CHAKRAS AND THE TREE OF LIFE

Part 2 -  

Although in the previous segment I said that chakras are points along the body, it is more accurate to say that they are points along the non-physical bodies. Many traditions around the world suggest that the human form consists of a series of subtle, non-physical bodies as well as a physical, material body. Again, there are many varying viewpoints as to the number and shape of bodies and different names for them, but essentially all the varying definitions are quite similar. In the Tantric view, there are at least three non-physical 'bodies' or 'cloaks' which surround and interpenetrate the physical body. Clairvoyants, or those who are gifted with the ability to see auras, have been able to observe and describe them.

Associated with intellectual thinking, the causal body (some-times called the mental body) appears to a clairvoyant as an egg-shaped field surrounding the physical body. Its size and the quality of its shape depends on the individual's mental capacities. Within this field, thoughts manifest as colorful geometric patterns. One who is clear-minded and focussed emits forms of greater geometric crispness with vivid colors. One whose thinking is more muddled and scattered produces forms that are less defined and less colorful. The combination of the astral and causal bodies forms what has come to be called the aura. It is largely these energy fields that are manipulated, in a variety of ways, by energy healers.        

Consisting of a slightly coarser substance, the astral body corresponds to the emotional activity of an individual. It is also ovoid, looking much like a torus-shaped electro-magnetic field. A more enlightened individual has an astral body that is clearer, more vibrant, well-defined and filled with colors that are more luminous and radiant. The astral body is very intuitive and sensitive to the feelings of others. As one becomes increasingly aware of one's astral self, one becomes more psychic, more in touch with the subtle energies and information coming from higher realms.

The etheric body conforms more closely with the shape of the physical body, like a glove that extends an inch or two out from the skin. It consists of a web or network of luminous fibers of energy that extend in all directions. These fibers connect to the outside world. They are also related to the nervous system, including the senses. The etheric body brings life to the physical body and separation from it becomes instant death. It forms the link between the physical and the other bodies.

It is not the physical body that gives rise to these subtle bodies. The opposite is closer to the truth. It is the subtle bodies that contain the blueprint, giving rise to the physical. They are encoded with information that produces and continues to affect the material body. This is another way of saying that both mental and emotional activity produces effects that manifest in the physical body. To profoundly address one's health, it is important to take into account the kind of activity that is taking place on a mental, spiritual and emotional level.