Chakras

MULA means root, foundation. MULADHARA means "the sustenance of the base." It is located physically between the anus and the genitals, where the spiritual energy "Kundalini" is coiled and dormant. When dormant, it makes us believe in cosmic illusion - "Maya" - and identifies us with the physical body.

Muladhara is the chakra of the earth element, with a healing red color and associated with the sense of smell. The corresponding glands are the gonads.

Physically, it relates to the bones throughout the body, the anus, the perineum, and all lower parts of the body - legs and feet.

When this chakra is in balance, we have physical health, vitality, centeredness in our being, and a sense of grounding and balance. Our nature is to be truthful (satya), and we have self-confidence and faith in life. Balanced Muladhara brings forth the spontaneous expression of the first limb of Patanjali - Yamas (ahimsa - non-violence, satya - truthfulness, asteya - non-stealing, brahmacharya - moderation in sexual energy, and aparigraha - non-greed).

When this psychic center is weak, we lack stability and feel physically weak and unsteady. It may be challenging to find work, for example, or difficult to earn enough to make a living.

When Muladhara is, let's say, excessive, we become overly attached to possessions, things, the physical body, and our own life.

This chakra is about survival, a sense of belonging, and the right to be here on Earth. But it is also related to the elimination of what no longer serves (apana).

This is where the first granthi (or lock) is located, where attachment to matter is blocked.

The Beej Mantra (seed mantra) of this chakra is "LAM," and as always, "OM" as well. Another effective mantra is "God and I, I and God are One."

To balance it, we can mentally repeat its Beej mantra, contract the perineal muscle for a few seconds, and visualize a red lotus flower with four petals, previously facing downward, opening upward at this point. After repeating the mantra and visualizing, remain still in the meditative position, with the gaze between the eyebrows in "Kutashta," feeling the qualities of Muladhara - firmness and immovability like rocks, wisdom, and stability.

Typical exercises to balance Muladhara chakra include standing and balancing positions, as well as forward bends like "Paschimottanasana" and "Halasana." Sitting positions on the heels, such as "Vajrasana" and "Virasana," and activating "mulabandha" (contraction of the sphincters), also help rebalance Muladhara. The frog or frog pose in Kundalini yoga works on Muladhara and Svadhisthana chakras.

The inner vision of this chakra manifests as a yellow square, and the sound heard is that of a bee or beetle.

Verb: to have, "I have."

Svadhisthana means "sweetness" and it is the chakra of fluidity, flexibility, and nourishment. It is located behind the genital organs, in the sacral area (hence called "sacra-l" - sacred), which is an energetic point where much of our personal karma and emotions accumulate, known as "chitta".

Its element is water, of healing color orange, and associated with the sense of taste. The corresponding glands are the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Physically, it is responsible for the functions of the kidneys, adrenal glands, sexual organs, blood, and lymphatic system – in other words, the organs related to the fluids within us.

This chakra is associated with sexual energy and relationship dynamics. It is from this psychic center that the capacity to feel emotions arises.

When it is in balance, it brings joy and a sense of humor, self-acceptance, and a flowing approach to life, free from past guilt or future worries. It naturally leads us to the second "limb" of Patanjali's Yoga - niyamas (saucha - purity, santosha - contentment, tapas - discipline, svadhyaya - self-study and study of scriptures) and Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to the Lord of the Universe).

When it is weak, we can become frigid, timid, and less sensitive, and experience problems with the organs associated with this chakra.

When it is excessive, we may have excessive cravings for sweets, overly sexual language and behavior, or exhibitionism.

This chakra is associated with vyana vayu - a type of prana that manifests throughout the body's circulation. This life force permeates the entire body and acts as a reserve of energy, supporting all other types of prana that require supplementation. It regulates and coordinates the movements of the other pranas.

The Beej Mantra of this chakra is "VAM" or "OM." It can also be associated with "Narayan" and its variations.

