Meditation is stopping thought. If you can stop thought, you can meditate. Chakra meditation involves concentrating on energy centers, called chakras, which are found in the aura, or subtle-physical body. These energy centers are located along a nonphysical energetic meridian called the sushumna. The sushumna in the subtle-physical body corresponds to the spinal column in the physical body. The sushumna begins at the base of the spine and ends at the "third eye," between the eyebrows and a little above. Seven primary chakras are found at different points along the sushumna. Kundalini, also called chi or prana, is a refined spiritual energy that resides at the base of the spine in the first chakra. During chakra meditation, the kundalini energy is pulled from the first chakra up through the sushumna to the third eye in the area of the forehead where the sushumna ends.	Exercise 1   Exercise 2    Exercise 3    Exercise 4      Exercise 5

In very advanced meditation practice, when a great deal of energy is generated and held in the third eye, the energy can leap from the third eye to the seventh chakra. The seventh chakra is called the "crown" chakra or the "thousand petaled lotus of light." The seventh chakra sits just above the sushumna, several inches above the top of the head. When the kundalini leaps to the crown chakra, the state of samadhi occurs in which one is merged with the worlds of light.

When a practitioner enters into samadhi, he or she has entered into the first stages of Enlightenment. Entering into samadhi repeatedly will eventually lead a practitioner to a state of complete awareness, in which that person has actually become one with Enlightenment itself.

In chakra meditation, we focus on three of the seven primary energy centers. This means that we place our attention on the areas of the body which correspond with each chakra, one at a time. We concentrate on the energy center, thereby activating it and releasing its energy. Sometimes it is helpful to place your fingers gently on each center as you meditate to help you feel where they are. Eventually, you will naturally feel the energy centers in your body. We start with the third chakra, the "navel" or "power" center, which is approximately 2 inches below the navel. By meditating here, the first three centers are activated and great power is released into your being. This energy gives you the ability to accomplish physical things. This is the center for willpower and strength. This affords you a spiritual power to rise above difficulties and be happy. This chakra is the primary doorway to Enlightenment in mysticism. We then move to the fourth chakra, the "heart" center. This center is located in the center of the chest and in the general area of the heart. This is the center for love, balance, and happiness. Finally, we focus on the sixth chakra, the "third eye". This chakra is located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows and slightly above them. This is the center for wisdom, psychic seeing, and dreaming.

It is generally a good idea to spend an equal amount of time meditating on each chakra. If you meditate for 15 minutes, spend 5 minutes focusing on each chakra. Likewise, if you meditate for an hour, spend 20 minutes concentrating on each chakra. By practicing chakra meditation in this way, you will bring power, balance and wisdom into your life.