What Is a Kundalini Spirit?
Evaluating Eastern Mysticism, Spiritual Counterfeits, and Biblical Discernment
I. Origin of the Term “Kundalini”
The word kundalini originates not from the Bible, but from Hindu mysticism. In traditional Tantric and Yogic thought, kundalini is described as a serpent energy that lies coiled at the base of the spine. Through spiritual practices like yoga, meditation, mantras, and breathing techniques, this “energy” is allegedly awakened and rises up through chakras (energy centers) along the spine until it reaches the crown of the head, supposedly leading to:
“Enlightenment”
“Union with the divine”
Intense psychic experiences
Trances, visions, spasms, tremors, and euphoria
This practice is completely pagan in origin and directly tied to idolatrous systems.
II. The “Kundalini Spirit” in Charismatic and Deliverance Circles
In certain Charismatic or deliverance theology circles, the “Kundalini spirit” has been coined as a name for a counterfeit spiritual experience. The claim is that a demonic entity mimics the Holy Spirit, particularly in false revivals or unbiblical manifestations, producing:
Involuntary shaking or spasms
Uncontrollable laughter (so-called “holy laughter”)
Being “slain in the spirit”
“Drunkenness in the spirit”
Out-of-body or trance-like states
Frenzied music or hyper-emotionalism during worship
In this view, the “Kundalini spirit” is not simply Eastern mysticism, but a deceiving spirit operating within some parts of the church, especially where sound doctrine is lacking and spiritual phenomena are emphasized over biblical truth.
III. Biblical Analysis: Is There a “Kundalini Spirit”?
1. No Biblical Entity Named “Kundalini”
The Bible never names or categorizes a spirit called Kundalini. Demons are real (e.g., Mark 5:9), but they are never grouped by Hindu mystical terminology, nor are they ever addressed by fabricated labels. We must not go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
2. Scripture Warns of Counterfeit Signs
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan,
with all power, signs, and lying wonders.”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:9, New King James Version
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
— 1 John 4:1, New King James Version
Scripture does not deny that signs and wonders can be counterfeited by demonic power. These false manifestations may resemble godly movements but originate from Satanic deception, not the Holy Spirit.
3. God Is Not the Author of Confusion
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40, New King James Version
The Holy Spirit does not cause chaotic emotional outbursts, convulsions, or psychic trances. Such manifestations—especially when divorced from repentance, the Word of God, or reverent worship—should be treated with suspicion and discernment.
IV. Eastern Practices and Spiritual Danger
When Christians engage in practices like:
Yoga (even “Christian yoga”)
Mantra-based meditation
Breathwork drawn from Hindu/Buddhist traditions
Chakra-focused energy work
Reiki, acupuncture rooted in chi energy
They are often unknowingly opening doors to spiritual forces behind pagan systems.
“Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God,
and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:20, New King James Version
Modern deliverance language referring to a “kundalini spirit” may be an attempt to describe the demonic power behind such systems, but Scripture calls us to avoid these practices entirely, not rename them.
V. Where the Teaching Goes Too Far
Though the demonic influence behind pagan spirituality is real, the “Kundalini spirit” label itself is not biblical. There are several problems with how this is handled in some circles:
1. Over-Speculation
Deliverance ministries sometimes invent entire taxonomies of demons—Kundalini, Python, Leviathan, Jezebel, etc.—without Scripture to define them. This quickly becomes mythology.
2. Externalizing Personal Sin
Instead of calling believers to repentance and discernment, some use the idea of “Kundalini spirit” as a catch-all excuse for emotionalism, addiction to signs, or counterfeit revivalism.
3. Misdiagnosis of the Problem
A believer may fall prey to unbiblical spirituality not because of possession, but because of:
Lack of sound teaching
Immaturity in the faith
Love for experience over truth
VI. The Biblical Response to Pagan Spirituality
1. Repentance
“And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.”
— Acts 19:18–19, New King James Version
2. Renounce False Practices
All eastern spiritual techniques rooted in idolatry must be forsaken, not “Christianized.”
3. Walk in the Spirit
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
— Galatians 5:25, New King James Version
True manifestations of the Spirit produce:
Holiness
Sound doctrine
Reverence
Order
Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
4. Stand on the Authority of Scripture
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105, New King James Version
Our theology must be shaped by the Bible, not by popular deliverance manuals or mystical experiences.
VII. Conclusion: What Should We Make of the “Kundalini Spirit”?
While there may indeed be demonic powers behind eastern mysticism and counterfeit manifestations within the church, we should avoid naming spirits based on pagan terminology or extra-biblical taxonomy.
The real battle is spiritual, and the enemy does indeed seek to imitate the Holy Spirit—but the solution is not inventing new doctrines, but anchoring ourselves in the truth of the gospel.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:13–14, New King James Version
