Chakras - Wheels of Vital Energy.

Chakra is an ancient Sanskrit word that literally means 'wheels' or 'disks'. It has been a vital part of ancient Vedic healing practices and techniques. Why the chakras are the focus of spiritual teaching from ancient times till today, lies in a simple understanding.

Firstly, it is called a chakra because the function of that particular energy center is to receive and send information to and from us simultaneously and consistently. Seeing from this viewpoint, the wise have understood that by studying these energy vortexes, the flow of energy within the physical body and the etheric (subtle) body can bring health, happiness, and harmony within our environment. Knowledge of the energy chakra system can be traced back to the oldest and sacred texts of ancient Indian culture famously known as 'Vedas'. They are classified into four types: - Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.

Vedas contain Vedic wisdom regarding spirituality and meditation. From this viewpoint, the chakra system has become a part of both, holistic healings as well as spirituality.

The chakra system is vast and deep. The 7 primary Chakras are widely known across all spiritual traditions. Along with these primary chakras, in this blog, we would also be mentioning about two more chakras and also writing briefly about a few other mystical chakras. Our intention to write this blog is to share and bring understanding and awareness to people that there is certainly more to life than what we see in our daily lives. The intention behind this blog is also to provide an understanding that spirituality and science are not devoid of each other but in fact, are in sync with each other. When spirituality and science are combined together, these kinds of studies are known as Metaphysical studies. The chakra system is vast and infinite and cannot be entirely contained in one blog, however, it is our humble effort to provide understanding through our writings to those who seek to develop a deeper awareness about life and about themselves.

THE 7 PRIMARY WHEELS OF THE HUMAN BODY.

1. Muladhara Chakra

In Sanskrit, Mula means ‘Root’ and Adhara means ‘to support’. Hence this chakra is also known as the Root Chakra. It is situated at the base of the tail bone which is known as our 'center of stability'. A balanced well-functioning Muladhara chakra will give us a feeling of confidence, support, and stability and an unbalanced Muladhara Chakra can give us a feeling of instability, imbalance & incompetence, which will affect many aspects of our lives. A strong well-balanced and activated Muladhara chakra helps us in manifesting by giving us a solid foundation.

Picture: Kali Oracle - Alana Fairchild.

The deity for Muladhara chakra is 'Goddess KALI'.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are angelica, cedarwood, clove; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are onyx, red jasper, black tourmaline.

The principle of this chakra is ‘earth’ and its Bija (seed word) is ‘LAM’.

The archetype of this chakra is the 'Guardian Angel' which provides protection with wisdom and hidden understandings.

If one wishes to enhance the positive attributes of this chakra, they can meditate by chanting on this mantra,

“Om Laxmi Ganapatayei Namaha”.

2. Svadhishthana Chakra

This Chakra sits between our reproductive organs and the center of the lower abdomen, which is traditionally known as 'Nabhi'. This chakra is also known as the Sacral Chakra and it represents the 'creative potential of the life force'.

If this chakra is blocked then a person's creative potentiality is blocked. This discord may manifest within a person as a lack of inspiration, inability to pursue goals, or loss of interest. By healing this chakra it is possible to heal trauma from sexual abuse, post-pregnancy depression, abortion, etc. The reason for this is that it governs all creative and procreative endeavors. Being a potential creative life force chakra, anything that we bringforth in this life, whether it is a child, a new idea, project, relationship, or sexual intimacy, it is governed by the Svadhishthana chakra.

In Sanskrit - Sva means 'one's own'. Adhishthana means 'dwelling place'. Together the word means 'abode of the self'.

The principle of this chakra is ‘water’ and the Bija (seed word) is ‘VAM’.

The Hindu 'Goddess Rati' is the deity associated with this chakra.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are cinnamon, vanilla, orange, ylang-ylang; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are carnelian, moonstone, topaz, shiva lingam, sunstone.

The archetypes of this chakra consist of the energies of the ‘Saint’ and the ‘Temptress’.

If one wishes to enhance the positive attributes of this chakra, they can meditate by chanting on this mantra,

“Om Prasannatmane Namaha”.

3. Manipura Chakra

This chakra is located above the belly button and is also known as the Solar-plexus chakra. It is the energy center of power and confidence.

When this chakra is well-balanced one feels confident and capable; in other words, it is a doorway to feel empowered because it is a 'center of willpower'. On the other hand, if it is imbalanced, it creates feelings of powerlessness, confusion, and fearfulness.

