The process of change from one thing to another cannot occur instantly: there is a process of transformation, in which the old parts die so the new parts can be born. If you observe a seed, for the tree to emerge, the seed must die. Yet, along the way, there are many stages of change. The same principle applies to us. The problem is that we are not pure, clean seeds. If we were, the kundalini would arise as easily and quickly as a seed sprouts. We are hasnamussen - all of us - because we have ego. In other words, our seed is corrupted. For the kundalini to arise, we have to "clear the way." That is what is meant by it "arising by the merits of the heart." It does not mean that the ego must be 100% gone first: it means that as we clean our psyche, the way is made clear for the kundalini to arise.
“Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes.” —Demosthenes
"Do not worry; cultivate the habit of being happy." —Samael Aun Weor