Understanding Chakra; a traditional perspective
Understanding Chakra; a traditional perspective
http://www.rishikulyoga.com/understanding-chakra-a-traditional-perspective/
In the system of Kundalini yoga and Tantra philosophy; understanding the concept of chakra is one of the most sought after topics amongst the seekers of kundalini yoga. Kundalini yoga is the system of transforming, refining and uplifting the consciousness by harmonizing and purifying the energy. It is the process of metamorphosis of consciousness and energy. In traditional Tantra philosophy, consciousness as Shiva and energy as Shakti (also Shiva’s feminine counterpart) are essentially considered as one and the same reality at absolute level. Only at the plane of phenomenal duality they are seen as separate entities in order to understand their roles and functionality.
Realms of duality as interplay of Shiva and Shakti
Tantra maintains this view that the experiences of dual realm of reality are the creation of the interplay of consciousness and energy. Interplay (‘Lila’) of Shiva and Shakti create this entire field of manifest reality. But this distinction is only seen or experienced at the superficial layers of phenomenal reality. At the plane of absoluteness where Shiva and Shakti are in perfect union, there is no duality and distinction. Here Shiva and Shakti are the one and the same reality. This plane of experience is defined as the experience of Sat-Chit-Anand (Truth-Existence-Bliss) in traditional spiritual systems. In this realm of existence there is no notion of separateness or differentiation. This plane of existence is eternal substratum of various planes of realities; out of which realities of name, form and objects emerge and eventually dissolve again. Therefore in essence, followers of Tantra see this manifest or phenomenal reality as a byproduct of the interplay of Shiva and Shakti. Hence, they experience presence of higher realities crystallized in every speck of creation.
Scheme of Chakras in Kundalini Yoga
In Kundalini Yoga, pure consciousness is embodied in our personality as the experience of Sahasrar or crown chakra (for more details visit:http://www.rishikulyoga.com/concept-of-kundalini/
And as the differentiation of Kundalini energy and Consciousness take place, individuation of personality and individual identity are formed. Realm of Sahasrar Chakra represent the plane of absolute, non dual existence. But as the separation of Kundalini Shakti from Shiva takes place, the consciousness begins to operate within the field of duality.
Concept of Chakra
Chakras are the energy centres that orchestrate the energies and qualities of cosmic tattvas (subtle elements) in individual’s personality. In Tantra and other yogic traditions chakras are described through various symbols and terms. We will look into some of these connotations as found in traditional philosophies of Tantra and Kundalini Yoga.
Chakra as Wheel
Etymologically, the term ‘Chakra’ means wheel. Here wheel symbolically represents movement of energy. Therefore, in tradition chakras are those centres or vital points where energies are found in constant actions. According to the Tantric and Kundalini Yoga texts, Chakras are considered as junction points of various energy lines (Nadis) in the psychic or pranic body. Therefore each chakra is considered as sites of intense energy exchange and activities. Because of constant movements and activities at these vital centres in the body, chakras are also called vortex or vortices of energy. At the physical level these different locations of chakras have rich clusters of spinal nerve plexus originating from them and enervating the different glands and organs of physical body.
Chakra as Lotus
Symbolically Chakra is depicted as a lotus or ‘Padma’. In traditional spiritual philosophies in India consciousness is represented by a lotus. Unfoldment and blossoming of the consciousness are symbolized by opening of the petals of lotus the moment rays of the Sun comes in contact with it. Here Sun represents the source of eternal knowledge and wisdom. Therefore each chakra is represented as the centre of consciousness which unfolds or opens when alignment and purification of energy system is achieved.
Chakras as seats of Tattvic Energies
Each chakra has a predominant Tattva (element) operating through it. Energies of five gross Tattvas are predominant at five lower chakras in our psychic body. Technically speaking energies of the chakra in fact, are the energies of the Tattvas operating at corresponding centres. The mantras assigned to each chakra such as Lam for Muladhara (root) chakra, Vam for Swadhisthana (sacral) chakra), Ram for Manipura (Navel) chakra etc. are the seed mantra of the corresponding Tattva predominant at these centres of energies. Even the Yantra (geometrical symbol) and color in chakra also belong to the corresponding Tattva. In other words we may say that the subtle energies of Tattvas are crystallized at each chakra point to operate from and these energies of the Tattvas influence our being at physical, mental, emotional and vital levels.
In addition to all these points mentioned above, understanding the concept of chakras involves understanding the symbology of Yantra, colors, presiding deities (God and goddesses of each chakra), lotus and number of petals (representing numbers of nerve endings or nadis) in each lotus, presiding animals and many more. All of these aspects in each chakra create a unique Mandala of a specific chakra which can further be decoded and understood under the supervision of able teachers of Tantra and Kundalini yoga.
