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Chakra (pronunciation (help·info), Pali: chakka, Tibetan: khorlo, Malay: cakera) is a Sanskrit term meaning circle or wheel. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is an umbrella term for a wide variety of related religious traditions native to India. Within Hinduism a large number of personalities or 'forms' are worshiped as Murtis. Hinduism comprises numerous Sects or denominations The main divisions in current Hinduism are Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism Hindu mythology is the large body of Mythology related to Hinduism, notably as contained in Sanskrit literature, such as the Sanskrit epics and Hindu philosophy is divided into six Sanskrit ''{{IAST|āstika}}'') schools of thought or darshanas (literally "views" Sankhya The Sanskrit term ( Devanāgarī: धर्म Pali transliteration dhamma) is an Indian spiritual and religious Artha ( Devanagari: अर्थ is a Sanskrit term meaning "purpose cause motive meaning notion" In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Karma is a concept in Hinduism which explains Causality through a system where beneficial effects are derived from past beneficial actions Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the Bhakti ( Devanāgarī: भक्ति) is a word of Sanskrit origin meaning devotion. Maya ( Sanskrit sa माया māyā) in Indian religions, has multiple meanings This article is about Hinduism. Puja or "pooja" may also refer to certain devotional practices performed by Balmikis Buddhists (see A Hindu temple or Mandir ( Sanskrit: मंदिर is a house of worship for Hindus followers of Hinduism. Literature regarded as central to the Hindu literary tradition was predominantly composed in Sanskrit, Indeed much of the morphology and linguistic "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. The Upanishads ( Devanagari: उपनिषद् IAST: upaniṣad also spelled "Upanisad" are Hindu scriptures that constitute the core teachings The Rāmāyaṇa ( Devanāgarī: sa रामायण is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the Hindu sage ( Maharishi) Valmiki For other meanings see Purana (disambiguation. The Puranas ( Sanskrit: sa पुराण purāṇa, "of ancient times" The following is a bibliography of Hindu scriptures and texts. The percentage of Hindu population of each country was taken from the US State Department's International Religious Freedom Report 2006. These are some of the most noteworthy Gurus and Saints of Hinduism (in alphabetical order A Hinduism is going through a phase of regeneration and reform through the vehicle of several contemporary movements collectively termed as Hindu reform movements. Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other The Hindu calendar used in ancient times has undergone many changes in the process of regionalization and today there are several regional Indian Calendars, as This article deals with social and cultural criticism of Hinduism The following is a glossary of terms and concepts in Hinduism. Jyotiṣa ( Sanskrit jyotiṣa, from jyótis- "light heavenly body" also spelled Jyotish and Jyotisha in English Pali ( ISO 15919 / ALA-LC: Pāḷi is a Middle Indo-Aryan language or Prakrit of India. Tibetan refers to a group of languages spoken primarily by Tibetan peoples who live across a wide area of eastern Central Asia bordering South Asia as well as by overseas The Malay language ( ISO 639-1 code MS is an Austronesian language spoken by the Malay people and people of other ethnic groups who reside in the Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Circles are simple Shapes of Euclidean geometry consisting of those points in a plane which are at a constant Distance, called the A wheel is a circular device that is capable of rotating on its axis facilitating movement or transportation whilst supporting a load ( Mass) or performing labour in machines There is a wide literature on chakra models, philosophy, and lore that underpin many philosophical systems and spiritual energy practices, religious observance, and personal discipline. Philosophy is the study of general problems concerning matters such as existence knowledge truth beauty justice validity mind and language Spirituality, in a narrow sense concerns itself with matters of the Spirit, a concept closely tied to religious belief and Faith, a transcendent reality Theories on chakras fit within systems that link the human body and mind into a single unit, sometimes called the 'bodymind' (Sanskrit: namarupa). Bodymind is a compound conjunction of Body and Mind, which in scientific disciplines researchers have begun studying in order to move beyond the dualist Nāmarūpa is a Dvandva compound in Sanskrit and Pali meaning "name ( nāma) and form ( rūpa)" The philosophical theories and models of chakras as centers of energy were first codified in Ancient India.

Working definitions

Chakra and flags at the top shikhara of Puri temple of Jagannatha. Śikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to "mountain peak" refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture of North India WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Puri is a city in the east Indian state of Orissa. Jagannath (also spelled Jagganath) is considered amongst Vaishnavas to be a very merciful form of Krishna.

Anodea Judith (1996: p. Anodea Judith (born Judith Ann Mull, December 1 1952 Elyria, Ohio) is an American Author, therapist public speaker and expert on 5) provides a representative modern interpretation of chakras:

A chakra is a center of activity that receives, assimilates, and expresses life force energy. Prana (प्राण) is the Sanskrit for " Breath " (from the root prā "to fill" cognate to Latin plenus "full" The word chakra literally translates as wheel or disk and refers to a spinning sphere of bioenergetic activity emanating from the major nerve ganglia branching forward from the spinal column. A nerve is an enclosed cable-like bundle of peripheral Axons (the long slender projections of Neurons. In Anatomy, a ganglion (pl ganglia) is a tissue mass. Neurology In neurological contexts ganglia are composed mainly of A vertebra (plural vertebrae) is an individual Irregular bone in the spinal or Vertebral column ( aka ischis a flexuous and flexible column There are six of these wheels stacked in a column of energy that spans from the base of the spine to the middle of the forehead. And the seventh which is beyond the physical region. It is the six major chakras that correlate with basic states of consciousness. Higher consciousness, also called super consciousness ( Yoga) objective consciousness ( Gurdjieff) Buddhic consciousness ( . .

