SPIRITUAL TERMINOLOGY AND MEANINGS

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Chakra System

What is the chakra system?

The chakra system is a series of energy centers or portals in or around the human body through which energy or life force flows. Chakras are prevalent in the mystical forms of Hinduism and Buddhism, specifically Tantra, and there is some argument that they also appear in the Bible in symbolic form. The number of chakras varies from tradition to tradition, but modern new age practices generally recognize seven basic chakras, with additional chakras located outside of the body, in the hands, or between the seven basic chakras. In some Buddhist traditions the chakras are not necessarily locations in the body, but rather, specific visualizations for one to meditate upon.

What are the seven chakras?

The modern chakra system consists of seven centers of energy located in a column along the spine.

Crown Chakra

The crown chakra, or Sahasrara, is located at the top of the head and generally represents integrated wisdom and pure consciousness. It is connected with the violet color or sometimes white or gold. It is the entrance point of the soul into the body and the connection to the formless energy of the universe.

Brow Chakra (a.k.a Third Eye, or Pineal Gland)

The brow chakra, also known as the third eye chakra or Anja, is located between the eyes and represents clarity of seeing. It is the seat of intuition and psychic abilities. It is associated with the color indigo. This chakra is thought to be directly connected to the pineal gland, a small pea-shaped gland in the center of the brain which produces and regulates some hormones such as melatonin which contains light-sensitive cells that control the circadian rhythm.

Spiritualists believe that the pineal gland is also responsible for the production of naturally-occurring dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a substance found in psychedelics which is linked to the production of mystical experiences. In reality, DMT is not only produced by the pineal gland, but also other parts of the brain. It is believed in the scientific community that a spike in this DMT production is responsible for near-death experienced.

Throat Chakra

The throat chakra or Vishudda is located in the throat and represents purity of communication or speaking of truth. It is associated with the color blue.

Heart Chakra

The heart chakra is known as Anahata and is associated with the color green or sometimes pink. The heart chakra is believed to be the bridge between the lower chakras and the upper chakras. It represents the capacity for empathy, love, and feeling.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, is located just above the belly button and below the sternum. Its color is yellow and it is the seat of our identity and personal will power.

Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is located in the abdomen. It’s also known as Svadhisthana and is associated with the color orange. The sacral chakra is the center of creativity, passion, pleasure, sexuality, and emotion.

Root Chakra

The root chakra is the lowest chakra located at the base of the spine and is the gateway through which the soul is grounded into the physical body and earthly experience. Also known as Muldhara, the root chakra is associated with the colors red or black and represents our sense of personal safety and survival needs. It is the foundation of an aligned energy system. This chakra is said to be the seat of our life force, also known as Kundalini, Ka, Chi, or sometimes Prana.

This is a simplified overview of the chakra system. For a more in-depth understanding of the chakra system and its association with developmental psychology, I recommend Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith.

 

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