chakras

[Areku Kisuzu]

hello, im currently doing research on the major chakras, if anyone could show me some links to information, or who knows any exercises that can help open up the chakras be greatly appreciated.  

[Jokoria17]

Areku Kisuzu

hello, im currently doing research on the major chakras, if anyone could show me some links to information, or who knows any exercises that can help open up the chakras be greatly appreciated.

7 chakras... (this may not be completely accurate, but this is based off the work I did with them)

Bottom, red, at base of spine. Physical world.

Slightly above that there's an orange one. Deals with the soul as is in your body.

Above that, at the navel, a yellow one. Deals with the astral self

At the heart, a green one. Deals with emotions.

At the throat, a blue one. Deals with intelligence and thought

Purplish one at the forehead --- ??? (can't remember)

Violet white one at the very top of the head --- deals with the divine self.  

[Underworld Priestess]

I believe the forehead one deals with the third eye.  

[p33p33s]

Here is more detailed information on the charkas in a post by veos of vsociety found here






Part IV: The Chakras

I will describe the chakras, specifically their images and meanings, in a more detailed way now than I have previously in the Hatha Yoga part of this treatise. The yogi who wishes to pursue his Sadhana with meditation in the Chakras will be much benefitted by this section and should take care to memorize the images of the chakras with their Devas, Devis, and Bija mantras exactly. By meditation on the chakras comes many Siddhis. The yogi should not spend less than 2 and ½ hours on a chakra in deep meditation if he wishes to effectively unite the Kundalini with that chakra and receive its Siddhis. Once the chakra is fully awakened, you will hear its specific frequency of “AUM” being vibrated usually as one of the Anahata sounds. Yogananda gives the sounds as such: In Muladhara comes the sound of bees buzzing, in Svadishtana there is a flute playing, in Manipura a harp, in Anahata a gong bell, in Visshudha thunder, and in Ajna a very beautiful combination of all the sounds ultimately resonating in AUM. These are called the Anahata sounds because they are heard in the right hear of the meditating yogi via a nadi that connects the ear to the Anahata chakra. Now then onto the chakras themselves. I will be quoting and using a great deal of information from the Shat-Chakra Nirupana, which is undoubtedly the best Yogic Text concerning the details of the chakras. If you can acquire this text I highly recommend it. Other sources for the detailed information provided below comes from two other Nath Yoga text the Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati by Shiva-Goraksha-Babaji and the Goraksha Paddhati written by a disciple of Goraksha. Some subtle teachings about the chakras comes from disciplic succession to me. For full comprehension of the following section you will need to do a lot of research on sanskrit letters and the images of the various Hindu deities.

1. Muladhara Chakra:
The Muludhara chakra is in the coccygeal region of the spine, and is specifically at the perineum between the p***s and a**s in men, and inside the v****a of women (I’m assuming we are all mature enough for some anatomy terms). There resides a four petaled lotus red in color. Upon each petal in gold is one sanskrit letter, all four being Va, Sha, Sha, and Sa (the two Sha letters are different). Learn these sanskrit letters in Devangari script if you intend for any serious meditation on the chakras. The petals are red, the letters gold and the center bulb of the lotus itself is white. In the center of the lotus there is a yellow square indicative of the tattva (element) of Prithvi (earth). Within this yellow square upon the lotus is the bija mantra “ram” in red hue upon the yellow background of the tattva symbol. Within the lotus at the bottom is the king of Elephants seen beautifully ornamented and wielding 7 trunks each colored according to the 7 main colors of the light spectrum. Upon his back in the center of the Lotus is Brahma on the left and Dakini on the right. Brahma is usually depicted with four arms holding the four vedas and four heads looking to the four directions. Dakini is of a red complexion wearing a red sari with long black hair, one face and four arms. In the left arms she wields a skull in the left upper hand, and in the right upper hand she wields a sword. The two lower hands are upon the knees as if in meditation. Her eyes are brilliant red. In between them both is an upward facing triangle with upside down linga in the center. This is called the linga of Svayambmanu, and around it coiled three and one-half times is the Kundalini serpent with her mouth open covering the Brahma nadi at the base of the Sushumna nadi. The Brahma Nadi starts here at the top of the Svayambhumanu linga in muladhara chakra, whereas the sushumna nadi doesn’t officially start until a centimeter or two above the muladhara in a center known as the Kanda, from which all of the nadis of the body emanate. The Yogi should meditate on Svayambhu in his Linga form with Kundalini coiled around him within the red triangle called Kamarupa. In doing so, he achieves the awakening of the Kundalini. If he meditates upon the Gods he achieves awakening of the Chakra by the marriage of the two deities (the respective forms of shiva and shakti in each chakra). The chakra is seen as facing with petals downwards until the shiva and shakti (the god and goddess in each chakra) wed. Then the petal turns right-side up and shines brilliantly. This achieves many siddhis. The yogi should meditate for 2 and ½ hours upon the Tattva of the chakra each day until he attains mastery over that element. In this way that element can never cause him death.

