Institute for Consciousness Research

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Gopi Krishna was born in 1903 to parents of Kashmiri Brahmin extraction. His birthplace was a small village about twenty miles from the city of Srinagar, the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir State in northern India. He spent the first eleven years of his life growing up in this beautiful Himalayan valley.

In 1914, his family moved to the city of Lahore in the Punjab which, at that time, was a part of British India. Gopi Krishna passed the next nine years completing his public school education. Illness forced him to leave the torrid plains of the Punjab and he returned to the cooler climate of the Kashmir Valley. During the succeeding years, he secured a post in the Public Works Department of the state, married and raised a family.

In 1946 he founded a social organization and with the help of a few friends tried to bring about reforms in some of the outmoded customs of his people. Their goals included the abolition of the dowry system, which subjected the families of brides to severe and even ruinous financial obligations, and the strictures against the remarriage of widows. After a few years, Gopi Krishna was granted premature retirement from his position in the government and devoted himself almost exclusively to service work in the community.

In 1967, he published his first major book in India: Kundalini — The Evolutionary Energy in Man. Shortly thereafter it was published in Great Britain and the United States and has since appeared in eleven major languages. The book presented to the Western world for the first time a clear and concise autobiographical account of the phenomenon of the awakening of Kundalini, which he had experienced in 1937. This work, and the sixteen other published books by Gopi Krishna have generated a steadily growing interest in the subjects of consciousness and the evolution of the brain. He also traveled extensively in Europe and North America, energetically presenting his theories to scientists, scholars, researchers and others.

Gopi Krishna’s experiences led him to hypothesize that there is a biological mechanism in the human body which is responsible for creativity, genius, psychic abilities, religious and mystical experiences, as well as some aberrant mental states. He asserted that ignorance of the working of this evolutionary mechanism was the main reason for the present dangerous state of world affairs. He called for a full scientific investigation of his hypothesis and believed that such an objective analysis would uncover the secrets of human evolution. It is this knowledge, he believed, that would give mankind the means to progress in peace and harmony.

Gopi Krishna passed away in July 1984 of a severe lung infection and is survived by his wife, three children and grandchildren. The work that he began is currently being carried forward through the efforts of a number of affiliated foundations, organizations and individuals around the world.

