Chakras

Center for absorption, externalization, and administration of energies in the etheric double.

Chakras, also known as chakras in Hindu culture, yogic practices, and studies in theosophy and consciousness studies, are centers for the absorption, externalization, and management of energies in the etheric body. Chakras are studied by various religions, spiritual schools, and researchers in the spiritualist field. There is some consensus among those involved regarding their functions, forms, and operation. Some lines of research suggest that they are linked to nerve branches referred to as nerve plexuses in the medical literature.

It is crucial to understand that Chakras are structures studied by various religious and spiritual traditions. Therefore, there is a great deal of varied information available, and some of this information converges on a consensus, even though it sometimes uses different terminology.

Etymology Chakra originates from Sanskrit, coming from cakram (pronounced [tʃəkrə]) in Pali, referenced in Tibetan Chinese: Chakka; meaning "wheel", "spin" or cyclical, it is described by many as a spinning wheel of light.

MN Roy's review of Tantra notes that history tells us the word "chakra" is used to mean several different things in Sanskrit sources.

In Buddhism, the Sanskrit term chakra (Pali cakka) is used in a different sense from "circle," referring to the concept of Rebirth comprised of six states in which beings can be reborn.

Origin The earliest records of chakras appeared in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Upanishads, around 600 BC. However, it is believed that this knowledge was transmitted orally from generation to generation within Hindu culture for many years before being recorded, although it is not possible to specify exactly how long this occurred.

Because they are considered energy centers that can be seen by developed clairvoyants, it is believed that this knowledge originated in one or more Hindu groups, many years before the first written records, where there was one or more clairvoyants capable of observing and studying these points.

Operation Absorption It is believed that chakras have among their functions the absorption of energies from their environment. These energies can be divided into two categories: processed and unprocessed (the latter also being known as bioenergies). Among the unprocessed energies are immanent energy (also known as prana or qi) and telluric energies (kundalini), while among the processed energies are conscious energies, which are unprocessed energies that have been absorbed by some consciousness, processed, and externalized into the environment.

In 1927, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant theosophist writer named Charles Webster Leadbeater proposed yet another form of unprocessed energy that would be absorbed by the chakras, which he called globules of vitality. This theory, however, is not a consensus among spiritual schools.

Processing Another function of the chakras would be the administration and processing of absorbed energies. Little is known about the details of this processing, but it is believed that one of the main functions is the vitalization that allows consciousness to animate the physical body to manifest itself. Another form of processing would be a kind of translation of something absorbed from the extraphysical realm into the sensory capacities of the individual, just as mechanical waves that reach the ears are interpreted as sound by our brain when within audible frequencies (20 Hz to 20 kHz).

This processing of environmental energies in the form of translation would also allow sensitives to experience diverse sensations and psychic abilities such as perceptions arising from auric coupling, where the sensitive would experience the emotional sensations of others (popularly known as an ability of so-called empaths) and what is called psychometry in parapsychology, for example, where the sensitive would perceive conscious energies impregnated in objects. This last point should not be confused with the psychometry of psychology, which is a set of quantitative methods of analysis in that area.

In this process, there would be a natural contamination of unprocessed energies by the individual's etheric double, similar to how pure water in contact with earth generates mud. Thus, the unprocessed energy would be contaminated after passing through the etheric double of an individual with diverse emotions, emotions that would be the origin of such contamination, configuring them after this process with conscious energies.

Thus, there are two types of processing known so far that are performed by the chakras: vitalization and translation.

Exteriorization It is considered that some of the energies circulating in the etheric double that have already undergone processing are externalized, forming an energy field (also known as the auric field, aura, energosoma, among others) around the physical body, although they are not limited to this field alone, and can be expelled beyond its limits. This externalization would be that of the so-called conscious energies, which would carry with them different ranges of emotions and feelings originating from the etheric double through which they passed at the moment they were externalized.

Physiological form and relationships The chakras are perceived by clairvoyants as circular vortices (whirlpools) of energy that appear to spin in a high-speed helical motion at different points in our body. These circular shapes would be slightly sunken in the center, resembling the shape of kitchen plates, and with rounded curves at the edges, resembling flower petals, hence the common representation of chakras as lotus flowers in some cultures. Their colors, as well as their luminous intensity, can vary according to the individual observed by the clairvoyant.