2. Svadishtana Chakra:

A few inches above the Muladhara chakra located at the root of the sex organ (the reproductive center itself, which for women is inside a few inches above muladhara and for men at the base of the p***s), here there is a 6 petalled lotus of vermillion color called Svadishtana. Located in the lotus is the brilliant upwards crescent moon of the Tattva apas (water). The crescent moon is very large, and at its base is the Makara (basically a crocodile) curved upwards along the moon’s curve. In the background on the lotus is the Bija Mantra of Vam in Devangari script. On the left side of the lotus is Lord Hari, who is Vishnu. His skin is blue and he wears golden raiments beautifully ornamented with four arms. On the right is the goddess Rakini who is of a pale bluish-red color with 2 heads and four arms wearing a cone-shaped crown on each head and in vermillion dress. The Yogi, meditating upon this Lotus gains control of the Bindu (semen) and the sexual urges. He transmutes the sexual energy into Ojas as a pure mental energy. He conquers Brahmacharya (celibacy) in both mind and body. The Shat-Chakra Nirupana says “he is freed from all of his enemies”. The enemies here are things like Ahamkara (false ego), Avidya (Ignorance), moha (attachment), etc. Why does he conquer these? It is said that the enemies of the Yogi on the psychological and spiritual battlefield are manifested by the improper use of the sexual energy. With mastery of the Svadishtana Chakra the sexual energy is mastered and carefully preserved to be transmuted into Ojas, thus the enemies of the Yogi have no food from which to eat or water to drink. He starves them by not feeding them from improper use of the Bindu. In this way does he conquer all of his enemies. By meditating on the tattva of water and its relation to Svadishtana and the Universe the Yogi gains control over the water element in both the microcosm (svapinda) and macrocosm (Brahmana). He can never drown, and will have control over the emotions and sexual energy. By meditating on Vishnu and Rakini the chakra awakens once Kundalini weds them together and the Yogi acquires many Siddhis.

3. Manipura Chakra:

At the navel is a lotus of ten petals with deep purple hue. Let it be noted that this chakra is sometimes described as being yellow due to its solar nature. In the lotus is the red triangle of the Tattva Agni or fire (also called Tejas). This is very important. It is the legendary Gastric Fire. This tattva rides upon the back of a Ram. In the background of the lotus there is the bija mantra of “Ram” shining like fire. On the three sides of the triangle of Agni Tattva there is a tav cross, also red in color, sticking out in that direction. On either Side of the center of the lotus there is Rudra and Dakini. Rudra is usually depicted on the right side and not on the left in this chakra. He is of a white complexion with ashes smeared on his body and red clothing. He has two hands, one head and three eyes when visualized here, with his hands in the mudra of blessing. On the left is the Goddess Rakini who is of a dark complexion with yellow clothing, four arms and one head.