In Sanskrit Mani – ‘jewel’, Pur – 'city’, hence the word Manipura means 'city of jewels'. It is here that we hold our Pranic energy.

The deity associated with this chakra is 'Lord Hanuman'.

The principle of this chakra is ‘fire’, and the Bija (seed word) is ‘RAM’.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are, grapefruit, cinnamon, lemon, peppermint, tea tree; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are, amber, citrine, pyrite, tiger's eye, yellow jade, etc.

The archetype of this chakra is the 'Father' as our guide so that we can live from a place of empowered wisdom.

If one wishes to enhance the positive attributes of this chakra, they can meditate by chanting on this mantra,

“Om Hram Mitraya Namaha”.

4. Anahata Chakra.

This chakra is located over the physical heart and is also known as the Heart chakra. This chakra is the center of the body’s energies and regulates our energy flow. Hence it is understood as the 'universe of all the energies in our body'.

In ancient scriptures, Anahata is described as the chakra from which 72 Nadis originate. It is here that heartache, affection, ability to heal, compassion, love, is held. The way in which the Anahata chakra vibrates will affect the cells in our body because it is the universal center of all energies of our body.

When this chakra is balanced, one is easy-going, open, pleasing, welcoming, loving, not only to others but even to our own self. When it is blocked one feels a lack of hope, lack of optimism, despair, or experiences opposite feelings such as love and hate.

In Sanskrit, Anahata means 'shabda brahman' which means the 'sound of oneness'. It is the point of contact between the soul and the body.

The deities for this chakra are 'Lord Vishnu' and his consort 'Goddess Laxmi'.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, rose, thyme; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are pink tourmaline, calcite, rose quartz, ruby, etc.

The archetype of the heart chakra represents the 'sacred balance between the Divine Masculine and the Divine Feminine'.

If one wishes to enhance the positive attributes of this chakra, they can meditate by chanting on this mantra,

'Om Eim Hrim Klim Chamundayei Vichhe Namaha'.

5. Vishuddha Chakra

This chakra is located in the center of the throat and is also known as the Throat Chakra. This chakra is associated with our ability to articulate our thoughts and ideas and all forms of communication. In simple terms, it holds the sum total of all our experiences, expressions, and truth.

This chakra’s primary function is the expression of truth and its secondary functions are voice and speech. Thus in Sanksrit Vishuddha means the 'center of purification'.

The deity associated with this chakra is 'Lord Rudra'.

The principle of this chakra is ‘ether’ and the Bija (seed word) is ‘HUM’.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are, chamomile, sage, eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are angelite, aqua quartz, turquoise, aquamarine.

The two main archetypes of this chakra are the ‘Guru’ and the ‘Seeker’. The former is the one who imparts the wisdom and the latter is the one who seeks this wisdom.

If one wishes to enhance the positive attributes of this chakra, they can meditate by chanting on this mantra,

'Om Kumara Kushalo Dayayei Namaha'.

6. Ajana Chakra

This chakra is the 'seat of the intuition', also known as the Third-eye chakra or the ‘Eye of Shiva’. It is the 'center of divine sight, clairvoyance, wisdom, insight, and spiritual revelation'. The primary function of this chakra is to command prana and to transmit prana to the various areas of our body. Hence in Sanskrit Ajana means 'to command' or 'to summon'.

If this chakra is imbalanced, we often sense despair and dissatisfaction. To give an example, this despair and dissatisfaction is reflected through a common question usually asked by people in their mid-30, 40, or 50 years of age - is this all there is to life?

When we work closely with the Ajana chakra we begin to understand life, consciousness, and reality and develop higher wisdom, insight, and understanding. The main function of this chakra is to work with our spiritual sight; hence it is known as the ‘seat of awareness'. From this aspect, we can enhance our life to become more magical and inspired.

The deity for this chakra is the 'Dakshina Murti Shiva'.

The principle of this chakra is ‘intelligence’, and the Bija (seed word) is ‘OM’.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are blue lotus, juniper berry, lavender, cypress; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are lapiz lazuli, sodalite, blue aventurine, labradorite.

The archetype for this chakra is the 'Oracle', which is the bringer of wisdom and truth.

If one wishes to enhance the positive attributes of this chakra, they can meditate by chanting on this mantra,

'Om Gan Ganapatayei Namaha'.

7. Sahasrara Chakra

This chakra is located on the top of our head and is also known as the Crown chakra. Out of all the 7 primary chakras 6 chakras are located within our physical etheric body. The 7th is located outside the physical body but it is still connected to our etheric body.

