An Introduction to the Chakra System

The chakra system has come to the West originating from more than 4,000 years of yoga tradition and practice. Our exploration of the chakras will encompass the seven major chakras which lie in the column of energy that runs from the base of our spine to the top of our head referred to as the Sushumna in Sanskrit. These seven major chakras are related to our basic states of consciousness. There are minor chakras also in the hands, feet, fingertips, and shoulders.

Let’s start with a definition of the chakras. The word chakra is a Sanskrit word and it is translated as “wheel”. Chakras exist within what is called our subtle body which is our non-physical physic body and part of our energy field. A chakra is a concentration of energy within the energy field and each chakra is a spinning vortex. You can think of them as whirlpools in a body of water, part of the body of water, but distinct. They are constantly moving and flowing.  Chakras are referred to as centers of consciousness, information, and communication.

In order to talk about the functions of the chakras, we must briefly touch on quantum physics. Matter breaks down into tiny subatomic particles – basically everything is energy. All matter exists in three forms:

• When particle energy is vibrating slowly – solid matter
• When particle energy is vibrating faster than solid – liquid matter
• When particle energy is vibrating faster than liquid – gas matter

The atmosphere is gaseous in nature and is vibrating very fast, where as, our bodies are primarily liquid and solid, and they are vibrating more slowly.

Our chakras primary function is associated with these rates of energy vibration. The chakras allow energy in the atmosphere to move into the physical body, be processed ,and move out again. Remember, the vibration rate in the atmosphere is very fast. The chakras transform energy to a vibration rate acceptable for the energy field layers (in and out of the body). Chakras vitalize the energy field and thereby the body. They also bring about development of certain aspects of who we are - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

From a mystical eastern view, the free flow of our life force (prana) and the proper balance between the seven major chakras are required for enlightenment and good health. There is an eighth chakra, or aura, that surrounds the body and encompasses the other seven. The three lower chakras serve the body’s physical needs, while the five upper chakras are associated with the spiritual realm. The heart chakra (our fourth) is the bridge between the lower and upper chakras where the mind and body are integrated.

The seven major chakras relate to the seven colors of the rainbow.

The slowest vibration of visible light is red for our root. The fastest and shortest is violet for our crown. The colors in between (orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo) are steps of increasing rates of vibration. The chakras from the base to the crown are:

• Root - Red
• Sacral - Orange
• Navel - Yellow
• Heart - Green
• Throat - Blue
• Brow - Indigo
• Crown - Violet

This ends our introduction to the chakra system. You can learn more about the chakras by purchasing our chakra meditations, Relax, Renew, Refresh. There are seven individual tracks which provide additional information as you focus and meditate on each chakra. In addition to the individual tracks, there are three longer meditations that flow through the chakras providing you with a rich and refreshing experience.

Namaste, Leslie Ottavi