By meditating on this chakra one gains the ability to “create and destroy worlds” according to the power of Rudra himself. Rudra is a form of Shiva, and according to Shivaite philosophy is Shiva when he takes form, whereas Shiva himself is formless as Brahman. Thus any image or murti (statue) you see of Shiva is actually Rudra. The Linga (an Oval shaped stone or clay figure with three stripes across the center and the bindu in the middle) is the symbol of OM, and thus is used as the symbol of Shiva himself as the formless Brahman. The Shiva Purana says that you meditate upon the image of Rudra with Namah Shivaya or Om Namah Shivaya, whereas you meditate upon the Linga with just OM. Now the Manipura chakra is perhaps the most important of all the chakras in the body (the 6 shat chakras not including Sahasrara which is outside the body) as far as the raising of the Kundalini is concerned along with most of the Yogi’s Sadhana in the early years of training. The manipura chakra is designated in the Bhagavad Gita by the character of Arjuna and is indicative of the Yogi himself in relation to Maya and Brahman. It is a very important chakra indeed. Allow me to explain it thoroughly for you so that you will benefit as much as possible. In the Bhagavad Gita the devotee of the Lord is Arjuna, and the Lord is Krishna. Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu is the inner spirit urging the Yogi to realization. Arjuna and Krishna are assembled on the field of Kurukshetra for a massive battle between the Pandavas and the Kurus. Krishna and Arjuna are on the side of the Pandavas with Arjuna as one of the key warriors of the army and Krishna as his charioteer. The Kurus are the “bad guys”, but many of them are long time friends and relatives of Arjuna. Arjuna is hesitant to slay them, but Krishna urges him on to do so. Why is this? The Pandavas with Arjuna and Krishna represent the inner spiritual forces such as purity, discrimination, non-attachment, celibacy, etc...while the Kurus are the sense faculties of the body and evil inclinations which bring the Yogi down into Maya. The Yogi (Arjuna) does not want to slay the Kurus at first just as the fledgling beginner does not want to part with his lower desires and sense indulgences at first. The Kuru army is thus the three lower chakras of Muladhara, Svadishtana and Manipura while the good Pandava army of spiritual intentions and qualities are Manipura, Anahata and Visshudha Chakras. Manipura, represented by Arjuna, is the link between both “armies”. When the sexual enegry flows outwards from Manipura to Muladhara the person is engaged in maya and misuses the senses and life-force. When the Yogi “slays” these lower desires then the energy runs up the spine from Manipura to the Visshudha chakra and he is situated in the internal spiritual realms and their virtues by eventually bringing the kundalini into Ajna chakra by the virtue of the upward flowing sexual energy. This is the symbolism of Arjuna listening to Krishna (the Ajna Chakra) in slaying the Kurus (lower desires represented by downward flow of energy into the three lower chakras. Thus Manipura and its function properly reflects the human being itself, who has the decision of looking “downward” into Maya or “upward” into the spiritual worlds. This is the symbolism of the centaur Sagittarius with his lower body from the navel (manipura chakra) down being a horse representing the animal desires of the lower chakras, but from the navel up he is a human being with a bow and arrow aiming upwards into the heavens showing the spiritual pull of three shat chakras above the navel and the good spiritual qualities therein when the energy flows upwards. This is what is meant by the yogi being able to “create and destroy worlds”, namely he can destroy by having his sexual energy flow downwards and out or create by having the sexual energy flow upwards towards the noble chakras.

Within this chakra is the Gastric Fire which awakens the Kundalini as well as the Samana current. Now the Samana-Vayu (one of the five major forms of prana in the body) is yellow in color and is extremely important. In the Muladhara chakra is the Apana-Vayu and in the Anahata chakra (at the chest) is the Prana-Vayu. When the Apana is pulled upwards by the Yogi with Mula Bandha and the Prana is forced downwards by Jalandhara Bandha then they both enter into the Samana current. If the samana current is then activated by Uddiyana Bandha (I have given all three Bandhas in the first part of this treatise entitled “Hatha Yoga”) then the Apana and Prana merge together here. This causes the prana to enter into the Sushumna nadi causing Nadi Sodhana and awakening the Kundalini. So we see that this chakra is of the utmost importance to the Yogi.

4. Anahata Chakra:

In the region of the solar plexus is the Anahata Chakra which is a lotus of 12 petals usually described as green in color, but the shat-Chakra Nirupana describes it as vermillion, as does Swami Sivananda. Either will work just fine. Here there is the tattva of Vayu (Air) in the center with its form as a smoky colored Hexagram. Here there is the bija mantra “Yam” in the background. On the right side is Kakini who is yellow in complexion with blue clothing. She has four arms, the upper left has noose, the lower left holds a spear, the upper right bears a shield and the lower right wields a skull. She has four heads. On the left side is Ishvara, a form of Shiva with blue complexion, two arms and one head with three eyes. In his right hand is the spear and his left hand does the mudra of dispelling fear (the mudra of blessing or benediction done facing downwards and out instead of upwards).

I will tell you something not many people know. In the center of this lotus is another lotus called the Ananda chakra of a pure golden color. It is the seat of the pure bliss which emanates from the Anahata chakra in the Yogi. It is this chakra by which the Guru enters into the spiritual bodies of the disciple and does his work and initiation. It forms a powerful link between guru and disciple. This chakra is directly linked to the mental body of the Yogi.

The Yogi who meditates upon this chakra (anahata) can levitate, and has a fair voice. He becomes very radiant and emanates peace and bliss from his body. The intuition becomes very keen and many other Siddhis occur, such as entering another’s body. The twelve petals of the Anahata chakra symbolize the twelve zodiac signs as well as the 12 nadis which work from the Anahata chakra.

