-by Kirti Tarang Pande
Originally published in Daily Bhaskar
These days, you may or may not find a sea shell in Goa, but
what you will find is a Chakra Healer, in every lane! Why single out Goa? The
scene is same everywhere- Bombay, Delhi,
Himachal, internet. You landed up on this article, didn’t you? Even in my yoga
classes, I have people enquiring, “Do
you teach Chakra Yoga?”, “Do you do Chakra healing?” One lady even asked, “Do
you fill your Chakras?” I don’t know how to answer to this. Mostly, because there’s no ‘Yes’
or ‘No’
reply. If you’re genuinely interested
in Chakra Healing, this is the answer
that you deserve:
CHAKRA MYTHS BUSTED
Myth 1: There are
seven chakras in our body
Shiva Samhitha talks
about 72000 nadis in our Pranic System. These are the vessels that carry our
Pranic Energy, having 114 junction points (not seven) that we call Chakras.
Myth 2: Every Chakra
has a corresponding physical organ
According to Shandilya
Upnishad, Chapter I, Maya-sakti is embodied in human physiology as subtle
centers of expressions of Consciousness (Caitanya),
that we call as Chakras. In simple words, Chakras are a part of Cosmic Energy,
an energy system much higher than our physical body. Therefore, their functions
are in correspondence with our Cosmic existence not our needs of this physical
plane.
Now the question
arises- if Chakras are there to serve a Cosmic Purpose, why are they such an
integral part of Ayurvedic healing? The answer is provided by Dhyana-bindu Upnishad which defines
Chakras as centers where Nadis are given their purification. Any form of Chakra
Healing method used in Ayurveda, is merely a pump used to flush out the
blockage in Nadi system, so as to ensure the free flow of Pranic Energy and not
fixing the organ that happens to near the location of that Chakra. This brings us to your next myth.
Myth 3: “I went for
Chakra Healing & it worked wonders!”
You may have gone for a Chakra Healing, the practitioner may
have called it a Chakra Healing but actually happened was Pranic Healing.
According to Yogakundali Upnishad,
Chapter III, Chakras can be opened through inner practices of pranayams, mantra
and meditation. The process can be aided
with outer measures like diet & gems. This opening clears the path of nadis
for Pranic Energy to move freely and do the necessary healing.
The keyword here is ‘opening’, we are not ‘activating’ the
Chakra here. There’s a difference. Chakra opening paves path to Pranic Healing.
Chakra activation will open the doors to enlightenment.
Myth 4: “I went for a
Chakra meditation & now I can feel my Chakras being activated”
Once again, let’s refer to Yogakundali Upnishad.
According to the Upnishad, there
are only two ways of Chakra activation- Antaranga
& Bhiranga.
Antaranga way: This refers to the inner way through
meditation. To activate the base Chakra, it requires double the amount energy
required for a normal body & brain to function in a day! Only a sadhak whose body is prepared through
asanas, sattvic diet of food and thought, & whose nadis are balanced
through pranayams can create that much energy. Channelizing that in right
direction is another game. This we are just talking about the base Chakra. As
we move up, the requirement of energy doubles.
Keep in mind that there are 114 Chakras in body & do the maths.
Bahiranga way: This refers to the outer path of Chakra
Awakening- our actions. One must
understand that Chakra awakening/ activation is a method of reversing the
process of creation so that we can unify with the creator. Therefore for
instance, if one wants to awaken the Muladhar
chakra, then one must withdraw from the element of earth. This can be done by
giving up the desire (and actions) of earthly possession & accumulation.
So, how can I get
Chakra Healing?
You need to ask yourself- why I am looking for Chakra
Healing? If the reason is anything but the desire to be a jnani & reach the
state of enlightenment, I strongly recommend switching to Pranic Healing. As
according to Prasnopnishad:
Pranasyedam vase
saevam tridive yat pratisthitam
Mateva putran raksasva
srisca prajnamsca videhi na eti
(Meaning: Whatever exists in three worlds is all under the
control of Prana. Protecting us as a mother protects her sons; giving us
affluence and intelligence.)
However, if you’re in pursuit of Moksha, then I recommend finding a siddha guru with right motivation and taking refuge in him. Please
note: Chakra Activation is a tantric process and should only be done under
tutelage of a Siddha guru.
How can I find the right Pranic Healer?
You already have one- You! No one can channelize your Pranic
Energy better than you. You just need to know how. At my shala Home Yogis’ Home we always teach our students (even the
beginners) basic pranic healing techniques, you can request your yoga teacher
to do the same. Happy healing!