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Where to buy in print

Gopi Krishna—A Biography: Kundalini, Consciousness, and Our Evolution to Enlightenment
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 118,740. Language: English. Published: December 20, 2023 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Inspiration » Meditation, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Spiritual awakening
The compelling, powerful story of a revolutionary thinker who refused to be a guru – rich with never-before-told stories from his life & letters. From his decades-early fight for social justice and women’s rights to his own momentous spiritual awakening and his plea for scientific kundalini research, his story is a roadmap for transformation, saving the planet, and your evolution to enlightenment
Secrets of Kundalini in Panchastavi
Price: $8.99 USD. Words: 61,960. Language: English. Published: October 15, 2020 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Inspiration » Spiritual inspiration, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization
Panchastavi is a unique hymn of praise to Kundalini, the creative Power behind all life in the universe. It was composed many centuries ago by an enlightened seer in the Kashmir, India. Gopi Krishna vividly describes the state of Cosmic Consciousness possessed by the author, and outlines the physiological mechanism in the cerebro-spinal system by which the state of enlightenment can be achieved.
Gopi Krishna: The Last Discourses
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 42,490. Language: English. Published: April 16, 2020 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Spiritual awakening
In 1983, Gopi Krishna made his last trip to the West, giving speeches in Austria, Switzerland, the U.S. and Canada. Although different in content, the general theme running through them all was the urgent need for research into Kundalini in order to verify its role as the guiding force behind evolution. This knowledge, he felt, was the key to humanity’s long-term, healthy survival as a species.
Gopi Krishna: An Interview With Louis Rogers
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 10,520. Language: English. Published: March 13, 2020 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Yoga
In 1978, while on a visit to New York to speak at the United Nations, Gopi Krishna was interviewed by Dr. Louis Rogers, publisher of Inner Paths Magazine. Topics included the personal experience of Kundalini, meditation, mantras, miracles, psychic gifts, the most effective way to achieve success in a spiritual practice, and the theory that enlightenment is a new faculty of perception in the brain.
Kundalini: Empowering Human Evolution
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 106,700. Language: English. Published: September 8, 2019 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » New Age » Mysticism
In this amazing book, the world-renowned authority on Kundalini—Gopi Krishna—describes this powerful source of transformative energy that lies within us all. He reveals how this amazing life force can be awakened, and tapped as an inexhaustible source of wisdom, creativity and genius. Drawn from his celebrated writings, these essays are the definitive guide to understanding this amazing power. The
From the Unseen
Price: $8.99 USD. Words: 53,520. Language: English. Published: July 30, 2019 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Spiritual awakening, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science
Revelation has profoundly influenced human behavior since the dawn of civilization. But how and why it happened, and why it exerted such a tremendous influence on the human mind, is still an almost complete mystery. This amazing book is a clear-cut, modern example of the phenomenon. But more importantly, the content of the inspired verse in it answers the questions of how and why Revelation happ
From Human to Transhuman Consciousness
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 37,670. Language: English. Published: July 28, 2019 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Spiritual awakening, Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Religion & self-improvement
In the summer of 1979, Gopi Krishna gave a series of five talks in Toronto, Canada, in which he presented the state of ‘Cosmic Consciousness’, or enlightenment, as an evolutionary development slowly but steadily taking place in the race. He clearly describes the nature of this new faculty, and outlines the various factors that are impeding its development. Most importantly, he gives clear and conc
Consciousness: The New Paradigm
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 68,260. Language: English. Published: May 11, 2017 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » Science & Nature » Evolution
This book examines the way that the paradigm of reality has evolved in the past, in both faith and science. Based on these trends, and on the latest discoveries in cosmology, microbiology, quantum biology, and consciousness research, the outline of a new paradigm of reality, based on consciousness, is presented—a paradigm that can help to answer some of the most profound questions facing us today.
The New York Discourses
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 26,220. Language: English. Published: November 11, 2016 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Spiritual awakening, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Body, mind, & spirit » Spirituality / general
In 1978, Gopi Krishna visited New York where he gave a series of discourses. He answered many questions on topics such as meditation, karma, reincarnation, Kundalini research, psychadelic drug vs. spiritual experiences, celibacy, spirit guides, miracles, evolution, gentle and intense methods of Kundalini arousal, and the role of the reproductive system in spiritual transformation.
An Interview in Zurich
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 29,630. Language: English. Published: February 15, 2016 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Body, mind, & spirit » Spirituality / general
In 1976 John White, an American author and researcher, traveled to Zurich, Switzerland to interview Gopi Krishna on the subjects of Kundalini and consciousness research. In these five interviews, Gopi Krishna gives insightful answers to many basic questions about the nature of Kundalini, the evolutionary, transformative, spiritual power in the human body.
The Kashmir Discourses
Price: $8.99 USD. Words: 69,470. Language: English. Published: January 12, 2016 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Spiritual awakening, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization
In August 1977 Gopi Krishna gave a series of 8 discourses to a group of spiritual seekers from Canada at his Central Institute for Kundalini Research near Srinagar, Kashmir, India. In this transcript of these talks, he discusses in detail the characteristics of an enlightened person, various methods to achieve the state of Cosmic Consciousness, karma, reincarnation, and meditation.
Kundalini: The Direction of Future Research
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 26,040. Language: English. Published: November 25, 2015 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Eastern mysticism
According to Gopi Krishna, Kundalini is the super-intelligent life energy in us that is guiding the evolution of the humanity towards a new faculty of mind—Cosmic Con-sciousness. He believed that Kundalini research is the most important endeavor for humanity to undertake at this time, and that the implications of this research are so far-reaching that the very survival of our species depends on it
Kundalini: Questions and Answers
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 26,870. Language: English. Published: October 20, 2015 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Eastern mysticism
According to Gopi Krishna, humanity has now reached a critical stage in its evolution where those who are concerned with its well-being—spiritual or temporal—need to be aware of the still-unknown laws governing this process. In this book, he answers many basic questions about Kundalini, the super-intelligent agency in our bodies that is guiding our evolution to a higher dimension of consciousness.
The Divine Feminine Fire: Creativity and Your Yearning to Express Your Self
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 111,630. Language: English. Published: April 13, 2015 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Body, mind, & spirit » Spirituality / divine mother, the goddess, quan yin, Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Creativity
