Initiating the journey to spiritual fulfillment begins with awareness of the existence and functioning of the inner energy centers - Chakras. Chakra is a Sanskrit word that translates as "wheel" or"turning." They are considered the focal points for the reception and transmission of energies
Ancient wisdom holds that the Macrocosm is intricately composed of seven planes or vibratory layers, each resonating with a distinct and predominant frequency. Chakras are typically depicted as either flower-like or wheel-like. The former depicts a specific number of "petals" around the perimeter of a circle. In the latter, a certain number of spokes divide the circle into segments, resembling a wheel (or "chakra"). Each chakra has a unique number of segments or petals.
This cosmic symphony finds its parallel in the microcosm, the miniature analogue universe within our being.
Just as the Macrocosm pulsates with diverse vibrations, our microcosmic existence mirrors this intricate dance through seven vibratory planes, each with its unique dominant frequency.
In the complex layers of our being, each vibrational plane functions as a centre of activity for a particular TATTVA-e, a mysterious energy or subtle principle. These planes, vibrating in resonance with their corresponding macrocosmic counterparts, are the epicentres of forces that play a crucial role in shaping our existence, these dynamic energy centres are referred to as Chakras.
Each chakra, as defined by the ancient science of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, represents a core of vital energy within the being, known as GRANTHI. The term GRANTHI, derived from Sanskrit, means 'knot', 'protuberance' or 'nucleus', emphasising the essential role that each centre of force plays in the intricate dance of life within the body.
Olso each CHAKRA is associated with a specific "element". In Indian and yogic philosophy, the entire phenomenal universe is seen as a synthesis of the five basic elements (BHUTAS). These differ in the proportions of matter (PRAKRITI) and consciousness (PURUSHA). All others exist in these proportions, which have the qualities of solidity (earth), fluidity (water), combustion (fire), movement (air) and spaciousness. (ether). They are "elemental" in the sense that everything is a combination of them.
Every chakra acts as an antenna, receiving and emitting energy, corresponding to the activation of Yin energy (receptive, lunar, sensitive, -) or Yang energy (emissive, solar, controlling, +).The harmonious activation of any chakra will represent a balance of the Yin and Yang aspects, as well as a good receptivity and capacity to attract the specific energies of that force centre in the human structure combined in a polar way with the capacity for control and awareness manifested by that energy.
Each chakra is a tool for controlling a specific set of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. This means we can use them to diagnose problems and devise treatment plans for a wide range of issues. Understanding the chakras enables us to use physical symptoms to uncover the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of any illness.
Although there are various definitions of chakras, all systems share the following features:
- they form part of a subtle energy body, along with the energy, channels, or nadis, and or pranas
- are situated along the central nadi, Sushumna, which runs either inside or alongside the spine
- they have several 'petals' or'spokes'. These spokes, according to some traditions, branch off into the thousands of nadis that run throughout the human body
- additionally, in addition to Sushumna, there are two other nadis that run through the chakras. These are Ida and Pingala. There are times when they cross Sushumna at the point where the chakras are located
- they are frequently associated with a mantra seed-syllable and a variety of colours and deities
- the six major chakras correspond to basic states of consciousness
- each chakra influences or even governs bodily functions in the vicinity of its location.
The seven chakras, each corresponding to a particular plane of vibration - in ascending order of their vibrational frequency - considered energy centres, operate a certain predominant influence on certain parts, systems, organs and glands of the body.
Yogis called these secret centers of strength after:
- MULADHARA CHAKRA - PRITHIVI-GRANTHI (root chakra): is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and the sex. In every person, it allows vital energy (the subtle energy of the "earth") to flow. It controls many bodily functions, including the elimination and excretion processes. Although no endocrine organ is placed here, it is said to relate to the gonads and the adrenal medulla, responsible for the fight-or-flight response when survival is under threat. Psychologically and mentally, it controls basic instincts like self-defense and survival. Emotionally, it controls fear of being wiped out, panic, and bravery.
- SVADHISTHANA CHAKRA - VARUNA-GRANTH (sexuality chakra): Genitals are its projection area. It controls instinctual energies like hunger, thirst, sleep, and sexual impulse through resonance. Psychologically, it gives us sensitivity, social instincts like family, couple, social integration, conformity, and pleasure. The key issues involving Swadisthana are relationships, violence, addictions, basic emotional needs, and having fun. Mental, it controls creativity. Emotionally, it controls happiness. Spiritually, it controls enthusiasm.
- MANIPURA CHAKRA - AGNI-GRANTH (navel chakra): projection area is the navel. It governs fire's subtle energy in relation to personality, individualism, and mentalization of the "I" as unique and different. * In the physical realm, this chakra regulates digestion, assimilation, combustion, and body temperature.* On a psychological level, it fosters self-confidence, willpower, balance, dignity, action power, dynamism, desire for change, enthusiasm, and optimism.
- ANAHATA CHAKRA - VAYU-GRANTHI (heart chakra): uses the chest as its projection, is related to the thymus. It controls air energy and soul manifestation. It coordinates blood circulation, the cardio-vascular system, breathing with all the changes in the lungs, and immune system functions. This chakra controls higher emotions like love, devotion, self-sacrifice, compassion, generosity, tenderness, kindness, and gentleness.
- VISHUDDHA CHAKRA - VYOMA-GRANTHI (throat chakra): The neck is its projection. Controls etheric energy. It regulates the thyroid gland, its subordinate glands, and the vocal cords. Psychomentally, it controls intuition, genius, artistic creativity, time-space perception, feelings, and mystery.
- AJNA CHAKRA - AHAM-GRANTHI (mental chakra - the so called "third eye"): All mental processes and energies are projected onto the forehead. Because of this chakra's lack of dynamism, people only use 2% of their brain's incredible activity. Psychomotorically, this chakra controls mental resonance from the most basic to the most advanced paranormal / mental powers.
- SAHASRARA - MAHAT-GRANTHI (the lotus crown with a thousand petals): Top of head projection. It resonates with the highest manifestations, the Supreme energy of Uncreated Light, and Ultimate Reality's bliss and happiness. This level is beyond good and evil, all polar aspects, and all tendencies, incomprehensible to human consciousness but reachable in Samadhi. These communions with sahasrara are rare, but they always change the life of the person who has had them.
In conclusion, the complex interaction between the microcosm and the Macrocosm takes place through the activation and resonance of the chakras. The awakening and increased energization of a particular chakra, aligned with a particular plane or level of vibration in the Macrocosm, becomes a determining factor in the characteristics manifested in an individual's existence and behavior.
As a Chakra becomes predominantly active, it serves as a secret centre of force, influencing the systems, organs and glands of the human body. The predominant influence exerted by this energised Chakra shapes specific manifestations in the body, resulting in a profound impact on the individual's overall well-being. The characteristics manifested in existence and behaviour are closely related to the predominant manifestation of the systems, organs and glands influenced by the intensely energised Chakra.
They are practical and operational in that they allow us to understand the whole phenomenal world and relate it easily to other aspects of our existence, such as energy, mind or higher consciousness.
This understanding emphasises the importance of harmonising and balancing the Chakras, as it allows individuals to consciously or spontaneously influence the manifestation of different aspects within themselves.
In essence, the Chakras serve as dynamic gateways through which the Macrocosm expresses itself in the Microcosm of each individual's existence.