Chakra

:See also chakram, a disc-like weapon wielded by the Hindu god Vishnu.

Related Topics:
Chakram - Hindu - Vishnu

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In Hinduism and its spiritual systems of yoga and in some related eastern cultures, as well as in some segments of the New Age movement, a chakra is thought to be an energy node in the human body.

Related Topics:
Hinduism - Yoga - New Age - Human body

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The word comes from the Sanskrit cakra चक्र meaning "wheel, circle", and sometimes also referring to the "wheel of life". The pronunciation of this word can be approximated in English by chuhkruh, with ch as in chart and both instances of a as in yoga (the commonly found pronunciation shockrah is incorrect).

Related Topics:
Sanskrit - Wheel - Wheel of life

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The seven main chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain color, multiple specific functions, an aspect of consciousness, a classical element, and other distinguishing characteristics.

Related Topics:
Spine - Color - Consciousness - Classical element

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The chakras are thought to vitalise the physical body and to be associated with interactions of both a physical and mental nature. They are considered loci of life energy, or prana, which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis.

Related Topics:
Prana - Nadi

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Traditional Chinese medicine also relies on a similar model of the human body as an energy system.

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The New Age movement has led to an increased interest in the West regarding chakras. Many in this movement point to a correspondence between the position and role of the Chakras, and those of the glands in the endocrine system. Some people in New Age also claim that other chakras, besides the above, exist — for instance, ear chakras.

Related Topics:
New Age - Endocrine system

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The Danish author and musician Peter Kjaerulff in his book, The Ringbearers Diary, describes the chakras in great detail, including the reasons for their appearance and their exact functions. Shortly put, the seven chakras are said to reflect how the unified consciousness of man (the immortal human being or the soul), is divided to manage different aspects of earthly life (body/instinct/vital energy/deeper emotions/communication/having an overview of life/contact to God). The chakras are placed on an intermediate layer which lies between the spirit and the earthly body.

Related Topics:
Peter Kjaerulff - God

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