T H E   M Y S T E R Y   O F   T H E   S U B T L E   B O D Y
P A R T   2

"Contemplation is of three kinds: common, light and subtle. When contemplating a certain figure, such as a guru or a certain God, we are dealing with common contemplation. When Brahma or the Principle of Nature is contemplated as light we are dealing with the subtle contemplation. This last type of contemplation can make us eternal."

Gheranda Samhita

Tantric texts offer detailed explanations about the psychic centers (centers of force) - chakras, meaning "wheels", situated in the sacral area, the area of the genitalia, the navel, the heart, the neck, the forehead and respectively the crown.

These Chakras do not exist in the physical body, they represent mere "plasma fields" of subtle energy vibrating on specific frequencies, with different shapes, sounds and colors.

Esoteric and occult occidental literature provides many descriptions of these centers. Most of these descriptions rely on C.W. Leadbeater's works, of the Theological Society. Other depictions derive from Sir John Wooddroffe's work (an English judge who lived in India for a period and translated some of the most important Tantric treaties).

Unfortunately, due to some errors, many contemporary works on this issue, (i.e. the subtle body and the existence of chakras) are wrong, often diverging in their main aspects from the concise and objective descriptions given in numerous Yogic and Tantric ancient works.

The most important aspect of the Subtle body and Chakra system is the Yin-Yang (solar - lunar) symbolism and the placement of macro cosmic energies. Thus the "Moon" is situated in the head and the "Sun" in the center of the navel.

Ancient Tantric texts refer to the existence of four main chakras (situated in the area of the navel, heart, neck and head respectively). Each chakra is made up of a number of petals, symbolizing the natural color of that chakra.

The navel center is described as a lotus with ten petals oriented upwards. The heart center is depicted as a lotus oriented downwards with twelve petals; the neck chakra has got sixteen petals and is oriented upwards; the forehead chakra has ninety-six petals. This is a very simple vision of the Subtle Body.

Centers. situated below the navel are also described in these works. They are situated in the area of the genitalia and the sacrum, and are traditionally considered as being of a more physical nature than a subtle one.

According to traditional sources, the subtle center which is situated in the area of the sacrum has got four petals oriented upwards; the sexual chakra has got six petals oriented downwards. Tantric texts say that each of the four petals of the first center can be divided into three thus making twelve petals.

Meditating on the Subtle Body which is made up of these psychic centers. helps one to perceive the subtle flow of energy through the organism. For instance, Kundalini Yoga implies directing the sexual energy from the lower chakras to the superior ones, in order to accomplish the complete union with Shiva who is situated in the crown Chakra.

The simplest meditation upon the Subtle Centers. is that of picturing an opened lotus flower in each center situated in the area of the navel, heart and neck.

"The Subtle Body connects this universe to subtle universes. No object or doctrine equals in importance to teachings about the Subtle Body - the door opened towards Ultimate Freedom."

Kaula Tantra