Chakra Meditation

My fellow blogger Eklavya is happy to share one of his  comprehensive posts on Chakra Meditation with us.

You can access more posts on meditation by visiting his website at http://www.meditationiseasy.com/

Link to chakra meditation http://meditationiseasy.com/blog/meditation-techniques/chakra-meditation

or read here

Chakra Meditation : A Definitive Guide for Absolute Beginners

Chakra Meditation is quickly gaining ground as one of the most popular forms of meditation. In this post, I am going to explain Chakra Meditation in a beginner’s friendly language covering all the relevant aspects of this topic.  In this article, I shall try to explain in details the concept of Chakras, Kundalini  and the simplest method to utilize them in your meditation practice.

Table of Contents :

What is Chakra Meditation
Understanding the Chakras
Chakras in Indian & Tibetan perspective
The Nadis : Channels that passes through Chakra
The Seven Chakras of Human Body- Explained in detail
The Concept of Kundalini
The Big Picture : Applying the concepts of Chakra and Kundalini in your life
Risk Involved (Don’t play with the serpent)
What if you can’t awaken it due to risk involved?
The safest path : Mantra
Technique of Chakra Meditation
Correct Pronunciation of Seed Mantras
Conclusion

What is Chakra Meditation

Before trying any kind of meditation using Chakras, we need to have a clear understanding of  Chakras. Once you understand this,  doing the  Chakra meditation will be easy and effortless. While I will be explaining the entire process of Chakra Meditation in the later part of this article,  for all of you who are curious, it would be suffice to say that Chakra meditation is quite similar to Mantra Meditation that I explained here. However, before learning the technique of Chakra Meditation, we need to have a basic understanding of what exactly are the Chakras.

Understanding the Chakras

The word chakra is a Sanskrit word which is derived from the verb car (“to move”). There are several literal meanings of chakra:

* wheel
* circle
* Center

Besides the literal meaning, there are also some esoteric meanings:

* The Chakra denotes the “wheel of becoming” (bhavacakra), or “round of existence” (samsara), which is the phenomenal cosmos.

* The word Chakra is used to refer to a circle of initiates in a Tantric ritual.

* A Chakra is a diagram used to determine the right kind of mantra for a particular situation or student.

* The word Chakra refers to the psychoenergetic vortices forming the major “organs” of the body composed of life energy (prana). These esoteric structures are also often referred to and graphically depicted as “lotuses” (padma, kamala).

As per the ancient Hindu belief, Chakras are energy centers of circular shape present inside our body. While there has been some disputes on the number of Chakras, in most of the belief systems there are seven chakras. These Chakras are believed to be situated inside our bodies at a  particular distance from each other, the lowest being at the base of the spine and the topmost between the center of our skull. The five lower chakras are believed to be associated with one of the 5 basic elements that constitute this universe which are Earth (prithivi), Water (apas/jala), Fire (tejas/agni), Air (vayu) and Ether/Space (akasha). The remaining two higher chakras i.e. Aagya (Third Eye) Chakra and Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra do not contain any specific element. The Third Eye Chakra is believed to contain Maha Tatva- the supreme element which is the source of all other elements. The Crown Chakra, on the other hand, is considered beyond all elements.

Here is a symbolic representation of Seven Chakras in our bodies.

 

Chakras in Indian & Tibetan perspective

Chakras as per Buddhism(Tibet)

Chakras are seven energy points in human body and denote various characteristics of our spiritual development in this world. It is believed that right from our journey from the physical world to the highest position in spiritual word, a person passes through seven bodies. Every chakra in our body denotes one such body. Read more : The mystery of the seven bodies

The original models of the chakras from the Brahma and Yogatattva Upanishadswere adapted in Tibetan Buddhism as Vajrayana theory and as the Tantric Shakta theory. Vajrayana Buddhism aims to assist the student in achieving full enlightenment or Buddhahood in  just a single lifetime. Using techniques based on ancient scriptures known as the Tantras, the practitioner tries to identify with and practice the enlightened ways of the Buddha. Tantric techniques include the repetition of mantras, the use of breath control, healing mudras (or hand positions) and the use of mandalas (circular symbols of the universe) for meditation. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition only five chakras are identified.