To balance it, we can mentally repeat its Beej mantra, contract the muscles of the genital organs for a few seconds, and visualize an orange lotus flower with six petals at that point. The petals, which were previously facing downward, now open upward. Afterward, remain still in a meditative posture, with the gaze between the eyebrows in "Kutashta," feeling the qualities of Svadhisthana: flexibility, the mobility of water, letting go, and fluidity.

Typical yoga exercises for Svadhisthana chakra include hip-opening positions and general flexibility exercises, forward bends, and reclining twists. This chakra is also balanced through seated grounding positions like Vajrasana and Virasana, as well as by activating mulabandha (contraction of the pelvic floor muscles). The frog or frog pose in Kundalini yoga works on both Muladhara and Svadhisthana chakras.

The inner vision of this chakra manifests as a white crescent moon, and its sound is like a flute or the sound of crickets in a forest at night.

Verb: to feel, "I feel".

MANIPURA means "city of jewels". It is located physically behind the navel, in the lumbar region of the spine and at the solar plexus.

Manipura is the chakra of the fire element, with a healing color of yellow and associated with the sense of sight. The corresponding gland is the pancreas.

Physically, it is related to the muscles throughout the body, the abdomen, and all the digestive organs.

When this chakra is in balance, we have a lot of energy and endurance, focus, immense willpower, ease in discipline, and a strong sense of self-esteem and esteem for others. It naturally leads us to the practice of the third limb of Patanjali's Yoga - psycho-physical yoga postures, asanas.

When this center is weak, we easily feel manipulated and weaker in terms of personality. We may lack energy to pursue our plans and experience limited success in life.

When it is excessive, we can become particularly powerful over others, with a tendency to manipulate those who are weaker. Our ego and sense of importance increase. We may be individuals of strength, success, and exuberance, but we struggle to recognize the value of others; humility is lacking.

It is the chakra of strength, energy, transformation, discipline (tapas), and assimilation (samana vayu).

The Beej Mantra (seed mantra) of this chakra is the mantra "RAM," and as always, "OM" can also be used. Other mantras such as "Har" and its variations are also associated with Manipura.

To balance it, we can mentally repeat its Beej mantra, contract the abdominal muscles for a few seconds, and visualize a yellow lotus flower with ten petals at that point. The petals, which were previously facing downward, now turn upward and open. Afterward, remain still in a meditative posture with a straight spine, gaze between the eyebrows in "Kutashta," feeling the qualities of Manipura: potency, radiance, the warrior of Light, and transformation.

Typical yoga exercises for Manipura chakra include all positions that strengthen the abdominal muscles, such as Boat Pose (Navasana), arm balancing positions (which also engage the abdominal muscles and the lower lumbar spine), and forward bends. Exercises like Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock with empty lungs) and dynamic breaths like Kapalabhati or Breath of Fire can help awaken the energy of the lower chakras through the fire of Manipura.

The inner vision of this chakra manifests as a red triangle, and the sound is like the sound of a harp.

Verb: to empower, "I can".

ANAHATA means "unstruck or unproduced sound" because when we focus on this center, we can feel a subtle vibration and hear the sound of the mantra "Aum" called "anahat naad." It is located physically at the point between the shoulder blades and is also called "the heart chakra."

Anahata is the chakra of the air element, with a healing green emerald color and associated with the sense of touch. The corresponding gland is the thymus.

In this "wheel" (along with Manipura), Vishnu Granthi is located – the blockage and knot of attachment to emotions and affectionate relationships.

Physically, it is related to the dorsal vertebrae and the upper back, the shoulder blades, the shoulders, the arms, and the hands; with the heart and the lungs.

