Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self [Paperback]

Anodea Judith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2004

In EASTERN BODY, WESTERN MIND, chakra authority Anodea Judith brought a fresh approach to the yoga-based Eastern chakra system, adapting it to the Western framework of Jungian psychology, somatic therapy, childhood developmental theory, and metaphysics. This groundbreaking work in transpersonal psychology has been revised and redesigned for a more accessible presentation. Arranged schematically, the book uses the inherent structure of the chakra system as a map upon which to chart our Western understanding of individual development. Each chapter focuses on a single chakra, starting with a description of its characteristics, then exploring its particular childhood developmental patterns, traumas and abuses, and how to heal and maintain balance. Illuminated with personal anecdotes and case studies, EASTERN BODY, WESTERN MIND seamlessly merges the East and West, science and philosophy, and psychology and spirituality into a compelling interpretation of the chakra system and its relevance for Westerners today.

Revised edition of the groundbreaking New Age book that seamlessly integrates Western psychology and the Eastern chakra system, including a new introduction from the author.

Applies the chakra system to important modern social realities and issues such as addiction, codependence, family dynamics, sexuality, and personal empowerment.

Previous edition has sold more than 55,000 copies.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Judith (Sevenfold Journey, LJ 4/1/93), a healer, elucidates the chakra system and how it shapes and is shaped by human behavior. The seven chakras, or human biocomputer, are located at various levels of our bodies. The chakras start with survival (at the base of the spine), followed by sexuality (lower back), power (solar plexus), love (heart area), communication (throat), intuition (brow), and cognition (crown). Giving an understanding of the chakras and their corresponding psychological character, Judith then invites the reader to explore multidimensional healing processes to bring the chakras into balance. To provide illustrations of practical applications, she offers personal stories. Although her book contains a lot of information, it is user-friendly, allowing the reader to view pertinent chapters through the use of subtitles and reference charts. Like Rickie Moore's Goddess in My Shoes (Humanics, 1988), this work would be popular in New Age collections.?L. Kriz, West Des Moines Lib., Iowa
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Rather than presenting an esoteric borrowing from Indian culture, Judith employs the metaphoric language of the chakra system within the context of modern psychology. Her clear organization and numerous charts make browsing for subjects of personal relevance a breeze, and her comparison of the various maps of psychological development (Freudian, Piagetian, Eriksonian, Reichian, and others) is intriguing. The book provides a useful tool for contemplating our strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate approaches to growth. -Yoga Journal". . . [S]parkles with insight. Spiritual seeker, client, and therapist alike will find treasures here."-PanGaia magazine

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Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts; Revised edition (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587612259
• ISBN-13: 978-1587612251
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Hinduism > Chakras
  • #34 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Alternative Medicine
  • #66 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age

More About the Author

Anodea Judith holds a doctorate in Health and Human Services, with a speciality in Mind-Body healing, and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. Her best-selling books on the chakra system, marrying Eastern and Western disciplines, have been considered groundbreaking in the field of Transpersonal Psychology and used as definitive texts in the U.S. and abroad. With a million books in print in 14 languages, her books have won her the reputation of solid scholarship and international renown as a dynamic speaker and workshop leader. She is the founder and director of Sacred Centers, a teaching organization that offers workshops and teleclasses in chakras, evolutionary activism, yoga, manifestation techniques and much more. You can find her on the web at http://www.sacredcenters.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profound - And Needed, June 15, 2005

By 

Robert Samuel White "rswfire.com" (Lexington, Kentucky, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self (Paperback)

I have to say, this author knows her stuff.

As I've learned from reading many of her books, she has long had a history of studying the chakra system. Through personal experience, she has adapted some of the esoteric systems with her own style, which are discussed more fully within her books.

This book in particular is an important one. In our culture, we all suffer abuses of some kind or another, even abuses we probably wouldn't consider abuse. Take noise pollution for example - it's a real assault on your senses, although we drown it out and let our body deal with the consequences.

But this book deals with the heavier stuff too - relationship issues, physical or sexual abuse, eating disorders, mental imbalances, whatever it may be, it's probably covered in this book. And what I have noticed is this author really knows what she's talking about - she provides insights I have not heard come from anyone else in my entire life.

I strongly encourage this book to everyone, regardless of who you are. This is a book for humanity.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A map of the human psyche, January 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self (Paperback)

I loved this book - I found so much of myself in it, it was scary! I really think she has found a way to map the human spirit - and gives gentle encouragement and exercises to assist in healing any parts that have been blocked or damaged. Anyone who is even mildly interested in the Chakras (or even looking to deepen a yoga experience) should consider this book.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read, can't put it down, September 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self (Paperback)

This book clearly summarizes the chakra energy systems and links them to psychological information that is incredibly useful and insightful. I can't say enough good things about this book.....it is very illuminating and the author has put an enormous amount of work into the research. It is easily read, thought provoking and her charts of the different personality types and what causes the different types to develop as a result of childhood trauma is very well done.... I found this book to be inspiring and extremely well written.