An ancient tradition for a new age.
About Chakras
Born of ancient yoga tradition, the chakras are now an alternative source of energy for a new age. But what are they? Where did they come from? And how are they useful to us today?
What are Chakras?
Chakra is a Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) word, meaning wheel or vortex. Chakras are energy centers that exist in the physical body. They function as valves directing the flow of energy through our system.
Chakras are not physical, but rather aspects of our consciousness. There are seven major chakras within our body, arranged vertically from the base of the spine to the top of the head. They are Chakra One (root or base chakra), Chakra Two (sacral chakra), Chakra Three (solar plexus chakra), Chakra Four (heart chakra), Chakra Five (throat chakra), Chakra Six (brow chakra or the third eye), and Chakra Seven (crown chakra).
Each energy center represents an emotion or psychological state such as power, love and imagination, and each is linked to a color. Using colored gemstones or crystals helps to strengthen the association with the state you may be seeking. For instance, red crystals, associated with the first chakra with grounding as one of its goals, may help you to feel more stable and connected to earth and the material world. There are many other correspondences, which help us to understand the essential nature of each chakra, and enable us to work on chakra balancing to unify our entire being— body, mind, spirit, soul.
Chakras and yoga philosophy
The chakra system originated in India, and is linked to the ancient yoga masters. The origin of yoga and the chakras goes back to the Vedas, the oldest written Indian texts. In the 7th century, the chakras became an integral part of yoga philosophy.
Yoga philosophy maintains that there are thousands of chakras throughout the body, but seven of them are major importance. All seven chakras occur in Sushumna Nadi, the Shining Pathway that begins from the crown of the head, down through the base of the spine. At the base of the spine is Kundalini (root chakra). Kundalini is the “mysterious power within.” Ancient yoga philosophy holds that by that living our lives engaged in the process of self-discovery, we awaken Kundalini and activate its upward flow through Sushumna Nadi, leading to an awakening of individual potential and complete enlightenment.
