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Buddhism is generally considered throughout the world as being the fourth

largest religion as stated by Hall 2005 (p24), and Price 2001 (p82) has

estimated a following of more than 300 million people world wide however

Ganeri 2003 (p8) goes on to declare that Buddhism today has a following of

more than 400 million people world wide. Anon 2008 (p1) suggests that

Buddhism is seen by some people in western cultures as not being a religion,

this is on account of Buddhism not being built on a notion that there is a God

or Gods but was founded on the teachings of a man who became the Buddha

(meaning enlightened one) according to Wilkinson 2003 (p6-8). Buddhism is

a way of living and although there are copious amounts of contrasting

disciplines within Buddhism, they all share the same basic beliefs claims

Faelli 2006 (p5-6). Anon 2008 (p1) states that Buddhism is a journey to

enlightenment to find the true nature of life, to accomplish this, a person must

lead a life free from corruption of any form and take full responsibility of their

life. The practice of meditation can be, used as an instrument to change

oneself to become aware.

For thousands of years meditation has, been mainly practiced, throughout

ancient cultures in Asia, the Middle East and India as stated by Page 2004

(p36).

‘Meditation is a specific technique for resting the mind and attaining a

state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking
state. In meditation, you are fully awake and alert, but your mind is not
focused on the external world instead, it is clear, relaxed, and inwardly
focused.’ Rama 1992 (p1)

Scientific research carried out on meditation revealed that it had a positive

impact on reducing stress and improving health, for example lowering blood

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pressure, according to Page 2004 (p36-37). In accordance with Buddhist

contemplation and many other institutions of thinking, the universe and all that

dwell within it are, connected by a life - force energy. This energy in many

cultures is known by different names for example, the Chinese call it c’hi or

chi, and the Japanese call it ki Yogis call it prana. In some cases the life force

energy can become blocked within a person’s body, by using methods such

as massage, Yoga, bodywork, Chinese medicine and meditation the flow of

energy can be rectified these methods were all systematized by a large

number of ancient practices as stated by Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p74-

75).

‘According to yogic theory, the body contains seven primary energy

centers called chakras.’ Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p79)

There is an abundance of different meditation styles the chakra centered

meditation being one of many. Chakra meditation is an ancient Indian

practice, as declared by Roderick 2007 (p1). Chin 2004 (p1) states that

chakra meditation entails focusing on the energy centers within the body

Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p79) suggest that there are seven major

energy centers or chakras, running from the base of the spine to the crown of

the head see (Appendix 1).

The founder of Buddhism was a man called Siddharttha Gotama whom was

born into a wealthy family of the Shackya tribe in a region of India, which is

now a constituent of Nepal according to Wilkinson 2003 (p8). Meredith 1995

(p24) goes on to declare that the existence of Siddharttha Gotama was about

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2,500 years ago. Siddharttha Gotama lived the life of a prince, but this life did

not make him contented as he longed to know the true meaning of life, so at

the age of 29 Siddharttha left behind the comforts and riches of his family to

seek the solutions to life’s suffering, as stated by Ganeri 2003 (p4-6).

After Siddharttha had spent many years searching for answers to his

questions and spending a life of self-denial and meditation he accomplished

the end to his suffering, and attained enlightenment, he then became the

Buddha claims Weatherley 1992 (p6). The Buddha set out to teach people

about the enlightenment he travelled around India for 40 years teaching

people how to be free from greed and suffering. The teachings of the Buddha

entailed The Four Noble Truths and The Middle Path see (Appendix 2), by

following the teachings of Buddha, people would end the cycle of birth death

and rebirth and attain enlightenment. To reach awareness of themselves and

to take charge of their actions would be, achieved through learning

meditation. Followers of the Buddha are, known as Buddhists they follow the

teachings and the guidelines of Buddha, the guidelines are, known as the Five

Precepts see (Appendix 2) as declared by Gaheri 2003 (p11-13).

‘Buddhists believe that the way to find happiness is to be caring

towards other people and to stop wanting things for themselves.’
Gaheri 2003 (p13)

The Buddha also held to the Hindu belief of reincarnation meaning that when

one dies one is reborn after death. Depending on what kind of a life that

person had lead before it would influence what form their earthly life would

take the next time around. It could be a higher or lower form depending on

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what good or bad deeds that person had accomplished in their life. This is the

cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Buddhists also believe in a law of cause and

effect known as Karma, Karma law affirms that a persons actions, words,

thoughts and deeds in ones life determine how the next life will be, wether it

will be favourable or not. A Buddhists aim is to break the cycle of

reincarnation or what is, known as Samsara. This is achieved by following the

teachings of the Eightfold Path which points the way to Nirvana or

enlightenment claims Zukeran 1998 (p1).

