The Psychic Body,
Energy Centers, and Medians
by Merk
fig. 1.
fig. 2.
fig. 3.
fig. 4.
1. Qi Kung Points 2. Hindu Chakras 3. Judaic Qabalah 4. Greek Cadaceus
Table of Correspondances
|
Chi Kung Points
|
Hinduism
|
Qabalism 1
|
Qabalism 2
|
Freudian Psychology
|
| GV-20 | 7. Sahasara | 1.
Kether | Neschamah | Superego |
|---|
| CL-1 | 6.
Ajna | 2. Hokmah |
| CO-21 | 5. Visuddhi | 3.
Binah |
| 4. Anahata | 4.
Hesed | Ruach | Ego |
|---|
| 5.
Geburah |
| CO-17 | 6. Tiphereth |
| CO-12/GV-6 | 3. Manipura | 7. Netzach |
| CO-8.GV-4 | 2.
Svadistthana | 8. Hod |
| CO-1 | 1.
Muladhara | 9. Yesod |
Id
|
| | 10. Malkuth |
Nephesch
|
Psychic energy (Hebrew s-sephiroth, p-sephira; Hindu chakra)
centers are central points where psychic energy masses. These energy centers
are typically depicted as being interconected interconnected by paths or
medians (Hindu nadi lit. trans. -'nerves') with the primary path
or median being along the spine from the crown of the head to the either
the groin and/or feet. (In Chinese medicine their are a 12 primary and 100
some odd secondary medians. In Hinduism their are 3 - left, right, and center.
In Qabalism there are 22 paths which correspond to the number of letters
in the Hebrew alphabet which are divided into 3 primary - left, right, and
center 'pillars'.) Also, the energy centers as well as their various paths
are ascribed or associated with different psychological qualities or characteristics.
The above set of pictures and chart are but a rough set of correspondances
but the general catholicity of these various models of the psychic body
can be easily seen. The Qabalah is generally dated back to c. 12th century
Europe about the time of the European rediscovery of Greek texts of Aristotle,
Plato, Neo-platonic wtitings, etc. obtained via the Moslems during the Crusades
which also gave rise to Medieval Christen mysticism, magic, and alchemy
in both mystical and 'literal' traditions. However, there there had always
been a strong cultural connection between the Hebrews and Greeks dating
back to before the time of Jesus to the time of the Hellenization of Jews
(c. 2nd century B.C.E.). Certain elements of Greek mysticism including the
mystery rites with which the Cadaceus of Hermes was a ceremonial tool placed
against the spine of the initiate not unlike the dorj in Hindu kundalini
rites have been traced back to Mithraism which was based in the the worship
of Mithras which is derived from the Hindu Vitra. The neighboring countries
of India and China are so close that the reason for parallels there should
be obvious.
The primary technique found in Hindu, Taoist, Neo-Qabalist and other similar
traditions of inner alchemy is the rotation of psychic energy through the
(psychic and/or physcial) body along the central median or spine. Whether
viewed as the result of psychosomatics or as real the results can prove
quite satisfying with regular practice as a means of equalibriation by means
of redistribution of energy through out the body. The basic method involves
the quieting of the mind and the creative visualization of rhythmically
'inhaling' prana, chi, or the cosmic energy or psychic energy down the front
and then exhaling it up the back thus completing the circuit.
fig. 5.
By this basic technique the energy centers can also be 'cleared' of psychic
blocks (e.g. neurosis, consicous and unconsicous worry, dis-ease, etc.)
which are concentrated 'masses' of energy where thoughts and emotions are
directed consciously and/or unconsciously creating blockage and thus tensions
(like the tension upon a dam) which is reflected in the physical muscles
and organs. Thus psychosomatics can create illness when misapplied or wellness
when properly applied. The difference lies in whether we take control of
the process or let it continue on it's own. While science accepts to a limited
degree the psychosomatic elements of these techniques it quite clearly frowns
upon the idea that by these techniques through the slow clearing and awakening
of the energy centers leads to the blocks to the unconscious also being
cleared and that with that the uncovery of various psychic centers also
occurs.
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Masks of the Gods v.1-4
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The Tao of Physics
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The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Koller, John M.
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Kundalini
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How to Meditate
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Gestalt Therapy
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Serpent Power
© Frater Merk 1996