When this chakra is in balance, we have a deep and complete breath, the heart, lungs, and upper body are in a perfect healthy and balanced state. We have a sense of calmness, peace, patience, and greater ease in forgiving and having equanimity towards those less virtuous. We have a sense of compassion for the less fortunate and feel happy for the happiness of others – recognizing that everyone is a reflection of ourselves. We have a sense of friendship for all! Unconditional love comes naturally to us, as well as altruistic service: giving without any expectations, with total humility and joy. We become devotional and easily inclined to "reverentially bow." The fourth limb of Patanjali, "Pranayama" – control and expansion of prana, the vital energy – comes spontaneously and naturally.

When this psychic center is weak, we tend to close ourselves off from love and sharing, find it difficult to give and receive. Physically, the shoulders hunch forward, and we feel a sense of "rejecting the other."

When it is excessive, we become particularly open and without discernment, giving ourselves completely. And if we are hurt, we feel exaggeratedly strong suffering because we are not detached but fully involved and identified with emotions. We become hypersensitive, and these exaggerated ups and downs cause imbalances at the energetic and spiritual levels.

This is the chakra that goes beyond divisions, towards the increasingly subtle. Anahata is the center of Love, compassion, forgiveness, and humble service without expectations (karma yoga). It is the center of generosity and kindness.

This center is of inspiration, giving and receiving, and the energy of absorption that crystallizes (prana vayu).

The Beej Mantra (seed mantra) of this chakra is the mantra "YAM" and, as always, "OM." Additionally, the mantra "Om namah Shivaya" and "Ra Ma Da Sa" purify Anahata and open the heart, promoting healing.

To balance it, we can mentally repeat its Beej mantra, contract the point between the shoulder blades for a few seconds, and visualize a green lotus flower with twelve petals at that point, which was facing downwards but opens upwards. After that, remain still in a meditative posture, with the gaze between the eyebrows in "Kutashta," feeling the qualities of Anahata: the ability to give, to see others as yourself, and to love purely without expecting anything in return.

Typical yoga exercises for Anahata chakra include chest-opening positions and all backbending postures. Positions that involve the arms and dorsal vertebrae, as well as all pranayama exercises, especially those performed with long and deep breaths, are also beneficial for the physical heart and circulation. Leg lifting positions also greatly assist the physical heart and circulation.

Devotional chants particularly open Anahata chakra – the devotion and natural love of the heart, which are essential to enter superconsciousness or samadhi – the Yoga state of Union with the Divine, as stated by the Great Master Swami Sri Yukteswar.

The inner vision of this chakra appears as a blue sphere, and the sound heard is that of many bells or a gong.

Verb: To love, "I love."

VISSHUDDHA means "the purest." Here, the elevation of more subtle energy and deeper purification begins. It is located physically in the throat and behind the throat in the cervical vertebrae.

Visshuddha is the chakra of the ether element, space, emptiness, with a healing light blue turquoise color and associated with the sense of hearing. The corresponding glands are the thyroid and parathyroid.

Physically, it is related to the throat, vocal cords, cervical vertebrae, neck, as well as the collarbones, chest, and arms.

When this chakra is in balance, we have great freedom to express the Divine creativity of our True Self. Its balance makes us feel guided – this is the chakra of the teacher. It gives us a healthy ability to communicate and speak what is right at the perfect moment and grants us the gift of listening to others and perceiving messages beyond words and gestures. The fifth limb of Patanjali, Pratyahara – the withdrawal of the senses from outside to inside – comes spontaneously and naturally.

When this psychic center is weaker, our words become blocked, and we feel small, timid, and incapable. Hypothyroidism and laziness can develop, for example.

When it is excessive, we become particularly active, talk a lot, have numerous projects, cannot say no to people and work, always available, and may develop hyperthyroidism and hyperactivity.

This is the chakra of calmness, expansion, and creativity. We can say that the "prana vayu" related to the fifth chakra is "udana vayu" – the vital force that regulates our expressive organs: the legs, arms, and head.

The Beej Mantra of this chakra is the mantra "HAM" and, as always, "OM." Other mantras that work with Visshuddha include, for example, "ek ong kar sa ta na ma siri wa (uh) hay guroo."

