Perhaps many of us are familiar with the term "Chakra" and can associate it with the image above. However, just as many may struggle to derive meaningful insights from it. Let’s change this!

The “Chakras” are energy centers of our vital life force that Indians call "Prana". If you are unfamiliar with the word Prana, perhaps you can relate better to the Chinese term “Chi” or the Japanese term “Ki.” These terms all refer to the same energy, without which, according to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, human beings cannot function. In addition to the seven main energy centers, Ayurvedic medicine identifies 108 additional points, known as Marmas, though detailing them would exceed the scope here.

Chakras in Relation to the Mind and Body

According to yogic philosophy and Ayurvedic medicine, the mind and body are closely intertwined. That is why the chakras which are all related to our psyche are located at specific points in the body. Fortunately, each chakra aligns with areas where the body serves similar functions, making it easier for us to understand their roles and influence.

Here’s a brief introduction to each chakra:

Muladhara: Security, survival

Swadisthan: Emotions

Manipur: Power and submission

Anahat: Love, attraction, and aversion

Visshudhi: Self-confidence and expression

Ajnya: Intellect and intelligence

Brahmasastra: Faith, optimism, and trust

Chakra Psychology as a Tool for Self-Help

What Is It About?

The 5,000-year-old Swadyaya method is one of the virtues of yogic philosophy and roughly translates to "introspection" (looking within oneself). However, I’d rather describe as introspection with awareness and with a system to better understand our mind.

Swadyaya ever since it’s existance is practised in India, particularly by the country’s largest non-profit organization, Swadyaya Parivar (official site), whose 23 million volunteers provide selfless service to the poorest and most vulnerable, regardless of background, status, or caste.

What Does Introspection Offer?

What happens when we consciously and systematically look within ourselves? Just as individual body parts do not function independently, chakras and therefore our different psychic areas are interconnected and influence one another. Swadyaya, or Chakra Psychology, teaches us how each chakra (psychological area) affects the others and how an underactive or overactive chakra disrupts energy flow. This imbalance often impacts all other chakras (psychological areas) and can even create a vicious cycle. This phenomenon is frequently observed in individuals with severe, and more so with those who are affected by complex trauma.

How Does It Work in Practice?

The chakra that assists us the most in this process is the Agnya Chakra, associated with our intellect and it is generally influenced by all other chakras. The remaining Chakras are usually affected by external factors, or as already mentioned, also by other chakras.

Swadyaya helps us understand the state of our chakras and, therefore, our mental and conscious state. It guides us in taking fast, strategic and deliberate steps to restore balance to each chakra, and consequently, to our psyche. The process follows a systematic protocol that has been successfully applied for millennia.

Ultimately, it's somewhat like watching your own existence as a movie on a screen, where everything hidden becomes blatantly obvious. This clarity often gives the courage and willpower to make a change.

Application of Chakra Psychology in Other Workshops

Without delving specifically into Swadyaya, our courses are tailored to specific themes. These workshops are based on the same principles, aiming for participants to apply Chakra Psychology without the need that this is done in a conscious way.

Chakra Psychology and you.....

It is often the case that the burden grows heavier from generation to generation and is frequently imposed on the strongest in character by those who are the weakest and laziest. Even when a personality is as strong as an elephant, the generational burden can become so overwhelming that it renders one powerless. It might be so heavy that they can neither throw it off nor resist the imposition of further loads. It does not have to be that one carries the accumulated trauma of generations, nor should it be that this burden, along with one's own, is passed on to the next generation. Learn to shake off these burdens, if only for the sake of your children and grandchildren, and stand up to those who are too lazy to carry their own share.