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The Chakras: An Introduction

We are stardust, million year old carbon. . . .

Joni Mitchell

We take our bodies to be solid. The surface of our skin is largely impenetrable,
our bones are solid and our entire physical structure takes up space. This not
withstanding, we also know that our bodies are comprised of energy; heat, nervous
tension and the feeling that sometimes we just need to move are all ways in which our
bodies express themselves energetically.
Since the early 20th century, when Einstein published his famous equation,
E=mc2, we have increasingly come to understand that matter and energy are essentially
the same. Matter--the solid stuff of which chairs and our bodies are made--is simply
another form of energy--the radiation emanating from the burner on the stove and from
the sun. The differences we see and feel are differences of state, not of kind. Just as ice,
water and steam are the same substance (a combination of hydrogen and oxygen), so too
are matter and energy essentially the same because they're both manifestations of
subatomic particles.
In addition to Einstein's equation, two other theories of modern physics are
helpful in understanding the chakras. One is called the "uncertainty principle."
Developed by Werner Heisenberg, this theory, in its simplest form, states that the
subatomic bits of which the universe is comprised exist both in a particle and a wave
state, but not simultaneously. Manifesting as discreet units called "quanta," these tiny
building blocks of both matter and energy have probable--rather than fixed--locations
relative to one another. The 2nd theory that's relevant to our understanding of chakras is
the superstring theory, which dates from the 1970s. This theory states "the fundamental
constituents of reality are strings of extremely small scale which vibrate at specific
resonant frequencies. Thus, any particle should be thought of as a tiny vibrating object,
rather than as a point. This object can vibrate in different modes (just like a guitar string
can produce different notes), with every mode appearing as a different particle (i.e.
electron, photon). Strings can split and combine, which would appear as particles
emitting and absorbing other particles." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theory)
And so all of life-- as well as the universe that it inhabits--exists as a kind of
energetic soup. Portions of this soup gel. The various gels have specific but non-
identical densities and disparate properties. Our sensory organs are adapted to perceive
only a fraction of the infinite "gels" that comprise the known and unknown surround.
Nonetheless, we have the potential to experience other dimensions within the universal
energy field that is our home and within ourselves. Asana and meditation are some of the
tools by which we do this.
The chakras--literally wheels--are energy vortices that, though largely hidden
from our sensory organs, can be accessed through yoga and meditation. We don't see
them; a biopsy won't reveal them. But we can nonetheless feel them, and we can learn to
recognize their functioning within our lives.
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I. The Koshas

Fundamental to any conceptualization of the chakras, the koshas are said to be

sheaths, or bodies, that clothe each individual spark of the universal I AM. Although
traditions vary, the most prevalent idea represents the human form as being comprised of
5 such sheaths, each of increasing density. As a result of the electromagnetic pull from
the various bodies, most of us become amnesiacs, forgetting that, at our core, we are part
of all that is, part of the Divine. We begin to think of ourselves as separate beings
encased in separate houses of flesh and bone with unique and very particular emotional
lives and burningly important thoughts. In other words, we begin to believe that our egos
ARE our selves.
Although traditions vary in the number and names for the sheaths that house our
spirit, the following are commonly accepted. From the most to the least dense they are
the annamaya kosha (food/physical sheath), the pranamaya kosha (vital body/psychic
energy/individual consciousness), the manomaya kosha (mental-emotional sheath), the
vjnanamaya kosha (intellect-knowledge body--knowing beyond sensory data),
anandamaya kosha (bliss sheath00transcendent awareness of non-duality where self and
Self are one). The koshas are not distinct layers; rather they interpenetrate one another
and the synergy of their electromagnetic interplay generates a person's aura.

II. The Chakras

According to Anodea Judith in Wheels of Life, chakra (the "ch" is pronounced

like the "ch" in "church") refers to the chariot wheels of the Aryans, who invaded India in
the 2nd century B.C.E. Although these energetic vortices are not actual structures within
the annamaya kosha, they articulate with it and can be accessed by manipulation of the
physical body through asana practice as well as energetically through pranayama and
guided visualization. According to some traditions, the chakras reside in the pranamaya
kosha. According to other traditions, they can be found simultaneously in at least 2
sheaths, facilitating energy exchange and communication between the various bodies. As
such they operate as transducers, changing energy from one form to another. According
to Anodea Judith, "Chakras are organizing centers for the reception, assimilation, and
transmission of life energies." They also hold all seed information waiting to be released
as karma/life circumstances.
Although there are numerous chakras throughout the body, the literature and
teachings about the chakras are primarily concerned with 7 that are located along the
spinal axis. Each chakra represents--and to some degree controls-- a specific psycho-
social, psycho-energetic, or psycho-spiritual dimension of life. The muladhara chakra,
located at the base of the spine, houses our physical well being. Issues of safety and
security reside here, as do our cultural imprints. The swadhishthana chakra, at the
sacral area (3 fingers below the navel), is home to our personal creativity as well as to
sexual expression, relationships, and most of our social and economic connections to the
world outside ourselves. Between the navel and the sternum, the manipura chakra
expresses our sense of self--ego, self-esteem, and need to control. The anahata chakra,
at the heart, brings us compassion and service to others. The 5th chakra, vishuddha, is
located at the throat and represents our ability to speak our truth. The ajna chakra at the
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point between the eyebrows is the command center and place of inner vision. At the
crown, sahasrara, brings dissolution of individuality and communication with the
universal.
Each of the chakras vibrates (or spins) at a particular frequency; the greatest
vibration occurs at the top of the head and the lowest at the base of the spine. It's said
that cosmic vibrations enter at the crown chakra and are "stopped down" at each of the
major wheels until they reach the base. The chakras therefore slow down and speed up
vibrations as energy flows up and down.