Chakras as per  Shaktism (India)

Shaktism arose as an organized sect in India in the 5th century AD, and it is this sect’s interpretation of the chakras that has most influenced the Western understanding of them. Shaktism describes the seven major chakras that we recognize today. In Shakta theory the chakras are viewed as centers of pure consciousness and are focal points for meditation. Shakta theory firmly established symbolic associations and correspondences for each chakra: its element, visual symbol, mantra sound, deity, color and animal. The Shakta way also teaches us about kundalini energy: the energy that was unleashed during the creation of the world; Tantric practice focuses our attention on awakening this energy at the base of the spine for a specific purpose.

The Nadis : Channels that passes through Chakra

The Tantric texts refer to the nadis (or  channels) of vital life-force (or prana), which passes throughout the body and link with the chakras. According to Shakta theory, the seven chakras are strung along the primary nadi in the body-the Sushumna Nadi-like pearls or jewels. It is also believed that there are two secondary nadis on either side of the sushumna: Ida on the left (containing descending life-force or vitality); and Pingala on the right (containing ascending vitality). Their aim is to direct the energy of each secondary nadi into the central nadi, where it then ascends through each chakra in turn. When kundalini energy reaches the highest chakra (the Crown Chakra), the yogi (or master of yoga who has achieved a high level of spiritual insight) achieves a state of oneness with God.

Let us learn each of these chakras and bodies in some details :

The Seven Chakras of Human Body: Explained in Details

First Chakra – Muladhara (Root)

Literal Meaning: “root-foundation wheel”
Location: Base of the Spine (Perineum area)
Color: Red
No. of Petals : 4
Element: Prithivi (Earth)
Mantra: LAM

The first chakra is the root chakra, called Muladhara in Sanskrit. The root chakra is believed to be located at the base of the spine at the tailbone in back, and the pubic bone in front which primarily consist of Perineum area.  The root chakra is closely related to one’s contact with the Mother Earth, improving our ability to be grounded into the earth plane. Muladhara is also the center of manifestation. When you are trying to achieve something in the material world, business or possessions, the energy to succeed is supposed to come from the first chakra. If this base chakra is blocked, an individual may feel fearful, anxious, insecure and frustrated.

A man’s sexual organs are located primarily in his first chakra, so male sexual energy is usually experienced primarily as physical. A women’s sexual organs are primarily in her second chakra, so female sexual energy is usually experienced primarily as emotional. Both chakras are associated with sexual energy.

Second Chakra – Belly (Sacral)/ Swadhisthana

Literal Meaning: “Wheel of the self-base”
Location: Two inches below the navel (area of Clitoris in women/ Base of Penis in men)
Color: Vermilion, white
No. of Petals : 6
Element: Apas (Water)
Mantra: VAM

The next chakra or second chakra is the Svadhisthana – often referred to as the sacral. It is located two inches below the navel around area of Clitoris in women/ Base of Penis in men). This chakra is believed to hold the basic needs for sexuality, creativity, intuition, and self-worth. It also denotes friendliness, creativity, and emotions. It is also believed to govern a person’s  sense of self-worth, his/her confidence in his/her own creativity, and his/her ability to relate to others in a friendly way.

Third Chakra – Solar Plexus ( Manipura)

Literal Meaning: “Wheel of the jeweled city”
Location: Navel
Color: Dark grey, red, blue (also gold)
No. of Petals : 10
Element: Tejas (Fire)
Mantra: RAM

The third chakra is called Manipura (in Sanskrit) – also referred to as the Solar Plexus Chakra in English. It is located in the navel area. The Manipura chakra is considered as the center of personal power, the place of ego, of passions, impulses, anger and strength. It is also considered the center for astral travel and astral influences, receptivity of spirit guides and for psychic development. When the Third Chakra is out of balance you may lack confidence, be confused, worry about what others think, feel that others are controlling your life, and may be depressed.

