Watch out! Everything You Know About Chakras Could Be Wrong!

-by Kirti Tarang Pande

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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!