An Investigation into the Original Function
of the Chakra Systems of Tantrik Yoga
Chakras Illuminated
A FOUR-MODULE ONLINE COURSE with CHRISTOPHER HAREESH WALLIS
COURSE SUMMARY
What really are the chakras? Somatic focal points, energy centers, Cosmological Maps, or all three?
In the worlds of yoga, esoteric spirituality, and New Age religion, interest in the concept of the chakras is massive and growing all the time. What is often lacking is a thorough investigation into the original nature and function of the chakras in their tradition of origin, Tantrik Yoga, by a scholar-practitioner fluent in the Sanskrit language.
Embodied Philosophy is proud to present an online course that fills that need, giving you access to both primary sources in readable translations and a scholar who can answer all your questions.
About Your Teacher
Christopher Wallis, also known as Hareesh, has a B.A. in Religion and Classics from the University of Rochester, an M.A. in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley, an M.Phil. in Classical Indian Religions from Oxford, and a Ph.D. on the traditions of Śaiva Tantra from Berkeley. He received traditional education at yoga āshrams in upstate New York and India in meditation, kīrtan, mantra-science, āsana, karma-yoga, and more. He currently teaches meditation, yoga darśana (philosophy), Tantrik philosophy, Sanskrit, mantra-science, and offers spiritual counseling.
Hareesh is the author of Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition. and The Recognition Sutras: Illuminating a 1000-Year Old Spiritual Masterpiece.
COURSE INCLUDES
4 Downloadable Video Lectures & MP3s
Course Readings
10 Yoga Alliance Cont. Ed. Credits
10 Embodied Philosophy Credits
COURSE OUTLINE
MODULE #1: Fundamentals
We will look at pre-tantric antecedents of the chakra concept in the Upaniṣads and the Yoga-sūtra, as well as its full expression within Tantrik Yoga. You will learn about the traditional ways of defining ‘chakra’ and why its synonyms (ādhāra, lakṣya, padma) are important, and why there were originally 5-, 9-, 10-, and 12-chakra systems as well as the more commonly known 7-chakra system.
MODULE #2: Structure
We will cover the consist maps of meaning found across chakra systems, particular the installation of the Five Great Elements into the chakras, the meaning of the Cause-deities said to ‘reside’ in the chakras, and why the Sanskrit alphabet was mapped onto the petals of the chakras.
MODULE #3: Function
We will investigate what you’re supposed to actually do with the chakras, how kundalinī relates to the chakras, and why granthis (psychic knots) are so integral to the chakra model. Additionally, we will explore the bhāvas (mental-emotional states) said in one text to exist in the petals of the chakras, and how that gives us a practical tool for working with our emotions.
MODULE #4: Adaptation
We will explore how Carl Jung and others, in importing the chakra model to the West, also substantially altered it, and why that matters. We will also consider which Western innovations are in the spirit of the original tradition, and which are not. Finally, we will have an open and wide-ranging discussion on contemporary applications of the chakra system.
You'll Learn About
Chakras
Kundalini
Tantrik Traditions
Medieval Chakra Practices
The Elements
Yoga History
Join Christopher Hareesh Wallis as he explores the evolution of the chakra system from its Tantrik roots.
You Will Learn:
- About the historical origin of the chakra model in South Asia
- The definitions of ‘chakra’ in the primary sources
- How chakras were (and are) used in traditional Yoga systems
- About the different varieties of premodern chakra systems and why they varied
- How the chakra model was (and is) a blueprint for the application of multiple distinct yogic practices
- About the relationship between the chakras and kundalinī
- How to work with the chakras in a traditional yoga practice
Register Now
Chakras Illuminated
A 4-MODULE ONLINE COURSE with CHRISTOPHER HAREESH WALLISPresented by Embodied Philosophy
A One-Time Investment of $97
or Join the Wisdom School for Unlimited Access to Our Course Library.
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New Yoga Seminar talk every month
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This Course, plus:
Unlimited Access to Over 40 On-Demand Courses
2+ New Courses Every Month
Access to Lecture Library: Over 200 Hours of On-Demand Content
New weekly talk curated from our most recent live event
New Yoga Seminar talk every month
New MindBody Seminar talk every month
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