The truth about Chakras: Where they come from and how to work with them
Are Chakras real?
Chakras have become a buzzword in the world of wellness and spirituality, but what are chakras, really? Are chakras real, and how do chakras work? Let’s look at the true meaning of chakras, their origins, how the concept of Chakras has been adapted over time in the West and how we can actually ‘work’ with Chakras.
Origins of the Chakra System
The concept of chakras originated in ancient India, appearing in early Hindu texts and developing between 600-1300 CE. In Sanskrit, "chakra" simply means "wheel" or "circle," and these terms were used metaphorically in spiritual teachings. The seven-chakra system that is popular today derives primarily from a Sanskrit text written in 1577 by Pūrṇānanda Yati, called the Ṣaṭ-chakra-nirūpaṇa.
Misconceptions of Chakras in the Western Culture
The concept of chakras was introduced to the West in the early 20th century by various spiritual and esoteric movements. As these ideas spread, they were often simplified and mixed with Western concepts of psychology and energy healing. This fusion resulted in the modern, popularized version of chakras that many people are familiar with today. One of the most common misconceptions is that chakras are physical, spinning wheels of energy in our bodies. This misinterpretation of the chakras has led to the development of a variety of techniques that focus on "unblocking" certain energy centers in the body or "balancing" the energy levels of these centers, or the belief that, for example, a sore throat must be related to communication issues. But the Chakra system was never meant to be taken literally. In ancient India, it was used as a part of complex philosophical and spiritual systems - as a concept to aid in meditation, self-understanding and for deep introspection.
The metaphoric nature of Chakras
The path of spiritual awakening passes through different layers of the human experience. As spiritual beings, we are here to experience these layers, and achieve transcendence through the contemplation and integration of their innermost truth. These layers are summarized as:
Safety and Basic Needs (Associated with the Base of the spine)
Emotional Wellbeing and (Re-)Creation (Associated with the Re-Creational area)
Power and Will (Associated with the Center of the body)
Love and Connectedness (Associated with the Heart)
(Self-)Expression (Associated with the area we communicate with)
Intuition and Perception (Associated with the area we use to see things)
Connection to the Divine (Associated with the Crown - the entity above our head)
How to "work" with Chakras
Working effectively with the Chakra system does not mean trying to "activate" or "balance" physical places in your body. Instead, use it as a guide for introspection and spiritual growth. If you want to know ‘how your chakras are doing’, here is a way to reflect on it:
Self-assessment - Make a list with a scale between 1-10:
How secure do I feel about my basic and existential needs?
How satisfied am I with my emotional well-being?
To what extent do I feel confident and self-efficient?
How open am I to give and receive love?
How effective am I at communicating and expressing my truth?
How connected am I to my intuition?
How deeply do I feel connected to something much greater than myself?
This will help you ‘mapping’ the areas of life that need to be worked with the most on your way to spiritual awakening. As you delve into this inner work, you'll discover that each aspect often intertwines with others, creating a complex tapestry of personal growth opportunities.
To truly work with your chakras, commit to regular meditation and journaling on these themes. Reflect on the lessons each area of your life presents, and gradually integrate these insights into your daily existence. This ongoing process of self-reflection and integration is the essence of chakra work, guiding you towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
The chakra system is not about quick fixes or energy manipulations. It's a profound tool, like a map, for self-understanding and spiritual evolution, inviting you to explore and understand the depths of your being.
Your Goal is to make the Chakra system unnecessary
While chakras are not physical energy centers, they are nevertheless valuable conceptual tools to assist us in personal growth and self-reflection. They are not physical entities to be "balanced" or "unblocked." They are more like mirrors through which we can reflect on the various aspects of our existence. Use them to deepen your understanding of yourself and your place in the universe. And as you progress in your spiritual practice, you may find that these concepts naturally fall away, like a ladder no longer needed once you've reached the roof. The ultimate goal is to experience reality directly and beyond all concepts and symbols.
Source: Article by Christopher Wallis