To balance it, we can mentally repeat its Beej mantra, contract the neck muscle for a few seconds, and visualize a blue lotus flower with sixteen petals at that point, which was facing downwards but opens upwards. After that, remain still in a meditative posture, with the gaze between the eyebrows in "Kutashta," feeling the qualities of Visshuddha: lightness, expansion, purification, Truth, and communication. It is the chakra of expressing the pure and creative soul.

This center, when in balance, enables us to clearly express what is necessary and listen to others attentively. It is also from Visshuddha that we develop the qualities of calmness and sensitivity to subtle energy.

Typical yoga exercises for Visshuddha chakra include inverted positions such as Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) and all its variations, as well as positions and exercises that open or close the throat, such as Matsyasana (fish pose). This energetic center is also activated through exercises involving the movement of the head and shoulders, as well as the recitation of mantras in general. The act of teaching itself balances Visshuddha chakra.

The inner vision of this chakra appears as small sparks of light against a smoky background, and the sound heard is that of wind passing through trees or the sound of the ocean.

Verb: To communicate, "I communicate," or to create, "I create."

AJNA means "perceive, command." It is physically located in two points: the medulla oblongata or brainstem (negative pole, where the ego resides) and the point between the eyebrows (positive pole, where the soul or True Self resides).

Ajna is the chakra that goes beyond the elements and is where the Christ consciousness or Krishna consciousness resides, hidden within creation. This chakra is of a healing violet color and is associated with spiritual vision and extrasensory powers. The corresponding gland for Ajna is the pituitary gland.

In this center (along with Vishuddha), the Rudra Granthi is located—the knot of attachment to visions and spiritual powers.

Physically, it is related to the head, ears, and especially the eyes.

When this chakra is in balance, we have the ability to see and feel beyond words, actions, and matter. Its balance makes us intelligent and sensitive, having faith and a healthy detachment from everything impermanent.

We develop a keen discernment of our True Nature and the knowledge gained through the inner experience of not being the body, mind, or personality, but rather infinite souls temporarily inhabiting a dense body and temporarily utilizing a mind. This allows us to relate to and be in the world in a balanced manner without being dependent on it for our happiness. With the balance of Ajna, the sixth limb of Patanjali, "Dharana" (firm and steady concentration on a point), spontaneously arises, leading us naturally to "Dhyana" or meditation, the seventh limb of Patanjali.

When this psychic center is weak, we become confused and judgmental. We are filled with doubts and skepticism towards anything related to spirituality and the subtle world. We may have poor memory, a lack of desire to learn, and the intellect does not function at its fullest. With a low stimulation of this energetic center, we may tend towards bipolarity, depression, and other psychological problems.

When this center is overactive, there may be a tendency towards hyper-intellectualism, speculating about everything related to spiritual seeking. We may genuinely be interested in Divine Wisdom but at the same time become what Master Yogananda called "the shoppers"—those who dabble in various paths of Truth but never deeply explore one.

Ajna chakra has two poles (as do all chakras), but in Ajna, this detail is very important because the brainstem (the posterior part of the neck, the concave point behind the head) represents the ego or consciousness identified with the body and senses (negative pole). The spiritual eye, located between the eyebrows, represents the eye of Shiva—the aspect of the Divine that destroys ignorance and observes everything from above with detachment and love simultaneously (positive pole).

This is the chakra of inner vision, True Knowledge that goes beyond intellect but is derived from deep spiritual experience.

The Beej Mantra (seed mantra) for this chakra is the mantra "OM." Other mantras for Shiva and in Kundalini Yoga are "Sa Ta Na Ma" and "Ajai Alai."

To balance it, we can mentally repeat its Beej mantra while slightly furrowing the brow for a few seconds and visualizing a two-petal indigo (violet) lotus flower at the point in the middle of the forehead, representing non-duality. We visualize this flower opening upwards. After visualizing, we remain still in a meditative posture, keeping our gaze on the third eye in "Kutashta," feeling the qualities of Ajna: openness to the unknown, faith, mental openness to the vision of the invisible, and the development of extrasensory sensitivity.

