Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation

Rating:
Summary: Valuable guide and reference work
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A Chakra guide
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Very Confusing
Review: Why Not?
This book is very confusing, it uses a lot of sanskrit words,
which just makes it impossible to comprehend.
The information is presented with no form, they're is no way to remember everything. The book has no life in it.
The book needs more pictures, and the use of english terms instead of sanskrit.
If you are trying to learn about chakras, and yoga, this isn't the book for you.
It is like a sanskrit dictionary.
The part that really bugs me, is that it says the book is about chakras, when most of it is about Yogi Meditation.

Expect for that, the book has nice pictures (but few) and very descriptive.