In the system of Kundalini yoga and Tantra philosophy; understanding the concept of chakra is one of the most sought after topics amongst the seekers of kundalini yoga. Kundalini yoga is the system of transforming, refining and uplifting the consciousness by harmonizing and purifying the energy. It is the process of metamorphosis of consciousness and energy. In traditional Tantra philosophy, consciousness as Shiva and energy as Shakti (also Shiva’s feminine counterpart) are essentially considered as one and the same reality at absolute level. Only at the plane of phenomenal duality they are seen as separate entities in order to understand their roles and functionality.
Realms of duality as interplay of Shiva and Shakti
Tantra maintains this view that the experiences of dual realm of reality are the creation of the interplay of consciousness and energy. Interplay (‘Lila’) of Shiva and Shakti create this entire field of manifest reality. But this distinction is only seen or experienced at the superficial layers of phenomenal reality. At the plane of absoluteness where Shiva and Shakti are in perfect union, there is no duality and distinction. Here Shiva and Shakti are the one and the same reality. This plane of experience is defined as the experience of Sat-Chit-Anand (Truth-Existence-Bliss) in traditional spiritual systems. In this realm of existence there is no notion of separateness or differentiation. This plane of existence is eternal substratum of various planes of realities; out of which realities of name, form and objects emerge and eventually dissolve again. Therefore in essence, followers of Tantra see this manifest or phenomenal reality as a byproduct of the interplay of Shiva and Shakti. Hence, they experience presence of higher realities crystallized in every speck of creation.
Scheme of Chakras in Kundalini Yoga
In Kundalini Yoga, pure consciousness is embodied in our personality as the experience of Sahasrar or crown chakra (for more details visit:http://www.rishikulyoga.com/concept-of-kundalini/
And as the differentiation of Kundalini energy and Consciousness take place, individuation of personality and individual identity are formed. Realm of Sahasrar Chakra represent the plane of absolute, non dual existence. But as the separation of Kundalini Shakti from Shiva takes place, the consciousness begins to operate within the field of duality.
Concept of Chakra
Chakras are the energy centres that orchestrate the energies and qualities of cosmic tattvas (subtle elements) in individual’s personality. In Tantra and other yogic traditions chakras are described through various symbols and terms. We will look into some of these connotations as found in traditional philosophies of Tantra and Kundalini Yoga.
Chakra as Wheel
Etymologically, the term ‘Chakra’ means wheel. Here wheel symbolically represents movement of energy. Therefore, in tradition chakras are those centres or vital points where energies are found in constant actions. According to the Tantric and Kundalini Yoga texts, Chakras are considered as junction points of various energy lines (Nadis) in the psychic or pranic body. Therefore each chakra is considered as sites of intense energy exchange and activities. Because of constant movements and activities at these vital centres in the body, chakras are also called vortex or vortices of energy. At the physical level these different locations of chakras have rich clusters of spinal nerve plexus originating from them and enervating the different glands and organs of physical body.
Chakra as Lotus
Symbolically Chakra is depicted as a lotus or ‘Padma’. In traditional spiritual philosophies in India consciousness is represented by a lotus. Unfoldment and blossoming of the consciousness are symbolized by opening of the petals of lotus the moment rays of the Sun comes in contact with it. Here Sun represents the source of eternal knowledge and wisdom. Therefore each chakra is represented as the centre of consciousness which unfolds or opens when alignment and purification of energy system is achieved.
Chakras as seats of Tattvic Energies
Each chakra has a predominant Tattva (element) operating through it. Energies of five gross Tattvas are predominant at five lower chakras in our psychic body. Technically speaking energies of the chakra in fact, are the energies of the Tattvas operating at corresponding centres. The mantras assigned to each chakra such as Lam for Muladhara (root) chakra, Vam for Swadhisthana (sacral) chakra), Ram for Manipura (Navel) chakra etc. are the seed mantra of the corresponding Tattva predominant at these centres of energies. Even the Yantra (geometrical symbol) and color in chakra also belong to the corresponding Tattva. In other words we may say that the subtle energies of Tattvas are crystallized at each chakra point to operate from and these energies of the Tattvas influence our being at physical, mental, emotional and vital levels.
In addition to all these points mentioned above, understanding the concept of chakras involves understanding the symbology of Yantra, colors, presiding deities (God and goddesses of each chakra), lotus and number of petals (representing numbers of nerve endings or nadis) in each lotus, presiding animals and many more. All of these aspects in each chakra create a unique Mandala of a specific chakra which can further be decoded and understood under the supervision of able teachers of Tantra and Kundalini yoga.