5. Vishuddha chakra:

In the pit of the throat is a 16 petalled lotus called Vishuddha. It is of a smoky purple color, but can also be visualized as blue with efficiency. In the lotus is a white circle which is the Tattva of Akasha (source of the 4 elements). While this is not the traditional symbol of this tattva, it nonetheless signifies it in Vishuddha. Here there is a white elephant and upon it is the bija mantra of “Ham”. Here there is on the left side Sada-Shiva, a high manifestation of shiva with four arms and 5 faces. In the two lower hands he holds a noose and spear and in the two upper hands he gives the mudra of blessing and of dispelling fear. His body is blue in tiger skin. To his right is Shakini of fair complexion with heads and four arms wearing blue raiments. She carries a spear, conch, skull and gives the mudra of blessing.

By meditating on this Lotus the chita (consciousness) becomes absorbed in the Akasha and knows Brahman. The mind becomes completely stilled. His power is seen as undeniable and unlimited. The voice becomes very fair and the speech is perfectly controlled. He gains telepathy and other siddhis. The intuition becomes amazing and he gains knowledge of past, present and the future.

6. Ajna Chakra:

This chakra is located specifically in the Pineal Gland at the center of the brain. It is a radiant lotus shining white like the moon with 2 light blue petals which bear in white the sanskrit letters “Ha” and “Ksha”. Here there is the Shakti Hakini with fair complexion, 6 heads and 6 arms adorned in violet clothing. In the center if the lotus is the Linga of Shiva, or rather Shiva in his linga form (sometimes depicted as shiva with his left side male and his right side female as a hermaphrodite). The Ajna chakra is the seat of Shiva himself in the body and is thus the seat of the higher Self in the Yogi. It is here where the Kundalini in muladhara Chakra wishes to join with her lover. When the Kundalini rises into the Ajna Chakra then the Yogi enters into Samprajnata Samadhi. The Yogi should see the Bija mantra of “AUM” in Devangari script here in the Ajna chakra and it is in fact quite fine if the Yogi only visualizes this in the Ajna chakra, as it is the form of Shiva himself.

I will tell you some little known things about the Ajna chakra. The Ajna chakra by its radiance does not act of its own, but through three of its manifestations in the head. The yogi should meditate upon these three places to stimulate and activate the Ajna chakra. First and foremost of these is the Kutashta at the center of the eye brows located at the pituitary body in the forehead. Here the Yogi should endeavor to see a shining white star in the center of a blue circle bordered by a golden ring. This is the visual manifestation of AUM. It takes a long time to see this star perfectly as the Sushumna must be clear after Nadi Sodhana has been achieved. Engaging in the practice of Yoni mudra, you must constantly try to see this star. In star you will see many things. Sages will come and speak with you, you will have visions of the Lord and see many other things. You must strive to enter into this star into the heavenly realms and be with the Gods. This causes Samadhi. The second center is in the back of the head roughly where the atlas bone is located (large bone at lower back of head that joins spine to skull) where the medulla center of the brain is. Thus this center is usually called the medulla center. It is this point in which fresh spiritual energy enters into the body and when meditated upon the Yogi enters into Pratyahara very easily. This spot is very important for the guru to bestow shaktipat (Transmission of Divine energy) as it acts as a portal for the Guru to act directly upon the Kundalini. I found this out myself with my own students, in that I could effect the Kundalini very easily if I gave shaktipat at this point. The third center is called the brahmarandhra and is at the very top of the cranium. In new-born babies this area is very soft and it hardens as we age. This is the spot from which the soul leaves the body in Mahasamadhi (willed meditative death) but is also the means by which the consciousness enters into the Sahasrara chakra above the head. Of all three centers, the Kutashta is the chief center to be meditated upon. The samadhi achieved in the Ajna chakra is Samprajnata Samadhi.

7. Sahasrara Chakra:

This is the wonderful lotus of 1000 petals. Gorakshanath is more specific and attributes 16 petals to it. This chakra is not usually included with the other 6 chakras (called the Shat-chakras) because while the other 6 are in the astral body and causal body, the Sahasrara is alone in the causal body. When the consciousness, through savikalpa samadhi, brings the consciousness into the Sahasrara Chakra he attains Asamprajnata Samadhi and Dharma Megha Samadhi. Sahasrara is Brahman himself, it is the pure primordial Shiva. The yogi who realizes this attains all Siddhis. He becomes a Sat Guru.  

[Sincerely John]

i've heard that if you draw a bath with sea salt in it, it balances your chakras.

