chakras

Chakras

Spinning energy centres, vortices or wheels from the astral or energy body provide essential life functions in intimate collaboration with the nervous system and its plexuses in the physical body. See also Bodies.

There are Chakras relative to many parts of the physical body. The ones I work with actively in practice and teaching are the ones in the hands, feet and the seven main ones along the spine. In other philosophies there are different numbers, names and definitions relating to the concept of Chakras than those found in Yogic teachings, and it is a recurring theme in many spiritual traditions of our world.

The seven main ones along the spine are the most famous Chakras in Yogic philosophies of practice and are highly important to the awakening process of Kundalini energy. The Chakras, seemingly esoteric and mystical, have everyday functions that help us maintain good mental, emotional and physical health. There is much to be enamoured with in exploring these spiritual entities that we all possess and with which we can create a conversation.

The seven main Chakras along the spine

From the crown of the head to the base of the spine:

• Sahasrara (crown)

• Ajna (third eye / pineal)

• Vishuddhi (throat)

• Anahata (heart)

• Manipura (solar)

• Svadisthana (sacral)

• Muladhara (root)

Chakra balance

Chakras are active energy centres, and it is the balance of energy in each centre, and relative to one another, that harmonises the activities of a human being living life. When we have imbalances in Chakras, expressing themselves as:

• too closed or too open vortices

• out of alignment with one another and the spine, central nervous system or central primary Nadis, misplaced if you will

• damaged due to physical or karmic or astral injury

…then we experience life as a struggle in those areas affected. The functions governed by one or more Chakras, or the relationship between all of them, are affected. It is the balance, individually in a Chakra and in relationship to the whole system, that we experience as well-being.

Chakra characteristics

Chakras are known through their names, functions, numbers, colours, sounds, deities that reside over them, elements, psychological aspects, physiological aspects, emotional aspects, glands, planetary aspects, smells, powers, energetic characteristics and states, movements, minerals, dimensions, metals, food, body parts and states of being.

These examples are subjects that have been researched and recorded about Chakras by experts in books written about these intricate sacred wheels.

What this gives us is a picture of a fascinating, multi-dimensional, incredibly multi-purpose, unfathomably multi-layered, beautifully all-rounding, all-encompassing, wildly complex — each unique and yet universal — existence that is being human, being you and I, living in this world.

There is the theory and then there is the direct experience. As a yogini I remain open to direct experience and place myself where this can happen. We are not all born with the ability to read or see auric energy fields. We might not yet have the capacity to communicate with the Chakras or see them in all their splendid colours and characteristics.

However, with the tools of spiritual practice we can begin a conversation. I invite you warmly to this conversation with the Chakras. It is an enlightening one.

See also:

Bodies

Hatha Yoga

Alignment

Merriam-Webster definitions

chakra

chak·ra | \ ˈchä-krə, ˈshä-, ˈchə- \

Definition of chakra

: any of several points of physical or spiritual energy in the human body according to Yoga philosophy

esoteric

es·o·ter·ic | \ ˌe-sə-ˈter-ik, -ˈte-rik \

Definition of esoteric

1a: designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone
a body of esoteric legal doctrine — B. N. Cardozo

b: requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group
esoteric terminology

Broadly: difficult to understand
esoteric subjects

2a: limited to a small circle
engaging in esoteric pursuits

b: private, confidential
an esoteric purpose

3: of special, rare, or unusual interest
esoteric building materials