Chakras and Adharas are energy centers and focal points, which when activated can completely transform human life and experiences and help us realize our maximum potential.
Misconceptions
People interested in Yoga must have heard about Chakras and Adharas. However, most of them are unaware of its real meaning and often misunderstand it. In our mundane lives, we hardly use these words.
Generally, we come across the words, in specific textbooks and while listening to experts. The knowledge thus we gain about them is usually a complex of disconnected ideas evolved from different philosophies put forward by different schools of thought. These ideas may not provide us with a full picture and even create confusion and conflict in our understanding if not comprehended properly.
To better understand, let’s look into some critical texts in this context.
Shaiva Aagamas mentions 144 chakras
Baudha Tantras mentions 5 chakras
Shakteya Tantras mentions 6 chakras
Yoga Darshanas mention no chakras or adharas.
Chakras and Adharas
According to Hatha Yoga, there are sixteen adharas and six chakras in the human body. Adharas are focal points from which energy originates in the body. From the crown of the head to the toe, there are several adharas in the body. The adharas situated between the perineum to the mid eyebrow area are highly significant in their impact. By focusing the mind, when certain subtle yoga practices are performed, sadhak experiences various stimuli at some of these focal points. As these stimuli are spinning or cyclical, these adharas are termed as chakras.
‘Serpent Power’ and the misinterpretations
As people are generally ignorant about such subjects, it has always caused confusion among those who try to explore them. Some books written on these subjects only cover superficial aspects and not diving deep, creates further confusion in the minds of the readers. ‘Serpent Power’ is a famous book among yoga enthusiasts written by Sir John Woodroffe. It is based on the extracts of ‘Shad Chakra Niroopanam’ and ‘Paduka Panchakam’ taken from Sri Tatvachinthamani written by Poornananda Natha.
Although it was well received by yoga enthusiasts, due to a lack of proper knowledge and understanding regarding the facts it led to various misinterpretations. The author later clarified that the book was not written based on practical knowledge, to remove the confusion. Although there are 6 chakras, when the book was interpreted, people realized the top one (Sahasrara) was super important and split it in two, making 7 chakras.
Consciousness and Manifested Energy
Among the six chakras, five are connected to the five elements (pancha bhoota) and five senses (panchendriya). Ajna chakra, the sixth chakra situated at the top represents the Bodha Mandala, which acts as the foundation of all actions. Now, it is important to understand where the prana is dormant and awakened in the body. The part of the body where the life force originates and ends are called ‘Kula Sahasrara’ and ‘Akula Sahasrara’ respectively. Pure consciousness is called the ‘Shivam’ or ‘Akula’ and the manifested energy is ‘Shakti’.
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