‘Nirvana the state of perfect bliss and happiness which all Buddhists try
to achieve.’ Ganeri 2003 (p32)

Fundamentally a degree of Buddhists regard meditation to be the way to

reach Nirvana as stated by Meredith 1995 (p26). Meditation has, been

practiced throughout the ages although there are no documentations to say

when it actually started. The earliest mention of meditation is in the

Chronological Table of the History of Meditation see (Appendix 3) as declared

by Ayammie 2008 (p1). The practice of meditation comes in many different

forms and is, used in every major world tradition these are examples of the

practices of other cultures. In Mexico, Central America, and South America a

Mayan inspired sun meditation is used, this meditation takes place outdoors

early in the morning before sunrise, the focus of the meditation is the sun

rising whilst sitting in a crossed leg position facing east and breathing deeply.

The object of this meditation is to cleanse all worries and let pure light in.

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In Africa, many tribal cultures consider Altars to be an eminent part of their

religion the altars are, assembled at certain locations. These places are,

thought to be the boundaries between the material and spirit worlds. The

altars would be, dedicated to a specific virtue like courage or health

meditation would be, focused on that particular virtue. European traditions

have been a variation of Christian religions over the centuries, for instance

Catholicism and Protestantism. Meditation in these practices comes in the

form of prayer. Catholics would use rosary beads to pray, this is a string of

beads each bead represents a prayer. Reciting the rosary would become a

verbal, mental, and physical meditative practice according to Budilovsky and

Adamson 2003 (p255-258).

‘Whether your faith is rooted in religious traditions or comes from

somewhere else, meditation is a great way to explore and strengthen
your own personal belief system.’ Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p53)

Meditation can be exercised by, anyone at any point of their lives claims

Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p18) many people turn to meditation for all

kinds of differing reasons, generally feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s life or

feelings of emptiness. Sometimes a person can be, drawn to meditation

through simple inquisitiveness or the need is, activated by a critical situation.

The interest in meditation is on the increase amongst average everyday

people, who are just trying to make sense of their flurrying lives. It is

becoming clear that a persons well being and peace of mind will not come

from technology or materialism, as stated by Ozaniec 1998 (pxi-p1).

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Blake 2003 (p20-21) states that the studying of meditation involves

experimentation, it is more beneficial to find the appropriate meditative style

because, as individuals our lifestyles, belief systems and fears can all be

different. To meditate one would need a peaceful position and the correct

posture, sitting upright and relaxed using one’s chosen meditative practices,

as declared by Monaghan and Viereck 1999 (p1). NCCAM 2007 (p1) also

states that the type of meditation being, practiced determines what posture to

assume, some styles involve sitting, lying down, standing or walking.

‘The benefits of meditation are well documented. Regular meditation

practice can reduce blood pressure, prevent and treat heart disease,
reduce migraines, and decrease many stress related symptoms.
Meditation has been proven to be helpful in reducing obsessive
thinking, anxiety, depression, and hostility.’ Berk 2004 (p104)

According to Roche 2008 (p1), meditating on a regular basis has very positive

effects on physical health and aids emotional healing. It enables a person to

operate to the best of their ability. Scientists and physicians have studied

these benefits for decades the evidence is quantifiable. Meditation comprises

of many psychological enhancements such as developing better creativity,

and it can improve the aptitude to learn it also strengthens the memory.

Research also reveals meditation gives people a happier disposition and

stabilizes emotions and there is a significant decline in negative feelings such

as depression and anxiety or feeling irritable as indicated by Lynn 2008 (p1).

In life stress plays a major role, it can be beneficial in times of emergency but

extended terms of stress are detrimental to our health. Stress, is mostly

connected with the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce and

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discharge the stress hormone adrenaline this function is the body’s way of

responding to stress claims Budilovsky and Adamson 2003(p7)

‘The fight or flight response is associated with significant stress.’

Arcangelo and Peterson 2005 (p623)

NCCAM 2007 (p1) states that meditation is, used as a form of medicine for

the mind and the body, the mind body medicine centres on, how the brain

interacts with the body and how a person’s behaviour and state of mind can

have a direct impact on health. There are various health problems that

meditation is used for, such as anxiety, pain, stress and numerous others,

when meditation has been used it has shown some alterations in the body, for

instance an alteration in the body’s fight or flight reaction.

NCCAM 2007 (p1) goes on to declare that reactions of the body are,

regulated by the autonomic nervous system, this system controls many

organs and muscles and the function of the heartbeat, sweating, breathing

and digestion this is, done automatically. There are two main parts to the

autonomic nervous system. The part that gets the body ready for action and

produces the fight or flight response is the sympathetic nervous system, the

other is the parasympathetic nervous system, this part opposes the responses

of the sympathetic nervous system by causing the body’s organ responses to

slow down. Research is still on going to establish wether meditation may be

able to sustain significant health benefits and how this could be achieved,

there are some forms of meditation that might be able to accomplish

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decreasing motion in the sympathetic nervous system and increasing motion

within the parasympathetic nervous system.

‘The healing benefits of meditation are threefold, physical,

psychological and spiritual.’ Lynn 2008 (p1)

Meditation is an holistic practice and works to bring the entire person into

harmony it also reconnects the person to their inner energies, the energies

play a significant function in the body’s natural healing process, as indicated

by Rawlings 1998 (p153). Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p79) claims that

chakras are none-physical energy centres within the body there are seven

main energy centres, each one can be located at fixed areas of the body

associated with glands or nerve centres along the spine see (Appendix 4).

Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p79) also suggest that every individual chakra

is a source of unique energy starting with Saturn, or Muladhara chakra at the

base of the spine, this first chakra conceals a mighty but dormant source of

energy. It is, known by Yoga philosophy as the Kundalini energy they liken it

to a sleeping serpent curled up in every person. If this energy is, awakened it

rises up through the chakras along the spine until it reaches the crown chakra,

which, is at the peak of the skull. Regardie 1998 (p169) states that during the

practice of Yoga, breath-control or meditation the Kundalini is stimulated to

rise up the spine, as this occurs each chakra becomes purified and

rebalanced with the Kundalini energy. Budilovsky and Adamson 2003 (p79)

also states that, when the uniting of the crown and the Kundalini happens the

person reaches a higher state of awareness, grasping their full potential and

becoming one with nature.

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According to Sharamon 1995 (p21-23) the body contains eighty eight

thousand chakras which means there is not one part of the human body that

is not susceptible to the transferral of energies, this is in accordance to

traditional writings. The majority of these chakras are only minute, so their

role in the energy system is lesser, than the 40 secondary chakras, these

have a significant role, and are, found in the back of the neck, the palms and

soles of the feet and the area of the spleen. The word chakra comes from the

Sanskrit and means wheel, chakras are in a perpetual state of rotation hence

the name. The constant rotating allows the chakras to draw energy in and

give off energy. Chakras rotate in different directions depending on the sex of

an individual the man will complement the woman’s and vice versa. The

mans chakra mainly rotates clockwise this in Chinese doctrine is Yang nature,

representing determination and action the more opposing features are

aggression and strength. The female or Yin in nature is a counter clockwise

rotation of a chakra, the Yin epitomizes receptiveness and compliance, its

negativity represents weakness, and so the alternating rotations go on, hence

forming men and women in contrasting ways.

Simpson 2002 (p110) states that the chakras represent the colours of the

rainbow with the first chakra symbolizing red, the second orange, the third

yellow, the fourth is the heart chakra, which is green, the fifth is the throat

chakra this is blue, and the brow or spiritual eye chakra is indigo, the crown is

violet. When practicing chakra meditation by, focusing on their colours could

possibly assist one to become more conscious of the chakras.

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‘Chakras respond to toxicity of thoughts and emotions and change in

colour to reflect these imbalances.’ Jasmuheem 2007 (p83)

In order to attain good health, it is essential for the chakras to be free from

blockages and remain balanced with each other. The master chakra, known

as the crown can open and aid balancing the other six chakras within the

body. The crown chakra needs to be open and unblocked so that the energy

will be able, to be sent freely to it, from all other chakras, this will enable

energy to be sent to areas of the body where it is required and stimulate

healing as indicated by Cartwright and Ward 2004 (p35).

