When the sleeping Kuṇḍalinī awakens by the grace of the guru, then all the lotuses (chakras) open and the knots are pierced.

This verse describes the effect of Kuṇḍalinī awakening:

1. Guru-prasādena — “By the grace of the guru.” The awakening is not only technical; it requires transmission from a realized master. This emphasizes the need for proper guidance.

2. Padmāni bhidyante — “The lotuses open.” The chakras (Mūlādhāra, Svādhiṣṭhāna, Maṇipūra, Anāhata, Viśuddha, Ājñā) activate when Kuṇḍalinī ascends through suṣumnā.

3. Granthayo ‘pi ca — “The knots too.” The three granthis (knots) are:

   • Brahma granthi — at Mūlādhāra, tied to matter and survival
   • Viṣṇu granthi — at Anāhata, tied to emotions and relationships
   • Rudra granthi — at Ājñā, tied to ego and duality

Piercing these knots means overcoming the attachments that keep consciousness bound to lower levels of existence.