Description
Energy (prana) flows within all of us, through three main channels (nadis), expressly, Pingala, Ida and Susumna; pingala and Ida, respectively, representing the flow of energy beginning through the right and left nostrils, traveling the course of energy flow, to include, the entire spinal column (Susmna). These channels converge and form a triangle, they are called chakras (wheels) because they epitomize movement of energy (prana) from one dimension to another. According to Dr. Amit Ray, there are actually 114 chakras and 72,000 Nadis. Of the 114 chakras, 2 reside outside the body, and, 112 chakras exist within the body, of the remaining chakras, only 108 may be balanced. The number 108 is significant as in vedic culture, it represents the wholeness of existence; there is seemingly, 1 universe with a profound sense of emptiness (0) and infinity (8). Also, 108 has been a sacred number in Hinduism for 1000’s of years; there are 108 prayer beads (malas) for repeating mantras, especially the most sacred mantra, Aum/om. Interestingly, the approximate distance of the sun and moon to earth (triangle), is 108 times their respective diameters.
With all of that said, the remaining 108 chokras, can be further condensed to identify, 7, as the major chakras, 21, as minor chakras, and 86, as micro chakras. When balancing the 7 major chakras, it is believed that we may promote mental and physical health and harmony, by enhancing, the free flow of energy (prana) within the body temple.