Fourth Chakra – Heart (Anahata)

Literal Meaning: “Wheel of the unstruck sound”
Location: Chest (center of two breasts)
Color: Deep red, gold, smoke
No. of Petals : 12
Element: Prana (Air)
Mantra: YAM

The fourth chakra is the Heart (Anahata) chakra.It is located in the central of the spine near the heart, with its exact location between the center of two breasts. This Chakra is the center for love, compassion and spirituality. It directs one’s ability to love themselves and others, to give and to receive love. This is also the chakra connecting body and mind with spirit. When this chakra is out of balance you may feel sorry for yourself, paranoid, indecisive, afraid of letting go, afraid of getting hurt, or unworthy of love.

Fifth Chakra – Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat)

Literal Meaning: “Pure wheel”
Location: Throat
Color: Smoky purple, Blue, White
No. of Petals : 16
Element: Akasha (Space)
Mantra: HAM

The fifth chakra is the Throat Chakra also known as Vishuddhi Chakra in Sanskrit. It is located at the throat and is the center of communication, sounds, and expression of creativity via thought , speech, and writing. The possibility for change, transformation and healing in a person are located here. When this chakra is out of balance you may want to hold back, feel timid, be quiet, feel weak, or can’t express your thoughts.

Sixth Chakra – Third Eye (Ajna or Aagya Chakra)

Literal Meaning: “Command wheel”
Location: Forehead ( Between eyebrows)
Color: White
No. of Petals : 2
Element: Manas (Mind)
Mantra: OM

The sixth chakra is referred to as the Third Eye Chakra. In Sanskrit it is known as Aagya Chakra i,e. Command wheel. It is located above the area of physical eyes on the center of the forehead. This is the center for psychic ability, higher intuition, the energies of spirit and light. It also assists in the purification of negative tendencies and in the elimination of selfish attitudes. Through the power of the sixth chakra, one can receive guidance, channel, and tune into your Higher Self. When this chakra is not balanced you may feel non-assertive, afraid of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. Please also read Third Eye Meditation.

Seventh Chakra – Crown (Sahasrara)

Literal Meaning: “Thousand-petaled Lotus”
Location: Above head, facing down
Color: White
No. of Petals : 1,000

The seventh chakra is referred to as the Crown.

It is the upper terminal point of the central channel (sushumna-nadi) and the final destination for the awakened serpent-power (kundalini-shakti). When the kundalini, the force of Devi, reaches this center, this signals the merging of Shiva and Shakti.

It is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom, and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness. This is also the center of connectedness with the Goddess (God), the place where life animates the physical body. The silver cord that connects the aura bodies extends from the crown. The soul comes into the body through the crown at birth and leaves from the crown at death. When this chakra is unbalanced there may be a constant sense of frustration, no spark of joy, and destructive feelings. Illnesses may include migraine headaches and depression. Balanced energy in this chakra may include the ability to open up to the Divine and total access to the unconscious and subconscious.

The Concept of Kundalini

The topic of Chakras will be incomplete if the concept of Kundalini is not described here. The Chakras are essentially the milestones through which the kundalini travels to reach at the highest abode in the 7th Chakra.

`Kundalini” literally means coiling, like a snake. The word kundalini comes from the Sanskrit word kundal, which means a ‘spiral’ or ‘coil.’ In Yoga, Kundalini Shakti means the ‘coiled power.’ It is compared to a serpent that lies coiled while resting or sleeping. It essentially denotes a primal life force that animates all living entities and is the source of all creative energy. As the kundalini moves upwards in the spine, it results in an upward shift in our consciousness. There are three nadis (energy channel) in the body known as Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. When awakens the kundalini is believed to travel from Sushumna Nadi through various chakras.

In Hindu scriptures, Kundalini is also described as the feminine power – the Shakti- at the base of the spine, which travels up the spine to unite with the masculine power, her consort, Lord Shiva (Shakta), in the seventh chakra, Sahasrara.

Symbolism apart, Kundalini power has found a mention in almost all the spiritual traditions of the world in some way or other ( Read more here ) . While there has been a number of spiritual paths like Vipassana, Zen etc which gave no specific stress upon kundalini, there are a number of paths wherein the spiritual progress of a person runs parallel with his level of Kundalini awakeness.

