What is a chakra?

The body has many channels through which energy can travel. The classic number given is 72000. Chakras are places where these channels, or meridians, cross. You could visualize them as knots, or junctions. For most of us, these junctions are closed, constricted and blocked. The path is, slowly releasing the knots, and allowing energy to flow through our systems.

What is energy, or Kundalini?

This is a confusing topic for us with science backgrounds. In science we look for external verification through experimental methods, of abstract explanations of natural functioning. However, the energy that we are working with in tantra is, at this point anyway, entirely in the sphere of the subjective.

We call this stuff energy because that's what it feels like: sparkling, dancing, electric, magnetic, are some words that might be used to describe the experience. If the word "energy" is problematic for you, feel free to use another term of your own choosing. The word is not important. Having the direct experience is.

Typically we think of the world being divided into the physical and the mental. For me, it helps to think of this energy as a common locus between the two, perhaps even the underpinning of both.

There is certainly some external proof of this energy's existence. Acupuncture is based on an understanding of the body's energetic pathways. Acupuncture works, and so one might conclude that it is based on something real. At this point Western science doesn't have any explanation.

Why would I want to unblock my chakras and experience Kundalini?

For one thing, it feels extremely good. When you hear the yogis talking about meditation being blissful, the experience of Kundalini is what they are referring to. For another thing, it is a very quick way of getting through your psychic baggage. This is a large topic and probably better addressed in person, since how you view this is very dependant on your religious and philosophical orientation.

Do I have to believe anything in order to work with Tantra?

No. These exercises work with a level below the conceptual mind. While having some framework to place your experiences in is helpful, it is not necessary. In fact, I would urge an attitude of healthy skepticism. Approach this with almost the air of a scientific experimenter.

One of my teachers once said "These practices work not because we believe in them, but if we have some belief, we stick with them long enough for them to have an effect." I think there is a great truth to this. Some of these techniques require some patience before you see results. Because of this, unless you have some idea (or "faith") that there is a result to be had, you will not continue long enough to get anywhere.

Its a little like drilling for water. You have to trust that somewhere underground, there's water to be had. Otherwise, you scratch the surface, find nothing, and stop.

This is a good metaphor in another sense: each of us has a different distance to "dig" before we get to our water. One book I was reading said that the preparation for the awakening of Kundalini could take up to twelve years. Given the events in the world, I think we should not wait quite that long. My sense is that two or three years is sufficient at this point, but each person's path is unique.