Monday's class discussion Deepak

In Monday's class when we were discussing Mandukya Uanisad's Vision of the self. i asked myself the question aren't their seven stages not four stages? i ask this because of Deepak Chopra MD. Also is Mandukya teaching balance of the self or chakras just like Deepak or is he going on something completely different? Because looking at the diagram in class compared to what deepak is teaching they seem to both be dealing with the self and a way of cleansing the self. They both have a working state, then a dream state and a state where there seems to be both conciousness and unconciousness. is deepacks way a more extended version? In deepaks diagram it shows an eight armed woman with a crown of leaves sitting on a lotus. Starting at the head is the Om which = union, unbounded awareness. Sham= Intuition, insight, realization. Moving to the neck Ham= creative, expression, knowledge and abundance. Moving to the chest Yam= love, faith, duty, devotion. Just below the breasts Ram= immortality, aurthority, fame, will at the abdomen sexuality and family and lastly Lam at the feet which means security, trust, basic survival. Each mentioned are called chakras. Each chakra is associated with our core dimention of human life.
1. basic survival needs
2. creativity
3. abilitiy to manifest our desires and intention
4.love and compassion
5. expression
6 intuition
7.union btwn individuality and universialtiy
Dont these all relate to the self? or are they the self?

In further reading constriction of any of these chakras limits the flow of energy. It is believed that each chakra has a bija or seed mantra that can clear the "energy center of the chakra." Each chakra is related to a color as well.

1. muladhara- red root or foundation associated with the sense of smell, as well as spine, adrenal glands, kidneys, lower digestive tract, clarity in good health
2. suadhisthana- orange selfs dwelling place both masculine and femanine when open feel intimately connected with creative power of the universe.
3. manipura- yellow shinging gem ablility to digest life, governs liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen and sense of sight abliltiy to let go of frustration feelings of hostility and agression
4. Anahata green the place of openness, governs sense of touch when chakra is open should feel flowing freely peace love harmony and laughter governs lungs and heart helps let go of fear and jealousy.
5. Vishuddha Pale Blue means pure, throat feel comfortable with speaking your truth govens sense of hearing thyroid metabolism immune system
6. Aijna Indigo Infinite power, governs brain stem and cerebellum, gain access to dreams.
7. Sahaswar Gold means thousand petal lotus flower when chakra is open should feel balance and clarity and purpose and aware of the inifnite silence.
what deepak is getting at I think is also what cleansing of the self but in a more elaborate way than Mandukya.