Chakras 101

There is deep wisdom within our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it.  ~Elizabeth A. Behnke

Often on this road to inner peace, “inner” is the last thing on our minds.  If we seek peace through religion we are asked to place our faith in something unseen and outside of ourselves.  Christianity, specifically, asks us to escape the material world into the divine -- to be “in the world but not of the world.” In meditation we transcend the body and enter the spirit. In astrology we study the heavens far beyond – the planetary movements, the moon’s path, the sun’s draw.

Yogis stop their breathing; monks abandon their fleshly desires. Yet no matter how transcendent we become, we can’t escape the vessel leading us down this road to inner peace – this very awkward, distracting, weak and decidedly un-peaceful body.

But a few thousand years ago, the body held a very different position in spiritual practice. Back then the body was seen as containing a latent energy that could move us toward transcendence and supernatural powers, or siddhis. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu scriptures written between1200 – 900 BC, described seven centers of consciousness-power located along the spine called chakras, which means wheel in Sanskrit. When the chakras are whirring like that wheel, the body is balanced and in tune. But if something gets stuck in the spokes– exhaustion, fear, past lives -- physical and emotional health can be affected.

Obama’s health care plan probably won’t cover chakra clearings, but being in tune with body can prevent illness, improve energy and possibly lead to divine insight. For as the Buddha said, “To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to reach enlightenment.”

Understanding the Chakras

Different chakra-doctrines have been found independently in spiritual traditions of India, China, and the West, starting with the Upanishads through present time. Although the teachings vary widely, below is a basic explanation.

Chakras are explained starting with the first, or root, chakra located at the base of the spine (you’re sitting on it right now) traveling up towards the seventh, or crown, chakra at the top of the head. Each is associated with a color and often pictured as a symbol within a lotus blossom.  In this edition we’ll examine the first three chakras, which symbolize the foundation of the physical elements.

The first or Root Chakra (Sanskrit name: Muladhara) is associated with the color red and governs the physical functions related to the bones, blood, immune system, colon, rectum, legs, and feet. This chakra is the foundation (like a tree’s roots) and enhances feelings of security and balance. Anything that affects the basic needs like relocating, selling a home or seeing a child off to college may throw the root chakra out of balance, resulting in sickness such as digestive problems or skin breakouts. If you find you’re experiencing these physical symptoms or feeling overly shy or boastful, ask yourself, “Is something affecting my security?” “Do I feel accepted and safe in my relationships?” Is a change in behavior or habits affecting me more than I realized?” While all these issues will need resolution, this simple meditation might help ground the energy of the root chakra. Sit on a chair and place the feet firmly on the ground, about hip width apart. Hands can be at the sides or laid, palm down, on the thighs. Breathe evenly and imagining a light, energy stream or water flowing from the feet up the legs, then the spine, and finally releasing through the top of the head. Now imagine the light traveling the other direction, from the crown down the spine through the legs and into the earth.  Continue for three to five minutes.

Imagine now that whirring source of energy moving up the spine to just below the navel to the Sacral Chakra (Sanskrit name: Svadisthana). Associated with the color orange the second chakra governs reproduction, the genitourinary system and the kidneys.  While the root chakra governs the feelings related to basic survival, the sacral chakra moves on to reproduction or creation. A balanced second chakra generally leads to optimism, creativity and self-confidence. The Sacral Chakra also governs relationships, when underactive an individual may become submissive and domineering if overactive. Physical ailments that manifest can be kidney problems, reproductive issues or back problems.  If these arise, you might question your ability to change in relationships. The second chakra is governed by water, as such it asks us to be flexible. Are you being too rigid with a spouse or loved one? Are you suppressing emotions instead of letting them flow? A simple yoga pose, called Gorilla Pose, can help release energy in the second chakra, and release tension in the wrists. Stand with feet hip distance apart and pull the toes off the ground. Gently bend the knees enough so you can place the soles of the hands under the soles of the feet. Let your feet and hands stand sole to sole and gently pull down with the arms.

As the energy continues upward, we reach the seat of our personal power. The third chakra (Sanskrit name: Manipura), located at the solar plexus (where your ribs meet) is associated with the color yellow. As a tree photosynthesizes the energy of the sun for energy and growth, at this chakra we transform food into physical energy and begin to manifest our creativity. Thus, the third chakra governs digestion and the liver and gall bladder (which help in digestion and elimination). If the energy in this chakra is out of balance, creativity is depleted or personal responsibility and will power weaken. If you are experiencing weight gain, diabetes, digestive problems, or problems with the gall bladder and liver, you might ask yourself, “Have I surrendered my personal power to someone, as in a relationship or work setting?” “Has routine or too much activity sapped my creative juices?” To release energy in the third chakra, cup your hands over your eyes and lean forward, resting your elbows on your knees as you are seated in a chair. Breathe deeply for 1 -3 minutes in this position.

Coming up:  a trip through the skies -- chakras four through seven.