Customer Reviews

Theories of the Chakras: Bridge to Higher Consciousness (Quest Books)

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Knowing about the chakras is essential for spiritual development. The chakras are energy centres within the three human bodies: the etheric physical, astral and mental. We ought to learn about these centres as their awakening and unfoldment will be part of every person's growth. (ie. There'll be a lifetime when the disciple or initiate is unable to ignore the chakras.) Chakras are doors to the higher realms, and keys to spiritual powers.

There are ancient texts from Eastern religions on this subject. Among the more modern accounts of this are three classical 20th century books: "The Serpent Power" (1918) by Arthur Avalon, "The Chakras" (1926) by CW Leadbeater and "Theories of the Chakras: Bridge to Higher Consciousness" (1981) by Hiroshi Motoyama. Motoyama's book covers the other two and presents yogic exercises as taught by Swami Satyananda. The exercises are postures (Asanas) designed to gradually and safely prepare the physical body for opening of the seven main chakras.

The chakras are all linked by energy flow lines throughout the body known as nadis. The nadis are also related to the so-called meridians, which were well known to acupuncturists for thousands of years in China. The meridians are also utilised in Shiatsu, or "Touch for Health" where pressure-points on the body are massaged or pressed. The study by Motoyama discusses the chakras':-
1. Locations in the body(or inner bodies),
2. Appearance, descriptions and symbolisms,
3. Qualities when opened or awakened.

In addition Motoyama devised electrical instruments to measure the comparative "charge" around chakras and through the nadis. This part of the book is a bit dry, however the overall text is significant.

The interesting part about the books on chakras is that each says the unfoldment of these centres is a precise science for the initiate. Understandably then, the books can only at best imply the techniques for awakening the chakras by leaving many gaps in the descriptions for the disciple to fill. Furthermore, there is always the sensible warning that wrong or premature awakening of chakras can lead to physical, emotional or mental illness or even death. Despite there being now a lot of chakra books around, I think Motoyama's account is the best starting point.

To me the chakras have always been one of the mystical aspects of Yoga; even after more than 20 years of Yoga practise. This book explains and effectively de-mystifies it. Why? Because the author not only shares the theories of the Chakras but also tries to substantiate it with emperical evidence - both his own as well as experimental.

Apart from explaining the different energy centers (Chakras) in the body, a series of asanas and techniques are outlined to awaken each of them. The best part of the book is the personal experience of the author. In this he explains how each of his chakras were awakened and what impact it had in his life. This (and my own experience of awakening of 2 of the centres) helped me believe in the existence of the chakras.

I found this book in a Rishikesh (India) bookstore in 2001. I have since lost it and had to get another copy online.

In chapter 4 of the book Motoyama outlines practices for raising the Kundalini, mostly based on Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Shivananda's most important student. For this chapter the book easily earns 5 stars and the title of the *** BEST KUNDALINI BOOK AROUND ***. It is a must for anyone looking at Yoga as more than gymnastics. The book shows that the amount of Yoga you have to do to get enlightened is less than it takes to become a Yoga teacher: perhaps 6 months of serious practice can cover it.

Since the bulk of the chakra awakening practices is comprised of meditation procedures, it is advised to get serious in meditation before approaching it. Going all the way to Samadhi, the deepest "no-mind" meditative state, now takes only a few months based on a 3-week course teaching the SSY technique: www.ssy.org

[Side note:
Swami Satyananda established the famous Bihar School of Yoga, and authored the recommended "Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha", the second most popular Yoga reference manual after Iyengar's "Light on Yoga".

The Bihar School of Yoga also teaches Vedic massage, probably the best massage technique in the world today. Seek it out if you come upon it, one treatment can solve major health problems.]

Outstanding and important. IT MIGHT BE THE ONLY YOGA BOOK YOU NEED.

This book attempts to reconcile the two major eastern approaches to non-western medicine, the chakra system of Indian and the meridian system of China and Japan. The author, a research in the area of TCM and a yogi, reviews different ways the chakras are described of the chakras and develops relationships between these system. He presents his own approach to opening the chakras based his observations.

Overall, this is an interesting but dry book. Anyone interested in the possiblity of the chakras and nadis existing will find it informative. It's best read in small sections.

If you read this book cover to cover, you may be disappointed. When reading this book, it is imperative to keep in mind that this book best functions as a reference manual for all things Chakra related. A glance at the table of contents reveals that the book bounces about quite eclectically. It begins as a technical manual of yogic cultivation as per the Yoga Sutra. Here Motoyama presents which Asanas, Pranayama, Bandhas and Mudras are appropriate for awakening which Chakra. This very much reads like an exercise book. It then changes tone quite a bit and looks into Vedic reference to the Chakras along with detailed depictions of the location and function of the Nadis. This is followed by a summarized explanation of two modern insightful practitioners; Swami Satyananda and C. W. Leadbeater. This is concluded with the personal experiences of Motoyama concerning when and how he opened his various Chakras.

So, if you think you'll be able to read this beginning to end and obtain one concise view of the Chakras, you'll be sadly disappointed. However, if you're looking for an inclusive manual for general understanding, advice for yogic practice and a general reference, this book delivers!