The Hara System

The word hara literally means stomach, abdomen or belly in Japanese. Energy is stored in this point of the body from where it expands through out the whole body. 

Usui Mikao’s teachings focus on building the energy in the hara. From Takata’s diary notes it can be seen that she too was taught to practice in this manner. In traditional Japanese teachings and exercises today the hara system is still the main focus for building a person's energy.

Re-establishing this connection with the Original Energy (Ki) through the hara will ensure good health and recovery from illness. There is always access to a reliable source of strength whenever needed. An inner attitude results from focusing on the hara. From this central point there is an ability to cope with everyday tasks and sudden emergencies with an ease of understanding. This allows appropriate action to be taken in a balanced and unprejudiced manner

Though the abdomen is generally called the hara there are, in fact, two other energy centres in the body. One is the head and the other is the heart. By linking all three areas the practitioner creates unity and balance. Most important, however, is to first develop the lower hara, as this is the body's central axis point

Upper Hara (third eye area).

This is the energy connected with your spirit.

When you are connected with this centre you may see colours or you might have psychic ability.

It is important for you not to become unbalanced and keep yourself centred. If you can use this energy in a

balanced way, you can see beyond the immediate.

Middle Hara (at the heart centre) (diaphragm) The energy in this centre is connected with emotions.

It is 'human' energy connected with human experience.Through this centre you learn your life's process.

From childhood through to adulthood and back to being a child.When you are a child you are without

experience and as you grow older you become a child with experience.

Lower Hara   (approx. 8cms below the navel)
 

In this centre, Original Energy (Ki) is stored. This is the energy you are born with, the energy that is the essence

of your life and gives you your life’s purpose. The Original Energy is not only the energy you receive from

your parents when you are conceived but most importantly it is the energetic connection between you and the

universal life force.

When the singular term hara is mentioned it is the lower hara that is being discussed.