Chakras
Manipura
Manipura is made up of two words: mani, meaning ‘jewel’ and pura meaning ‘city’. It is depicted as a ten petalled lotus and is located at the solar plexus, directly opposite the navel side of the spinal column. On the physical plane, the third chakra rules metabolism, the process whereby we turn food (matter) into energy and action. It represents dynamic will, energy and action. Its awakening creates a new permanent basis for kundalini, and conveys a spiritual perspective and a new orientation, untroubled by the disturbances associated with the lower chakras.
Anahata
Anahata literally means “un-struck or unbeaten” as the sound that emanates from the heartbeat. This chakra is located directly behind the chest at the level of the heart. It is depicted as a twelve petalled lotus. It is associated with creative power, unconditional love and compassion, and the ability to overcome fate. In the writings of the ancient yogis, anahata is said to be where one’s thoughts and desires are fulfilled. With it’s awakening, one becomes a master over the situations in life. One no longer depends upon fate to determine one’s life; rather, desires are realized through the exercise of one’s conscious will.
Vishuddi
Vishuddi means “center of purification”. It is located in the region of the throat and is depicted by a sixteen petalled lotus. It is the center of discrimination and dualities of life. When it is awakened and the ambrosial secretion from the higher bindu chakra at the upper back of the head is stimulated by kechari mudra with the tongue, its retention at this chakra causes a regeneration of the body. Many spiritual traditions refer to the immortalizing effects of this secretion. It is also the center of visualization and of receiving thought vibrations from the minds of others.
Ajna
The name of this chakra comes from the Sanskrit root “to know or obey”. It is located in the brain directly behind the eyebrow center and corresponds to the pineal gland. It is depicted as a two petalled lotus. It is involved in all activities involving mental awareness. When it is developed, one can sense things without the use of the physical senses. A higher intuitive perception and intelligence, known as buddhi manifests itself and one’s willpower becomes powerful. It is the center of extrasensory perception. Attachment to these must be overcome if one is to awaken the highest chakra, the sahasrara.
