Introduction of Chakra

• In Sanskrit ‘chakra’ means ‘wheel’ or ‘circle’. In yogic context it refers to a ‘vortex’ or a ‘whirlpool’. Chakras
are vortices or whirlpools of pranic energy at specific areas in the body which control the circulation of
prana permeating the entire human structure.
• Thus each chakra has two defining characteristics, i.e., prana and consciousness/ awareness.
• Chakras are beyond human perception because they belong to the sukshma sharira or subtle body.
• The chakras are both real and symbolic. They imply two thing:
• They represent centers of subtle energies (prana) within the pranic body of man, each chakra being
associated with pranic energy at specific frequency levels and subtlety.
• They represent progressively higher states of awareness. The chakras symbolize varying levels of
awareness in man from the more instinctive realms associated with the mooladhara chakra to the more
intuitive realms associated with ajna chakra.

Mooladhara chakra: The lowest of the chakras is situated at the perineum in the male body and at the cervix in the
female body.
• The word mool means 'root' and adhara means 'place'. Therefore, it is known as the root centre.
• Mooladhara chakra is associated with the sense of smell and the anus.
• It is symbolized by a deep red lotus with four petals. In the centre is a yellow square, the yantra prithvi
tattwa, the earth element, and the beeja mantra lam.
• In the centre of the square is a red triangle, the symbol of shakti or creative energy, with its apex pointing
• Location of the Chakras downward.
• Within the triangle is the smoky coloured swayambhu linga, symbolizing the astral body.
• A red serpent, representing the dormant kundalini is coiled three and a half times around the linga. The
red triangle is supported by an elephant with seven trunks which symbolizes the stability and solidarity of
the earth.
• Mooladhara chakra is the seat or dwelling place of primal energy, kundalini shakti. Kundalini is the serpent
coiled in deep slumber around swayambhu linga. It is the source of all energy in mankind and the universe
whether sexual, emotional, mental, psychic or spiritual. While this energy is one, it takes on various
qualities and attributes depending on the psychic centre through which it manifests. The aim of yoga is to
awaken the dormant kundalini through self-purification and concentration of mind and to lead it up
through the chakras to sahasrara where, as pure energy or Shakti, it unites with pure consciousness,
Shiva. For concentration on mooladhara chakra, visualise the red inverted triangle or the yellow square,
symbols of energy and solidity, to enhance inner stability and balance.

Swadhisthana chakra: Approximately two fingers' width above mooladhara chakra in the spine, directly behind the
genital organs is swadhisthana chakra.
• The literal meaning of the word swadhisthana is 'one's own abode'.
• The Sanskrit word swa means 'self and sthan means 'dwelling place'.
• This chakra is symbolised by a crimson lotus with six petals. In the centre is a white crescent moon, the
yantra of apas tattwa, the water element, and the beeja mantra vam.
• The crescent moon yantra and beeja mantra are riding on a crocodile, symbolizing the subterranean
movement of the karmas.
• Swadhisthana chakra is associated with seeking pleasure through the tongue and genital organs. Whereas
material security is sought in mooladhara chakra, in swadhisthana the emphasis is on enjoyment, on the
pleasurable sensations associated with food and drink and sexual interaction.
• When swadhisthana becomes active, it may manifest as overwhelming desires or cravings for these
things.
• On the physical level, swadhisthana is associated with the organs of excretion and reproduction.
Visualisation of this centre can help rectify disorders of these functions. On a deeper level, swadhisthana
chakra is the seat of the individual and collective unconscious; it is the storehouse of all samskaras, past
mental impressions stored in the form of archetypes. It is the centre of humankind's most primitive and
deep-rooted instincts. By purifying this centre the animal nature is transcended. 516 For concentration on
 this centre, visualise a vast, deep ocean with dark waves beneath a night sky. The tides of the ocean
represent the ebb and flow of awareness.

Manipura chakra: Situated in the spine behind the navel is manipura chakra.
• The word mani means 'gem' and pura means 'city', therefore, manipura means 'city of jewels'. It is so-
called because, being the fire centre, it is lustrous like a jewel and radiant with vitality and energy.
• This chakra is depicted as a bright yellow lotus with ten petals. Within the lotus is a fiery red triangle, the
yantra of agni tattwa, the fire element, and the beeja mantra ram. The animal which serves as the vehicle
for manipura is the ram, the symbol of assertiveness and energy.
• Manipura is the centre of self-assertion, dynamism and dominance. It is associated with ambition and the
will and ability to rule. On the negative side, this may be expressed in despotism and in seeing things and
people merely as a means to gain personal power or to satisfy personal needs. The solar plexus is the
centre chiefly concerned with the vital process of digestion and food metabolism. It governs the
functioning of the gastric glands, the pancreas, gall bladder and so on, which produce and secrete
enzymes, acids and juices necessary for the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Manipura chakra is the psychic centre which controls these activities. The adrenal glands located above
the kidneys are also related with manipura. They secrete adrenaline into the blood during an emergency
situation. This has the effect of speeding up all the physiological processes, making the mind sharp and
alert, the heart beat faster, the respiration rate more rapid and so on.
• The body is then prepared for a more intense level of activity than normal in what is commonly called the
'fight or flight' reaction. Those people who suffer from sluggishness and depression or malfunctions of the
digestive system, such as diabetes and indigestion, should concentrate on manipura chakra and try to feel
energy radiating from this region.
• For concentration on this centre, visualise the blazing sun or a ball of fire. Experience energy in the form
of light radiating from this region and permeating the whole body

