Introduction to Chakras
What is the Chakra system?
The Chakra system originated in India between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE in the oldest religious text of the Hindus, the Vedas. The word ‘Chakra’ means a spinning disc or a wheel. The Chakras of the human body are the vortices of energy that run along the spine at certain specific points. These energy centres are invisible to the human eye but they are part of our spiritual body, and they correspond to specific glands,organs, and sections of the body. There are 7 main Chakras along the spine, but it is believed that there are 114 Chakras in totality in the human body.
How do our Chakras affect our lives?
Chakras connect our spiritual/ether body to our physical body. They regulate the flow of energy throughout the meridians that run through the body. Sometimes the energy of a Chakra becomes unbalanced because of stressful situations, emotional problems, traumas, suppressed feelings, etc. If the body’s life force (referred to as 'prana') cannot flow freely, it is likely that energy blockages will occur.
The consequence of irregular energy flow is physical illness and discomfort, or a sense of being mentally or emotionally out of balance. Negativity in any aspect of life has its impact on the ether body, which in turn manifests itself physically. Each Chakra governs specific body parts and glands, and has its own unique qualities.
The seven Chakras also have their own specific colour, element, stones and scents that aid our senses to keep the aura of that energy centre balanced.
The seven Chakras and their basic characteristics:
1) Muladhara Chakra | Root Chakra – Stability. Grounding. Security.
The first of the seven Chakras, it is located at the base of the spine. Represented by the colour red,the element of earth, and the symbol of the four-petalled lotus, it is associated with survival. This energy centre gives us the feeling of being grounded, secure, and safe.
2) Svadhishthana Chakra | Sacral Chakra – Creativity. Pleasure. Joy.
This vibrant energy centre is just below the navel. Represented by the colour orange, the element of water, and the symbol of the six-petalled lotus, it connects you to your physical body, sensuous pleasure and the sheer joy of being alive.
3) Manipura Chakra | Solar Plexus Chakra – Confidence. Willpower. Energy.
This fiery Chakra is located above the navel. Represented by the colour yellow, the element of fire, and the symbol of the ten-petalled lotus, this Chakra is all about transformation and the ability to take action.
4) Anahata Chakra | Heart Chakra – Love. Compassion. Selflessness.
Located at the centre of the chest, this Chakra is represented by the colour green or pink, the element of air, and the twelve-petalled lotus. This energy centre governs our ability to love with kindness, and to be loved and cherished by others.
5) Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra – Communication. Expression. Truth.
Located at the throat, it is represented by the colour blue, the element of sound and the symbol of the sixteen-petalled lotus. The throat Chakra governs our ability to express ourselves and our truest opinions, as well as our ability to listen to others patiently, without interrupting.
6) Ajna Chakra | Third Eye Chakra – Intuition. Perception. Awareness.
Located between the brows, this energy centre is represented by the colour indigo or deep purple, the element of light, and the symbol of the two-petalled lotus. Responsible for our ability to pay attention to our intuition, it helps us to see the reality beyond illusions.
7) Sahasrara Chakra | Crown Chakra – Divinity. Connection. Enlightenment.
Located above the head, this Chakra is represented by the thousand-petalled lotus in full bloom. The associated colour is white or violet and its corresponding element is space or thought. The crown Chakra is linked with our ability to connect to divine energy, and in turn feel our own divinity.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LOTUS IN THE CHAKRA SYMBOLS
Why are the symbols denoted by lotus petals and what does the number of petals signify?
The lotus flower is a highly revered spiritual symbol and is considered sacred in many cultures. The bud of a lotus symbolizes potential. It is because a lotus grows in unclean water, untainted by the impurity around, that it is a symbol of purity and resurrection.
The journey of a lotus right from a bud to full bloom is depicted in the chakra system, from the four-petalled root chakra to the thousand -petalled crown Chakra.
Each chakra represents a specific aspect of our life, and the chakra system is a reflection of our own spiritual evolution - From basic grounding to ultimate enlightenment, and from a bud to a flower in full bloom.
It is also believed that the number of lotus petals denote the sound vibrational frequency of each Chakra. As the number of petals increase, the vibration is said to be finer. This is why we have specific bija sounds, mantras and frequencies which balance the vibration frequency of each Chakra. These frequencies are used in Sound Therapy and Chakra Meditation for their healing effects on the mind and body. Their benefits have even been backed by science.