Chakra are commonly described, as above, as energy centers in the spine located at major branchings of the human nervous system, beginning at the base of the spinal column and moving upward to the top of the skull. Chakras are considered to be a point or nexus of metaphysical and/or biophysical energy of the human body. Metaphysics is the branch of Philosophy investigating principles of reality transcending those of any particular science Biophysics (also biological physics) is an Interdisciplinary Science that employs and develops theories and methods of the Physical sciences for The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc The human body is the entire physical and mental structure of a Human Organism.

The following primary chakras are commonly described:

1. Muladhara (Sanskrit: मूलाधार, Mūlādhāra) lower body
2. Swadhisthana (Sanskrit: स्वाधिष्ठान, Svādhiṣṭhāna) reproductive parts
3. Manipura (Sanskrit: मणिपूर, Maṇipūra) navel
4. Anahata (Sanskrit: अनाहत, Anāhata) heart
5. Vishuddha (Sanskrit: विशुद्ध, Viśuddha) throat
6. Ajna (Sanskrit: आज्ञा, Ājñā) eyebrow or forehead
7. Sahasrara (Sanskrit: सहस्रार, Sahasrāra) top of head

Chakras in the head from lowest to highest are: golata, talu/talana/lalana, ajna, talata/lalata, manas, soma, sahasrara (and sri inside it. Muladhara (Sanskrit मूलाधार Mūlādhāra meaning "root place" is the first of the main seven Chakras according to Hinduism. Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Swadhisthana (Sanskrit स्वाधिष्ठान Svādhiṣṭhāna called 'One's own abode' is the second primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Manipura (Sanskrit मणिपूर Maṇipūra called 'city of jewels' is the third primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Anahata (Sanskrit अनाहत Anāhata is the fourth primary Chakra according to the Hindu Yogic and Tantric ( Shakta Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Vishuddha (Sanskrit विशुद्ध Viśuddha also known as Vishuddhi, is the fifth primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Ajna (Sanskrit आज्ञा Ājña, aʤɲʌ meaning 'command' is the sixth primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Sahasrara (Sanskrit सहस्रार Sahasrāra is the seventh primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical )

The concept of Chakra are often treated in different ways, depending on the cultural context. In Chinese medicine, traditional chakra locations correspond to acupuncture points. History Antiquity In China, the practice of acupuncture can perhaps be traced as far back as In some Eastern thought, chakras are considered to be gradations of consciousness and reflect states of the soul--these systems rely less on proof than on experience (under the assumption that 'proving' the existence of chakras is asking to 'prove' the existence of the thought process). The soul, according to many religious and philosophical beliefs is the self-awareness, or Consciousness, unique to a particular living Thought and thinking are mental forms and Processes respectively ("thought" is both A mystic may deal with chakra as a model for their internal and external experience, and when talking about 'energy centers', may be talking about subtle forces which connect to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of a person. Mysticism (from the Greek grc μυστικός mystikos, an initiate of a Mystery religion) is the pursuit of communion with identity

Etymology

The English word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit cakraṃ चक्रं meaning "wheel" or "circle". Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical A wheel is a circular device that is capable of rotating on its axis facilitating movement or transportation whilst supporting a load ( Mass) or performing labour in machines Circles are simple Shapes of Euclidean geometry consisting of those points in a plane which are at a constant Distance, called the ^[1][2] More generally, the term refers to circular objects or formations, and Apte provides 23 different definitions for cakram used as a noun. Examples include "discus" (a type of divine weapon, particularly associated with the god Vishnu), a potter's wheel, a form of military array, etc. For other meanings see Vishnu (disambiguation. Vishnu ( IAST viṣṇu Devanagari विष्णु (honorific In Pottery, a potter's wheel is a machine used in the shaping of round ceramic wares

Bhattacharyya's review of Tantric history says that the word chakra is used to mean several different things in the Sanskrit sources:^[3]

1. "Circle", used in a variety of senses, symbolizing endless rotation of shakti. Tantra ( Sanskrit: तन्त्र; " Weave " denoting continuity) tantricism or tantrism is any of several esoteric A rotation is a movement of an object in a circular motion A two- Dimensional object rotates around a center (or point) of rotation Shakti, meaning sacred force, power, or energy, is the Hindu concept or personification of the divine feminine aspect sometimes referred
2. A circle of people. In rituals there are different cakra-sādhanā in which adherents assemble and perform rites. A rite is an established ceremonious usually Religious act or Process art. According to the Niruttaratantra, chakras in the sense of assemblies are of 5 types.
3. The term chakra also is used to denote yantras or mystic diagrams, variously known as trikoṇa-cakra, aṣṭakoṇa-cakra, etc. Yantra are 'instruments' or more simply 'symbols' usually used to focus the mind Mysticism (from the Greek grc μυστικός mystikos, an initiate of a Mystery religion) is the pursuit of communion with identity A diagram is a 2D geometric symbolic Representation of Information according to some Visualization technique
4. Different "nerve plexi within the body". Plexi was a gothic Noise rock band consisting of Michael Angelos (vocals songwriting bass Michael Barragan (guitar occasional Moog) and Norm Block