Cartwright and Ward 2004 (P36) goes, on to declare that these are examples

of how a person would be effected if any one of their chakras were out of

balance or blocked. Starting with the first chakra (base of spine) the person

will be anxious and disorderly, jealous and domineering. The second chakra

(abdomen) the person would be suffering from sexual difficulties, an absence

of self- love and unstable emotions. The third chakra (solar plexus) the

person will be lacking in confidence, low self worth and be obscure, mean

disposition, abnormally active and obstinate. The fourth chakra (heart) the

person will be suffering from low spirits, depression and envy and will be aloof

and callous. The fifth chakra (brow) the person will be suffering from poor

eyesight, unpleasant dreams, absentminded and headaches. The seventh

chakra (crown) the person will be emotionless and insensitive, fearful of death

and having no command or direction in life.

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Cartwright and Ward 2004 (p38) also states that the cause of a chakra to

become blocked or unbalanced would be from negative stress of any form it

can arise from trouble in ones life or by encountering hideous circumstances

that would leave one in shock and fear. If there is an imbalance in one

chakra, it can influence a change in the others, it would primarily affect the

ones nearest to it, for instance by experiencing shocking circumstances, the

heart chakra would be, affected and this might cause an upset stomach (solar

plexus chakra) which in turn would then affect the throat chakra causing

hardship in conversing. If the energy centres are not capable of working

concordantly together then there becomes a lack of balance. Chakra

blockages or imbalances can be, improved by the connection to a healthful

energy or an energy that pulsates at a favourable frequency to the chakra.

When the energy centres are balanced, they function correctly by not opening

too much or closing up. A person with balanced chakras or energy centres

are able to stay calm and composed in any circumstances, if there is an

imbalance the person would be withdrawn or overwhelmed by situations and

may become emotional and lose control.

‘Of the many techniques to rebalance the chakras, Colour and Sound
Therapy is one of the most effective and deeply acting energetic
therapies available.’ Batie 2003 (p98)

The energy discharged by chakras generates an aura this is a persons

cosmic or energy body as indicated by Paul 2003 (p192). Cartwright and

Ward 2004 (p38) claims that the aura envelopes the visable body and is built

up energy levels known as subtle bodies, a person that is fit and well will have

an aura that surrounds the whole of the body in what has been described as

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an egg shape, this shape generally augments about one metre from the body.

The colours that emanate from the aura often fluctuate.

Cartwright and Ward 2004 (p41) also goes on to declare that the auras

contain a multitude of all kinds of colour and shade, which implicate a persons

whole, being. The colour red is an indication of a powerful energy, implying

passion and wilful determination. Orange indicates a warmness, imaginative

and emotion. If the shade of this colour changes it will imply the person is

agitated and that there is emotional imbalances. Generally yellow is the initial

colour to appear in an aura, it is the easiest to see. If there is, a pale yellow

encircling the hairline of a person this will show an inclination to hopefulness

and confidence. This colour can also represent the warrant of ideas, the

activation of extrasensory capabilities. The colour green can show the kind of

person who is accessible to new ideas and is trustworthy and sociable. If this

colour is bright green or is, nearing the colour blue this would point to a

capacity for healing. If a persons aura is showing the colour blue this will be

indicating someone who is enthusiastic and loyal, a truthful but serious

person. As the shades of blue get lighter in an aura, this will reflect a persons,

active imagination and good presentiment. Shades of blue that are deep in

colour indicate desolation. A royal blue implies integrity and wisdom. The

colour blue also represents calm and peace. Violet and purple are the colours

that symbolize self- government and instinct. Shades that are, lighter show a

person to be spiritual. The shades of red and purple imply a strong passion,

or will power. A need for greater individual effort may also, be indicated by

these colours. Other colours may show in a person’s aura such as pink, this

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reflects joy and solace, and represents love and soft-heartedness. Gold

reveals an abundance of spiritual energy. White in an aura is usually seen

prior any other colour, it shows honesty and purity this implies a persons

energy is cleansing and purifying itself.

‘All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is
everything. What we think we become.’ Buddha 2008 (p1)

According to Paul 2003 (p192), the auras that are, formulated by the chakras

give a good indication of what is out of balance within the actual physical

body. The chakras can be, used to heal any imbalances between the mind,

body, and spirit. The way in which a person would be able to achieve

wellness and wholeness would be through a journey of getting in touch with

oneself through meditation, reflecting, staying open, and being sincere in all

thoughts and actions.

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