Further, all the spiritual paths which give emphasis to Kundalini awakening can also be divided into two major groups. The first group is consist of the practitioners of Mantra Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga or Raja Yoga etc wherein the kundalini is awakened through the effort of the individual (often under the guidance of a guru or master). The second group is of those representing Sahaja Yoga, Kundalini Yoga or Siddha Mahayoga wherein the kundalini is spontaneously awakened by the grace of the Siddha guru in a process which is called ‘Shaktipat’. In this tradition, the Siddha Guru/Master conveys shaktipat initiation to the disciple by means of touch, word or intention which results in an instant awakening of  kundalini. Both of these paths of Kundalini awakening have their advantages and disadvantages.

The first path of individual effort is considered the difficult path as the person has to work hard on his practice and the  progress is often very slow. However, as everything depends upon the individual effort, the consistent efforts results in permanent  progress and the Sadhak (the person who tread the path) becomes supreme confidence in his efforts. Further, slow awakening of kundalini allows proper control over the excess energy it produces and the chance of damage or of negative effects are minimized. However, even in the individual approach, the guidance of a guru/master is a must. In the absence of an experienced person to guide the Sadhak, he may face a sudden uprising of the Kundalini which will be difficult to control.

One such real life incident happened in the winter of 1937 when an Indian man by the name Gopi Krishna experienced a sudden and forceful awakening of kundalini in the state of deep meditation in his room at Jammu, India. His life after the Kundalini awakening was both blessed by ecstatic bliss and tormented by physical and mental discomfort. Here is the description of his experience in his own words taken from his autobiography ‘Living With the Kundalini’

“The illumination grew brighter and brighter, the roaring louder, I experienced a rocking sensation and then felt myself slipping out of my body, entirely enveloped in a halo of light…I felt the point of consciousness that was myself growing wider, surrounded by waves of light…I was now all consciousness, without any outline, without any idea of a corporeal appendage, without any feeling or sensation coming from the senses, immersed in a sea of light simultaneously conscious and aware of every point, spread out, as it were, in all directions without any barrier or material obstruction…bathed in light and in a state of exaltation and happiness impossible to describe.”

Another disadvantage of individual effort in Kundalini Awakening is the fact that the Sadhak who succeed in this endeavor may become egoist due to his achievement. The awakening of Kundalini and its control is considered as one of the most difficult feat to achieve. As such, those who have some worldly desires in them, will feel elated and somewhat special on achieving this feat. From spiritual point of view, this egoism hinders the progress of the Sadhak.

The second path of Kundalini awakening through Shaktipat also has its merits and demerit. On the one hand, it is a short path where the blessing of a Guru is enough to initiate the disciple and awakening his Kundalini. On the other hand, this sudden rise in consciousness may prove difficult to the unprepared Sadhaks. Further, the Sadhak becomes too much dependent on his Guru and live his life depending upon the borrowed experience of his Guru’s grace. An independent awakening of an individual sadhak through is own  effort is thus missing in this second method.

The Big Picture : How you can utilize the concepts of Chakra and Kundalini in your daily life ?

What I have discussed in the preceding paras is a brief outline of the concept of Chakras and Kundalini as they exist in various belief systems. However, this will be of no value if I don’t tell you the way to adopt these concept in your daily meditation practice. As already stated in the beginning of this article, this guide is for absolute beginners who are living a busy urban life and don’t have time to fully devote themselves to the spiritual path – but still they want to adopt the practice of meditation in their life for inner peace and personal growth.

Risk Involved (Don’t play with the serpent)

Since we are discussing the concept of Kundalini Awakening, I want to clarify one thing loud and clear. The Kundalini is not something to play with. Never, never try to play with the Kundalini. Kundalini Awakening is a high risk subject which may wreak havoc on the subject if done in haste without preparation.

Please read this advice of Swami Yatiswarananda in his book ‘Meditation and spiritual Life’  about the danger of Kundalini :

Those who practise spiritual disciplines without physical and mental purity are not only wasting their energy from the spiritual point of view, but are also running the risk of gathering too much energy, which, flowing through the worldly channels, might intensify their worldly life, including sex life, and thus harm them greatly.

Sometimes some take it seriously, and try to awaken the kundalini without undergoing the purification of mind. The practice of concentration without sufficient purity is dangerous. If the energy that is increased through concentration cannot  move along the spiritual channel, it may express itself outwardly in the form of violent passions in an extrovert, harming him as well as others. In the introvert the gathered-up energy may not find an outward expression. In that case it may form an awful whirlpool in the individual, shattering his nerves and mind and making him a complete wreck.

