Eastern philosophies offer a systematic way of understanding human existence not just at a physical level but also through the subtle energies that guide our emotions, intellect, and spirit. One of the core elements of this intricate system is the seven chakras, often visualized as spinning wheels of energy or lotuses, each possessing unique qualities and governing distinct aspects of our being.
The expanded chakra system offers an enriched understanding of human energetic anatomy, extending the scope beyond the traditional seven chakras. By acknowledging the broader framework of fourteen chakras and the intricate network of nadis, one can attain a more profound comprehension of the harmonious interplay between the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cosmic dimensions of existence.
Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Location: Base of the spine.
Attributes: As the foundation of the chakra system, Muladhara is fundamentally connected with matters of survival such as food, shelter, and security (Johari, 1987). Its balanced state manifests as feelings of safety, stability, and trust in the world.
Associated Color: Red.
Element: Earth.
Mantra: LAM.
Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)
Location: Just below the navel.
Attributes: This chakra governs our relationships, emotions, creativity, and sexuality. A balanced Svadhisthana results in adaptability, healthy emotional responses, and free-flowing creativity.
Associated Color: Orange.
Element: Water.
Mantra: VAM.
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
Location: Solar plexus, in the abdomen.
Attributes: Associated with personal power, ambition, and digestion. When balanced, it promotes self-confidence, a sense of purpose, and the ability to transform thoughts into action.
Associated Color: Yellow.
Element: Fire.
Mantra: RAM.
Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Location: Center of the chest.
Attributes: The bridge between the lower and upper chakras, Anahata is the seat of love—both for oneself and for others—as well as compassion, forgiveness, and connection.
Associated Color: Green or Pink.
Element: Air.
Mantra: YAM.
Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)
Location: Throat.
Attributes: Governing communication, self-expression, and truth, a balanced Vishuddha allows individuals to speak and listen with compassion and authenticity.
Associated Color: Blue.
Element: Ether (or Space).
Mantra: HAM.
Ajna (Third Eye Chakra)
Location: Between the eyebrows.
Attributes: Ajna is the center of intuition, foresight, and psychic abilities. It allows one to see beyond the physical realm, enabling profound insights and realizations.
Associated Color: Indigo.
Element: Light.
Mantra: OM or SHAM.
Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
Location: Top of the head.
Attributes: As the pinnacle of the chakra system, Sahasrara connects individuals to the divine and the vast universe. It represents enlightenment, spiritual wisdom, and the dissolution of the ego (Judith, 2004).
Associated Color: Violet or White.
Element: Cosmic energy.
Mantra: Silence or AUM.
Understanding each chakra and its attributes can offer pathways to balance and holistic health. By working with these energy centers, individuals can potentially attain greater physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual harmony.
The Extended Seven Chakras
Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Location: Base of the spine.
Attributes: As the foundation of the chakra system, Muladhara is fundamentally connected with matters of survival such as food, shelter, and security (Johari, 1987). Its balanced state manifests as feelings of safety, stability, and trust in the world.
Associated Color: Red.
Element: Earth.
Mantra: LAM.
Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)
Location: Just below the navel.
Attributes: This chakra governs our relationships, emotions, creativity, and sexuality. A balanced Svadhisthana results in adaptability, healthy emotional responses, and free-flowing creativity.
Associated Color: Orange.
Element: Water.
Mantra: VAM.
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
Location: Solar plexus, in the abdomen.
Attributes: Associated with personal power, ambition, and digestion. When balanced, it promotes self-confidence, a sense of purpose, and the ability to transform thoughts into action.
Associated Color: Yellow.
Element: Fire.
Mantra: RAM.
Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Location: Center of the chest.
Attributes: The bridge between the lower and upper chakras, Anahata is the seat of love—both for oneself and for others—as well as compassion, forgiveness, and connection.
Associated Color: Green or Pink.
Element: Air.
Mantra: YAM.
Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)
Location: Throat.
Attributes: Governing communication, self-expression, and truth, a balanced Vishuddha allows individuals to speak and listen with compassion and authenticity.
Associated Color: Blue.
Element: Ether (or Space).
Mantra: HAM.
Ajna (Third Eye Chakra)
Location: Between the eyebrows.
Attributes: Ajna is the center of intuition, foresight, and psychic abilities. It allows one to see beyond the physical realm, enabling profound insights and realizations.
Associated Color: Indigo.
Element: Light.
Mantra: OM or SHAM.
Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
Location: Top of the head.
