Chakra is a Sanskrit word, meaning wheel. The charkas are element of a larger network of subtle energies. Information about them is found mainly in the Upanishads where four texts in particular describe their locations and provide symbolic descriptions of each chakra:
1) Shri Jabala Darshana Upanishad
2) Cudamini Upanishad
3) Yoga-Shikka Upanishad
4) Shandila Upanishad
In the 10th century the Guru Goraknath wrote the Gorakshashatakam. He was believed to be a saint and he set out practical knowledge for the benefit of his disciples. This text provided new information concerning the powers that accompany the awakening of the chakras and established the connection between chakra awakening and the practice of meditation.
The most detailed and comprehensive study of the chakras is contained in the sixth chapter of the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, in the major work of Shri-tattva- Cintamini composed by Purananda Svami. Written in the 16th century, it contained descriptions and illustrations of the chakras. As the chakras are part of a greater network of subtle energies, we are unable to separate them without breaking holistic principles. Our physical makeup is well researched and documented through the many body-based Western sciences. But our personal, subtle make-up can only be explored using very different means of involvement, rather than clinical detachment and a holistic frame of reference. However, the physical and the non-physical existences of the human being are two manifestations of the same whole; they cannot really be separated and we cannot study one without reference to the other. We are unable to study the subtle energetic anatomy without seeing its relationship to the physical anatomy. Likewise, we are unable to study the physical anatomy without including the knowledge of the subtle anatomy.
Chakras and the Physical Body
Each chakra represents to certain physical systems and the associated organs:
Muladhara (The Base Chakra)
Relates to the large intestine and the rectum and it also shares some responsibility for the functions of the kidneys, which rid the body of waste matter.
Svadisthana (The Sacral Chakra)
Relates to the reproductive system, ovaries, testes, bladder and kidneys.
Manipura (The Solar Plexus Chakra)
Relates to the liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen and small intestine.
Anahata (The Heart Chakra)
Relates to the heart and the arms
Vishuddi (The Throat Chakra)
Relates to the lungs and throat
Ajna (The Brow Chakra)
Relates to the brain
Sahasrara (The Crown Chakra)
Relates to the whole human being
There is a direct connection between the condition of the chakra and the corresponding body organs because a chakra can be over-vitalized, under-vitalized, aligned, open or blocked. Dysfunction, for example, of the reproductive system will usually noticeable with certain physical symptoms such as disrupted menstruation. The physical symptoms will be mirrored by malfunction within the associated energy network and the chakra itself so creating change to restore the related energy system to a state of balance will create change at the physical level.
The charkas function as transmuters of energy from one level to another distributing pranic energy to the physical body. This is done in part through the glands, which regulate different systems within the body so each of the charkas is also related to a major gland:
- Muladhara Chakra- the adrenals
- Svadisthana Chakra- the ovaries in women; testes in men
- Manipura Chakra- the pancreas
- Anahata Chakra- the thymus
- Vishuddi Chakra- the thyroid and parathyroid
- Ajna Chakra- the pituitary gland, and sometimes the pineal gland
- Sahasrara Chakra- the pineal gland
The endocrine glands play a vital role in the everyday health and wellbeing of the body. The hormones released directly into the bloodstream by the glands govern all aspects of growth, development and daily physical activity. Dysfunction of any of the endocrine glands will have serious physical consequences.
The number of chakras varies between yoga traditions. Most traditions give a number between 6 and 9, but the number most often given is seven. These include the six charkas of awakening and the crown chakra at the top of the head.
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