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| </blockquote> | | </blockquote> |
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− | ==Description of each chakra== | + | ==Seven Main Chakras== |
| There is only one energy in the body, but it manifests in different forms, in different chakras. Sexual energy, love energy, intellectual energy, sharpness, awareness, anger; all these are related.There are believed to be seven major chakras, which are arranged vertically along the axial channel ([[Nadi (yoga)|sushumna nadi]]). | | There is only one energy in the body, but it manifests in different forms, in different chakras. Sexual energy, love energy, intellectual energy, sharpness, awareness, anger; all these are related.There are believed to be seven major chakras, which are arranged vertically along the axial channel ([[Nadi (yoga)|sushumna nadi]]). |
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| From the bottom, they are thought to be: | | From the bottom, they are thought to be: |
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− | ===Sahasrara=== | + | ===Muladhara=== |
− | {| border="0"
| + | Muladhara (मूलाधार) or 'root chakra' is symbolized by a lotus with four petals and the colour red. |
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− | |width=170 valign=top|[[File:Sahasrara Mandala.svg|center|170px]]
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− | |valign=top|'''[[Sahasrara]]''' ({{lang-sa|सहस्रार}}, [[IAST]]: {{IAST|Sahasrāra}}, {{lang-en|"thousand-petaled"}}) or '''crown chakra''' is generally considered to be the state of pure consciousness, within which there is neither object nor subject. When the [[Kundalini energy]] rises to this point, it unites with the male [[Shiva]] energy, and a state of liberating [[samadhi]] is attained. 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. Sahasrara is represented by the colour white and it involves such issues as inner wisdom and the death of the body.
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− | Its role may be envisioned somewhat similarly to that of the [[pituitary gland]], which secretes hormones to communicate to the rest of the endocrine system and also connects to the [[central nervous system]] via the [[hypothalamus]]. According to Gary Osborn, the [[thalamus]] is thought to have a key role in the physical basis of [[consciousness]] and is the 'Bridal Chamber' mentioned in the [[Gnostic Gospels|Gnostic scriptures]]. Sahasrara's inner aspect deals with the release of [[karma]], physical action with meditation, mental action with universal consciousness and unity, and emotional action with "beingness."<ref>Patricia Mercier (2007). p. 302</ref>
| + | This centre is located at the base of the Vertebral column. In this chakra the energy manifests as enthusiasm or inertia.<ref name=":0">Lecture of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar http://www.artofliving.org/seven-centers-energy-chakras</ref> |
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− | In Tibetan Buddhism, the point at the crown of the head is represented by a white circle, with 33 downward pointing petals. It is of primary importance in the performance of [[phowa]], or consciousness projection after death, in order to obtain rebirth in a [[Pure Land]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2016|reason=There are some sources which say that buddhism does not directly endorse reincarnation.}} Within this state is contained the White drop, or [[Bodhicitta]], which is the essence of masculine energy.
| + | Mooladhara is really made up of two terms: "Moola" means the root or source, and "adhar" means the foundation. It is the very basic foundation of life. In the physical body, your energies need to be in the Mooladhara chakra to some extent. Otherwise, you cannot exist. If the Mooladhara chakra alone is dominant, food and sleep will be the predominant factors in your life.<ref name=":1">Lecture of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/yoga-meditation/demystifying-yoga/the-seven-chakras-and-their-significance/</ref> |
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− | Corresponding deity for material element of this state is [[Dhruva]].
| + | Muladhara is related to instinct, security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. This chakra is where the [[nadi (yoga)#Ida, Pingala and Sushumna|three main nadi]] separate and begin their upward movement. Dormant [[Kundalini energy|Kundalini]] rests here. |
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− | The tone is 172.06 Hz = F.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwO8So8Kt0s</ref>
| + | === Svadhishthana === |
− | |}
| + | Svadhishthana (स्वाधिष्ठान) or 'sacral chakra' is symbolised by a white lotus within which is a crescent moon, with six vermilion, or orange petals. |
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− | ===Ajna===
| + | The Swadhisthana chakra is located just above the genital organs. |
− | {| border="0"
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− | |width=170 valign=top|[[File:Ajna Mandala.svg|center|170px]]
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− | |valign=top|'''[[Ajna]]''' ({{lang-sa|आज्ञा}}, [[IAST]]: {{IAST|Ājñā}}, {{lang-en|"command"}}) or '''third-eye chakra''' is symbolised by a lotus with two petals, and corresponds to the colours violet, indigo or deep blue, though it is traditionally described as white. It is at this point that the two side nadi [[Ida (yoga)]] and Pingala are said to terminate and merge with the central channel Sushumna, signifying the end of duality, the characteristic of being dual (e.g. ''light'' and ''dark'', or ''male'' and ''female''). The [[bīja|seed syllable]] for this chakra is the syllable OM, and the presiding deity is [[Ardhanarishvara]], who is a half male, half female Shiva/Shakti. The Shakti goddess of Ajna is called Hakini.
