A Chakra System Model of Lifespan Development

This article presents a model of lifespan development based upon the tantric chakra system. It begins with a survey of the evolution of transpersonal psychology and its alignment with eastern philosophies as previously espoused by William James, Carl Jung and others. Thechakras are defined in relation to their potential influence on psychological functioning with a focus on development beyond the level of ego stability and functioning. Building upon prior work integrating the chakra system with developmental processes, this article presents an interpretation of the chakras as a model that defines a pathway for growth-oriented development.