Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self

I like to read criticism reviews just to see if I find any value in them. I read one about thinking it silly to base chakra and psych information on people’s body types. I flipped through this book and I have to agree. This superimposition of different systems and theories doesn’t work for me in the least, especially as I’ve dived into body image and disordered eating info this year. Imagine telling a woman her heart chakra is underdeveloped because she has the cutest little waist and shapely hips! I should have known from listening to Anodea Judith’s Wheels of Life book, which I never would have read to the end of in print, that this wouldn’t work for me either. It’s too dense, wordy, repetitive, etc. I took developmental show more psych over a decade ago and I really enjoyed it, but not this. show less

This is a beautifully written, comprehensive look at the chakra system, looking at the pathologies and remedies for each. It is an equal balance of explanations, examples and practical exercises to assess one's own health or that of others. It is a long read, but well worth it, and it will certainly be a major reference for me, especially with its complement, The Wheels of Life, which presents yoga exercises to balance the chakras. An enlightening read.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up, but I'd heard the title mentioned frequently, and I was excited to dive into such a meaty tome on the subject. Knowing next to nothing about the chakra system when I opened to the first page, I expected to be immersed in information--and boy, was I ever! To say the writing is dense would be a complete understatement. It's esoteric, detailed, and sometimes painfully informative; as though the author wanted to make sure nothing escaped mention and decided to cram every bit of info even remotely related to the topic into the 500 pages of the book.

Having said that, I quite enjoyed Judith's approach to explaining the chakra system, but I could never quite sink into the book. I had to read show more many pages repeatedly just to make sure I understood what the author was trying to say (and sometimes I had to give up after repeated readings that just weren't making the topic any clearer).

I did, however, particularly enjoy the focus on a psychological approach to the chakras. And, as a mother to a feisty 5-year old, I felt that the sections on childhood development as viewed through the various chakras were particularly illuminating and well-developed.

This is definitely a book that will find a permanent spot on my reference shelf. show less

Excellent information about human consciousness. This book changed the way I think about my personal development. It's a very useful tool for pinpointing what part of life is lacking and what you should be focused on improving. Even if you don't agree with energy flowing through your body, and chakras controlling your perception of life, this book provides you with a way to get you thinking about what you are struggling with. You can then take steps to clean up your weaknesses, whether it is a lack of will power or the ability to open up to the people in your life. Open your heart and mind and you will see how to take control of your life.

For anyone who is interested in the chakra system, this book is a good starting point. Even for those who are completely unaware of this system and want to understand themselves a little better, I would recommend this.

Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System explains the Eastern theory of the chakra system by way of Western psychology. Arranged schematically, the book uses the inherent structure of the chakra system to chart our Western understanding of individual development. Each chakra is discussed in its own chapter. Body types specific to each chakra are also discussed, as are particular pathologies.

Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System explains the Eastern theory of the chakra system by way of Western psychology. Arranged schematically, the book uses the inherent structure of the chakra system to chart our Western understanding of individual development. Each chakra is discussed in its own chapter. Body types specific to each chakra are also discussed, as are particular pathologies.