Typical yoga exercises for Ajna Chakra include "Shambavi Mudra" (the gesture of Shiva), which involves gazing at the spiritual eye; long, deep breaths; and meditations with or without mantra. All inverted positions such as Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana), and all positions with the forehead resting on the ground like Child's Pose (Balasana) or Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) are also beneficial.

The inner vision of this chakra is manifested as a marvelous golden ring (representing the astral body), within which there is an intense dark blue color (representing the causal body). In the center of this "blue sky" is a bright white five-pointed star (representing the transcendental body).

Verb: See, "I see."

SAHASRARA means "thousandfold" and is known as the crown chakra or the thousand-petal chakra because it is from this center that a thousand "nadis" or subtle channels originate (which meet with the 72 nadis that start at the navel, forming 72 thousand nadis throughout the body). This chakra is located at the top of the head and when it is released and open, it gives us a sense of protection and connection to the Higher Self, to the Supreme Being.

Sahasrara is a wheel beyond the elements and beyond the external senses; it can be perceived from a highly elevated state of consciousness and complete non-identification with matter. Its healing color is purple or white. The corresponding gland is the pineal gland.

Physically, it is related to the top of the head, the nervous system, and the intellectual mind, and beyond that.

When this chakra is in balance, we experience calmness and discernment. We are able to channel the Divine and identify ourselves with it, recognizing that we are a part of it. Sahasrara in balance also means having a good memory, creativity, and expanded consciousness. Meditation (dhyana) and the final limb of Patanjali, Samadhi – Union with and in God; immersion in the True Self – spontaneously arise.

When this psychic center is weak, there is a lack of mental stability and confusion. We may feel tired, lazy, and lacking energy. Serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia and severe depression can also arise.

When it is in excess, we are particularly restless and disconnected from the body (this occurs in excess or weakness).

This is the chakra of Divine Union, mental openness, and expansion of consciousness. It is the recognition of being One with the Cosmic Being and feeling connected to all beings.

The Beej Mantra (seed mantra) of this chakra is the mantra "AUM" and also "Wahe Guru" – but this chakra goes beyond vibrations.

To balance it, we can mentally repeat its Beej mantra while focusing on the top of the head, visualizing a white or purple lotus flower with a thousand petals opening upwards and in all directions at this point. After that, remain still in a meditative position, with the gaze between the eyebrows in "Kutashta" and at the top of the head, feeling the qualities of Sahasrara: the Union with All and everyone, the expansion of consciousness, living in Cosmic Intelligence, wisdom, and ecstasy.

Typical yoga exercises for Sahasrara chakra are inverted positions like Sirsasana (headstand), Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog), and Samsangasana (rabbit pose); all exercises with arms raised and meditation of all types (especially true transcendental meditation).

Inner vision goes beyond visions; it is pure and empty (a full emptiness).

Verb: To Be, "I am".

The Aura – (or the eighth chakra, according to Kundalini yoga)

What forms our magnetic field is called the Aura. It surrounds the entire body, so we can say that it "contains" all the chakras.

When the aura is weak, we are particularly influenced by the external world, the environment, and others, rather than the deep Divine will. We become more prone to illness and nervous crises.

When it functions in balance, we are secure in our Divine Nature, we are free souls or "Jivamukti," capable of positively influencing the external environment, others, and the situations that come into our lives from a state of God's Grace. Everything flows and heals easily.

Among the exercises that strengthen the aura, we can mention Yogananda's energy recharge, all Kundalini Yoga and Kriya Yoga exercises, deep meditation, mantras, and sacred prayers.

An interesting visualization for the aura is to internally see a golden ball of light that envelops everything that exists and expands, embracing every being.

Additionally, occasional fasting and body purifications help maintain the aura in a state of strong positive vibration.