In Buddhist literature the Sanskrit term cakra (Pali cakka) is used in a different sense of "circle", referring to a Buddhist conception of the 4 circles or states of existence in which gods or men may find themselves. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Pali ( ISO 15919 / ALA-LC: Pāḷi is a Middle Indo-Aryan language or Prakrit of India. In common usage existence is the world of which we are aware through our senses but in Philosophy the word has a more specialized meaning and is often contrasted with ^[4]

Models

Yogin with six chakras, India, Punjab Hills, Kangra, late 1700s National Museum, New Delhi. Ajit Mookerjee Collection. The Hindu deities governing the chakras are depicted in the chakras e. g. Ganesha, lord of the Muladhara (the base chakra), is depicted with his consort in the Muladhara chakra. Ganesha ( Sanskrit: sa गणेश Gaṇeśa) also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar

Chakrology is a neologism sometimes employed by Alternative Medicine practitioners or esoteric philosophers for the study of chakras. A neologism (from Greek neo = "new" + logos = "word" is a word that although devised relatively recently in a specific time period has been The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. There are many different chakrologies, some of them based on ancient Indian Hindu Tantric esoteric traditions or Western occult analyses, as well as ancient Greek and Christian references. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Tantra ( Sanskrit: तन्त्र; " Weave " denoting continuity) tantricism or tantrism is any of several esoteric The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine hidden secret referring to "knowledge of the hidden" Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings

There are numerous traditional and modern models of the chakra system of the human subtle energetic body. As the system is subtle, these differences may co-exist and be perceived as foregrounding and backgrounding different qualities or attributes for specific reasons or purposes rather than perceived as vying for ascendancy. That said, the bodymind is a system, refer systems theory and no chakra is supreme. Bodymind is a compound conjunction of Body and Mind, which in scientific disciplines researchers have begun studying in order to move beyond the dualist Systems theory is an Interdisciplinary field of Science and the study of the nature of Complex systems in Nature, Society, and Chakra work in dialogue and in relationship to each other. This dialogic model is how Ayurvedic Medicine view the energetic interplay of the Chakra. Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other This dialogic model of the Chakra is directly comparable to the human endocrine system and how different glands chemically signal and communicate to each other. The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as Hormones The endocrine system is instrumental

Hindu

In Hinduism, the concept of chakras is part of a complex of ideas related to esoteric anatomy. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Anatomy (from the Greek anatomia, from ana separate apart from and temnein, to cut up cut open is a branch of Biology that is the consideration These ideas occur most often in the class of texts that are called Āgamas or Tantras. Tantras (" Looms " or " Weavings " refers to numerous and varied scriptures pertaining to any of several esoteric traditions This is a large body of scripture, most of which is rejected by orthodox Brahmins. Brahmin ( Brāhmaṇa, sa ब्राह्मणः is the class of educators scholars and preachers in Brahminical Hinduism. ^[5]

There are many variations on these concepts in the Sanskrit source texts. In earlier texts there are various systems of chakras and nadis, with varying connections between them. Nāḍi (the Sanskrit for "tube pipe" are the channels through which in traditional Indian medicine and spiritual science the energies of the Subtle body Various traditional sources list 5, 6, 7, or 8 chakras. Over time, one system of 6 or 7 chakras along the body's axis became the dominant model, adopted by most schools of yoga. Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the This particular system may have originated in about the 11th century AD, and rapidly became widely popular. ^[6] It is in this model where Kundalini is said to "rise" upward, piercing the various centers until reaching the crown of the head, resulting in union with the Divine. Kundalini (kuṇḍalinī sa कुण्डलिनी Sanskrit, literally "coiled"

Tantric

The chakras are described in the tantric texts the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, and the Padaka-Pancaka^[7] , in which they are described as emanations of consciousness from Brahman, an energy emanating from the spiritual which gradually turns concrete, creating these distinct levels of chakras, and which eventually finds its rest in the Muladhara chakra. Muladhara (Sanskrit मूलाधार Mūlādhāra meaning "root place" is the first of the main seven Chakras according to Hinduism. They are therefore part of an emanationist theory, like that of the kabbalah in the west, lataif-e-sitta in Sufism or neo-platonism. Emanationism is Platonic monism and an idea in the Cosmology or Cosmogony of certain religious or philosophical systems Kabbalah (קַבָּלָה lit "receiving" is a discipline and school of thought discussing the mystical aspect of Judaism. Drawing from Qur'anic verses virtually all Sufis distinguish Lataif-as-Sitta ("the six subtleties" Nafs, Qalb, Sirr Ruh Sufism ( تصوّف - taṣawwuf, Persian: صوفی‌گری sufigari, Turkish: tasavvuf, Urdu: تصوف Neoplatonism (also Neo-Platonism) is the modern term for a school of religious and mystical Philosophy that took shape in the 3rd century AD founded by The energy that was unleashed in creation, called the Kundalini, lies coiled and sleeping at the base of the spine. Kundalini (kuṇḍalinī sa कुण्डलिनी Sanskrit, literally "coiled" It is the purpose of the tantric or kundalini forms of yoga to arouse this energy, and cause it to rise back up through the increasingly subtler chakras, until union with God is achieved in the Sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head. Tantra ( Sanskrit: तन्त्र; " Weave " denoting continuity) tantricism or tantrism is any of several esoteric Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of techniques that use the mind senses and body to create a communication Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the According to various esoteric, occult, and mystical teachings living beings are constituted of a series of psycho-spiritual subtle bodies, each corresponding Sahasrara (Sanskrit सहस्रार Sahasrāra is the seventh primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition

Vajrayana and Tantric Buddhist

According to contemporary buddhist teacher Tarthang Tulku, the heart chakra is very important for the feeling of existential fulfillment. Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including Tarthang Tulku (born 1934 is a Tibetan teacher ( Lama) in the Nyingma tradition who lives in America where he works to preserve the art and culture

A result of energetic imbalance between chakras is an almost continuous feeling of dissatisfaction. When the heart chakra is agitated, people lose touch with feelings and sensations, and that breeds the sense of dissatisfaction. That leads to looking outside for fulfillment.

When people live in their heads, feelings are secondary, they are interpretations of mental images that are fed back to the individual. When awareness is focused on memories of past experiences and mental verbalizations, the energy flow to the head chakra increases and the energy flow to the heart chakra lessens. Without nurturing feelings of the heart a subtle form of anxiety arises which results in the self reaching out for experience.

When the throat chakra settles and energy is distributed evenly between the head and the heart chakras, one is able to truly contact one's senses and touch real feelings. ^[8]

Chögyal Namkai Norbu Rinpoche teaches a version of the Six Lokas sadhana which works with the chakra system. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu ( is a Dzogchen teacher who was born in Derge, Kham district (Eastern Tibet) on 8 December Six Lokas refers to a Bönpo and Nyingmapa spiritual practice or discipline that works with Chakras and the six Loka that is dimensions For Sadhana the actress see Sadhana (actress Sadhana (Sanskrit sādhanam) is a Sanskrit term for "a means of accomplishing something"

The kye-rim (Tibetan) and dzog-rim (Tibetan) stages work with the 'chakra' (Tibetan: khorlo). In Tantric Buddhism the generation stage (T Kye rim; S Utpatti-krama) is the first phase of meditative Buddhist Sādhana The Completion stage (Tibetan dzog rim; Sanskrit saṃpanna-krama) is one of the two stages of Anuttarayoga Tantra.

Bön

Chakras, as pranic centers of the body, according to the Himalayan Bönpo tradition, influence the quality of experience, because movement of prana can not be separated from experience. Prana (प्राण) is the Sanskrit for " Breath " (from the root prā "to fill" cognate to Latin plenus "full" Bön ( is the oldest spiritual tradition of Tibet. Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama, has recognized the Bön tradition as the fifth principal spiritual Prana (प्राण) is the Sanskrit for " Breath " (from the root prā "to fill" cognate to Latin plenus "full" Each of six major chakras are linked to experiential qualities of one of the six realms of existence. The 31 realms ( Tibetan: rigs drug gi skye gnas) are the six categories of rebirths within the system of traditional Buddhist cosmology. ^[9]

A modern teacher, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche uses a computer analogy: main chakras are like hard drives. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche ( Tib o thog bstan 'dzin dbang rgyal is a teacher ( Lama) of the Bön Tibetan religious tradition Each hard drive has many files. One of the files is always open in each of the chakras, no matter how "closed" that particular chakra may be. What is displayed by the file shapes experience.

The tsa lung practices such as those embodied in Trul Khor lineages open channels so lung (Lung is a Tibetan term cognate with prana or qi) may move without obstruction. Lung (Tibetan rlung) is a word that means wind or breath It is a key concept in the Vajrayana traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and as such is part of the Tsa lung Trul khor (lit "magical movement instrument channels and inner breath currents" known for brevity as Trul khor (lit Cognates in Linguistics are words that have a common origin They may occur within a language such as shirt and skirt as two English words descended from Prana (प्राण) is the Sanskrit for " Breath " (from the root prā "to fill" cognate to Latin plenus "full" In traditional Chinese culture, qi (zh [[wikt氣 氣]] Pinyin qì, Wade-Giles ch'i Jyutping Yoga opens chakras and evokes positive qualities associated with a particular chakra. Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the In the hard drive analogy, the screen is cleared and a file is called up that contains positive, supportive qualities. A seed syllable (Sanskrit bija) is used both as a password that evokes the positive quality and the armor that sustains the quality. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Sanskrit term bīja ( Jp. 種子 shuji literally Seed, is used as a metaphor for the origin or cause Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Sanskrit term bīja ( Jp. 種子 shuji literally Seed, is used as a metaphor for the origin or cause ^[9]

Tantric practice eventually transforms all experience into bliss. The practice liberates from negative conditioning and leads to control over perception and cognition. ^[9]

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche teaches a version of the Six Lokas sadhana which works with the chakra system. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche ( Tib o thog bstan 'dzin dbang rgyal is a teacher ( Lama) of the Bön Tibetan religious tradition Six Lokas refers to a Bönpo and Nyingmapa spiritual practice or discipline that works with Chakras and the six Loka that is dimensions For Sadhana the actress see Sadhana (actress Sadhana (Sanskrit sādhanam) is a Sanskrit term for "a means of accomplishing something"

Chinese models

Traditional Chinese medicine also relies on a similar model of the human body as an energy system, except that it involves the circulation of qi energy. Traditional Chinese medicine (also known as TCM,) includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc In traditional Chinese culture, qi (zh [[wikt氣 氣]] Pinyin qì, Wade-Giles ch'i Jyutping ^[10][11]

