A chakra is an energy point or node in the subtle body. The body which is composed of mind, intelligence and ego, which controls the physical body. Chakras are part of the subtle body, not the physical body, and as such are the meeting points of the subtle (non-physical) energy channels called Nadi. Nadi are channels in the subtle body through which the life force moves.

The convergence of all chakras acts like a portal to the conscious dimension into the Pure Consciousness. It requires a great effort and spiritual energy to do that. Through Conscious Living, we can align ourselves to our highest passions and balance all our chakras.

Sahasrara (Sahasrara = thousand, infinite)

Sahasrara (thousand-petaled) or crown chakra is generally considered to be the state of pure consciousness, within which there is neither object nor subject. Sahasrara is symbolized by a lotus with one thousand multi-coloured petals, it is located either at the crown of the head, or above the crown of the head.

No other light approaches the brilliance of the sun. In the same way the radiance of all other Chakras fades before the incomparable radiance of the Sahasrara Chakra. The Sahasrara possesses no special colour or quality. Its light contains all colour vibrations united in the incomparable brilliance of pure light. The energy of all channels flows together here, just as the water of a thousand rivers comes together in the sea. The element of the Sahasrara Chakra is the principle or absolute reality. It is the source of creation, the pure light and one reality.

Agya (Command, Knowledge, Wisdom)

Agya or third-eye chakra is symbolized by a lotus with two petals. The Lotus in the Agya Chakra has two petals only. They stand for GU (darkness/ignorance) and RU (light/knowledge), the two syllables from which the word GURU (master) is formed. Agya, is known as the third eye chakra and is linked to the pineal gland which may inform a model of its envisioning. The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin which regulates sleep and waking up, and is also postulated to be the production site of the psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the only known hallucinogen endogenous to the human body.

Agya‘s key issues involve balancing the higher and lower selves and trusting inner guidance. Ajna’s inner aspect relates to the access of intuition. Mentally, Ajna deals with visual consciousness. Emotionally, Agya deals with clarity on an intuitive level. In the Agya Chakra the development of our wisdom and humanity is completed and we reach the bridge to Divine Consciousness. It is located at the upper end of the spinal column, at the point of transition from the spine to the brain. The main symbol of the Agya Chakra is a Garuda Eagle.

While our mind is not clear, like a dirty mirror, we see everything hazily and unclear. It is only in a purified mind and mature consciousness that wisdom and spiritual knowledge can be broadened.

Until we are capable of anchoring our consciousness in the Agya Chakra our mind oscillates constantly between the human Chakras. Until the Agya Chakra is awakened, we are often incapable of understanding our self. We are unable to control the qualities and emotions that rise from the lower centers, or find an explanation for the stirrings of emotions, thoughts and dreams that suddenly surface in our mind.

Vishuddhi, or throat chakra is depicted as a silver crescent within a white circle, with 16 light or pale blue, or turquoise petals. It is a center of physical and spiritual purification. Physically, Vishuddhi governs communication, emotionally it governs independence, mentally it governs fluent thought, and spiritually, it governs a sense of security. The element of the Vishuddhi Chakra is space. Space opens the possibility for expansion and distribution.The main symbol of the Vishuddhi Chakra is a White Elephant.

The Vishuddhi Chakra is the seat of the astral body that is able to leave the physical body from the Vishuddhi Chakra. Each of us has made astral journeys. Each night when we dream, a completely spontaneous separation of the astral body from the physical body occurs . But, there is always a fine band of consciousness existing between the astral and physical bodies. This consciousness sees both the dream and the sleeping body and draws the astral body back into the material world in the fraction of a second if there is any external disturbance. With the help of Yoga practice and controlling energy we can travel in other spheres of consciousness and brings us back again no matter how far away we are.

With the help of the Vishuddhi Chakra we can rid ourselves of the toxic substances that are absorbed from the environment, as well as mental impurities. An important and life-supporting function of the Chakra is the purification and detoxification of harmful substances that accumulate in the body and primarily come from the food we eat and the air we breathe.

It is not just the external world that is extremely polluted, but also the psyche and consciousness of many people. For as long as the pernicious, toxic qualities of discord, rivalry, envy and resentment eat away at our mind, the light of supreme consciousness cannot shine through.

The Vishuddhi Chakra is a place of purification and balancing. The breath that flows through the throat, and therefore through this Chakra, plays a big role in this. The Yoga technique of Pranayama (conscious guidance and regulation of the breath) exerts a strong influence on the Vishuddhi Chakra, at both the physical and astral levels. Through the power of the breath in the Vishuddhi Chakra harmful residues are removed from the body on a physical level, and in the mental sphere the thoughts emotions, consciousness and subconscious are purified and harmonized.

Anahata or heart chakra is symbolized by a circular flower with twelve green petals called the heartmind. It is located in the region of the heart, in the center of the chest, and this is why it is also known as the Heart Center. And it is not without reason that the heart is regarded as the symbol of love, for the Anahata Chakra is the seat of love.The main symbol of the Anahata Chakra is an Antelope.

The twelve petals also depict the twelve most important qualities that we are able to develop in the heart center:

Joy, peace, love, harmony, bliss, clarity, purity, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, patience and kindness.