For methodological reasons, the description of the number of these points may vary depending on the line of study analyzed. Most often, however, seven main chakras are considered, six of which are the same in all lines of study, with only one being replaced: the sexual (genitourinary) chakra is replaced by the splenic chakra in some lines of study. These would be arranged vertically from the base of the spine at the perineum to the top of the head.

Some spiritualist researchers theorize that each of the main chakras (excluding the splenic chakra in this view) is related to a gland in the human body. In this view, the etheric double could also be the coordinator of the involuntary emissions of stimuli for hormone production in the physical body through these glands. However, there is no consensus on the connection between the main chakras and the endocrine system.

The chakras In the realm of sensations and well-being, it's always about knowing what resources are available to us to connect with our inner selves. One way to do this is by connecting with the body's chakras, which are fundamental on this journey of self-discovery. This is because the body's chakras directly and indirectly affect all aspects of our lives, from our relationships to our physical and emotional health. Their balance is essential for you to feel more harmonious and fulfilled. Chakras are energy points located along the spine and at the top of the head. Each one is associated with specific aspects of your life and your physical and mental well-being.

Body chakras There are 7 chakras in the body, each with its own unique characteristics and influences: • Root Chakra (Muladhara): Located at the base of the spine, it is related to feelings of security and stability; • Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana): Located in the abdominal region, it influences our creativity and sexuality; • Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Located in the stomach, it is associated with self-confidence and personal power; • Heart Chakra (Anahata): Located in the center of the chest, it deals with love and interpersonal relationships; • Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Located in the throat, it is related to communication and self-expression; • Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Located between the eyebrows, it influences intuition and self-knowledge; • Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Located at the top of the head, connecting us with spirituality and inner wisdom.

What blocks the Chakra points? The chakras in the body can become blocked by a variety of factors, including emotional, physical, spiritual, and energetic issues. Here are some of the main factors that can block the chakras in the human body:

1. Emotional traumas: Traumatic past experiences, such as losses, abuse, or stressful events, can cause blockages in the body's chakras, especially the heart chakra and the sacral chakra.

2. Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress and anxiety can negatively affect the chakras, especially the solar plexus chakra, which is related to your stress response.

3. Negative Thought Patterns: Persistent negative thoughts, self-criticism, and limiting beliefs can block higher chakra points, such as the third eye chakra and the crown chakra.

4. Physical Health Problems: Physical illnesses or chronic health problems can cause blockages in the chakra points corresponding to the affected areas.

5. Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise: An inadequate diet and lack of physical activity can affect the balance of the chakras, especially the root chakra, which is related to our connection with the physical body.

6. Lack of Spiritual Awareness: A lack of spiritual practices, such as meditation or connection with something higher, can also result in blockages in the upper chakra points, such as the third eye chakra and the crown chakra.

7. Energy Blockages: Negative energies, both from our environment and from other people, can block the chakras. This can include stressful environments, toxic relationships, or exposure to negative energies.

8. Misalignment with One's Own Values: When we live a life that is not aligned with our values ​​and purpose, it can cause blockages in the chakras related to personal expression and authenticity.

9. Lack of Self-Care: Not taking proper care of oneself, ignoring emotional and physical needs, can lead to a general blockage of the body's chakras.

10. Accumulation of Unresolved Emotional Baggage: When we don't deal with past emotions and keep them inside, it can result in blockages in the chakras, particularly the heart chakra. It is important to note that blockage of chakra points can manifest in various ways, such as emotional, physical, or relationship problems. Therefore, it is very important to seek ways to unblock and balance the chakras in the body, because this means you are taking care of your health and your physical and emotional well-being.

Lines of Study Hinduism and Yoga According to yogic culture, chakras are the points where nadis, or meridians, the energy-conducting channels in the body, meet and merge. They distribute energy through these channels (nadis), which aid in the functioning of organs and systems, among other functions. These nadis unite at various points that rotate in a clockwise direction (which causes rotation to the right - in the direction of the hands of a clock. Antonym of left-handed or left-handed).

