reveal a spiritual link between snakes and divine, often feminine, energy across various cultures. The philosophy emphasizes that snakes and mysticism are inseparable, appearing in spiritual traditions worldwide, symbolizing kundalini energy, a potent force in yogic practices linked to spiritual awakening and energy. This connection between snakes and the divine is present in cultures spanning the Middle East, North Africa, parts of the Americas, South Asia, and Central Europe, where snakes frequently accompany deities and spiritually significant figures. The presence of snakes in such a role underscores their association with spiritual awakening and heightened perception, seen as unique to these creatures and emblematic of the mysterious and transformative power related to transcendence.
In addition to their symbolic role, yoga attributes heightened perceptive abilities to snakes, positioning them as creatures with unique sensory awareness that even humans lack. Snakes have a heightened sense of perception, making them exceptionally sensitive to specific energy types, particularly related to meditative states. This sensitivity explains why snakes are often depicted alongside sages and seers, figures known for their attunement to higher consciousness. i.e., Think of Adiyogi or Shiva and how the snake is placed on par with or even above him.
Also, celestial beings such as the Nagas are known to take on the form of snakes when crossing into the human dimension, signaling their connection to realms beyond ordinary experience. Kundalini energy, often symbolized as a snake, is often depicted as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine, representing dormant spiritual energy that can be awakened through yoga. This serpentine imagery reflects the transformative power of kundalini, which, when activated, rises through the spine, leading to spiritual enlightenment. This perception aligns snakes with mystics and spiritual leaders who strive for awareness beyond the physical. Thus, the naga, serpent, or snake is a powerful depiction of the dormant spiritual energy within humans that can be awakened through yogic practices.
When individuals enter states of higher consciousness, their energy takes on a pattern resembling this infinity symbol. This flow represents boundlessness and transcends regular consciousness’s restricted spiral patterns. The symbol of infinity is not a number but a spiritual metaphor, represented by the infinity symbol (∞) and associated with boundless energy. The Ouroboros—a snake eating its owl—symbolizes the cycle of life, death, rebirth, infinity, and unity. Found across ancient cultures – Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and observed in Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Aztec, Maya and Norse mysticism – it represents self-renewal and the idea that endings are also beginnings. More importantly, in yogic wisdom, the symbol denotes that the snake realizes it is time to move beyond the physical and non-physical dimensions. Therefore, it begins to destroy its physical body in India, where the raised hood of the serpent is often seen above the infinity symbol. Such a depiction shows that there is a dimension beyond the infinity.
According to yogic physiology, unlike the lower 112 chakras within the body, which are influenced by karma and memories, the 114th chakra represents transcendence and spiritual liberation. The Ouroboros symbol is deeply connected to spiritual growth and the chakra system. The 114th chakra, one of the two pulsating outside the physical body, has been represented as an Ouroboros throughout history and becomes active with dedicated spiritual practices. This chakra symbolizes infinity, resonating with the Ouroboros as an emblem of boundless energy and transcendence. When one’s energy reaches this chakra level, every action becomes a process of liberation. The Ouroboros, found in diverse ancient cultures, is seen in yogic wisdom as a symbol of advanced spiritual evolution, where one moves beyond karmic cycles into a state of liberated, transcendent action.
In sum, the connection between snakes, mysticism, and infinity in yogic wisdom reveals essential insights into one’s spiritual evolution. The Ouroboros, symbolizing eternal cycles and transcendence, represents advanced spiritual growth. This ancient wisdom found across cultures highlights the universal significance of the symbols and concepts of transcendence. The snake embodies heightened perception, serving as a bridge between the earthly and beyond, inviting practitioners to explore their transformation potential and experience the infinite.
Reference: Sadhguru discourses
Image: Pexels