doorway from individuality to universality—the ultimate
goal of meditation.
Chakra Meditation
A different type of meditation involves intoning mantras
aloud to create a healing resonance in the mind and
body. There are mantras associated with each of the
seven energy centers in the body, known as chakras. The
chakras are major junction points between consciousness
and the body, and each one is associated with a specific
vibration. Envisioned by the ancient seers as wheels or
vortices of life force, they sometimes have been associated
with major neural networks or hormonal systems.
Chakra Neural Hormonal
Association Association
First—Root Sacral plexus Adrenal glands
Second— Lumbar plexus Reproductive
Creativity glands
Third—Energy Solar plexus Pancreas (insulin)
Fourth—Heart Cardiac plexus Thymus gland
Fifth— Cervical plexus Thyroid gland
Expression
Sixth—Intuition Carotid plexus Pituitary gland
Seventh— Cerebral cortex Pineal gland
Consciousness
Each center identifies a core human need. When the
center is open, the energy that flows through the chakra
allows you to meet those needs more effortlessly. If there is
82 The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga