Sahasrara Chakra - Seventh Energy Center

Chakra : Crown
Location : Top of the head
Gland : Pineal
Areas of Body : Upper Brain
Function : Higher knowing, Connection to Universal Source

The Sahasrara Chakra or The Crown Chakra, located at the top of the head, is the ultimate destination of the soul. Endowed with an all pervading silence and bliss, this energy center bestows understanding, devotion, and inspiration on the being.

When this center is open, the person experiences spirituality, and a state of transcendence. A well-balanced Sahasrara Chakra manifests itself as attributes of self-knowledge, wisdom and illumination.

When the energy flow faces impediments, the person is full of intellectual pride, vanity, and ego.

Highlights of Sahasrara Chakra

It has 1000 petals.

It radiates the color yellow, gold.

Parts of the body the affect this chakra are pineal, cerebral cortex, nervous system.

Gemstones that affect this chakra are yellow diamond, yellow sapphire, and topaz

Meaning, Plane, Effects of Meditation
The thousand petalled lotus, which represents the plane of truth and reality, is like an umbrella of petals with all the colors of the rainbow, and the yogi identifies Self as the guru within.

Planes:

Radiation: Light, fire, or sight in it's finest essence. The yogi becomes illuminated like the sun. His aura of light is continually radiant.

Primal Vibrations: Om is the first sound, continuing infinitely. Here the frequency of AUM becomes manifest within the yogi.

Gaseous Plane: The yogi attains supremacy over prana, which becomes so subtle that all of the prana (life force) within his body is said to be thumb-sized; if one were to bring a piece of glass in front of the yogi's nose, no condensation would deposit on it (haole, ha a`ole--no breath)

Plane of Positive Intellect: All value judgments or dualistic perceptions must be balanced, or negative intellect, the negation of the divine, may arise within the mind.

Happiness: Arises when a proper balance in body, psyche, and mind is established.

Laziness: May occur when the yogi attains a state of bliss, only to stop all action: when he goes into a state of “Samadhi”, the physical body becomes totally inactive.

Effects of Meditation:
Immortality is attained within Sahasrara Chakra. Before attaining this chakra the yogi is unable to reach the unconscious-conscious state called “asama-prajnata-samadhi”. In this state there is no activity of the mind and no knower, no knowledge, nothing to be known: knowledge, knower, and known all become unified and liberated.

Samahdi is the pure bliss of total inactivity. Up to the sixth chakra the yogi may enter a trance in which activity or form still remains within the consciousness. In Sahasrara Chakra the prana moves upward and reaches the highest point. The mind establishes itself in the pure void of Shunya Mandala, the space between the two hemispheres. At this time all feelings, emotions, and desires which are the activities of the mind, are dissolved into their primary cause. The union is achieved. The yogi is “sat-chit-ananda”, truth-being-bliss. He is his own real self, and as long as he stays in his physical body, he retains non-dual consciousness, enjoying the play of “lila”, the temporal world, without becoming troubled by pleasure and pain, honors and humiliations.

When the Kundalini is raised up to Sahasrara Chakra, the illusion of "individual self" is dissolved. The yogi becomes realized, one with the cosmic principles that govern the entire universe within the body. He obtains all “siddhis”, powers, up to Soma Chakra, where he encounters Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow within himself. He is a “siddha”, but has transcended the desire to manifest those wishes.

According to the “shastras”, Sahasrara is the seat of the self-luminescent soul, or “chitta”, the essence of being. Here, chitta is like a screen upon which the reflection of the cosmic Self is seen, and through it the divine is reflected. In the presence of the cosmic Self it is possible for anyone to feel the divine and indeed to realize the divinity within himself.

Thought, Universal identity, oriented to self-knowledge. This is the crown chakra that relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss. Spirit.

Lives in an Extended State of Consciousness and Attains Enlightenment.


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Ajna Chakra or Third Eye Chakra - Sixth Energy Center

Chakra : Brow
Location : Between eyebrows — center of brow
Gland : Pituitary
Areas of Body : Lower brain, eyes, nose, nervous system
Function : Intuition, Visioning, Imagination, Higher knowing

The Ajna Chakra or the third eye chakra is called the center of Christ consciousness. This chakra, located between the eyebrows is the center for forgiveness. The energy in this chakra represents psychic power, emotional intelligence and intuition.

A well-balanced Ajna Chakra endows the person with a keen observation of thoughts and feelings as also a sense of detachment in thoughts and feelings. There is certain charisma about the person who experiences the positive energy from this chakra. Additionally, the person embodies qualities of truth, clarity, non-attachment to material possessions, focus, and constancy.

When the energy flow in the chakra faces impediments, then it reflects as non-assertive tendencies, a lack of focus and vision making the person indisciplined, proud and even manipulative.

Highlights of Ajna Chakra

It has 96 petals.

It radiates the color emerald green

Parts of the body influenced by the sixth chakra are pineal, pituitary, brain, eyes, ears, and nose.

Gemstones that benefit this chakra are emerald, jade, and diamond.

Identity and Effects of Meditation
One who meditates on this chakra and stops the downward flow of this amrita, or nectar--by performing khechari mudra (*khe*, the ether; *chari*, "moving")--becomes immortal in this physical body. He is able to stop the process of aging, and thus he remains ever young and full of vitality and stamina. He obtains victory over disease, decay, and death, and enjoys eternal bliss through the union of Shiva and Shakti--the ultimate goal of Kundalini yoga.

Khechari mudra enhances the upward flow of energy, and the yogi is able to stay in Gagana Mandala, or Shunya Mandala, "the void", that is the hollow space between the twin hemispheres, which is known as the tenth gate of the body. It is located within Sahasrara, the seventh chakra. Soma Chakra is located in alignment with the middle of the forehead and is the seat of soma (the moon), amrita (nectar), and Kamadhenu. The color of Kamadhenu is white; her face is of a crow; her forehead is ahamkara (ego); and her eyes are human, of Brahmic nature. She has the horns of a cow, the neck of a horse, the tail of a peacock, and the wings of a white swan (hamsa).

“Soma”, represented by the face with a chakra on the forehead, is sometimes considered a separate chakra, associated with the mental clarity to achieve enlightenment. It is located between the Ajna and Sahasrara chakras.

Located above the third eye in the center of the forehead, the soma chakra refers to the "nectar", *amrita*, of the lotus of twelve petals in the center of which rests the crescent moon, the source of nectar.

Light, Archetypal identity, oriented to self-reflection. This chakra is known as the brow chakra or third eye center. It is related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. As such it opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of archetypal levels. When healthy it allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us "see the big picture." Intuitive.

Governs intuition, thought ,inner and outer sight, visions ,dreams.

The Ajna chakra with Hakini shakti in the center



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Visuddha Chakra - Fifth Energy Center

Chakra : Throat
Location : Center and base of throat
Gland : Parathyroid & Thyroid
Areas of Body : Bronchial, Vocal, Lungs, Ears, Respiratory System
Function : Communication, Expression of higher spiritual will

The Visuddha Chakra is also called the throat chakra, by virtue of its location in the throat. This is the center for speech, sound, vibration, and inspiration.

A well-balanced Visuddha Chakra embodies the person with the skills of effective communication and expression of ideas. The person also experiences extreme serenity and devotion. Some of the positive energy influences of this chakra manifest as faith, protection, courage contentment and obedience.

The unbalanced energy seeks to express as arrogance, a desire to exert control over others, indulge in gossip and loose talk and even cowardice.

Highlights of Visuddha Chakra

It has 16 petals

It radiates the color blue.

Parts of the body influenced by this chakra are thyroid, lungs, mouth, teeth, and throat.

Gemstones that benefit this chakra are sapphire, turquoise, blue topaz, lapis lazuli.

Behavioral Characteristics
One who enters Vishudda Chakra becomes master of his entire self. Here all elements (tattvas) dissolve into pure and self-luminous akasha. Only the tanmatras remain--the subtle frequencies of those elements.

Five work organs are employed in the creation of all karmas: hands, feet, mouth, sex organs, and anus. In addition, there are five koshas (sheaths) of consciousness: the gross, the moving, the sensory, the intellectual, and the feeling. Five is the number of balance, one with two on either side. Being an odd number, five is linked with the solar numbers. The ruling planet of Vishudda Chakra is Jupiter, which in Sanskrit is called Guru, the one who imparts knowledge.

Earth dissolves into water and remains in the second chakra as the essence of smell. Water evaporates in the fiery third chakra and remains as the essence of taste. The form of fire enters the fourth chakra and remains there as the essence of form and of vision. The air of the fourth chakra enters into akasha and becomes pure sound. Akasha embodies the essence of all five elements; it is without color, smell, taste, touch, or form--free of any gross elements.

Vishudda Chakra governs between the ages of twenty-eight and thirty-five. The person motivated by the fifth chakra sleeps from four to six hours nightly, changing sides.

The distracting nature of the world, the senses, and the mind ceases to be a problem. Supreme reasoning overcomes the elements and the emotions of the heart. The person will seek only that knowledge which is true, beyond the limitations of time, cultural conditioning, and heredity. The main problem encountered in the fifth chakra is negative intellect, which may occur through the ignorance of using knowledge unwisely.

Vishudda Chakra encompasses the five planes of jnana (awareness), thus bestowing bliss; prana (the vital force throughout the body), thus affecting a balance of all the elements; apana (air that cleanses the body); and vyana (air that regulates blood flow). Jana Loka (the human plane) becomes vital, for here one receives communication of divine wisdom with the sixteen-dimensional, experiential realms, thus bringing about the true birth of man.

One who enters the plane of Vishudda Chakra follows knowledge, the path that leads to man's true birth into the divine state. All the elements are transmuted into their refined essence, their purest manifestation. When this occurs, being is established in pure consciousness. A person becomes "chitta", free of the fetters of the world and the master of his total self. The Vishudda Chakra embodies *chit*, or cosmic consciousness.

Sound, Creative identity, oriented to self-expression. This is the chakra located in the throat and is thus related to communication and creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language. Creative.

Governs speech, hearing ,communication self expression

Deities within the Vishuddha Chakra

Counterclockwise from the bottom: Ambara, Sadashiva, Shakini


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Anahata Chakra - Fourth Energy Center

Chakra : Heart
Location : Heart
Gland : Thymus
Areas of Body : Heart. blood, vagus nerve, circulatory system, arms, chest, hands
Function : Love, Transformer of energies of upper and lower chakras, Connection to Soul

The Fourth Energy Center called the Anahata Chakra is located in the center of the chest. The essential quality of this chakra is to permeate love.

This chakra ensures the production of antibodies till the age of 12. This chakra gives us a sense of security. It stands for love, compassion, acceptance and trust.

A well-balanced Anahata chakra expresses itself as love, compassion, charity, generosity, beauty, and friendliness. One is inspired to highlight the good in others when the energy levels flow unhindered, that doubly takes care of the related organs and systems. It helps in transcending the ego so that the finer elements of ones personality are manifest.

When the energy in the Anahata chakra faces blocks and suffers an imbalance, negative feelings of animosity, moodiness, self-pity and indecisiveness prevails.

Highlights of Anahata Chakra

It has 12 petals

It radiates the color green and pink.

Parts of the body influenced by this chakra are the heart, thymus, lungs, and immune system.

The gemstones that benefit this chakra are emerald, green jade, rose quartz.

Behavioral Characteristics

From twenty-one to twenty-eight years of age one vibrates in Anahata Chakra. One becomes aware of his karma, his life's actions. Bhakti, or faith, is the motivating force as one strives to achieve balance on all levels. This person sleeps from four to six hours nightly, on his left side.

The deer of Anahata Chakra runs swiftly, changing direction often, with an angular path. Similarly, a person in love may have the qualities and tendencies of a deer, such as dreamy eyes, restless wandering, and swift flight. When these come under control all emotional disturbances cease.

Anahata Chakra encompasses *sudharma* (apt or right religion), good tendencies, and the planes of sanctity, balance, and fragrance. Purgatory may be experienced in Anahata Chakra when negative karmas are enacted. Clarity of conscience is the illumination of the pure one who has developed good tendencies and has sanctified his life to Jana Loka, the human plane.

Air, Social identity, oriented to self-acceptance. This chakra is called the heart chakra and is the middle chakra in a system of seven. It is related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mind and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace and centeredness. Our heart and our love.

Governs love, compassion, mediates between higher and lower planes of being, healing, lungs (breath, prana), sense of time ,and the area of relationships in your life.

Deities within the Anahata Chakra

Counterclockwise from the bottom: Vayu, Isha, Kakini


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Manipura Chakra - Third Energy Center

Chakra : Solar Plexus
Location : Below the heart
Gland : Pancreas
Areas of Body : Stomach, liver, gall bladder, upper abdomen
Function : Mental activity, Will, Self concept, Self interest

The Manipura or Nabi. The presiding deity of this energy center is Lord Vishnu.

A well-balanced Manipura chakra endows the being with inner strength that manifests in the performance of actions with ease and grace. It governs our material well-being and inner peace. The chakra embodies personal power, self-esteem and energy.

If the energy levels in the chakra suffer an imbalance, the negative energy fuels emotions of jealousy, distrust, ego, anger, fear and anxiety.

Highlights of Manipura Chakra

It has 10 petals.

It radiates the color yellow.

Parts of the body influenced by the third chakra: digestive system, skin, liver, pancreas, skin and the breath.

The gemstones that benefit this chakra are: topaz, gold, amber, ruby.

Behavioral Characteristics

Between the ages of fourteen to twenty-one a person is ruled by Manipura Chakra. The motivation energy of this chakra impels the person to develop his ego, his identity in the world.

A person dominated by the third chakra will strive for personal power and recognition, even to the detriment of family and friends. Such a person will sleep from six to eight hours nightly, on his back.

The plane of Manipura Chakra encompasses karma, charity, atonement for one's errors, good company, bad company, selfless service, sorrow, the plane of dharma, and the celestial plane.

Dharma is the timeless law of nature that interconnects all that exists. By remaining true to one's nature, relationships with others will be more stable and clear. The balance for Manipura Chakra is selfless service, that is, serving without desire for reward. The practice of charity will clarify one's path of action, or karma. Every person must be aware of his actions in order to achieve a balance in his life. Once this balance is attained, the person may enter the celestial plane of illumination.

Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition. This chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus. It rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power. Power.

Governs power, accomplishments, will, ego projections, vital energies, control, and your freedom to be yourself.

Deities within the Manipura Chakra

Counterclockwise from the bottom: Vahni, Rudra, Lakini


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Swadhishthana Chakra - Second Energy Center

Chakra : Sacral
Location : Genital area (also tailbone)
Gland : Gonads
Areas of Body : Reproductive system, lower abdomen
Function : Emotions, Sexuality, Pleasure. Generativity

The Swadhishthana chakra, also called the seat of the soul, is located below the navel. The presiding deity for this chakra is Shri Brahmadeva.

A well-balanced Swadhishthana chakra ensures vitality. The balance achieved in this energy center pervades the being, making the person an extrovert, patient, and positive, with an ability to enjoy life in all its fullness. This chakra also endows the being with divine traits of mercy, forgiveness, warmth and compassion.

When the energy levels within the chakra suffer an imbalance, a lot of negative energy pervades the being, marked by an unforgiving nature, intolerance, and over ambition that can even border around manipulative tendencies. This energy center gets fatigued by excessive thinking, which can also harm the liver.

Highlights of Swadhishthana Chakra:

It radiates the color violet.

