Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Chi" or "Prana"?

Chi and Prana mean "Life Breath" and relate to the bio-energetic force present in all living things. It is a scientific fact that every living thing has an electro-magnetic charge to it. For thousands of years, Mystics in China and India have perfected techniques to increase the bio-electrical charge in the body. It is believed that by using these techniques that one may heal illnesses, neutralize imbalances and even prolong life. In India, these practices are called "Pranayam" and in China it is called "Chi Kung." Here at the Institute of the Holographic Mind, we offer online, integrated, no-nonsense courses in these energetic sciences.

What are "Chakras" and "Dan Tiens"?

The word “chakra” means “wheel.” A chakra is an energy vortex in the human body that spins as bio-electric energy (Prana or Chi) courses through it. In Yoga, there are seven recognized chakras. They are located; 1) between the genitals and anus, 2) the genital region, 3) the navel, 4) the heart, 5) the throat, 6) the third eye, and 7) the top of the head. Taoist mystics in China discovered nine energy vortexes in the body. They are the same except that the Taoists added the solar plexus region and the roof of the mouth. (Yoga recognizes these areas also.) The Taoists found that three of these chakras were more powerful than the others and paid special attention to them. They called these powerful chakras “dan tiens.”  Roughly translated, “Dan Tien” means “Field of Treasure.” The three dan tiens are, 1) the navel (Chi or bodily energy), 2) the heart (Shi or emotional energy) and, 3) the third eye (Yi or mental energy). The Institute of The Holographic Mind offers education in both Kundalini Yoga and Taoist energetic techniques. Some of these techniques have never been revealed to the public.

What are Mantras ?

The word “Mantra” means “Mind Wave” or “Mind Projection”. A mantra is simply a word or sound or group of words chanted repeatedly. A mantra can be chanted aloud or whispered or projected through thought. When spoken aloud, a mantra can occupy the mind to keep it from wandering. Mantras are a very good tool for focusing the mind for those who have difficulty “turning the brain off.” On a spiritual level, it is believed that the meaning of the word (s) chanted are also released into the Universe to be manifested. On a psychological level, it is believed that mantras can reprogram the mind by either programming it with the meaning of the mantra or by protecting the mind from negativity. On a practical level, the vibration of the voice has an effect on the bioelectrical systems of the body. The vibrations have an effect on the brain’s chemistry and foster meditative brainwave patterns. The repetitive movement of the tongue against the roof of the mouth stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands and releases powerful hormones into the brain and the blood stream. These hormones are not only physically healing, but are also catalysts for opening latent mental and energetic powers. Mantras can be a very powerful tool for healing, consciousness and transformation. Each one has a specific physical, energetic and psychological effect. The Institute of The Holographic Mind has access to hundreds of different mantras.  We can help you determine which mantra (s) are most appropriate for you based on your needs and goals.

 What are Mudras?

Mudras are hand positions. The hands are full of nerve endings that are interconnected with the brain and the rest of the body. When different combinations of fingers touch, they send electrical impulses to the brain and can have an effect on the whole being both physically and mentally. For example, the middle finger is believed to be related to the quality of patience. (Which might be the reason we flip fellow drivers the middle finger when we are impatient with their driving.) In Taoist sciences, differing hand and arm movements have powerful effects on the energies of the body and mind. For example, the reason why Tai Chi can be so powerful and regenerative is because the combination of hand and arm movements, when done in a specific order, stimulate energy points (meridians) in the body and energy (Chi) is released.

 What is Kundalini?

“Kundalini” means “Lock of hair of the beloved” and is likened to a serpent that is coiled around the base of the spinal column waiting to be awakened. The Kundalini “nerve” is a bio-energetic channel that is located at the base of the spine. When it is stimulated through special exercises and techniques, it is “awakened” and begins to ascend up the spinal column. As this energy ascends, it activates different bio-energetic centers in the body and “awakens” perceptions and abilities that have been lying dormant in the body.

Many have the misconception that Kundalini is Prana or Chi (the life force). This is incorrect. Chi and Prana are the basic bio-energetic properties that all living things possess. If you are alive and breathing, you have Chi or Prana or the life force flowing through you. Many exercises increase this bio-energetic force and when this occurs, many people believe that they have activated Kundalini. Although understandable, this assumption is not accurate. Kundalini is believed to be the energy that is directly connected to one’s essence or their “Soul.” It is the energy connected to awareness and consciousness. A state of “enlightenment” is where one’s Kundalini has been fully activated. A yogic saying says, “The journey to Enlightenment is only two and a half feet.” This refers to the Kundalini energy rising from the base of the spine to the top of the skull.