Tantra is a mystical branch of many Eastern religions. The field of tantric Hinduism is concerned through the achievement of enlightenment through the sequential opening of charkas. Chakras, which mean "wheels," can be though of energy centers in the body. Traditionally, there are seven chakras. Each chakra is associated with an organ or gland in the body. Through a variety of spiritual practices, it is believed that these chakras can be opened, slowly bringing the individual to higher levels of consciousness.
Kundalini, the Serpent
Kundalini is a vague term that broadly refers to a latent spiritual energy that is present in all people. Through different kinds of meditations and yogic practices, this power can slowly be awakened. Kundalini, which means snake in Sanskrit, is envisioned to remain coiled at the base of the spine. In tantra yoga, Kundalini is thought to be a manifestation of Hindu goddess, Shakthi. As a person develops spiritual practices, the snake is imagined ascends through the spine to reach the various chakras, or spiritual centers.
Security
The Muladhara, or support chakra, is found at the base of the spine. The principle concern of this chakra is security and the needs of the body. This chakra is also associated with the negative emotion of greed.
Creativity
The second chakra, Svadhisthana, means "dwelling place of the self." It is primarily located in the sacrum. This chakra is associated with creative energy and sexual urges. While many misconceptions of tantra are focused on this sexual aspect, tantric belief encourages its followers not to linger at this stage but to channel their spiritual energies to achieve greater levels of bliss.
Ego
The third chakra is called Manipura, meaning "city of gems." This is located above the solar plexus. It is associated with a desire for recognition and achievement. The organs associated with it are the pancreas, liver and stomach.
Compassion
The next is called Anahata. This translates to the "unstuck." The location of this chakra is at the level of the heart and it is associated with the thymus. Its predominant emotion is compassion and unconditional love.
Knowledge
Ascending upwards, the next chakra is called Vishudda, meaning "purity." The location of this is said to be at the level of the throat. The associated glands are the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The predominant qualities are knowledge and the search for truth. The main problem at this level is negative intellect.
Self-Realization
Ajna, the next chakra, means "command." The third eye, a common principle in Hindu thought, is thought to be at the level of the root of the nose. The Anja chakra is thought to reside at the level of the third eye. This penultimate chakra corresponds to the level of self- realization and thus corresponds to spiritual mastery. The organs associated with this chakra are the medulla and pineal gland.
Beyond Desires
The final chakra is Sahasrara, meaning "thousand petals." The site of this chakra is said to be at the very top of the skull. The aim of tantra yoga is to achieve this ultimate level of consciousness and nonegotism. This last charkra is not associated with any glands or organs.