The Anahata Chakra is our inner temple in which the divine soul, “the flame of life”, resides. Self-Realization, involves the recognition of our own Self, the soul. To show that something belongs to us or concerns us we spontaneously point to the center of the chest, the site of the Anahata Chakra. No-one points to the head, the stomach or any other part of the body. This shows clearly that we spontaneously identify ourselves with the soul within the heart center.

Anahata means “infinite” and “continuous”. In the Anahata Chakra we hear the sound, the constant, fundamental sound of the Universe, the eternal vibration of the Self. Its sound is SO HAM – “That I am, I am That”. We perceive it as a subtle rhythmic melody similar to a heartbeat, but much softer and more wonderful.

To open the Anahata Chakra in the spiritual sense means the realization of all-embracing divine love, free from the capriciousness of worldly emotions.

Manipura or solar plexus/navel chakra is symbolized by a downward pointing triangle with ten petals, along with the color yellow. The position of the Manipura Chakra is in the middle of the abdomen behind the navel; this is why it is also known as the Navel Center. The main symbol of the Manipura Chakra is an Ram.

The Manipura Chakra is the “City of Jewels” in which we find the pearls of clarity, wisdom, self-confidence and wellbeing. Their lustre radiates down to the lower Chakras as well as up to the Heart Centre (Anahata Chakra). The feelings of love and happiness that we feel in our heart actually originate in the Manip?ra Chakra and rise from there to the Anahata Chakra. The positive radiance emanating from the Manipura Chakra also purifies the Svadhishthana and Muladhar a Chakras and their qualities.

Decisions that are based only upon the Muladhara Chakra, the so-called “gut-feelings”, are often intuitively correct, but can be distorted by strong emotions and therefore, be “irrational”. And judgements based only on intellect lack complete and integrated vision. Therefore, both Chakras are important for clarity of purpose; with the “right feeling” of theManipura Chakra being guided and examined by discrimination, a quality of the Agya Chakra.

Self-awareness and self-confidence are other pearls of theManipura Chakra. Until we discover these pearls within us and raise them into the light we live in constant fear – fear that we will not be loved, that we will be a failure, fear of becoming ill, of dying, etc. Many of our fears are produced by blockages in the Manipura Chakra.

The Manipura Chakra is also described as the “Cosmic Door” because it provides an entry for numerous astral powers. It is the centre of the HARA , a power centre or “Lion’s Centre” that bestows upon us balance, stability, strength and activity. It works as an energy transformer that converts and supplies the body with the cosmic energy that is absorbed with our food.

At the beginning of your meditation always concentrate firstly on the Manipura Chakra. If this energy center is relaxed then the Muladhara Chakra and Svadhishthana Chakra will also automatically relax. Then the energy can flow upwards unhindered, streaming outwards and upwards to the heart. Through this you experience a happy and deep meditation.

The Svadhishthana Chakra lies about three centimeters above the Muladhara Chakra between the coccyx and the sacrum. It marks the second stage of human evolution. In earlier periods of evolution, the seat of the Kundalin? Shakti was located in this Chakra. The main symbol of the Svadhishthana Chakra is a Crocodile.

The level of consciousness of the Svadhishthana Chakra is the subconscious, the sphere of consciousness that lies between sleeping and waking. We have a vague idea of what is contained here, but no complete or clear knowledge. Even when our consciousness is centered, other levels of consciousness always influence our perceptions and actions. The field of our consciousness is like a screen upon which the entire spectrum of our experiences is portrayed.

Through noble and good thoughts we illuminate our Phenomena and at the same time purify the Svadhishthana Chakra. Prayer, Mantra and nurturing the good within us gradually lighten our dark side. We should fill our meditations with love, devotion, understanding and warmth for ourselves and for others, becoming like a sun that shines for all – for plants, animals and humans, so that they are able to take as much warmth as they need.

Laziness is a trap of the Svadhishthana Chakra into which it is very easy to step. When the trap is successful the toughest problems within the subconscious seem to dissolve, and we feel very pleasant in the state we have reached and think that there is no longer any need to progress further. And because of this the flow of energy falters and the consciousness withdraws again into the Muladhara Chakra.

Muladhara or root chakra is symbolized by a lotus with four petals and the color red. This center is located at the base of the spine in the coccygeal region. the Muladhara Chakra forms the basis and the starting point for our spiritual development. It is the foundation from which we climb the ladder of the Chakras; the root from which we receive the nourishment for our spiritual development. For this reason, and because it lies at the lowest point of the spinal column below the Coccyx. The main symbol of the Muladhara Chakra is an Elephant with 7 Trunks.

Kundalini Shakti (spiritual energy) has its roots in the Muladhara Chakra, but it is in a deep, motionless sleep. When we awaken this slumbering potential that lies within the Muladhara Chakra we are able to work our way towards the light of knowledge and attain the fruit of Self-Realisation. The Karmas of our past lives rest in the Muladhara Chakra. The Mula dhara Chakra is the seat of the unconscious. It is like a dark, locked cellar whose hidden contents we have an indefinite idea about.

By: Naveen Kumar