Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation [Paperback]

Harish Johari (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 1, 2000

• Revised and expanded edition of the classic work on chakras by the renowned Indian scholar and tantra practitioner.

• Over 35,000 copies of the original edition sold.

• Includes full-color illustrations of the chakras to be used with the meditation exercises in the book and provides the tools necessary to activate these centers of transformative energy.

In the ancient science of tantra, the human body is viewed as the most perfect instrument for the expression of consciousness, a perfection realized through the development of psychic centers known as chakras. Located within the cerebrospinal system, the chakras are the stage upon which the interaction between higher consciousness and desire is played out. Consequently, it is through understanding and utilizing the energies of the chakras that we ultimately reach an enlightened state of being.

In Chakras, Indian scholar and tantra practitioner Harish Johari introduces the classical principles of the chakras as well as their practical application for today. In this expanded edition, complete with new art and text, he unfolds the mysteries of these subtle centers of transformation with visualization techniques essential to a fully realized tantric practice. Unlike other books in its field, Chakras provides the tools to activate these centers of transformative energy and elevate one's intellectual knowledge to an experience of spiritual growth.

Meditating on the beautiful, full-color illustrations of each chakra vitalizes the cerebrospinal centers and harmonizes the entire system both physically and psychically. Explanations of each chakra elaborate on the chakra's connection to elements, colors, sounds, sense and work organs, desires, planets and deities, as well as on behavioral characteristics and particular effects of meditation. For scholars and spiritual aspirants of every level, Chakras is an invaluable, practical source of information and techniques.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A beautifully crafted book. Johari skillfully takes us into the machinery of Hindu metaphysics, a nerve system vehicle that navigates the invisible frontiers of consciousness...compressed with detail." (Hinduism Today)

"For Harish Johari--artist, composer, teacher, tantric devotee--desire is the brush and the five senses are the palette." (Yoga Journal)

"Johari shows us the mysteries of these subtle centers of transformation with visualization techniques essential to a fully realized tantric practice." (Share Guide, March/April 2001)

"Unlike other books in its field, Chakras provides the tools to activate . . . and elevate one's intellectual knowledge to an experience of spiritual growth. Nowhere else will the Western reader find so much valuable information on this ancient tradition in one place." (Branches of Light, Spring into Summer 2001)

"Among the best of Western explications, combining traditional, visionary, and practical views...illustrated, detailed, and accessible to the neophyte." (East West )

From the Back Cover

EASTERN SPIRITUALITY / YOGA

“Johari skillfully takes us into the machinery of Hindu metaphysics, a nerve system vehicle that navigates the invisible frontiers of consciousness. So compressed with detail is Chakras that it feels like a rare manuscript etched in bark and passed along from yogi to yogi. . . . a beautifully crafted book.”
--Hinduism Today

“For Harish Johari—artist, composer, teacher, tantric devotee—desire is the brush and the five senses are the palette.”
--Yoga Journal

“Johari’s text is among the best of Western explications, combining traditional, visionary, and practical views. Chakras is illustrated, detailed, accessible to the neophyte, and notable for its valuable discussion of tantric vocabulary.”
--East West Journal

In the ancient science of Tantra, the human body is viewed as the most perfect instrument for the expression of consciousness, a perfection realized through the development of psychic centers known as chakras. Located within the cerebrospinal system, the chakras are the stage upon which the interaction between higher consciousness and desire is played out. Consequently, it is through understanding and utilizing the energies of the chakras that we ultimately reach an enlightened state of being.

In Chakras, Indian scholar and Tantra practitioner Harish Johari introduces the classical principles of the chakras as well as their practical application for today. In this revised and expanded edition, complete with new color paintings and black-and-white illustrations, Johari unfolds the mysteries of these subtle centers of transformation with visualization techniques essential to a fully realized tantric practice. He explains each chakra’s connection to colors, sounds, sense and work organs, desires, the elements, planets, and deities, as well as the behavioral characteristics and effects of meditation for the chakras.

Meditating on the beautiful, full-color paintings of each chakra vitalizes the cerebrospinal centers and harmonizes the entire system both physically and psychically. Coloring the black-and-white illustrations included in the book, following the prescribed order, helps the mind retain the images of the chakras and leads to deeper states of meditation. Scholars and spiritual aspirants of every level will find Chakras an invaluable and practical source of information, tools, and techniques to activate these centers of transformative energy and elevate one’s intellectual knowledge to an experience of spiritual growth.

HARISH JOHARI (1934-1999) was a painter, sculptor, and composer of Indian music. He authored twelve books on Eastern spirituality, including Ayurvedic Massage; Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine; Breath, Mind, and Consciousness; The Birth of the Ganga; Dhanwantari; and Tools for Tantra. He also produced several audiocassettes of mantra meditations, including Sounds of Tantra, Chants to the Sun and Moon, and Sounds of the Chakras.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books; Revised & enlarged edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892817607
• ISBN-13: 978-0892817603
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Hinduism > Chakras

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Basic Information for a Beginner July 6, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Having only recently entered the world of kundalini, this book gave me exactly the information I wanted. Its combination of visual and verbal descriptions help me improve concentration and achieve purer meditation. Rather than focusing on the sensational, Johari presents the philosophic significance of the chakras. This is the exact information that I needed to begin to progress. A companion tape, discovered accidentally, gives the bija sounds and further enhances the experience. Thumbs up

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Chakra guide May 17, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book introduces the reader to the system of energy - nadi & chakra - in our body as described in the ancient Indian tantric scriptures. Each major chakra in our body/mind system is described in detail, including the powers of the chakra and accompamying sounds (beeja mantra) to harmonise the chakra. By following these, the reader can start working on their chakras and improve their wellbeing.

The author's accompanying audio tape is very useful to learn to pronounce the Chakra hormonising sounds (beeja mantra) correctly, which is very important.

I found this book and the audio tape a useful and a simple guide to meditate (reciting beeja mantra)on the chakras without undergoing hardship.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable guide and reference work October 11, 2003

By Pieter Uys HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

The energy vortices or charkas are located within the cerebrospinal system and are the points of interaction between the spirit and the body. Each of the 7 main charkas is also connected to certain glands in the body and therefore has a role in the hormonal system.

The psychophysical energy dealt with here is electrochemical and operates through the life force (prana) that moves through the body along the nadi channels. The seven main chakras are all connected to the main nadi. By understanding this system one can cultivate a higher state of being.

This illuminating and comprehensive book includes the following chapters: 1. The Principles of Tantra Yoga, with a section on states of consciousness; 2. Kundalini Yoga; 3. The Essentials of the Chakras; 4. Chakras, Rebirth & Spirituality. The appendix consists of extracts from the Hindu scriptures on the various stages of Yoga.

The aforementioned Chapter 3 deals with each of the chakras in turn, providing a description of each, the psychological energies that operate in it, the shape, yantra and color of each chakra, its predominating sense aspects, its seed sound (bija), number of petals, residing deity and ruling planet. It was interesting to learn about the Soma Chakra, an unnumbered energy point also called Amirta or Indu, that resides within the 7th or Sahasrara chakra.

The principles of the chakra system and practical applications are discussed in detail, including visualization techniques. The text is enhanced by beautiful color paintings of each energy vortex plus plenty of interesting black and white illustrations. The book concludes with a glossary and index.

Johari's revised and expanded edition of Chakras is a very accessible work and packed with facts. As such it is ideal for both the novice and the advanced energy worker. It provides all the information, techniques and tools to activate one's energy system for enhancing spiritual growth, balanced emotions and mental and physical well-being.