The Sanskrit word "chakra" translates as "wheel" and refers to energy centers residing within each human being. It is believed that when the chakras are clear, you can awaken spiritual energies and move toward enlightenment.
Chakra System
Yoga scholars note that the first documented record of the chakra energy system was found in the Upanishads: ancient Hindu scriptures. While there are numerous chakra centers within the body, most people focus on seven main centers.
Seven Main Chakras
The first chakra begins at the base of the spinal cord, and energy travels upward through the system to just above the crown of the skull. Chakra locations are as follows:
Mulandhara: Base of spinal cord
Swadhisthana: Genital region
Manipura: Solar plexus
Anahata: Heart center
Vishuddha: Throat
Ajna: Brow line
Sahasrara: Crown of skull
Serpent Energy
Prana, or life energy, is stored at the base of the spinal cord and is referred to as Kundalini energy. This energy is likened to a serpent, in that the coiled or unreleased energy is a powerful force and must be awakened in an appropriate manner.
Kundalini Yoga
In 1969, Yogi Bhajan introduced the Kundalini style of yoga to the West. This yoga style is said to clear the chakras so that this energy may flow unrestricted to allow for enlightenment.
Enlightenment
When the serpent energy of Kundalini reaches the Sahasrara chakra, you are said to have reached full enlightenment.
References
- "Layayoga: The Definitive Guide to the Chakras and Kundalini"; Sundar Goswami Shyam; 1999
- "Kundalini Yoga," 10th ed.; Swami Sivananda; 1999
- "The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga"; Georg Feuerstein; 1997