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− | Ajna (along with [[Bindu (symbol)|Bindu]]), 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]], the only known hallucinogen endogenous to the human body. Ajna'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, Ajna deals with clarity on an intuitive level.<ref>Mercier (2007). p. 267.</ref>
| + | When the same life force energy comes to the second chakra (Swadhisthana), it manifests as sexual energy or creative or procreative energy.<ref name=":0" /> |
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− | The tone is 221.23 Hz = A.
| + | If this chakra alone is dominant, then you are a pleasure seeker. When this chakra is active, you enjoy the physical world in so many ways. If you look at a pleasure seeker, you will see that his life and his experience of life are just a little more intense compared with a person who is only about food and sleep.<ref name=":1" /> |
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− | ===Vishuddha=== | + | === Manipura === |
− | {| border="0"
| + | Manipura (मणिपूर) or 'solar plexus/navel chakra' is symbolised by a downward pointing triangle with ten petals, along with the colour yellow. |
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− | |width=170 valign=top|[[File:Vishuddha Mandala.svg|center|170px]]
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− | |valign=top|'''[[Vishuddha]]''' ({{lang-sa|विशुद्ध}}, [[IAST]]: {{IAST|Viśuddha}}, {{lang-en|"especially pure"}}), or '''Vishuddhi''', or '''throat chakra''' is depicted as a silver crescent within a white circle, with 16 light or pale blue, or turquoise petals. The seed mantra is Ham, and the residing deity is Panchavaktra shiva, with 5 heads and 4 arms, and the Shakti is Shakini.
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− | Vishuddha may be understood as relating to communication and growth through expression. This chakra is paralleled to the [[thyroid]], a gland that is also in the throat and which produces [[thyroid hormone]], responsible for growth and maturation. Physically, Vishuddha governs communication, emotionally it governs independence, mentally it governs fluent thought, and spiritually, it governs a sense of security.<ref>Mercier (2007). p. 233.</ref>
| + | This Chakra is located just below the navel. Manipura is related to the metabolic and digestive systems. |
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− | In Tibetan buddhism, this chakra is red, with 16 upward pointing petals. It plays an important role in Dream Yoga, the art of [[lucid dreaming]].
| + | The same energy goes up to the navel region, the third chakra (Manipura), and manifests in four different forms, which relate to four different emotions - greed, jealousy, generosity and joy. That is why all these four emotions are depicted through the tummy. Jealousy is an emotion that one feels in the stomach. Generosity is depicted with a large tummy, e.g., Santa Claus. Joy is also depicted with a big tummy, e.g., Lord Ganesha and the Laughing Buddha.<ref name=":0" /> |
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− | Corresponding deity for material element of this chakra is [[Dyaus]].
| + | If your energy moves into the Manipura chakra, located just below the navel, you are a doer in the world. You are all about action. You can do many, many things.<ref name=":1" /> |
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− | The tone is 141.27 Hz = C#.
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− | |}
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| ===Anahata=== | | ===Anahata=== |
− | {| border="0"
| + | Anahata (अनाहत) or 'heart chakra' is symbolised by a circular flower with twelve green petals. |
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− | |width=170 valign=top|[[File:Anahata Mandala.svg|center|170px]]
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− | | valign="top" |'''[[Anahata]]''' ({{lang-sa|अनाहत}}, [[IAST]]: {{IAST|Anāhata}}, {{lang-en|"unstruck"}}) or '''heart chakra''' is symbolised by a circular flower with twelve green petals called the [[bodhicitta|heartmind]]. Within it is a yantra of two intersecting triangles, forming a [[hexagram]], symbolising a union of the male and female. The seed mantra is Yam, the presiding deity is Ishana Rudra Shiva, and the Shakti is Kakini.
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− | Anahata is related to the [[thymus]], located in the chest. The thymus is an element of the [[immune system]] as well as being part of the endocrine system. It is the site of maturation of the [[T cells]] responsible for fending off disease and may be adversely affected by [[stress (medicine)|stress]]. Anahata is related to the colours green or pink. Key issues involving Anahata involve complex emotions, compassion, tenderness, unconditional love, equilibrium, rejection and well-being. Physically Anahata governs circulation, emotionally it governs unconditional love for the self and others, mentally it governs passion, and spiritually it governs devotion.<ref>Patricia Mercier (2007). p. 199.</ref> | + | The Anahata literally means the "un-struck." If you want to make any sound, you have to strike two objects together. The un-struck sound is called "Anahata." Anahata is located in the heart area and is like a transition between your lower chakras and your higher chakras, between survival instincts and the instinct to liberate yourself. The lower three chakras are mainly concerned with your physical existence. Anahata is a combination; it is a meeting place for both the survival and the enlightenment chakras. |
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− | The tone is 136.10 Hz = C#. | + | The same life energy comes to the Anahata chakra and manifests as three different emotions which are love, hatred and fear. |
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− | |}
| + | ===Vishuddhi=== |
| + | Vishuddhi (विशुद्धि) or 'throat chakra' is depicted as a silver crescent within a white circle, with 16 light or pale blue, or turquoise petals. |
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− | ===Muladhara===
| + | The next chakra is the "Vishuddhi," which literally means "filter." Vishuddhi is located in the area of your throat. |
− | Muladhara (मूलाधार) or 'root chakra' is symbolized by a lotus with four petals and the colour red.
