Have you ever approached a topic with a desire to understand it and noticed, that in actuality, the topic is being spoken around? You have! So have I. The ‘7 Chakras’ is one of those topics. Though that may sound suspect, there is a reason.

Background

Just like any topic relating to Yoga – an ancient practice – it lives within a body of knowledge dating back thousands of years. For that reason the information about chakras is entwined with many other philosophical concepts that underlie an entire knowledge system. Within a particular Hindu philosophy there is a belief in a spiritual dimension to the things we see, feel, intuit and all of existence as we know it.

Three bodies?

In our exploration of chakras, we will delve into the ancient Hindu belief of the Three Bodies Doctrine. An individual is believed to have three bodies, the physical, the subtle, and the causal.

1. The Physical Body (sthula sharira) is the one you feel, breath, and live in. It is born, ages and eventually dies. Fear not.

2. The Subtle Body (linga sharira) survives beyond the death of the physical body and is involved in the process of rebirth and eternal life.

3. The Causal Body (karana shirara) is the hardest to define, but we can think of it as the state of the divine, of emptiness, and of becoming one with the divine.

What wills these bodies of being?

Nietszche called it ‘will to power’, Freud – eros (not that kind), the ancient Greeks – anima, in ancient Chinese – ki/qi/chi, I could go on (ok just one more, Mana from the ancient Polynesian and Melanesian culture). In the yogic understanding, we speak of prana. Prana is ‘life force energy’ – the essence of life – that which lives beyond one’s desire to live, that which compels breath beyond despair. Prana flows in everything that exists – material and immaterial. A good understanding of prana is essential to understanding the 7 chakras.

What are Chakras?

Chakras are centres of energy (like a WIFI hotspot), and feelings within the physical/subtle body. Prana flows as long as the chakras are open (as long as you have internet connection). A focus on these energy centres, and knowledge of their roles in the subtle and physical bodies can help us attain our highest potential – self realisation.

What are the physiological importance of chakras?

The seven main chakras (numbers vary depending on different schools of belief. Buddhist scriptures stating dozens, while Jain scriptures mention nine) are located at various points at major networks of arteries, veins and nerves along the spine. There is also a correlation between the seven chakras and specific endocrine glands. For this reason, when experiencing specific ailments within the body or the mind you may practice specific asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques to better address your concerns.

The Seven Chakras and their attributes:

What does it all mean for your yoga practice?

Since yoga, as a path of self realisation, was created around the chakras with the goal of balancing both the mind and the body. When doing yoga you are engaging in a practice that will bring about a greater balance, mindfulness and stability to your whole being. With prana flowing freely, the chakras can facilitate a stable, more connected life to ourselves and others.

Are there any specific styles of yoga that engage the chakras?

All the different types of yoga will engage the chakras by bringing in prana through the practice of pranayama and asana. Kundalini yoga in particular has been hailed as a means of activating the chakras in order to experience a surge of spiritual energy (known as Kundalini awakening).

A final thought

How do you conceptual the self? Is it with the help of Freud’s id, ego, and superego structural model of the psyche? Or perhaps by learning from life experiences, and consciously seeking a means of understanding one’s emotions? The Chakra System is one means of understanding the self, and be seen as an allegory of the seven centres of being. An individual has to work through the seven steps towards the highest chakra and towards self realisation.

Through your yoga practice whether intentionally or not, the ancient gymnast type yogi beings would have certainly considered your chakras to be activated, for prana to be flowing within you, for a balance in body and mind to have been in the making. As the K. Pattabhi Jois once said, ‘Practice yoga, and all is coming!’ the rest is up to you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neelam
– Yoga Teacher and Japanese language enthusiast