S p i r i t ua l i t y S t u d i e s 7 - 1 S p r i n g 2 0 2 1 1 3 Slavomír Gálik Rōshi Jiyu-Kennett We can trace the existence of subtle energies in the case of Rōshi Jiyu-Kennett in her descriptions, but especially in her drawings, these can really help us understand her spiritual development. Jiyu-Kennett started with meditation intensely in Zen Buddhist convent in Shasta Abbey, CA, in 1976. Her meditations would start with negative experiences (Jiyu-Kennett 1997, 31), which we could see as the phase of cleansing negative karma. After this phase came development of subtle energies, which were first concentrated behind the navel (Manipūra chakra in yoga) and then they rose up around the spine and towards the head (Jiyu-Kennett 1997, 70–75). In certain phase, meditation and development of these energies reached the forehead, with a great impact (Āgyā chakra). Jiyu-Kennett stated that she had died for a moment. Jiyu-Kennett (1997, 75) says more on this dramatic moment: “Something hit my forehead with the word ‘awakening’ ... The blow was so intense that I couldn’t grasp my breath … I cannot say what happened, but one of the monks said I had died for a moment …After the blow something opened in the middle of my forehead, right in the place I have the spot and yellow light started to get inside.” In the following days, subtle energies developed even further and started to take a certain form. Jiyu-Kennett (1997, 100) gives the following comments on that: “Five rays of light are rising from my body. They are going up and now they are coming from a lotus blossom on my head.” Fig. 4 Mystical Death of Jiyu-Kennett Fig. 5 Fully Developed Chakra Energies
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