When we connect to this chakra, we become aware of our connection to God-Source energy. If it is blocked, we feel disconnected from the God-Source energy. The energy matrix of this chakra is the 'center of universal interconnectedness'. In Sanskrit Sahasrara means the 'thousand petal lotus'.

The deities for this chakra are 'Parama Shiva and Shakti'.

The principle of this chakra is ‘consciousness’ and the Bija (seed word) is ‘SOHUM’.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are lavender, pink lotus, spikenard, saint john's wort, palo santo; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are amethyst, purple fluorite, sugilite.

It consists of two primary archetypes the ‘Channel’ and the ‘Empath’.

If one wishes to enhance the positive attributes of this chakra, they can meditate by chanting on this mantra,

'Om Namah Shivaya'.

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW – What connects us?

1. Vasundhara Chakra

The Sanskrit name Vasundhara literally means 'daughter of the earth'. This Chakra is below our feet, and connects us to the 'Goddess Bhumi Devi', also known as 'Mother Earth', or 'Mother Gaia'.

In the Indian Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, Bhumi Devi is known as the 'mother of all life' and the one who holds the wisdom of the creation of all life on planet earth. She is the protector of all living creatures, including humans, that live on earth.

,

This chakra gives the power for grounding and stabilizing erratic energies by shielding all living things, by its healing light. It is the most loving protective and nurturing chakra. This chakra is represented by the 'Mother' archetype and is seen as an embodiment of mother love and feelings of safety.

In India, there are many festivals and auspicious days specifically for the veneration of the Goddess Bhumi Devi. In the Vishnu Purana there is a mythological story that when the earth was sinking, it is Vishnu who takes the avatar of 'Varana' and saves her. So from this point of view, Bhumi Devi is also known as a 'consort of Vishnu'.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are frankincense, sage, rosemary, myrrh; and the gemSahasrarastones for this chakra (to name a few) are red jasper, quartz, black kyanite.

If one meditates with the Buddhist Mantra 'Om Mani Padme hum' it will connect oneself with the protective grounding energies of this Chakra, where healing begins.

2. Sutara Chakra

This chakra is located above the crown chakra and is a portal to other dimensions. It helps us in ascension in our spiritual development. In Sanskrit Su means ‘love’ or ‘holy’ and tara means 'star'. Hence this chakra means ‘holy star’ and is also known as the star chakra as it connects us to our stars.

To understand the difference between the Sahasrara chakra and Sutara chakra the simplest example is that the Sahasrara chakra is the crown and the Sutara chakra is the ‘halo’ around the crown. The halo is nothing but a divine ray of heavenly light that gives us pure nourishment and healing love to our soul and is connected with the deepest part of our soul.

This chakra is the higher level of consciousness and it is connected to the divine mind and will. It offers us enhanced awareness.

The principle for this chakra is ‘pure consciousness’.

The diety for this chakra is the union of the Divine Shiva and Shakti known as 'Ardhanarishvara'.

The essential oils for this chakra (to name a few) are basil, white lotus, rose, tuberose, gardenia; and the gemstones for this chakra (to name a few) are diamond, rainbow moonstone, moldavite etc.

The Sutara chakra represents every archetype; it is the amalgam of all that is Divine.

If one wishes to meditate on this chakra, the best mantra is the Siddha mantra, Gayatri Mantra

'Om Bhur Bhuvaha Swaha,

Om Tatsavitur Varenyam,

Bhargodevasya Dhimahi,

Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayat'.

MYSTIC WHEELS

Hand and feet Chakras

These chakras are present in every human being, but are dormant in most people, specifically the chakras of the hands. They are predominantly active in people who are genuine healers, shamans, master reiki healers, pranic healers, and Taiichi.

The energy form of these chakras is predominantly of Shakti. This Shakti energy is in the form of Prana or Chi. In scientific terms, it is known as tangible electrical energy.

The feet chakras are said to be the largest chakras in the subtle body. Their natural function is to help us draw energy from the earth, which benefits in healing because the spiritual energy of the earth is health-giving. Hence it is suggested to go barefoot for a nature walk, because during this time our feet are not obstructed by our shoes and are in direct touch with the earth, due to which they can draw in large amounts of this beneficial energy.

This is the main reason why in the Indian culture there is a practice that as soon as you step into the premises of the Indian temple, one is asked to remove the shoes at the door and walk to the inner sanctum barefoot, so that each person can absorb the healing light of the earth and the divine consecrated energy of the temple simultaneously.

