The Chakras and Yoga Psychology
The Chakras and Yoga Psychology
By: Swami Shivajnanam
The chakra system plays a vital role in relationship to the study and practice of yoga psychology. In yoga, we believe that the chakras are centers of energy, or energy vortexes for the vital life force known as prana. It is through these energy centers that the rest of the body receives its input of prana. It is believed that without prana, there is no life. Life and prana, therefore, exist simultaneously.
Prana is not to be confused with the energy impulses that flow through the nervous system. Rather, prana is a force of its own, considered to be one of the major ‘bodies’ or koshas of the human being. The koshas are several in number including: a physical body, a thought body, an intellect body, a pranic body and a spiritual body. The koshas vary in their manifested nature, starting from the most tangible form of the physical body through to the subtle cosmic consciousness of the spiritual body (or bliss body).
The pranic body is considered to be composed of its own unique qualities and distinguishable from the other koshas. Prana flows through a system known as the nadhi channels. These channes act as pathways that direct throughout every part of the physical body. There are said to be over 72,000 nadhi channels running through the body, each supplying the vital force necessary for the physical body’s survival.
At the center of the pranic system is the chakras which are responsible for conducting the prana throughout the physical body through the nadhi channels. Similar to the hippocampus in the brain which relays information to and from the nervous system, the chakras also receive and send pranic energy throughout the entire nadhi system.
Although there are believed to be a large variety of chakras between each unique individual, yoga generally classifies the chakra system into six independent chakras that exist in every human beings. These six chakras run the length of the physical spine, starting from the base near to the tail bone and extend all the way up and beyond the spinal column into the space between the center of the eye brows. The base chakras starting at the bottom of the spine are more definitive in form than the elementally subtle charkras at the top of the spine. Each chakra possesses its own unique qualities and traits, and each is considered to be a superior level of consciousness than its predecessor which is lower on the spinal column.
Chakra activity usually corresponds to various characteristics and traits within a individual’s personality. Over active chakra centers can lead to dominant personality traits, while inactive or insufficient activity will lead to specific character deficiencies. It is believed that psychological problems such as depression, mania, emotional sensitivity, anxiety, and many other mental disorders are a result of imbalanced chakras. Hyperactive or depressed chakra activity can also cause physical disorders, especially those related to the functions of the organs like the heart, stomach, and liver. Therefore we can see why it is important for the chakras to functions properly. Without proper balance within and between the chakras, the body and mind will not operate at a healthy and sustainable level.
Besides promoting a general state of well being, continuity within the chakra system can also help stimulate aspects of spirituality. It is believed that when all of the chakras are in balance, various levels of consciousness begin to unfold, starting from our most animalistic instincts and expanding into the most saintly qualities of our being. Although we may not all aspire to be a saint, we can all benefit from having a symmetrical chakra system; greater peace, focused concentration, and higher states of awareness are all qualities which are revealed as the chakras are brought into a state of harmony and balance.
From a spiritual perspective, a balanced chakra system is a necessity. In practices like Kundalini Yoga, Kriya Yoga, and Tantra Yoga it is essential for the chakras to be in an equalized state, otherwise it is very difficult to achieve spiritual growth and development. For these systems of yoga, the chakras play a vital role as they act as conductors for the spiritual life force known as Kundalini. If the chakras are not purified when kundalini energy is released, then progress in spirituality will be very difficult; it could also potentially lead to severe psychological disorders.
Understanding the functions of the 6 chakras is paramount to knowing how to control and regulate them. In this article we will cover some of the general functions of the 6 chakras. Later articles will go into greater details covering each of the individual chakra centers.
Mooladhara Chakra
Mooladhara is the first major charka within the system, located slightly beyond the base of the spine at the pelvic floor. Mooladhara chakra is the most basic charkra as it is considered to represent our animal instincts and personalities. It is also believed that Mooladhara charka represents our basic impulses of sexuality. This chakra is said to be the divider between human consciousness and animal consciousness, representing humanities first step away from its animalistic nature. As mentioned earlier, each chakra represents a field of consciousness; Mooladhara is believed to represent the unconscious mind. An overactive Mooladhara chakra will express character traits such as anger, lust, greed, and fear. Biologically, Mooladhara chakra is believed to control the entire range of excretory and sexual functions.
