Shakti (Power)

Shakti is a Sanskrit term that means “power” or “energy.” It refers to the dynamic, creative force that drives all existence.

In yoga philosophy, Shakti is often described as the divine feminine principle, active, vibrant, and essential to the process of life, transformation, and spiritual awakening.

While sometimes personified as goddesses such as Parvati, Durga, or Kali, Shakti is also the inner potential energy that resides within every being.

Etymology and Meaning

Sanskrit Spelling: शक्ति

Root Word: "Śak" (to be able, to have power)

Translation Variations: Power, energy, force, divine feminine

Pronunciation: Śakti [SHAK-tee]

Shakti is not only physical strength or energy, it is the intelligent, conscious force that animates life and moves all things toward growth and transformation.

Symbolism and Role in Yoga

Divine Feminine: Shakti is the living counterpart to Shiva (pure consciousness), symbolizing action, creativity, and expression

Cosmic Power: The source of all movement, vibration, and change in the universe

Inner Potential: Shakti exists within every practitioner as spiritual energy and awakening force

Practical Application

In Yoga Practice

• Feel into the power and aliveness that flows through each breath and movement
• Practice with reverence for the energetic dimension of postures, not just their form
• Work with kundalini and subtle energy practices to awaken latent Shakti

In Daily Life

• Recognize Shakti as creative impulse, emotional expression, and intuitive wisdom
• Honor the cycles of energy such as the rise, sustain, and dissolve as part of nature’s rhythm
• Channel your energy into meaningful, conscious action

Quotes and Wisdom

"Shakti is not something you acquire. It is something you awaken."

"To move with grace is to let Shakti lead."

Modern Relevance

Shakti has become a guiding concept in many yoga traditions that embrace feminine energy, spiritual empowerment, and creative expression.

Practices such as dance, mantra, ritual, and Bhakti Yoga are often used to cultivate and honor Shakti. Schools like Jivamukti Yoga and Shakti-inspired flows, like moon salutations, draw from this concept to merge movement with awareness and purpose.

Shakti invites everyone, regardless of gender, to honor the divine energy within.

Related Concepts

Kundalini: Coiled spiritual energy often equated with dormant Shakti

Shiva: Pure consciousness, Shakti’s counterpart in stillness

Bhakti: Devotion that can ignite and channel Shakti through the heart

How to Work with Shakti

Mindset: Trust your inner current, it holds wisdom and power

Actions: Move, speak, and create with presence and intention

Reflection: Ask, “Where is energy asking to move in my life?”

Suggested Reading

• Awakening Shakti by Sally Kempton
• The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche
• Kundalini Tantra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Conclusion

Shakti is the pulse of life. When honored, it awakens strength, wisdom, and creative freedom.

In yoga, we don’t try to control this energy, we learn to listen to it, dance with it, and embody it.

Through Shakti, we remember that power can be both fierce and tender, wild and wise.