Theories of the Chakras: Insights into Our Subtle Energy System - Softcover

To me the chakras have always been one of the mystical aspects of Yoga; even after more than 20 years of Yoga practise. This book explains and effectively de-mystifies it. Why? Because the author not only shares the theories of the Chakras but also tries to substantiate it with emperical evidence - both his own as well as experimental. Apart from explaining the different energy centers (Chakras) in the body, a series of asanas and techniques are outlined to awaken each of them. The best part of the book is the personal experience of the author. In this he explains how each of his chakras were awakened and what impact it had in his life. This (and my own experience of awakening of 2 of the centres) helped me believe in the existence of the chakras. --By Ash Aragam on May 29, 2003

If you read this book cover to cover, you may be disappointed. When reading this book, it is imperative to keep in mind that this book best functions as a reference manual for all things Chakra related. A glance at the table of contents reveals that the book bounces about quite eclectically. It begins as a technical manual of yogic cultivation as per the Yoga Sutra. Here Motoyama presents which Asanas, Pranayama, Bandhas and Mudras are appropriate for awakening which Chakra. This very much reads like an exercise book. It then changes tone quite a bit and looks into Vedic reference to the Chakras along with detailed depictions of the location and function of the Nadis. This is followed by a summarized explanation of two modern insightful practitioners; Swami Satyananda and C. W. Leadbeater. This is concluded with the personal experiences of Motoyama concerning when and how he opened his various Chakras. So, if you think you'll be able to read this beginning to end and obtain one concise view of the Chakras, you'll be sadly disappointed. However, if you're looking for an inclusive manual for general understanding, advice for yogic practice and a general reference, this book delivers --By Ed on July 15, 2008

This book represents a monumental effort to review and correlate much of the accumulated knowledge of the subtle energy systems...Such a book could only be written by a person who has had the life-long personal experiences which Dr. Motoyama so generous shares with the reader. These experiences provide step-by-step illustration of unfolding and expanding consciousness. The book is necessary reading for all serious students of the subject of consciousness. --George W. Meek

It is an outstanding book from both the scientific and spiritual points of view. It is the unique record of the pioneering experiments which presents clear, electro-physiological evidence of the existence of the network of chakras and nadis which form the infra-structure of the subtle energies existing in the pranic and psychic dimensions, which underlie and activate the physical, material body of man. The experiments in the book successfully integrate the subjective and objective dimensions of knowledge, and will serve as guideposts and blueprints for experiments in the years ahead. The chakras and other components of the human energy field were largely brought to the attention of the Western world by clairvoyant Charles W. Lead beater. His pioneering work is discussed in detail in this fascinating exploration of the subtle body, along with that of other respected seers and yogis.