Attributes: As the pinnacle of the chakra system, Sahasrara connects individuals to the divine and the vast universe. It represents enlightenment, spiritual wisdom, and the dissolution of the ego (Judith, 2004).
Associated Color: Violet or White.
Element: Cosmic energy.
Mantra: Silence or AUM.
Extended Chakra System
Delving deeper into traditional Eastern texts and teachings reveals an extended system of fourteen chakras. By considering this expanded system, one can achieve a more nuanced understanding of human energetic anatomy, especially when factoring in the nadis.
- Earth Star Chakra: Acting as our energetic anchor to the planet, this chakra allows us to draw nurturing and stabilizing energy from the Earth, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to nature.
- Soul Star Chakra: Often viewed as the seat of the soul, this chakra offers access to our past life memories, karmic patterns, and the Akashic Records, a compendium of all human events, thoughts, emotions, and intents believed to be encoded in a non-physical plane.
- Causal Chakra: Positioned slightly above the Soul Star, it relates to the surrender of the ego, the realization of cosmic unity, and the experience of enlightenment.
- Stellar Gateway Chakra: Serving as a portal to other galaxies and dimensions, this chakra helps us channel high-frequency energies and communicate with higher-dimensional beings.
Universal Chakras
These are higher vibrational centers that tie individuals to cosmic energies, interstellar wisdom, and the universal fabric of consciousness. Though less commonly discussed in many texts, their activation is believed to coincide with significant spiritual ascension and the embodiment of universal love and wisdom (Rendell, 2012).
Nadis: The Subtle Energetic Channels of the Body
At the heart of the intricate chakra system in Eastern philosophies lies the concept of nadis, the subtle energetic pathways that form a comprehensive network across the body, acting as conduits for the life force energy known as prana. The complex matrix of nadis underpins our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and understanding their function and significance can offer profound insights into holistic health and spiritual development.
The term “nadi” originates from the Sanskrit word meaning “stream” or “flow.” As suggested, these channels oversee the flow of prana, ensuring that every part of the body receives vital energy. Ancient texts claim the existence of over 72,000 nadis, each varying in size and importance.
Principal Nadis
Sushumna: This is the central channel that runs along the spine, starting from the base (Muladhara chakra) and culminating at the crown of the head (Sahasrara chakra). It’s the most significant nadi and is fundamental for spiritual awakening.
Ida: Commencing and terminating on the left side of Sushumna, Ida represents the lunar or feminine energy. It governs cooling and passive energies and is linked with emotions and intuition.
Pingala: Starting and ending on Sushumna’s right side, Pingala is solar or masculine in nature, responsible for the body’s heating and active energies. It is associated with rational and logical thinking.
Secondary Nadis
While Sushumna, Ida, and Pingala are the pillars of the nadi system, various secondary nadis play pivotal roles in energetic distribution. Some of them include:
Gandhari: Associated with the left eye, it influences the visual faculty.
Hastijihva: Connected with the right nostril, it plays a part in the olfactory sense.
Yashaswini: This nadi functions in conjunction with the body’s eliminatory processes.
Balancing the Flow
The harmonious flow of prana within the nadis is vital for overall well-being. Blockages or imbalances can lead to physical ailments, emotional disturbances, and spiritual stagnation. Pranayama, a set of yogic breathing techniques, has been employed for millennia to regulate and balance the flow of prana within the nadis. By mastering pranayama, practitioners can cleanse and fortify the nadis, thereby optimizing chakra function and achieving a state of balance across all layers of existence.
Significance in Spiritual Practice
The intertwining of Ida and Pingala around the Sushumna, often depicted as snakes spiraling around a staff, symbolizes the kundalini energy’s journey as it ascends the spine, activating each chakra in its path. Awakening and guiding this energy through the nadis is essential in various spiritual traditions aiming for enlightenment or self-realization.
The nadis, though subtle and unseen, form the backbone of the energetic anatomy in the human body. By understanding and working with these channels, individuals can harness the full potential of their prana, paving the way for holistic health and spiritual evolution.
References:
- Johari, H. (1987). Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation. Destiny Books.
- Judith, A. (2004). Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System. Llewellyn Publications.
- White, J.W. (1996). Kundalini, Evolution, and Enlightenment. Paragon House.
- Dale, C. (2009). The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. Sounds True.
- Saraswati, S.S. (1996). Kundalini Tantra. Bihar School of Yoga.
- Muktibodhananda, S. (1998). Swara Yoga: The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing. Bihar School of Yoga.
