The Chakras - Part 1

     What are chakras?  Chakra means “wheel” in Sanskrit language.  Think of a bicycle wheel with spokes connecting the hub to the rim of the wheel.  The bicycle moves through the spinning of the two wheels.  If it had one wheel it would not be a bicycle it would be a unicycle. The number and type of wheels gives the object its characteristics.

     In the tantric yoga perspective we as humans move or are animated by chakras.  Generally, seven major chakras are listed although there are other minor chakras. These are non-physical nodes where the power of intention and the power of manifestation interact.  These are considered psycho-spiritual centers. In tantric yoga terms chakras arise from the interplay of consciousness, or Shiva, interacting with prana, or Shakti. The unchanging and unmanifest interacting with the power to manifest. We are all unique expressions of this interaction. 

     Given that we as manifested humans contain five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements contain different properties. The first charka holds the earth element which centers around issues of survival. The second chakra the aspect water of awareness of feelings and creativity, The third  holds the element of fire chakra awareness of personal power and self-esteem. The fourth chakra has the element of air the ability to relate to others and is our source of compassion. The fifth chakra has the element of space. Space element is all encompassing with the ability to balance opposites and see the bigger truth and having the ability to communicate truth. The sixth chakra is beyond the elements and has the visioning capacity giving intuitive and greater insight.  The seventh chakra is considered a center connected to higher planes through which we recognize our connection to divinity giving a sense of oneness with all.

     This is a super quick overview. The practice of yoga is to purify the chakras to flow freely as our full expression allowing the power of consciousness in Shiva to fully be expressed through the power of manifestation in Shakti. Shiva is at the very center hub of the wheel that does not move as the constant unchanging source, while the outer rim of the wheel is Shakti as the force capable to manifest all of creation. The power of Shiva and Shakti make the world go around.