 

[Koigokoro Konjou]

In my belief there's 10 chakras. Because we count standing up also.  

[Taigamma]

How many chakras are there exactly? I know we most talk about the main 7 but for the 7 to be "main" there have to be secondary or sub-level chakras.  

[Rustig]

Cain Elite

How many chakras are there exactly? I know we most talk about the main 7 but for the 7 to be "main" there have to be secondary or sub-level chakras.

Do we talk about the "main seven"? I can't recall seeing folk use that terminology, but it may be the case that they're referring to the seven chakras that are used in almost all systems - after all, some systems have different numbers of chakras.  

[Lovely-Avarice]

I have many authoritative and informative books on chakras. i don't mind sharing them. if you'd like to obtain these books in pdf form I'll gladly upload them to my ftp. Pm me if you're interested and the links will be posted here. I just don't want to go to the trouble if no one is interested in learning. You all seem to be a bit confused about the subject. Any specific question you have about chakras after you read over a book or two we can discuss.  

[abarrach]

Cain Elite

How many chakras are there exactly? I know we most talk about the main 7 but for the 7 to be "main" there have to be secondary or sub-level chakras.

Most traditions have 7, however I have heard people (mostly new-agers) adding an 8th or even a 9th chakra. These would be :
- a black chakra below the feet, connecting all that is physical and/or the underworld
- a white chakra above the crown, connecting all that is spiritual and/or the collective (un)conscious.

Not sure where a 10th chakra fits in...  

[Taigamma]

abarrach

Cain Elite

How many chakras are there exactly? I know we most talk about the main 7 but for the 7 to be "main" there have to be secondary or sub-level chakras.

Most traditions have 7, however I have heard people (mostly new-agers) adding an 8th or even a 9th chakra. These would be :
- a black chakra below the feet, connecting all that is physical and/or the underworld
- a white chakra above the crown, connecting all that is spiritual and/or the collective (un)conscious.

Not sure where a 10th chakra fits in...

I remember the white one but I thought it was the crown itself.

I never thought there ever was a chakra for the lower half of the body. I also read that the original 7 are simply the main ones but there are many others.  

[Taigamma]

Mitsh

Cain Elite

How many chakras are there exactly? I know we most talk about the main 7 but for the 7 to be "main" there have to be secondary or sub-level chakras.

Do we talk about the "main seven"? I can't recall seeing folk use that terminology, but it may be the case that they're referring to the seven chakras that are used in almost all systems - after all, some systems have different numbers of chakras.

"We" as those who aren't properly informed on the chakra and chi systems of the body. They make up a majority of all people on the internet that don't know how to use it correctly. (This semi-includes me because my research skills on the metaphysical level terms is weak as crap. xp )  

[abarrach]

Cain Elite

abarrach

Cain Elite

How many chakras are there exactly? I know we most talk about the main 7 but for the 7 to be "main" there have to be secondary or sub-level chakras.

Most traditions have 7, however I have heard people (mostly new-agers) adding an 8th or even a 9th chakra. These would be :
- a black chakra below the feet, connecting all that is physical and/or the underworld
- a white chakra above the crown, connecting all that is spiritual and/or the collective (un)conscious.

Not sure where a 10th chakra fits in...

I remember the white one but I thought it was the crown itself.

I never thought there ever was a chakra for the lower half of the body. I also read that the original 7 are simply the main ones but there are many others.

You're right. In my limited experience, most people who talk about a White chakra mean the Crown. But the Crown is also associated with Violet. However, those who do add a chakra above the Crown will colour the crown Violet and colour the one above White.  

[Taigamma]

abarrach

Cain Elite

abarrach

Cain Elite

How many chakras are there exactly? I know we most talk about the main 7 but for the 7 to be "main" there have to be secondary or sub-level chakras.

Most traditions have 7, however I have heard people (mostly new-agers) adding an 8th or even a 9th chakra. These would be :
- a black chakra below the feet, connecting all that is physical and/or the underworld
- a white chakra above the crown, connecting all that is spiritual and/or the collective (un)conscious.

Not sure where a 10th chakra fits in...

I remember the white one but I thought it was the crown itself.

I never thought there ever was a chakra for the lower half of the body. I also read that the original 7 are simply the main ones but there are many others.

You're right. In my limited experience, most people who talk about a White chakra mean the Crown. But the Crown is also associated with Violet. However, those who do add a chakra above the Crown will colour the crown Violet and colour the one above White.

Possibly to represent the difference. As you said black chakra seems to be the connection to the earth so maybe the white is the connection to the otherworldly or spirit realm?