Swadhisthana Chakra
The next major chakra within the chakra system is Swadhisthana chakra, located at the very end of the spinal column directly above Mooladhara chakra. Swadhisthana chakra is said to be the director for the subconscious storing of past memories, feelings, and sensual impressions. It does so by retaining all of the past samskaras of the individual. In other words, Swadhistana is responsible for organizing and storing our karma from this life and previous lives. In spirituality, the samskaras formed by Swadhistana can act as a blocks for spiritual growth and development. Therefore, proper regulation of Swadhistana is essential. Psychologically, swadhistana chakra regulates our sleeping, eating and sex patterns. An imbalance in this chakra can lead to over sleeping or insomnia, hyper or hypo sexuality, and eating disorders. On a biological level, Swadhistana chakra regulates the urinary track as well as the reproductive system.
Manipura Chakra
After Swadhistana chakra is Manipura chakra. This chakra is located directly behind the belly button along the spinal column. It is primarily characterized by the qualities of heat, vitality, dynamism, generation and preservation. Manipura chakra is associated with these qualities because it is said to be the primary regulator of the pranic flow within the body. Because of its association within prana, Manipura is the center of life for the body, without which we would not existence. Manipura is the first chakra, mentioned thus far, that represents a heighten state of consciousness and spirituality. When it is active, Manipura encourages traits such as strength, will power, determination, and dynamism. On a biological level, Manipura is responsible for regulating the lower portions of the digestive system, and helps to regulate the absorption and digestion of food.
Anahata Chakra
Anahata Chakra is the next chakra within the system, and is located behind the heart. Anahata Chakra possesses the more divine qualities a human being can take. It is also said to be the seat of anahata nada which is a subtle internal sound that can only be perceived when the mind is in a state of stillness and consciousness is present in its purest form. As it is located nearer to the heart, Anahata chakra is believed to be the vehicle for universal love. It also supports refined character traits that extend beyond the normal qualities of a personality. An individual with an active Anahata chakra is highly receptive to the emotional state of others, and has a well developed physical sense of touch. When the energy in anahata is in perfect balance and enriched with prana, the spiritual practitioner is able to become free of selfishness, egoism, and emotional attachment which ultimately lead to a stable, balanced, and equalized state of peace within the mind. Anahata Charkra from a biological standpoint, is responsible for regulating the functions of the lungs and heart.
Vishuddhi Chakra
Next is Vishuddhi Chakra located within the throat. When Vishuddhi is balanced, qualities such as vitality, health, and longevity are expressed within both the physical and mental bodies. Vishuddhi chakra is symbolically represented as ether. Therefore, when Vishuddhi chakra is active the mind enters a state of stillness, emptiness and freedom from thought. Such a state is highly beneficial for practices of meditation, thereby making it an essential chakra for those who wish to achieve higher sates of consciousness within the practice of spirituality. One who has developed Vishuddhi chakra has a heightened sense of hearing and is receptive to both internal and external sounds. Because of its position in the throat, Vishuddhi is responsible for the functions of the vocal cords. It also helps to regulate and sensitize all of the 5 senses.
Ajna Chakra
The final chakra is Ajna Chakra located in the middle to the brain, but nearer to the frontal lobe. This chakra is considered to be the highest chakra in the chakra system, both physically as well as spiritually. The only chakra beyond this is Sahasrara, although this is not typically classified within the chakra system. Ajna chakra is the merging center for ida, pingala, and shushumna, the three major nadhi channels within the body. Ajna chakra is usually only active once kundalini energy, or the primordial force, is released and able to flow freely through the other 5 chakras to reach Ajna Chakra. Ajna chakra is responsible for the higher states of consciousness, and it is therefore an essential piece of the spiritual life. When awakened, Ajna chakra liberates the mind and gives the practitioner the ability to perceive truths and insight into the underlying nature behind reality. Ajna chakra does not have a biological function but is responsible for mediating all activities of prana within the body.
In Yoga Psychology we explore the aspects of the chakra as they have a strong influence over our emotions, feelings, character, personality, and dispositions. By balancing and managing the chakra system, we learn how to reform the elements of our mind, thoughts, and body. We can also use the practice to pursue higher goals in spirituality. Understanding the functions of the chakras is an essential practice for a yoga psychologist, and therefore a strong comprehension of their functions and characteristics is important for anyone who interested in studying yoga psychology.