The Divine Feminine Fire tells the stories of five women and two saints, Christian and Hindu – and how the divine feminine fire, awakening within them, ignited an extraordinary creative outpouring. Woven around these stories is an exploration of the surprising parallels found in Shakti, Sophia, and Shekinah – and the way the divine feminine can light your own creative fire. Exercises included
The Shape of Events to Come
Price: $8.99 USD. Words: 64,590. Language: English. Published: February 11, 2015 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Politics & Current Affairs » Arms control, Nonfiction » Health, wellbeing, & medicine » Mental health
Wars, terrorism, revolutions and civil unrest mark the ravages of a mental plague afflicting the human race. This epidemic of the psyche is caused by a state of constant stress, worry, and tension created by a lifestyle that is not in harmony with evolutionary laws. Gopi Krishna proposes that it is only the discovery of these laws that can save mankind from an inevitable nuclear catastrophe.
The Awakening of Kundalini
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 44,850. Language: English. Published: December 25, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & Science, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Yoga
In this book Gopi Krishna deals specifically with the subject of meditation and with the question, ‘what should everyone know about higher consciousness?’ He shows that the discipline of Yoga is far more comprehensive and profound than is generally supposed. The book also deals with many commonly-asked questions about meditation, mysticism, drug experience and the phenomenon of partial awareness.
Kundalini: The Secret of Yoga
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 75,720. Language: English. Published: December 24, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Health, wellbeing, & medicine » Yoga, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Yoga
This book, based on both the author’s extensive experience and much scholarly research, explores the complex terrain of Yoga and its controlling principle, Kundalini Shakti, in the light of modern knowledge. He surveys the real aim of Yoga, how it can be achieved and describes the various steps of Yoga practice, the purpose they serve, and the physiology behind them. He does this in light of the
Higher Consciousness and Kundalini
Price: $8.99 USD. Words: 63,100. Language: English. Published: December 9, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & politics, Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Religion & self-improvement
In this clear and lucid book, Gopi Krishna gives simple and direct answers to more than 50 questions on Kundalini, mystical experience, evolution, Yoga and the biological aspects of spiritual experience. He explains how Kundalini is the driving force behind our own personal evolution and the evolution of the race as a whole.
The Present Crisis
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 40,150. Language: English. Published: December 8, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religion & politics
An analysis of the complex and explosive state of current world affairs, presented in verse and completed by the author in little more than three weeks. It is a biting and profoundly challenging look at the power structure behind our society and lays bare the real motives of those who control the political and sociological factors affecting the progress of the race.
The Riddle of Consciousness
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 39,530. Language: English. Published: October 7, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Inspiration » Spiritual inspiration, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Religious philosophy
This inspiring and uplifting book presents an interpretation of the phenomenon of existence that is truly amazing, in a form which is the hallmark of genuine revelation. This amazing book gives us a picture of the incredible power of the cosmic life-energy that is Kundalini.
Yoga: A Vision of its Future
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 46,630. Language: English. Published: July 9, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Yoga, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization
Gopi Krishna presents Yoga as the basis of a new Super-Science, devised by nature to provide mankind with new and enhanced faculties of mind – the next stage in the evolution of the race. The same insights and genius behind these ancient wonders is urgently needed to provide mankind with the vital knowledge essential for the healthy evolution of the race.
Kundalini: The Dawn of a New Science
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 72,390. Language: English. Published: June 2, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization, Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Religion & self-improvement
The secret knowledge of Kundalini, the psycho-physiological mechanism responsible for this evolution has permeated the spiritual traditions of many cultures. Gopi Krishna, exploring the sacred texts of the Hindu tradition, provides us with vital knowledge of how this evolutionary process works, in the individual as well as the race.
The Wonder of the Brain
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 41,610. Language: English. Published: March 23, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization, Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Religion & self-improvement
The current state of confusion about the real nature of spiritual experience is due to a lack of understanding of how the brain functions as a channel for the expression of consciousness. In this book, Gopi Krishna challenges scientists and psychiatrists alike to stop ignoring the important part the physical brain plays in our development.
Reason and Revelation
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 32,170. Language: English. Published: February 17, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Religion & self-improvement, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization
This is a work which challenges the agnostic and atheistic attitudes of modern science. Gopi Krishna asserts that, in order to progress in a healthy way, science must free itself of the self-imposed, rigid and closed-minded attitudes that have limited its scope of investigation into non-physical realms of creation.
The Real Nature of Mystical Experience
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 16,130. Language: English. Published: January 14, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Inspirational
What does it really mean to be ‘Illuminated’ or ‘Enlightened’? Gopi Krishna writes: “I literally live in a world of light. It is as if a light were burning in my interior, filling me with a luster so beautiful and so ravishing that my attention is again and again drawn towards it.” This book also provides a clear and logical exposition of the physiological mechanism responsible for Illumination.
Kundalini in Time and Space
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 20,710. Language: English. Published: January 11, 2014 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization, Nonfiction » Inspiration » Spiritual inspiration
Gopi Krishna explains the nature of the chakras and Kundalini, the energy that can transform our consciousness. He outlines the most effective way to undertake a spiritual practice, enhance creativity and deal with psychic powers. He emphasizes the role of healthy lifestyle in spiritual development.
The Biological Basis of Religion and Genius
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 34,830. Language: English. Published: December 30, 2013 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization
An extremely concise essay on Kundalini as the mechanism responsible for the evolution of the human race. The awakening of this psycho-physiological mechanism through the techniques of Yoga or other suitable disciplines produces a scientifically measurable biochemical essence that is responsible for the phenomena of genius, creativity, inspiration, the religious impulse and revelation.
The Way to Self-Knowledge
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 20,120. Language: English. Published: September 13, 2013 by Institute for Consciousness Research. Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Self-realization, Nonfiction » Inspiration » Spiritual inspiration
This easy-to-read book of verse, the last work written by Gopi Krishna, contains the essence of all religions. For the individual seeking to know their own Self and the riddle of existence, it is a modern-day book of instruction. It describes the way of life for spiritual development, the obstacles that stand in the way of our evolution, and a view of an enlightened future society.