Just as the physical body is pervaded by the nervous system, so the subtle body is pervaded by thousands of channels (nadi) through which flow the winds of energy (prana). These winds are believed to be as vital to our existence as food or water. The central channel runs from the crown of the head to the base of the spine, and along it are seven focal points known as chakras (energy wheels). As the chakras revolve, they initiate secondary energy flows, which circulate through the physical body along the meridians — a network of energy channels that can be accessed through acupuncture.

In most people, just enough energy flows through the chakras to sustain life. However, in meditation, the practitioner concentrates on bringing the energy winds together at the base of the spine and then carrying them up through the chakras, thus unlocking emotional and spiritual energy that has been blocked.

The first three chakras are connected to individual qualities. The first, called the "Root Support", at the base of the spine, is linked with security and attachment to the earth. As this chakra unfurls, feelings of intense fear and insecurity may be created, but when it is fully open, these anxieties may be replaced by a true sense of unconditional trust. The second chakra, "Special Abode", is in the area of the genitals. Working with it releases sexual energy, which can be pleasurable, but also has destructive qualities. Self-confidence, optimism and creativity are all qualities linked to "Special Abode". The third chakra is positioned at the solar plexus. Known as "City of the Shining Jewel", it is associated with the achievement of goals and power. On opening, feelings of anger, constriction and frustration give way to spontaneity, expressiveness and decisiveness.

The middle two chakras are associated with communication. "Soundless Sound", the fourth chakra, is located at the heart and holds the power of love and compassion. The fifth, "Purification", at the throat, is linked to expression and creativity. Working with this centre can cause coughing as the liberated energy sends shock waves through the speech centre of the physical body.

The last two chakras are connected to realization. The sixth, "Command", is associated with understanding and vision and is located in between the eyebrows. Profound disorientation may accompany the clearing of this chakra, as attachment to old ways of seeing dissolves. This confusion gives way to heightened perception and may also lead to extrasensory powers. The seventh chakra is the "Thousand-Petalled Lotus", the "chakra of Great Bliss". It is said to be opened when the practitioner's individual energy and the energy of the cosmos are dissolved into one.

Similar descriptions of the body and its subtle energy patterns are found in very different traditions around the world. Remarkably, they seem to have evolved independently of one another. In the Jewish mystical system of the Kabbalah, the centre of the Kabbalist's body was seen to be alive with knowledge. Seven spheres of heavenly power were located along the central channel. The left side of the channel was seen to be male, active and fiery, while the right side was female, receptive and watery. By combining the two qualities the disciple experienced the unifying principle of creation. The Inner Alchemy of the Daoists described the circulation of energies along the central column culminating in the great "Inner Union of Dragon and Tiger". Christian icons often include a halo or nimbus as a sign of divinity or sainthood, and this may represent the energetic aura believed by many to emanate from the enlightened.

The most complete descriptions of the chakras are found in Hindu Kundalini Yoga sources. Kundalini is the serpent energy that moves and illuminates life. In most people the serpent lies coiled and sleeping at the base of the central channel, but by practising yoga we can waken the serpent, so that it rises from the lowest to the highest levels, shaking off our spiritual lethargy and releasing both spiritual and physical energy. Frequent warnings have been given about the dangers of suddenly experiencing this energy. It is said that, without a skilful teacher, the student can become like a "drunk elephant", not knowing how to direct the energy in a positive direction. When correctly released, however, the great spiritual energy that we all possess can alter our perceptions and stimulate our progress toward enlightenment.




From The Secret Language of the Soul by Jane Hope (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1997).
Copyright © 1997 by Jane Hope

Used by arrangement with Chronicle Books.