While the concept of Chakras isn’t explicitly stated in the Bible, it’s predominantly associated with Eastern faiths such as Hinduism and Buddhism. The Bible counsels caution towards spiritual methodologies which do not resonate with the Divine Script. Though Chakras might seem beneficial, they are not an element of God’s teachings.
God made our bodies intricately, fearfully, and wonderfully. He breathed spiritual life into us too. Electrical currents in our bodies send signals from our brain to our organs and muscles and back again and deep breathing relaxes our nervous system. But are there points of connection between our souls and physical bodies?
Let’s take a closer look at the practice of chakras and dig into God’s Word to settle on the response a Christian should have.
What are Chakras?
Chakras are supposed points of energy, or connections, between the physical body and the spiritual being (soul). These seven energy points are situated along the spine from the lower back to the crown of your head.
The practice of chakras involves specific meditations, poses, and breathing exercises that “awaken” the energy moving from your lower spine to the culmination at the crown of your head—a “wondrous mystical” experience. Balancing these energy points is thought to support your body physically, emotionally, and mentally.
This spiritual practice is rooted in Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. These religions are incompatible with Christianity and cannot be practised in harmony with the Christian faith. In some forms of the practice, it isn’t just energy, but the Hindu goddess, Kundalini that is believed to be “awakened” within you.
Mysticism in The Bible
When it comes to spiritual matters, God’s Word is the standard we must measure and test them against. The Bible doesn’t specifically mention chakras, but speaks against spiritual practices that don’t honor God. It also doesn’t mention cannibalism or acting like a vampire, but it doesn’t make these things wise.
From Scripture, we understand that there are spiritual forces of evil at play in the world around us (Eph 6:12). We are to take a stand and guard our lives against any opportunity for Satan to get a foothold and distract us from the truth and grace of Christ.
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
There will be people (even misguided Christians!) that promote the practice of chakras and testify to the benefits and changes it has made in their lives. Christian, be careful! Satan and his evil spirits are often disguised as something good! Chakras may make you feel things, but that doesn’t mean it’s of God.
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. -2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV)
In the Old Testament, The Lord made his opinion on divination, sorcery, and fortune telling very clear. You might argue that chakras aren’t any of these things, but you’d be missing the point. God hates ANY practice that causes us to put our faith in anything or anyone other than Him!
There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (ESV)
The only way to know if something is of God or not, is to test it (1 John 4:1) against the Scriptures. God’s Word is sufficient, and our only source of truth. Some may argue: but the Bible also says it’s a sin to get a tattoo, right? That’s no longer relevant, why is this?
We must remember the Old Testament law was given to a specific people in a specific time. The particulars of the law don’t necessarily apply to us today – but the heart and the principles of the law certainly do.
Getting a tattoo won’t keep you from going to Heaven, and getting friendly with the enemy might not either – but it’s much more dangerous.
Some people turn to mysticism out of a sense of insecurity, always looking for something new that they think could solve their problems.
We know that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
You might also be interested in knowing what the Bible says about crystals.
Should Christians Engage With Chakras?
Your soul, the inner-most spiritual part of you that God-breathed into man in the Garden (Gen 2:7) is very precious. It is the part of you that lives on when you die physically. On Earth, those who have accepted Christ as their Savior have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He dwells inside you (1 Cor 3:16), helps you to understand Scripture (John 14:26) and become more like Jesus through discipleship.
Christian, you don’t need to balance the “energy” in your body, or “get in touch” with your soul to achieve your purpose in life. Don’t place your hope or faith in misguided spiritual philosophies or in anything other than Jesus. You have the Holy Spirit to lead you, and He isn’t an energy or some strange force—He is God!