In the circuit of qi, called the Microcosmic orbit, energy also comes back down the front torso channel (equivalent to the nadis of Hatha yoga), and enters the tan tiens: when it returns to the heart (and cycles down and reascends to the head) further meditation/contemplation or union with deity develops. The Microcosmic Orbit also known as the 'Lesser Heavenly Circulation' or the 'Self Winding Wheel of the Law' is a Taoist Chi kung or Taoist yoga Chi Dantian or Tan t'ien ( Chinese: Dāntián 丹[[wiktionary 田|田]] Japanese: Tanden 丹田 Korean: 단전 In Macrocosmic orbit the qi is also guided through the main channels in the limbs. ^[12]

Common currency and popular models

The chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. In Human anatomy, the vertebral column ( backbone or spine) is a column of 34 Vertebrae the Sacrum, Intervertebral In New Age practices, each chakra is often associated with a certain color. In various traditions chakras are associated with multiple physiological functions, an aspect of consciousness, a classical element, and other distinguishing characteristics. Consciousness has been defined loosely as a constellation of attributes of Mind such as Subjectivity, Self-awareness, Sentience, and the Many ancient philosophies used a set of archetypal classical "elements" to explain patterns in Nature. They are visualized as lotuses/flowers with a different number of petals in every chakra. Introduction In Chakrology (see also Esotericism and Tantra) the number of Petals in a chakra identifies a characteristic of

The chakras are thought to vitalize the physical body and to be associated with interactions of a physical, emotional and mental nature. They are considered loci of life energy or prana, also called shakti, qi (Chinese; ki in Japanese), kuch-ha-guf^[13] (Hebrew), bios (Greek) & aether (Greek, English), which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis. The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc Prana (प्राण) is the Sanskrit for " Breath " (from the root prā "to fill" cognate to Latin plenus "full" Shakti, meaning sacred force, power, or energy, is the Hindu concept or personification of the divine feminine aspect sometimes referred In traditional Chinese culture, qi (zh [[wikt氣 氣]] Pinyin qì, Wade-Giles ch'i Jyutping In Computing, the BIOS (ˈbaɪoʊs Nāḍi (the Sanskrit for "tube pipe" are the channels through which in traditional Indian medicine and spiritual science the energies of the Subtle body The function of the chakras is to spin and draw in this energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance. The term energy has been widely adopted into the fields of spirituality complementary medicine etc

The New Age movement has led to an increased interest in the West regarding chakras. The term Western world, the West or the Occident ( Latin: occidens -sunset -west as distinct from the Orient) can have multiple meanings Many in this movement point to a correspondence between the position and role of the chakras and those of the glands in the endocrine system. A gland is an organ in an animal's body that synthesizes a substance for release such as Hormones or Breast milk, often into the Bloodstream The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as Hormones The endocrine system is instrumental These ideas first appear in the writings of theosophical authors like C. W. Leadbeater, who wrote a book on the Chakras. This article is about the philosophy introduced by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky CW Leadbeater ( Feb 16, 1854 Stockport, Cheshire, England - March 1, 1934 Perth, Western

The seven principal chakras are said by some to reflect how the unified consciousness of humanity (the immortal human being or the soul), is divided to manage different aspects of earthly life (body/instinct/vital energy/deeper emotions/communication/having an overview of life/contact to God). God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. The chakras are placed at differing levels of spiritual subtlety, with Sahasrara at the top being concerned with pure consciousness, and Muladhara at the bottom being concerned with matter, which is seen simply as crudified consciousness. Sahasrara (Sanskrit सहस्रार Sahasrāra is the seventh primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Muladhara (Sanskrit मूलाधार Mūlādhāra meaning "root place" is the first of the main seven Chakras according to Hinduism.

Western derivative models and interpretations

The seven chakras and the five elements in Tantra. Origin: Chakras Images Database

The first western reference on chakra commonly accepted by modern scholars is from a disceple of Jakob Böhme namely Johann Georg Gichtel. Jakob Böhme (probably April 24 1575 &ndash November 17 1624) was a German Christian mystic and Theologian Johann Georg Gichtel ( March 14, 1638 - January 21, 1710) German mystic, was born at Regensburg, where his father Gichtel, in his book Theosophia Practica (1696), directly refer to inner force centres which are strictly related with eastern chakra doctrines. ^[14] Anyway it is the shakta theory of 7 main chakras that many people in the West adhere to, largely thanks to a translation of two Indian texts, the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, and the Padaka-Pancaka, by Sir John Woodroffe, alias Arthur Avalon, in a book titled The Serpent Power. Shaktism ( Sanskrit: Śāktaṃ sa शाक्तं lit "doctrine of power" or "doctrine of the Goddess") is a denomination of Sir John Woodroffe (1865&ndash1936 also known by his pseudonym Arthur Avalon, was a British Orientalist whose work helped to unleash in the West a deep ^[15] This book is extremely detailed and complex, and later the ideas were developed into what is predominant western view of the Chakras by the Theosophists, and largely the controversial (in theosophical circles) C. W. Leadbeater in his book The Chakras, which are in large part his own meditations and insights on the matter. This article is about the philosophy introduced by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky CW Leadbeater ( Feb 16, 1854 Stockport, Cheshire, England - March 1, 1934 Perth, Western

