QUOTE(Kiwi Kid @ Jul 9 2007, 10:15 AM)
As a side note of importance, in the yogic tradition (and indeed, tantra tradition which places large focus on the chakras) the pronounciation of the biji mantras are considered extremely important. In this case though they are spelled say LAM, the actual pronounciation in english is more akin to LuM with the U being very sparse, and much more focus placed on the Mmmmm at the end, that is for mental recitation. Normally for verbal mantra, the pronounciation is more LuNG, NG again being the main focus. The mantra should be vibrated into the area of the chakra, when done properly that area alone will vibrate. The chakras are points where the nadi's intersect, the main 7 used (some traditions use 5 or 12) are intersections along the sushumna, which is considered the most important nadi in the yogic tradition. Their uses are many, primarily they were used for mystic experiences, for overall development of the entire being and spiritual 'ascension' or rather, unfolding (for in truth it is already there), as well as for the achievement of siddhis, though they were normally (except in some tantric sects) a side effect, and not an aim in and of itself. For example, meditation on Muladhara (and this is real, deep meditation which most people actually do NOT reach...despite them thinking they are 'meditating'...they are not in the way the yogi's meant) is said to bring forth the siddhi of seeing the past, present and future, levitation, control of semen, bliss, 'superhuman' strength and excellent health. Most of these powers supposedly only being available after kundalini has awakened.
This says it best, folks. Google "tattva shuddhi" if you are interested in doing the kind of chakra meditation in which you concentrate on a chakra and "vibrate" its mantra. The mystical aim is to "awaken" the chakra and transcend its elemental limitations. What you are doing in chakra meditation, though, is priming a neuroelectrochemical loop in the brain to literally light up and cause a paradigm shift in consciousness. .