,

Chakras of the head.

Everyone knows about the Ajana chakra and the Sahasrara chakra, but in ancient India, there are some more chakras mentioned between the Ajana and the Sahasrara chakra.

1. Manas Chakra

This chakra is situated at the back of the head and is the seat of the higher functions of the mind. This chakra receives light from the divine illumined intellect and since it operates in a divine way, 'Enlightenment' is sought here.

Even though we consider our mind to be a great analyzer and a conductor of our mental process it is truly not the originator of ideas. The origin of ideas flows from that intellect that feeds the mind with higher illumination. In Indian Scriptures, it is called the 'Divine Mind'; in Qabalah it is known as the sephirot 'Ketter'. When such high powerful intelligence flows into the mind, it is said that the mind becomes 'enlightened'. Enlightenment means 'capable of receiving more than we can perceive'. Such a powerful transformation of mind not only changes our life but has the capability to also change the planet we inhabit.

2. Soma Chakra

This chakra is above the Ajana chakra. Soma in Sanskrit means the ‘nectar of the moon’. In ancient Indian scriptures, it is mentioned that this chakra contains an etheric liquid called ‘Amrit’. When this chakra is activated a drop of the etheric liquid drips and is carried into the Nadis of the subtle body. Nadis of the physical body are understood as veins and arteries, whereas the Nadis of the subtle bodies are known as astral nerve tubes. It is stated in the ancient Indian scriptures wherever the drop of etheric liquid or Amrit flows that portion within our body will never again accumulate karma.

3. Kala Chakra

In Sanskrit, Kala means ‘time’ so we can say this is the ‘wheel of time’ within us.

Buddha had given initiation to some of his disciples specifically for the activation of this chakra. His last and final teaching was about Kala chakra tantra.

Time is a precious commodity. Once lost, it cannot be regained again. If this chakra is properly activated, it helps us to manifest in many different ways. This chakra is also connected to the idiom ‘to be in the flow of time’; and to be in the flow it is necessary to be in the 'now moment'.

4. Guru Chakra

Right under Sahasrara chakra sits the Guru chakra. This chakra propels a true seeker on the path of spiritual development to find wisdom and Enlightenment. Always remember that knowledge belongs to the mind and wisdom to the heart.

The purpose of this chakra is to send energy down the spine where the ego-mind has taken residence. Once the ego-mind is understood its energy can be transmuted and helps us to ascend to higher consciousness for our highest good. Though this chakra is present in every human being, the genuine activation of this chakra depends on the 'depth of awareness' in every person.

Spirituality is not something to be feared, but something that every human being must embrace for the enhancement of our lives. We human beings are known as blessed beings or divine beings or superior beings because we have the capacity and the capability to take charge of our lifestyle and to be on the right course and grow from the lowest level to the highest level. It is said in the ancient scriptures that there are three levels of the universe ‘Heaven’, ‘Hell’, and ‘Earth’. In a similar manner, we also have three levels of life the ‘Higher level’, ‘Lower level’ and the ‘Average level'.

‘Higher level’ or growth is achieved through Ascension, ‘average level’ is the point from where every person begins their life, and the ‘lower level’ is achieved by descending. Approximately 80% of human beings are unaware of themselves, about life, and about one’s own journey. They look forward only for immediate gains, and though they may ask many questions about the future, in truth, they do not have the time for shaping their future in the right manner. The reason for this is, just the way our health is influenced by our environment, our progress in life is also influenced by our environment and surroundings. But the right kind of self-advancement awareness can lead us to 'higher levels' instead of only being driven by our surroundings.

Always remember that each one of us has our own will which can help us to be in awareness and shape our future. Much more can be achieved through continuous learning. If each of us even puts a slight effort to walk, we can rise through the art of learning and reach the highest level for our own highest good.

To do or not to do as Shakespeare said, depends entirely on us; the debate is not whether free will exists or not, but to ask the question in the right format ‘how would I like to use my free-will so that I can have the will to be free'?

Explained in simpler terms, understanding 'free-will' will bring us to the wisdom that it is our own free-will that can be the bridge for our desire ‘will to be free’. Learning is required to understand that 'free-will' and the ‘will to be free’ are the two sides of the same coin. Agreed that life will have its own twists and turns and many of them won’t be pleasing, but we do have the capacity to rise above this challenge. In ancient Indian scriptures, this wisdom is beautifully called ‘ICCHA-SHAKTI’.

~ As always with love and warm light