Rudolf Steiner (one-time Theosophist, and founder of Anthroposophy) says much about the Chakras that is unusual, especially that the chakra system is dynamic and evolving and is very different for modern people than it was in ancient times, and will in turn be radically different in future times. Rudolf Steiner ( 25 February 1861 – 30 March 1925) was an Austrian philosopher literary scholar educator artist playwright Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner (25 February 1861 – 30 March 1925 which postulates the existence of an objective intellectually In contrast to the traditional eastern teachings, Steiner describes a sequence of development from the top down rather than the bottom up. This is the so called 'Christos Path' which has not always been available to humanity. He also seems to ignore the Thousand Petaled at the crown of the head and mentions cryptically an Eight Petaled chakra located between the Ten Petaled and the Six Petaled. Introduction In Chakrology (see also Esotericism and Tantra) the number of Petals in a chakra identifies a characteristic of In his book How to Know Higher Worlds Steiner gives clear instructions on how to develop the chakras safely into maturity. These are more like life disciplines than exercises and can take considerable time. He warns that while quicker methods exist, they can be dangerous to one's health, character, or sanity.

Many New Age writers, such as the Danish author and musician Peter Kjærulff in his book, The Ringbearer's Diary or Anodea Judith in her book Wheels of Life, have written their opinions about the chakras in great detail, including the reasons for their appearance and functions. New Age ( New Age Movement and New Age Spirituality) is a Social Collective Phenomenon and a Spiritual Nature Peter Kjærulff (born 1947 is a Danish Writer. He is the author of The Ringbearer's Diary. Anodea Judith (born Judith Ann Mull, December 1 1952 Elyria, Ohio) is an American Author, therapist public speaker and expert on

Another unique interpretation of the seven chakras is presented by writer and artist Zachary Selig. Zachary Selig (b 1949 in Seguin Texas) is an American Artist, Author and Spiritist. In the book Kundalini Awakening, a Gentle Guide to Chakra Activation and Spiritual Growth, he presents a unique codex titled "Relaxatia," a solar Kundalini paradigm that is a codex of the human chakra system and the solar light spectrum, designed to activate Kundalini through his color-coded chakra paintings. Kundalini (kuṇḍalinī sa कुण्डलिनी Sanskrit, literally "coiled" The word paradigm ( Greek:παράδειγμα (paradigmacomposite from para- and the verb δείχνυμι "to show" as a whole -roughly- meaning "example" ^[16]

Additionally, some chakra system models describe one or more Transpersonal chakras above the crown chakra, and an Earth star chakra below the feet. The Transpersonal chakra is a Chakra that many meditation practitioners say is located above the crown chakra There are also held to be many minor chakras, for example between the major chakras. Chakras are also used in neurolinguistic programming to connect NLP logical levels, with spiritual goals on the crown, intellectual on the forehead and so on[1]. Neuro-linguistic programming (or NLP) is an Interpersonal communication model applied in Psychotherapy and other contexts of communication and change

Endocrine system

The primary importance and level of existence of chakras is posited to be in the psyche. However, there are those who believe that chakras have a physical manifestation as well. ^[17] Some authors say that there is a relationship between the positions and functions of the chakras and of the various organs of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as Hormones The endocrine system is instrumental It is noted by many that there is a marked similarity between the positions and roles described for chakras, and the positions and roles of the glands in the endocrine system, and also by the positions of the nerve ganglia (also known as "plexuses") along the spinal cord (branching to plexuses by endocrine glands or organs), opening the possibility that two vastly different systems of conceptualization have been brought to bear to systemize insights about the same phenomenon. The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as Hormones The endocrine system is instrumental Neurons (ˈnjuːɹɒn also known as neurones and nerve cells) are responsive cells in the Nervous system that process and transmit information In Anatomy, a ganglion (pl ganglia) is a tissue mass. Neurology In neurological contexts ganglia are composed mainly of A plexus is a network It has more specific meanings in multiple fields By some, chakras are thought of as having their physical manifestation in the body as these glands and their subjective manifestation as the associated emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences. .

A popular chakra model

Sahasrara

Main article: Sahasrara

Sahasrara or the crown chakra is generally considered to be the chakra of consciousness. Sahasrara (Sanskrit सहस्रार Sahasrāra is the seventh primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Sahasrara (Sanskrit सहस्रार Sahasrāra is the seventh primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Its role may be envisioned somewhat similarly to that of the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones to communicate to the rest of the endocrine system and also connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an Endocrine gland about the size of a Pea. In Vertebrates the central nervous system ( CNS) is the part of the Nervous system which is enclosed in the Meninges. The hypothalamus links the Nervous system to the Endocrine system via the Pituitary gland (hypophysis The thalamus is thought to have a key role in the physical basis of consciousness. The thalamus (from Greek θάλαμος = room chamber, IPA= /ˈθæləməs/ is a pair and symmetric part of the brain Consciousness has been defined loosely as a constellation of attributes of Mind such as Subjectivity, Self-awareness, Sentience, and the Symbolised by a lotus with one thousand petals, it is located on the crown of the head.