Anahata chakra: Situated in the spine, behind the sternum, level with the heart, is anahata chakra.
• The word anahata literally means 'unstruck'.
• All sound in the manifested universe is produced by the striking together of two objects which sets up
vibrations or sound waves. That sound, however, which issues from beyond this material world, the
primordial sound, is the source of all sound and is known as anahad nada, psychic sound. The heart centre
is where this sound manifests. It may be perceived by the yogi as an internal, unborn and undying
vibration, the pulse of the universe.
• This chakra is symbolised by a blue lotus with twelve petals. In the centre of the lotus is a hexagon formed
by two interlacing triangles. This is the yantra of vayu tattwa, the air element. The beeja mantra is yam
and the vehicle is a swift black antelope, the symbol of alertness and compassion.
• Anahata chakra is the centre of unconditional love. At this level the feelings of universal brotherhood and
tolerance begin to develop and all beings are accepted and loved for what they are.
• On the physical level, anahata is associated with the heart and lungs, and the circulatory and respiratory
systems. Sufferers of diseases such as anaemia, hypertension, palpitations, tuberculosis, asthma and
bronchitis may concentrate on anahata while performing asanas and other yogic techniques.
• For meditation on anahata chakra, visualise a blue lotus or a blue hexagon, formed by two interlacing
triangles, with a tiny, bright flame burning at the centre. Imagine it to be steady and unflickering like a
flame in a windless place. This is the symbol of the jivatma, the individual soul, the indwelling spirit of all
beings which is undisturbed by the winds of the world.

Vishuddhi chakra: Situated at the back of the neck, behind the throat pit, is vishuddhi chakra, the centre of
purification.
• The word shuddhi means 'purification' and the prefix vi enhances this quality. It is symbolised by a violet
lotus with sixteen petals. In the centre of the lotus is a white circle, the yantra of akasha tattwa, the ether
element, and the beeja mantra is ham.
• The animal related to vishuddhi chakra is a white elephant. Right understanding and discrimination
develop at vishuddhi chakra. Here the dualities of life are accepted, allowing one to flow with life and let
 things happen as they will, without distinguishing between good and bad. Vishuddhi chakra governs the
vocal cords, the region of the larynx, and the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Disorders of this area of the
physical body can be remedied by concentrating on this chakra. The throat centre is the place where the
divine nectar called amrita, the mystical elixir of immortality, is tasted. This nectar is a kind of sweet
secretion which is produced at bindu chakra and then falls down to vishuddhi where it is purified and
processed for further use throughout the body. For concentration on this centre, visualise a large white
drop of nectar. Try to experience icy cold drops of sweet nectar falling down to vishuddhi, giving a feeling
of blissful intoxication.

Ajna chakra: Situated in the midbrain, behind the eyebrow centre, at the top of the spine, is ajna chakra.
• This centre is also known by various names such as: the third eye; jnana chakshu, the eye of wisdom;
triveni, the confluence of three rivers; guru chakra and the Eye of Shiva.
• The word ajna means 'command'.
• In deeper states of meditation the disciple receives commands and guidance from the guru, and from the
divine or higher self, through this chakra.
• Ajna chakra is depicted as a silver lotus with two petals which represent the sun and the moon or pingala,
the positive force, and ida, the negative force. These two pranic flows which are responsible for the
experience of duality, converge at this centre with sushumna, the spiritual force.
• In the centre of the lotus is the sacred beeja mantra om. The element of this chakra is manas, mind. This is
the centre where wisdom and intuition develop. When ajna is awakened, the mind becomes steady and
strong, and full control over prana is gained. Ajna corresponds to the pineal gland which has almost
atrophied in the adult human being.
• On the psychic plane this point is the bridge between the mental and psychic dimensions. Therefore, ajna
chakra is responsible for supramental faculties such as clairvoyance, clairaudience and telepathy. Thought
is also a very subtle form of energy. When ajna chakra is awakened, it is possible to send and receive
thought transmission through this centre. It is like a psychic doorway opening into deeper and higher
realms of awareness. Stimulating ajna chakra develops all the faculties of the mind, such as intelligence,
memory and concentration. For concentration on ajna chakra, the point of bhrumadhya at the eyebrow
centre is used. Visualise a tiny point of light or an om symbol at this centre and let the thoughts dwell on
the inner guru.

Sahasrara: Situated at the crown of the head is sahasrara. It is not really a chakra but the abode of highest
consciousness.
• The word sahasrara means 'one thousand'.
• Sahasrara is visualised as a shining lotus of a thousand petals, containing the fifty-two beeja mantras of
the Sanskrit alphabet twenty times over. In the centre of the lotus is a shining jyotirlinga, lingam of light,
symbol of pure consciousness.
• It is in sahasrara that the mystical union of Shiva and Shakti takes place, the fusion of consciousness with
matter and energy, the individual soul with the supreme soul.
• When kundalini awakens, it ascends through the chakras to sahasrara and merges into the source from
whence it originated. Matter and energy merge into pure consciousness in a state of intoxicating bliss, the
goal of yoga. Having attained this, the yogi gains supreme knowledge and passes beyond birth and death.

Achieving a balanced crown chakra is the goal of every spiritual warrior, and it’s not easy to do.
Once you achieve it, you’re not really human anymore - you’ve conquered suffering and death.