Know Your Chakras

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Know Your Chakras

The Chakras

The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy
centers in the body that correspond to nerve ganglia branching out from the spinal column,
as well as states of consciousness, developmental stages of life, archetypal elements,
body functions, colors, sounds, and much, much more.Together they form a profound
formula for wholeness and a template for transformation.

History of the Chakra System

West as primarily a sexual tradition, as Tantrism does put sexuality in a sacred context.
Yet this is actually only a small part of a broad philosophy which includes
many practices of yoga, worship of deities, especially the Hindu goddesses,
and integration of the many polaric forces in the universe.

The main text about chakras that has come to us in the West is a translation by the
Englishman, Arthur Avalon, in his book,The Serpent Power published in 1919.
These texts: the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, written by an Indian pundit in 1577, and the
Padaka-Pancaka, written in the 10th century, contain descriptions of the centers
and related practices. There is also another 10th century text, called the
Gorakshashatakam, which gives instructions for meditating on the chakras.
These texts form the basis of our understanding of chakra theory
and Kundalini yoga today.

In these traditions, there are seven basic chakras, and they all exist within the
subtle body, overlaying the physical body. Through modern physiology we can see
that these seven chakras correspond exactly to the seven main nerve ganglia which
emanate from the spinal column. There are two minor chakras mentioned in the
ancient texts, the soma chakra, located just above the third eye, and the
Anandakanda lotus, which contains the Celestial Wishing Tree (Kalpataru)
of the Heart Chakra.

	Chakra Seven: Sahasrara Thought, Universal identity, oriented to self-knowledge Color: PURPLE/WHITE This is the crown chakra that relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss.
	Chakra Six: Ajna Light, Archetypal identity, oriented to self-reflection. Color: INDIGO This chakra is known as the brow chakra or third eye center. It is related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. As such it opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of archetypal levels. When healthy it allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us "see the big picture."
	Chakra Five: Vishuddha Sound, Creative identity, oriented to self-expression Color: BLUE This is the chakra located in the throat and is thus related to communication and creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language.

Moving on down....

	Chakra Four: Anahata Air, Social identity, oriented to self-acceptance Color: GREEN This chakra is called the heart chakra and is the middle chakra in a system of seven. It is related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mind and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply,feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace and centeredness.
	Chakra Three: Manipura Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition Color: YELLOW This chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus. It rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power.
	Chakra Two: Svadhisthana Water, Emotional identity, oriented to self-gratification. Color: ORANGE The second chakra, located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, is related to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality. It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change.
	Chakra One: Muladhara Earth, Physical identity, oriented to self-preservation. Color: RED Located at the base of the spine, this chakra forms our foundation. It represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical plane. Ideally this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence. Where do you want to go now? Back to TOP OF PAGE Back to HOME PAGE Jump to LINKS/FAVORITES Jump to CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

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