Ajna

Main article: Ajna

Ajna (along with Bindu, either or both are considered to correspond to the third eye) is linked to the pineal gland which may inform a model of its envisioning. Ajna (Sanskrit आज्ञा Ājña, aʤɲʌ meaning 'command' is the sixth primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Ajna (Sanskrit आज्ञा Ājña, aʤɲʌ meaning 'command' is the sixth primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition The third eye (also known as the inner eye) is a mystical and esoteric concept referring in part to the Ajna (brow Chakra in The pineal gland (also called the pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, or epiphysis) is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate Brain Ajna is held as the chakra of time, awareness and of light. The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin which regulates sleep and awakening. Melatonin is a naturally occurring Hormone found in most animals including humans and some other living organisms including Algae. Symbolised by a lotus with two petals.

(Note: some opine that the pineal and pituitary glands should be exchanged in their relationship to the Crown and Brow chakras, based on the description in Arthur Avalon's book on kundalini called Serpent Power or empirical research. Kundalini (kuṇḍalinī sa कुण्डलिनी Sanskrit, literally "coiled" )

Vishuddha

Main article: Vishuddha

Vishuddha (also Vishuddhi) or the throat chakra may be envisioned as relating to communication and growth, growth being a form of expression. Vishuddha (Sanskrit विशुद्ध Viśuddha also known as Vishuddhi, is the fifth primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Vishuddha (Sanskrit विशुद्ध Viśuddha also known as Vishuddhi, is the fifth primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition This chakra is paralleled to the thyroid, a gland that is also in the throat and which produces thyroid hormone, responsible for growth and maturation. The thyroid is one of the largest Endocrine glands in the body The thyroid hormones, Thyroxine ( T4) and Triiodothyronine ( T3) are Tyrosine -based Hormones produced Symbolised by a lotus with sixteen petals.

Anahata

Main article: Anahata

Anahata or the heart chakra is related to complex emotion, compassion, love, equilibrium and well-being. Anahata (Sanskrit अनाहत Anāhata is the fourth primary Chakra according to the Hindu Yogic and Tantric ( Shakta Anahata (Sanskrit अनाहत Anāhata is the fourth primary Chakra according to the Hindu Yogic and Tantric ( Shakta It is related to the thymus, located in the chest. In Human anatomy, the thymus is an organ located in the upper Anterior portion of the chest cavity just behind the Sternum. The thymus is an element of the immune system as well as being part of the endocrine system. An immune system is a collection of mechanisms within an Organism that protects against Disease by identifying and killing Pathogens and Tumor It produces T cells responsible for fending off disease and may be adversely affected by stress. T cells belong to a group of White blood cells known as Lymphocytes, and play a central role in Cell-mediated immunity. Symbolised by a lotus with twelve petals. See also heartmind. In Buddhism, bodhicitta (Ch 菩提心 pudixin, Jp bodaishin, Tibetan jang chub sem, Mongolian бодь сэтгэл) is the wish

Manipura

Main article: Manipura

Manipura or the solar plexus chakra is related to the transition from simple or base to complex emotion, energy, assimilation and digestion, and is held to correspond to the roles played by the pancreas and the outer adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex. Manipura (Sanskrit मणिपूर Maṇipūra called 'city of jewels' is the third primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Manipura (Sanskrit मणिपूर Maṇipūra called 'city of jewels' is the third primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition The celiac plexus (also known as the solar plexus) is a complex network of nerves (a Plexus) located in the abdomen The pancreas is a Gland organ in the digestive and Endocrine system of Vertebrates. In Mammals the adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are the triangle-shaped Endocrine glands that sit on top of the Kidneys their These play a valuable role in digestion, the conversion of food matter into energy for the body. Digestion is the breaking down of chemicals in the body into a form that can be absorbed Symbolised by a lotus with ten petals.

Swadhistana

Main article: Swadhisthana

Swadhisthana or the sacral chakra is located in the sacrum (hence the name) and is related to base emotion, sexuality and creativity. Swadhisthana (Sanskrit स्वाधिष्ठान Svādhiṣṭhāna called 'One's own abode' is the second primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition Swadhisthana (Sanskrit स्वाधिष्ठान Svādhiṣṭhāna called 'One's own abode' is the second primary Chakra according to Hindu tradition The sacrum is a large triangular bone at the base of the spine and at the upper and back part of the Pelvic cavity, where it is inserted like a wedge between The sacrum is a large triangular bone at the base of the spine and at the upper and back part of the Pelvic cavity, where it is inserted like a wedge between An emotion is a mental and physiological state associated with a wide variety of feelings thoughts and behaviours Generally speaking human sexuality is how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings This chakra is considered to correspond to the testicles or the ovaries that produce the various sex hormones involved in the reproductive cycle which may cause dramatic mood swings. Sex steroids, also known as gonadal steroids, are Steroid hormones that interact with Vertebrate Androgen or Estrogen receptors A life cycle is a period involving 1 Generation of an Organism through means of Reproduction, whether through Asexual reproduction or Sexual A mood swing is an extreme or rapid change in mood. They are commonly associated with Mood disorders of which the classic example is Bipolar disorder (also Symbolized by a lotus with six petals.