It has 6 petals and supplies us with the energy of creativity and thinking; it connects us to the inner source of inspiration.

The parts of the body that it affects are ovaries, testicles, skin, spleen, and mammary glands.

The gemstones that benefit this chakra are: amethyst, carnelian, coral, and aquamarine.

Behavioral Characteristics

Normally a person between the ages of eight and fourteen acts from second-chakra motivation. He will sleep eight to ten hours nightly, in a fetal position. In terms of the elements, the earth is dissolved into water. Instead of standing alone and defensive, as he did in first chakra, the child begins to reach out to his family and friends for physical contact. The imagination increases. Once the need for food and shelter is met, the person is free to visualize any environment or circumstance that he desires. Sensuality enters into relationships as a new awareness of the physical body evolves.

The desire for physical sensations and mental fantasies can be a problem for the person at this level. Gravity causes water to flow downward, and thus, the second chakra can have a downward, whirlpool effect on the psyche, causing a person to be restless and confused. The body and mind have natural limitations which must be respected and understood if the person is to remain healthy and balanced. Eating, sleeping, and sex must be regulated in order to attain a harmonious, peaceful state of body and mind.

A second chakra person often pretends to be a prince, lord, or hero. He changes roles, maintains high self-esteem, and is chivalrous. Every culture produces an abundance of stories and poems heralding these royal heroes, destroyers of evil.

Svadhisthana Chakra encompasses the astral plane as well as the planes of entertainment, fantasy, nullity, jealousy, mercy, envy, and joy. The astral plane is the space between heaven and earth. Here the earth becomes a jewel and the heavens are within reach. Fantasy may be used to advantage through the crafts and fine arts. Nullity is a state of emptiness and purposelessness. When the world is seen with a negative mind, nothing excites, nothing pleases, all is lost. Envy and jealousy arise from a desire to possess the time or qualities of another. This results in a destructive state of restless anxiety. The plane of joy brings a feeling of deep satisfaction. This joy penetrates the entire consciousness of the person who has evolved beyond the aspects of the second chakra

Emotional identity, oriented to self-gratification. The second chakra, located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, is related to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality. It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change. Sensation.

Governs sexuality, creativity, emotions, anger, fear instinct, to nurture, spleen, perceptions concerning food or sex

Deities within the Swadhisthana Chakra

Counterclockwise from the bottom: Varuna, Rakini, Vishnu.



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Muladhara Chakra - First Energy Center

Chakra : Root
Location : Perineum (between anus and genitals)
Gland : Adrenal
Areas of Body : Spine, kidneys, feet, legs
Function : Survival, Groundedness, Physicality

The Muladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine. Supporting the kundalini or serpent power, this chakra governs the physical existence. The Hindu tradition reveres Lord Ganesha as its presiding deity.

This is the center for vitality and physical energy. This instills the virtues of innocence and wisdom. It provides the being with attributes of survival, stability, and self-sufficiency. This center is the driving force behind the will to succeed in life, whether it is acquisition of material possessions or success in business endeavors.

It is important to balance the energy radiated from this chakra. A proper balance endows us with immense physical energy, hope, health, joy, self-discipline and an abundance of positive traits.

On the other hand, if there is an imbalance in the energy radiated, the result is a feeling of discouragement, hopelessness, impurity and confusion.

Highlights of Muladhara Chakra:

It has four petals or sub-plexuses.
It radiates the color red.
It affects the adrenals, kidneys.

The gemstones for this center are ruby, garnet, diamond, pearl, smoky quartz, and bloodstone.

Behavioral Characteristics

If a person with tightened jaws and fists refuses to live in accordance with the natural laws that govern his body, he will create further karma, or worldly entanglement. His sense and work organs will only serve to bring confusion and pain in exchange for temporary gratification. Once a person begins to act in harmony with these natural laws, he will no longer waste energy or pollute his sensory awareness with over-indulgence. Such a person will act wisely and with moderation, exploring his body and mind as vehicles of liberation from the lower realms.