III. Nadis

Nadis are channels through which subtle energy flows. This energy is commonly
called prana, although this word is both a generic term for the life-force and a specific
name for one of the 5 vayus, or movements of energy within the physical body.
Although traditions say that there are 72,000 nadis within each of us, there are only 3 that
are significant to our discussion. The sushumna, the central channel, begins at the
muldahara chakra and ends at the crown, the sahasrara. According to some Tantric texts,
this channel "pierces" the palette and, shortly thereafter, splits into 2 channels: one travels
through the ajna chakra enroute to the crown and the other is directed to a point just
inside the back of the skull, known as the bindu point. Kundalini energy, when
awakened, flows through the sushumna nadi.
Generally speaking, the sushumna is closed. Energy flows instead through two
other nadis, the ida and pingala. The pingala begins at the base of the spine, moves right
and begins a coiled ascent around the spinal column and the sushumna to end at the right
nostril. It carries sun, male, vital, muscular energy into the organism. The ida begins at
the base of the spine, moves left and coils around the spinal column and the sushumna
nadi to end at the left nostril. It caries moon, female, nurturing, visual, emotional,
meditative energy. The functioning of the ida and pingala can be balanced and
harmonized through pranayama. When kundalini is aroused, it travels up the sushumna.
At such times the energy flow in the ida and pingala ceases. Since all nadis except the
central channel are time bound, its opening allows a person to experience eternity as well
as non-duality.
There are many ways to work with the chakras. The two primary methods follow.
The first and most traditional is to use various techniques to awaken kundalini from it
slumber at the base of the spine, unblock the energetic knots inherent to the chakra
system (known as granthis) and move the energy through the central channel to effect a
blissful union of the individual consciousness (jiva) with the Divine (atman). The other
method, a more contemporary psychological approach, is to balance the chakras so that a
person can experience psycho-spiritual integration, wholeness, and a productive, happy
life. These methods, while seemingly at odds, can be complementary.

IV. Granthis

Generally translated as "knots", the granthis are experienced as blocks to the

upward flow of kundalini. They seem to be inherent to the human being, acting as a kind
of organismic self-preservation system. The Brahma granthi is located at the muladhara
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chakra. It keeps us stuck in instinctual/programmed behavior and is associated with the

brainstem (lower reptilian brain), in which the genetic code and basic instincts live. The
Vishnu granthi is located between the manipura and anahata chakras. This prevents us
from moving beyond our egos into a compassionate, self-less understanding of the world.
Rudra granthi is located in the vicinity of the ajna chakra. It keeps us from
transcending "I" consciousness and merging with the universal energy field.
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Muldahara Chakra

red
foundation/base/root
earth
heavy, stable, dense
lam/lang & o (nose)
base of spine, perineum,
adrenals, legs, feet, bones, bowel
foundation, structure, security, prosperity, life force energy
smell
elimination, ejaculation

Issues

irritable bowel, anorexia, obesity, constipation, sciatica

unity/separateness
tribal belief patterns & socio-cultural imprints
survival/physical existence
attachment, insecurity/security, trust
structure/freedom
strength

Practices

o study of scriptures
o steady, even, bass rhythms
o standing poses
o forward bends, restoratives
o lengthening exhale
o cultivation of stillness
o protein consumption
o mula bandha
o time in woods/nature
o visualization
o bij mantra
o toning
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Svadhishthana Chakra

orange
dwelling place of self
water
liquid, soft, cool, oily
vam/vang, oooo (as in cool)
sacral plexus, urogenital system
sensation, feeling mind, sensuality, sexuality, creativity
taste
procreation

Issues

urinary tract infections, sciatica, adrenal insufficiency, low back pain

sexual dysfunctions, malabsorption
guilt, gratification, desire, lust, fear, pleasure
justification
emotional well-being
fear
duality
unhealthy boundaries, projection, co-dependence
cellular and behavioral regeneration
change and fluidity

Practices

o cultivation of companionship
o honesty, loyalty
o melodic, flowing, surging rhythms
o vinyasa, kriyas, joint & circular movements
o lower ab and adductor work, hip openers, pelvic rocking
o time near water
o full abdominal breathing
o adequate hydration
o visualization
o bij mantra
o toning
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Manipura Chakra

yellow
many-jeweled city
fire
hot, sharp, light, dry, subtle
ram/rang, ah (as in father)
solar plexus, digestive organs
sense of self/ego/personality
personal will, manifestation
hunches and gut feelings
vision
walking