Muladhara

Main article: Muladhara

Muladhara or the base or root chakra is related to instinct, security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. Muladhara (Sanskrit मूलाधार Mūlādhāra meaning "root place" is the first of the main seven Chakras according to Hinduism. Muladhara (Sanskrit मूलाधार Mūlādhāra meaning "root place" is the first of the main seven Chakras according to Hinduism. This centre is located in the region between the genitals and the anus. Although no endocrine organ is placed here, it is said to relate to the inner adrenal glands, the adrenal medulla, responsible for the fight and flight response when survival is under threat. In Mammals the adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are the triangle-shaped Endocrine glands that sit on top of the Kidneys their In this region is located a muscle that controls ejaculation in the sexual act in the human male. A parallel is charted between the sperm cell and the ovum where the genetic code lies coiled and the kundalini. A spermatozoon or spermatozoan ( pl spermatozoa) from the Ancient Greek σπέρμα (seed and ζῷον (living being and more commonly known An ovum (plural ova) is a Haploid Female reproductive cell or Gamete. The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material ( DNA or RNA sequences is translated into Proteins Kundalini (kuṇḍalinī sa कुण्डलिनी Sanskrit, literally "coiled" Symbolised by a lotus with four petals.

Woodroffe also describes 7 head chakras (including Ajna and Sahasrara) in his other Indian text sources. Lowest to highest they are: Talu/Talana/Lalana, Ajna, Manas, Soma, Brahmarandra, Sri (inside Sahasrara), Sahasrara.

See also

• Ashoka Chakra
• Aura
• Kuji-in
• Kundalini
• Qigong
• Bön
• Reiki
• Kundalini Yoga
• Laya Yoga
• Sahaja Yoga
• Transpersonal chakra
• Tsa lung

Notes

References

• BelindaGrace (2007). You are Clairvoyant - Developing the secret skill we all have. Rockpool Publishing.  
• Apte, Vaman Shivram (1965). The Practical Sanskrit Dictionary, fourth revised & enlarged edition, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. ISBN 81-208-0567-4.  
• Bhattacharyya, N. N. (1999). History of the Tantric Religion, Second Revised Edition, New Delhi: Manohar, p. 174. ISBN 81-7304-025-7.  
• Bucknell, Roderick; Stuart-Fox, Martin (1986). The Twilight Language: Explorations in Buddhist Meditation and Symbolism. London: Curzon Press. ISBN 0-312-82540-4.  
• Edgerton, Franklin [1953] (2004). Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Grammar and Dictionary, Reprint edition, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. ISBN 81-208-0999-8.   (Two volumes)
• Flood, Gavin (1996). An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-43878-0.  
• Chia, Mantak; Chia, Maneewan (1993). Awaken Healing Light of the Tao. Healing Tao Books.  
• Monier-Williams, Monier. Sir Monier Monier-Williams (1819&ndash1899 studied documented and taught Asian languages in England, and compiled one of the most widely-used Sanskrit A Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.  
• Prabhananda, S. (2000). Studies on the Tantras, Second reprint edition. , Calcutta: The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture. ISBN 81-85843-36-8.  
• Rinpoche, Tenzin Wangyal (2002). Healing with Form, Energy, and Light. Ithaca, New York: Snow Lion Publications. ISBN 1559391766.  
• Saraswati, MD (1953 - 2001). Kundalini Yoga. Tehri-Garhwal, India: Divine Life Society, foldout chart. ISBN 81-7052-052-5.  
• Tulku, Tarthang (2007). Tibetan Relaxation. The illustrated guide to Kum Nye massage and movement - A yoga from the Tibetan tradition. London: Dunkan Baird Publishers. ISBN 978-1-84483-404-4.  
• Woodroffe, John (1919 - 1964). The Serpent Power. Madras, India: Ganesh & Co. . ISBN 0-486-23058-9.  

Further reading

Traditional secondary sources and commentary

• Banerji, S. C. Tantra in Bengal. Second Revised and Enlarged Edition. (Manohar: Delhi, 1992) ISBN 81-85425-63-9
• Saraswati, Swami Sivananda, MD (1953 - 2001). Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of techniques that use the mind senses and body to create a communication Tehri-Garhwal, India: Divine Life Society. ISBN 81-7052-052-5.  
• Shyam Sundar Goswami, Layayoga: The Definitive Guide to the Chakras and Kundalini, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1980.

Derivative sources, Western and interpretive literature

• Leadbeater, C. W. The Chakras Wheaton, Illinois, U. S. A. :1926--Theosophical Publishing House--Picture of the Chakras on plates facing page 17 as claimed to have been observed by Leadbeater with his third eye Full text of the book “The Chakras” by C.W. Leadbeater with color illustrations of the chakras:
• Sharp, Dr. Michael (2005). Dossier of the Ascension: A Practical Guide to Chakra Activation and Kundalini Awakening, 1st, Avatar Publications. 0973537930.  
• Guru Dharam S Khalsa and Darryl OKeeffe. The Kundalini Yoga Experience New York, NY U. S. A. :2002, Fireside, Simon & Schuster, Inc. Copyright by Baia Books Limited. Kriyans and meditations copyright Yogi Bhajan, All Rights reserved.
• Judith, Anodea (1996). Anodea Judith (born Judith Ann Mull, December 1 1952 Elyria, Ohio) is an American Author, therapist public speaker and expert on Eastern Body Western Mind: Psychology And The Chakra System As A Path To The Self. Berkeley, California, USA: Celestial Arts Publishing. ISBN 0-89087-815-3

External links

• Sites related to chakra at the Open Directory Project. The Open Directory Project ( ODP) also known as dmoz (from directory