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− | This centre is located at the base of the Vertebral column. In this chakra the energy manifests as enthusiasm or inertia.<ref name=":0">Lecture of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar http://www.artofliving.org/seven-centers-energy-chakras</ref>
| + | The same life energy rises to the fifth chakra (Vishuddha), at the level of the throat, it symbolizes grief and gratefulness. When you feel grief, the throat chokes, and when you feel grateful also, the throat chokes. |
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− | Mooladhara is really made up of two terms: "Moola" means the root or source, and "adhar" means the foundation. It is the very basic foundation of life. In the physical body, your energies need to be in the Mooladhara chakra to some extent. Otherwise, you cannot exist. If the Mooladhara chakra alone is dominant, food and sleep will be the predominant factors in your life.<ref name=":1">Lecture of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/yoga-meditation/demystifying-yoga/the-seven-chakras-and-their-significance/</ref>
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− | Muladhara is related to instinct, security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. This chakra is where the [[nadi (yoga)#Ida, Pingala and Sushumna|three main nadi]] separate and begin their upward movement. Dormant [[Kundalini energy|Kundalini]] rests here.
| + | ===Agya=== |
| + | Agya (Ajna) (आज्ञा) or 'third-eye chakra' is symbolised by a lotus with two petals It is at this point that the two side nadi Ida and Pingala are said to terminate and merge with the central channel Sushumna, signifying the end of duality |
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− | === Svadhishthana ===
| + | The same energy then goes in between the eyebrows to the sixth chakra (Ajna), and manifests as anger and alertness. Anger, alertness, knowledge, and wisdom are all related to the third eye centre. |
− | Svadhishthana (स्वाधिष्ठान) or 'sacral chakra' is symbolised by a white lotus within which is a crescent moon, with six vermilion, or orange petals.
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− | The Swadhisthana chakra is located just above the genital organs.
| + | If your energies move into the "Agna" chakra, located between your eyebrows, you are intellectually enlightened. You have attained to a new balance and peace within you. The outside no longer disturbs you, but you are still experientially not liberated. |
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− | When the same life force energy comes to the second chakra (Swadhisthana), it manifests as sexual energy or creative or procreative energy.<ref name=":0" />
| + | ===Sahasrara=== |
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− | If this chakra alone is dominant, then you are a pleasure seeker. When this chakra is active, you enjoy the physical world in so many ways. If you look at a pleasure seeker, you will see that his life and his experience of life are just a little more intense compared with a person who is only about food and sleep.<ref name=":1" />
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− | === Manipura ===
| + | Sahasrara (सहस्रार) or 'crown chakra' is generally considered to be the state of pure consciousness, within which there is neither object nor subject. When the Kundalini energy rises to this point, it unites with the Shiva energy, and a state of samadhi is attained. |
− | Manipura (मणिपूर) or 'solar plexus/navel chakra' is symbolised by a downward pointing triangle with ten petals, along with the colour yellow.
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− | This Chakra is located just below the navel. Manipura is related to the metabolic and digestive systems.
| + | The same energy goes to the seventh chakra (Sahasrara), at the top of the head and manifests as sheer bliss. That is why in any sanctuary experiences, when you feel total bliss, the mind immediately goes to the top of the head. Something shoots up to the top of the head and you feel blissful. |
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− | The same energy goes up to the navel region, the third chakra (Manipura), and manifests in four different forms, which relate to four different emotions - greed, jealousy, generosity and joy. That is why all these four emotions are depicted through the tummy. Jealousy is an emotion that one feels in the stomach. Generosity is depicted with a large tummy, e.g., Santa Claus. Joy is also depicted with a big tummy, e.g., Lord Ganesha and the Laughing Buddha.<ref name=":0" />
| + | ===Closing remarks on Chakras === |
| + | To move from Mooladhara to Agna, from the lowest of these seven chakras to the second highest, there are many procedures, methods and processes through which one can raise his energies. But from Agna to Sahasrar, the sixth chakra to the highest chakra, there is no path. You can only jump there. In a way, you have to fall upward. So, the question of going step by step to that dimension does not really arise. There is no way. |
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− | If your energy moves into the Manipura chakra, located just below the navel, you are a doer in the world. You are all about action. You can do many, many things.<ref name=":1" />
| + | It is for this reason that spiritual traditions have emphasized the significance of a guru's role in one's realization; guru literally means "dispeller of darkness." You can only jump into an abyss -- the depth of which you do not know -- if you have an absolutely insane heart, or if your trust in someone is so deep that you are willing to do anything in their presence. Most people, due to a lack of either of these two aspects, just get stuck in the Agna chakra. When this happens, peacefulness is the highest state they will know. It is only from this limitation that there has been so much talk about peace being the highest possibility. But for someone seeking their ultimate nature, peace is only the beginning; it is not the ultimate goal. |
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| ===Other chakras=== | | ===Other chakras=== |