The theory of chakras

The key word here is Theory. I do not believe we have scientific proof of the existance of chakras. I was first exposed to this theory in a yoga class many years ago and over the years have examined the theory and read some material on it, including Leadbeater's . I believe there is something to it. I do not believe the theory is exactly right and as with many other theories regarding human existance, it is over-simplified.

Basically the theory states that there are 7 energy centers, or wheels of energy -- which sort of connect the energetic (psychic) body with the physical. Theoretically, these wheels spin in a certain direction and energy flows in a certain direction. Use of narcotics for example disrupts this flow and damages these wheels -- and reverses the movement -- such that one may get in touch with the psychic realm (e.g. dreaming of dead people you knew after a few puffs of cig by a sensitive person). Also things like smoking and alcohol, and generally things which are unhealthy, effect the general health of the body and of course the chakras. All  this is not so interesting (and the theory doesn't do much yet). The interesting part is coming up.

The centers, theoretically, are listed as follows

[source: Kenaz Services/Four Feathers Bookstore P.O. Box 1703 , Laurens, SC 29360 greensh@kenaz.com]

          o Chakra one
      (earth): Base of spine. Associated with survival.

          o Chakra two
      (water): Lower abdomen. Associated with emotions and sexuality.

          o Chakra three
      (fire): Solar plexus. Associated with power and will.

          o Chakra four
      (air): Just over the sternum. Associated with love and balance.

          o Chakra five
      (sound): Throat. Associated with communication and creativity.

          o Chakra six
      (light): Center of forehead, brow. Associated with intuition and imagination.

          o Chakra seven
      (thought): Top of head. Associated with knowledge and understanding.

The theory states that a person ideally has a balance of energy in the different chakras and like good wheels of a car all are tuned and balanced.  Theoretically a person of higher values and nature [very fuzzy words] has energy in upper chakras. A wonderful singer has a well developed 5th chakra (and higher) -- an alcoholic / drug addict may have energy just in the lower chakras.

We share the first 3 lower chakras with all animals: who are rooted, reproduce, and eat. "higher" species such as dolphines have higher chakras, e.g. can communicate with sound (5th chakra). The "third eye" or the 6th is extremely interesting -- point between eye brows. One has often felt this active -- it somehow has to do with a quiet mind (and still eyes also perhaps) -- and also when one is in the presence of those who have a lot of energy in the upper chakras -- the tinging and intense pressure is very real. The top most point is also a feeling of the top of the head wanting to explode -- which again one has felt at times of special "spirituality" -- so there is theory and there is some experiencing.

Those who are longing for sex and whose hearts and minds are burdened with it -- and/or are lonely (not meaning alone[=all one] ) -- have energy stuck in the second chakra. It doesn't mean there is no energy in higher ones, but there is distress at the second chakra -- this one seems to be really true from what I have observed in others and myself -- sex has not been an issue for most of my adult life -- partly because my second chakra is more of less alright...

Doing hatha yoga and other bodyworks is a wonderful way of tuning chakras and yoga is specially good because it reverses the effect of gravity and brings energy in higher chakras.

normally water (2nd) is below fire (third) - but when it reverses, fire evaporates water.

There is also a connection between the second (water) and the 6th (3rd eye) -- this maybe the "spiritual" aspect of sexuality.

Anything that rejuvinates the being -- a good raw dark green salad -- a nice walk -- the sun -- all help strenghthen the physical as well as this theoretical energetic body and its wheels.

Reza Ganjavi  26 Feb 2003 Train from Bern to Baden