Issues

ulcers
liver, spleen, gall bladder ailments
chronic fatigue, hypertension
worry, anxiety, contentment,
activity, power, self-esteem, shame, self-image, courage, clarity, ability to
transform
ideation, classification, judgment
future-think

Practices

o tolerance, suspension of likes and dislikes

o energizing, up-tempo rhythms
o core cultivation, uddhiyana, nauli, arm blalances, twists, vinyasa
o breath of fire
o cultivation of integrity
o hot, spicy foods/bland, un-seasoned food, turmeric
o risk taking
o visualization
o bij mantra
o toning
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Anahata Chakra
green
unstruck
air
mobile, light, subtle
yam/yang, ay (play)
heart, lungs, thymus, arms, hands, circulatory system
self-love, love of others, compassion, self-acceptance
touch
grasping

Issues

asthma, coronary & lung disease, immune disorders

grief, forgiveness, peace, connection to life force & prana
sense of creative unfolding, intimacy, openness, healthy boundaries
healing
right/wrong, winning/losing
connection between lower & upper triangles of chakras
integration of spiritual and physical

Practices

o cultivate self-lessness
o compassion
o melodic, variable, inspirational, trenscendent music & rhythms
o backbends and heart openers
o shoulders openers & twists
o nadi sodhana pranayama
o walk in the wind/mountains
o practice gratitude
o self-less service
o sattvic foods
o visualization
o bij mantra
o toning
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Vishuddha Chakra

blue
pure
space, ether
clear, light, subtle, soft, immeasurable
ham/hang, ee (seed)
throat, thyroid, parathyroid,
respiratory system
commmuniation, self-expression, truthfulness
hearing
speech

Issues

neck, jaw, sinus pain

chronic ear aches
hearing loss, vocal chord impairment
hyper- & hypo-thyroidism
grief/poignancy, attention and attention deficit, reflection
channeling, spaciousness, freedom, inner sppech, nad
voice
listening, dharma
lies
vibration

Practices

o focused listening
o chanting
o silence
o awareness of space
o shoulderstand & cycle, fish
o lion, neck rolls
o jalandhara bandha
o mantra
o automatic writing
o prayer, music, song
o visualization
o bij mantra/toning
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Ajna Chakra

indigo/purple
command place
mahat/supreme element
spacious, light, subtle
Aum, mmmmmmm
brow, pineal gland, CNS
higher intuition & universal vision, archetypal awareness
light, luminescence
self-purpose, understanding
reasoning w/o prejudice
transcendent bliss

Issues

headaches, vision problems

nightmares
self-emptiness, metaphysical vacuity
connectedness to source, global awareness
individuation
perspective, illusion, discernment
memory
clairvoyance
karmic patterns

Practices

o prayer
o meditative, sattvic, internal rhythms
o viparita karani, headstand, rabbit, shoulderstand,
o eye exercises
o internal flame & 3rd eye gazing
o dream work
o color & light therapy
o mathematics
o visual arts
o visualization
o bij mantra
o toning
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Sahasrara Chakra

violet/white
thousand petaled lotus
ctta-cosmic consciousness
subtle, light
no mantra/ham-sa (I AM THAT AM)
crown of head, CNS
cerebral cortex, pituitary gland
ultimate connection w/source
union w/divine
transcendent bliss
withdrawal of senses

Issues

CNS malfunctions
cranial tumors
alienation, confusion
depression
non-attachment to self
non-identification w/personality
rasa, divine absorption
awakening of the light body

Practices

o detachment
o silence, complete stillness
o headstand
o retention of breath after exhale
o self-observation & examination
o fasting
o time-outs
o ritual
o spending time under stars
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Chakra Bibliography

Brennan, Barbara A. Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing through the Human Energy
Field. New York: Bantam, 1987. Classic and comprehensive. Contains
diagnostic charts of chakra imbalances.

Johari, Harish. Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation. Rochester, VT: Destiny

Books, 2000. Another classic w/slightly different representations of color and
function. Contains color images of yantras.

Judith, Anodea, PhD. Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System. St. Paul,
MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2000. THE classic guide. Based on her work
w/numerous clients.

Judith, Anodea, PhD. Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System
as a Path to Health. New York: Celestial Arts, 1996, 2004. A heartfelt,
comprehensive psychological discussion of the chakra system. Describes
developmental stages and characteristics of imbalanced energy in each chakra.

Judith, Anodea, PhD. Chakra Balancing. Boulder: Sounds True, 2003. CD and text.
Distilled from her larger volume, this presents a beginner's guide to imbalances
and techniques for balancing the chakras.

Motoyama, Hiroshi, PhD, PhD. Awakening of the Chakras and Emancipation. Tokyo:
Human Science Press, 2003. Lots of scientific data; includes some meridian
information. Slightly different slant.

Paulson, Genevieve Lewis. Kundalini and the Chakras: A Practical Manual. St. Paul,
MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1997. Contains numerous practices for healing.

Shumsky, Susan G. Exploring Chakras: Awaken your Untapped Energy. Franklin

Lakes, NJ: Career Press, 2003. Classical orientation and a little bit about
kundalini and chakras in other cultures. Excellent companion to Wheels