According to yogic culture, it is through the imbalance of this vital energy that people become ill and end up obstructing their connection with the Divine. Our physical body has points that, when activated, allow vital energy to flow, bringing us joy and health. It is through the nadis (meridians) – invisible pathways within our organism – that vital energy travels throughout our body and reaches the chakras, points that concentrate more specific vibrations.

Currently, with the universalization of knowledge, there is a tendency to consider the convergence of concepts from Indian and Chinese cultures regarding these energy centers (chakras) and the nadis. The nadis would correspond to the Chinese meridians, just as prana and qi would be different names for the same vital energy.

Tantra Yoga According to Tantra Yoga, the concept of chakras is part of tantra or tantrism, for which kundalini resides in the Muladhara. The goal of tantric practices, which are essentially sensory, is considered to be the awakening and ascent of kundalini through the chakras, activating them in order to unite in the Sahasrara with Shiva, represented as spiritual essence. One of the sources of inspiration for Hatha Yoga is tantrism, since the "fuel" for the psychophysical posture practices is precisely kundalini energy.

The chakras are said to be connected to each other by a kind of main etheric tube (Nadi) called "Sushumna," running along the central axis of the human body, through which two other alternating channels, "Ida," emerge from the base of the spine to the left of Sushumna, and "Pingala" to the right (in women, these positions are reversed).

The Nadis would conduct and regulate prana in concentric spirals. These Nadis would be the main ones, among thousands, that would run throughout the body in all directions, meridian lines and points. For Hindus, the Nadis are sacred and they consider it to be through the "Sushumna" that the yogi leaves his physical body, comes into contact with higher planes and brings to his physical brain the memory of his experiences.

Consciousness Studies In Conscientiology, a line of spiritual studies founded by physician Waldo Vieira, chakras are energy centers for bioenergetic exchange between consciousness and the energetic dimension, and the point of connection between vehicles of consciousness manifestation for general energization. According to this view, through the chakras it is possible to absorb, externalize, and mobilize or displace energies along the energosoma. The author considers the set of chakras as a vehicle for the manifestation of consciousness, called the holochakra.

Spiritism In classical Kardecist Spiritism, chakras are not discussed, but it is possible to find references within the doctrine using equivalent terms. In Allan Kardec's book "The Genesis," one of the foundational works of Spiritism, the author refers to the chakras as "perispiritual pores," attributing to them the absorption of extraphysical fluids, a Spiritist terminology equivalent to the commonly used term "energy."

It is also possible to find references to the chakras within the books of the "Nosso Lar" collection, credited as psychographed by Chico Xavier, the most important and renowned Brazilian medium for Spiritism, and authored by the communicating spirit André Luiz. In the work entitled "Entre a Terra e o Céu" (Between Earth and Heaven), for example, the chakras are referred to as centers or nuclei of force, and the root chakra (also known as the generative chakra) is referred to as the generative center.

Independent research institutes There are also research institutes on spirituality that do not follow any specific religion or culture, which are usually headed by mediums, clairvoyants, and/or astral projectors considered by the community to be highly developed. These Institutes generally employ an empirical methodology where what is presented is what can be verified by their founder through their psychic and/or mediumistic abilities. Some of these Institutes considered reputable by the community are the IPPB (Institute of Projective and Bioenergetic Research) headed by researcher Wagner Borges, the IAC (International Academy of Consciousness), headed by researcher Nanci Trivellato, and the CEC (Center for Consciousness Studies), headed by researcher Moisés Esagüi.

In music In the mid-1970s, Americans Joseph Puleo and Leonardo Horowitz, studying various religious texts, primarily the Bible, discovered six musical frequencies, or solfège frequencies: 396 Hz, 417 Hz, 528 Hz, 639 Hz, 741 Hz, and 852 Hz. Listening to music with these frequencies, according to numerous studies, can improve a person's psychological state. Many claim that these frequencies coincide with the vibrations of the chakras. Furthermore, as observed by the researchers, musical instruments of the ancient world were primarily tuned to the frequency of 432 Hz, which, according to recent data, is not on the list of the main solfège frequencies, but has a calming effect. Therefore, listening to them helps develop the chakras and heal the body.