Normally a child from the ages of one to seven years acts out of "first-chakra" motivations. The earth is being grasped as a new experience. The infant must ground himself and establish the laws of his world, learning to regulate his patterns of eating, drinking, and sleeping as the proper behavior necessary for securing his worldly identity. The young child will be self-centered and highly concerned with his own physical survival.

The main problem of the child, or adult, acting from first-chakra motivation is violent behavior based on insecurity. A fearful person may strike out blindly and senselessly, like a cornered animal, due to what is felt to be a loss of basic security.

The person dominated by the Muladhara Chakra generally sleeps between ten and twelve hours nightly, on his stomach. This chakra encompasses the planes of genesis, illusion, anger, greed, delusion, avarice, and sensuality. These aspects of the first chakra are fundamental to human existence. The desire for more experience and information acts as a motivating force, a basic impetus for individual development.

The Muladhara Chakra is the seat of the coiled Kundalini, the vital Shakti, or Female energy force. The Kundalini serpent is coiled around the Savayambhu Lingam. This foundation chakra is the root of all growth and awareness of the divinity of man.

Associated with Physical identity, oriented to self-preservation. This chakra forms our foundation. It represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical plane. Ideally this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence. Survival.

Deities within the Muladhara Chakra

Counterclockwise from the bottom: Indra, Brahma, Dakini


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The Seven Chakras or Energy Centers or Wheels

The word ‘chakra’ means ‘wheel’ in Sanskrit. The yoga Upanishads (circa 600 A.D) refers to the chakras as psychic centers of consciousness. The seven chakras are located in the spine, in the subtle body surrounding the gross physical body. The subtle body is not visible to the ordinary eye.

What Are Chakras?

Chakras are constantly moving, continuously absorbing, currents of energy. Each of the chakras resonate with a certain colour, sound and frequency. When the chakras function well, then energy flows unhindered through our system, which is utilized for our growth and development.

When these energy centers are awakened, they whirl in a clockwise direction and help to establish the inner balance, the key components for good health. When the energy flow in the chakras is clear and unhindered, then a person’s body, mind and soul experience a sense of well-being. But, if the energy flow in the chakras is blocked, then, there is an imbalance in the person’s being.

What Is Prana?

Yogis say that chakras are centers of spiritual energy. This energy is called prana or life force. Each chakra contains a definite number of nadis and these nadis possess a tone or vibration. The chakra centers circulate pranic energy and energy is activated through these centers. Each chakra sends energy to the particular part of the physical body and correspondingly, the mental body too. Prana is a link between gross body and subtle or astral body.

The union of prana and mind with the self is the goal of Hatha yoga. There are three important Nadis in the spine. They are: Ida, Pingala and Sushumna Nadi.

Ida nadi represents – negative force – flow of consciousness.

Pingala nadi represents – positive force – flow of vital energy.

Sushumna nadi represents – neutral force – flow of spiritual energy.

Nadis carry pranic currents to all parts of the body. It is said that there are 72,000 nadis in our body.

The Seven Energy Centers in Detail


The seven chakras correspond to the nerve plexuses in the physical body. They are:

Muladhara: corresponds to sacral plexus.

Swadhishthana: corresponds to prostatic plexus.

Manipura: corresponds to solar plexus.

Anahata: corresponds to the cardiac plexus.

Visudha: corresponds to the laryngeal plexus.

Ajna: corresponds to the cavernous plexus.

Sahasrara: corresponds to the pineal gland.

The chakras are sacred centers, which correlate to levels of consciousness. Simply stated, they are a reflection of our mental state. The chakras exert an important influence in our emotional life.

These energy centers relate to seven energy fields. The chakras are said to be balanced if they are vibrating at the required frequency-open, bright and clean. When the chakra gets blocked, then it affects our physical and mental health. It is important to know and balance the energies of these chakras. When the chakras are open, a person is vibrant and healthy. By meditating on the chakras, one can work on increasing the flow of pranic energy into the body.

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