Understanding the Chakra System

Let’s define some of the key parts of the chakra system.

Prana – The sum total of all energy that is manifest in the universe

Nadis – Channels through which the energies of the subtle body flow.

Ida – The Nadis is Associated with lunar energy and means “comfort” in Sanskrit. Idā has a moonlike nature and female energy with a cooling effect and controls mental processes.

Pingala – Associated with solar energy and means “tawny” in Sanskrit. Pingala has a sunlike nature and male energy with a heating effect and controls the vital processes.

Sushumna  – This Nadis connects the base chakra directly to the crown chakra. The movements of Prana through the central canal make the way for the ascent of Kundalini.

Kundalini – Kundalini is described as an indwelling spiritual energy that is awakened to purify the subtle system and bestow the state of Yoga, or Divine Union, upon the ‘seeker’ of truth “. The Upanishads describe Kundalini as lying “coiled” at the base of the spine, represented as sleeping serpent waiting to be awakened. In modern commentaries, Kundalini has been called an unconscious, instinctive or libidinal force.

Chakras  – I will talk mostly about the 7 tantric chakras. Each of these energy centers is related to a different aspect of our physical, mental, and spiritual being. They are shaped like trumpet flowers open to from and back and are constantly spinning.

Imbalance – The chakra in question is overactive or underactive.

Over/under-active – The overactive chakra creates excess while an underactive creates a deficit.

Opening and Closing – Making a chakra more or less available for energy transfer.