An Ancient Tradition
The chakra system has a long history, with its earliest appearance in the Vedic texts of India. The word Chakra pronounced (CHak-ruh) means “disk” or “wheel.” These early texts referred to a chariot driver called a Chakravartin or the king who “turns the wheel of his empire” in all directions starting from the center. The center part of the wheel is symbolic of the influence and power of the great king. Although this is not the concept of the chakra system practiced today in the West, as the seven energy centers of the body. This original meaning is just as powerful to me, in that I am the driver of my chariot/body/mind. I turn the wheel on my own journey to wholeness, and at the center is the influence and power of God.
As a young child I had a profound experience about the Chakra system, where I saw and knew that I had a line of energy that ran through the central axis of my very being. It began deep in my core and ended at my crown. Energy traveled up and down this white line of energy, and in my young little mind, I would have described it as a striped soda straw. I didn’t think this was unusual, and thought everyone else knew this as well. I did not see spinning balls of colored light, but what I did know was that energy did not just move haphazardly in my body. There was some sort of order to the way I experienced things in this subtle body of mine.
From its original origins the concept of chakra has been evolving. From the Vedas, to the Upanishads, to Patanjali and Tantric traditions to where we are now in the West. In this new age of chakras, it is understood to be subtle energy centers within the body. Corresponding to nerve plexus, glands and organs, as well as developmental stages and psychological functions. This model of the seven-chakra system is quite modern, and seeks to integrate parts of us that we have lost. In “Anatomy of the Spirit,” the author Caroline Myss, describes the function of the chakras in this way. “Every thought and experience you’ve ever had in your life get filtered through these chakra databases. Each event is recorded into your cells…”
Energy is constantly moving around us and through us in many forms. This energy is received and expressed in the human body via the chakra system. Eastern traditions describe this system as a network within our bodies. This network is said to be 72,000+ subtle nadis. Nadis are not nerves, but energy pathways. They are not physical, and if you were to cut the body open you would not find them. None the less they exist, and you can experience them. The energy that moves in these 72,000+ pathways or channels spring from three fundamental nadis, called Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
Sushumna nadi, which translates to “most gracious” is the center column. This is the main channel which I described earlier from my childhood experience. When I learned about the Sushumna nadi, I immediately knew I had context for this experience. The Sushumna runs through the central channel of the spinal cord and represents consciousness. In the Sushumna channel is where “Kundalini” energy rises up from the root to find its true home at the crown. My teacher Guruprasad Singh said, “Kundalini is not some mystical energy, it is You, the unfolding of your consciousness, and when this happens you become VERY effective in life.”
Sushumna, Ida and Pingala, all originate at the base of the spine. Ida represents the moon and feminine energy. Pingala represents the sun and masculine energy. From this starting point at the base of the spine, Ida and Pingala spiral around the Sushumna/center column crossing each other at each chakra energy center until they end at the nostrils. The chakras are the power centers where the Ida and Pingala intersect. Each chakra power center makes up what is known as the “subtle body.”
Through these subtle channels the universal vital life force or conscious energy known as “Prana,” flows along these pathways. This life force/conscious energy is not visible to our eyes, but is apparent in our countenance or aura. This intricate energy system communicates with the body via the biological systems, keeping us balanced and healthy, physically, spiritually and emotionally. My teacher Syl from www.gobodhiyoga.com taught that energy is in every cell of the body, as well as the chakra system, but it is in the main channel where the energy is condensed. This means that every action that we take or reaction we have is housed inside our bodies. This includes our thoughts, words and deeds. When our actions are negative or out of alignment with our highest Self, prana pulls away from this central channel, and no longer flows freely, causing an imbalance. (losing the spirit)
It is important to understand that there are many energy centers in the body besides just seven. This helps us look for the common thread in other models for integrating wholeness and balance.
For example, Chinese meridians used for acupuncture, as well as Japanese Reiki, both are ancient practices for wholeness. In this new model of the chakra system it’s important to remember that we cannot know all things now, much of it is still theory with common threads of truth, so we need to approach it with some humility. One thing we can do is experiment and observe what works.
On a personal note, the seven-chakra model has been beneficial in my yoga practice. Through movement and breath work these channels can open up, bringing to light past memories or trauma that need to be cleared. Learning to clear out what is no longer serving me, and making space for what will serve me is a work in progress. I am fully invested in getting real with my internal baggage, and how it unconsciously drives me to make choices that don’t always propel me on the path to my higher Self. Learning to let go of my ego is not easy, but when I do my actions always lead me to the greater good.
Weaving the concepts of East and West together can assist us on our journey towards wholeness. The chakra system is a model for our growth and development, but only in that it represents a deeper internal reality. The chakra system is just one way, and it may be right for you, but others may find healing and wholeness through other ways. As we embark on the journey to heal, let us be true seekers of knowledge, observing what works, and what is truth. Afterall the journey from earth to heaven is a spiritual one, and if you embark on the journey, I hope you find spiritual freedom.
Namaste, Holly