In some cases, as the mind is stirred through meditation, all the good and evil things lying hidden in it may come to the surface with tremendous force and bring about a physical and mental collapse. Those impure souls who want to play with the ‘serpent’ always come to grief. In some others again, the stored-up energy may manifest itself as cheap psychic powers such as clairvoyance, thought-reading, and such powers which make those persons egoistic and spiritually bankrupt. In some cases again, there may be a partial awakening of the latent power. The spiritual power may rise to a higher center but may fall down with disastrous results, stimulating worldly desires.

One thing which I want to make clear is that when you are doing anything with the Chakra, you are actually tinkering with the Kundalini – the dormant energy lying at the base of your spine. Without the able guidance of a Guru, the awakening of the Kundalini can have serious negative consequence as the sudden burst of energy, if not controlled properly, can harm the Sadhak. The part of the consciousness which normally remains  hidden in the subconscious mind become available after awakening of the Kundalini. The untrained extrovert may waste the excess of energy on on sex and violence whereas the untrained introvert can stuck themselves in a whirlwind of cyclone of the void. (Read more about this concept here and here )

What if you can’t awaken it due to risk involved?

Again the words of Swami Yatiswarananda will give you solace and show a way :

The description of the rise of the Kundalini appears to be simple and easy enough. But actually, it is all very, very difficult. Out of a thousand people who struggle for it, only one may get the awakening. But there is no need to get discouraged. From the way most people live we find that it is only good that in their case the Kundalini awakens very slowly or does not awaken at all. Most people are not at all ready for the rise. They can not face the tremendous reaction that it produces. In fact, in the beginning of one’s spiritual life, it is better to  forget all about Kundalini and think only about God. Let the love for your Ista Devata (term denoting a worshipper’s favourite deity within Hinduism. Read more here)  absorb all your attention and energies. Leave the Kundalini to Him. He will look after your spiritual welfare. God will grant you awakening at the right time.

As I have repeatedly said, it is better to follow the path of synthesis – a combination of Karma, Gyana (Knowledge) and Bhakti (Devotion). Let selfless work go hand in hand with your meditation. That purifies and strengthens the mind, Practice self-analysis and make the mind detached and calm. And then japa (the repetition of the Mantra) does the rest. When properly done, japa creates an inner harmony which gradually flows along the susumna making it active.

In view of the risk involved, we need to adopt a path which uses the concept of Chakra & Kundalini in its meditation practice but does not involve the high risk mentioned above.

The safest path : Mantra

Whatever be our spiritual path, be it Hindu’s, Buddhists, Christians or Sufi’s, the three stages we all have to pass through are purification, meditation and experience of the divine Reality or Godhead. Here arises the question : how are we to begin meditation with a view to awakening our spiritual consciousness? One disciple once asked the spiritual teacher, Swami Brahmananda,’ Sir, how can the Kundalini, the latent spiritual consciousness, be awakened?

This is what Swami replied:

“According to some there are special exercises by which the kundalini can be awakened, but I believe it can best be awakened by the practice of japa and meditation. The practice of japa is specially suited to this present age; and there is no spiritual practice easier than this, but meditation must accompany the repetition of the mantra.”

So what is the path. It is very simple, very powerful yet relatively very safe. Simply speaking it is Mantra Meditation.

As explained above in the section of individual 7 Chakras, the lower 5 chakras have 5 elements attached with them. These 5 elements have their respective seed (Bija) Mantras. We use these seed mantras to balance the elements in the respective Chakras. For the two higher Chakras ( Aagya/Third Eye & Sahsrar /Crown) the divine Mantra ‘OM’ is used.

So, in short, the Chakra Meditation, in its safest form, is the repetition of Bija Mantras related to the respective elements of 5 lower Chakras  which in turn helps in balancing the Chakras.

Technique of Chakra Meditation :

If you ask me to define the exact method of doing Chakra Meditation, it will be like this :-

(1) Sit in the lotus pose. Take some deep breaths.

(2)  We will be focusing on various Chakras of our body one by one, starting from the lowermost Muladhara to the uppermost Sahsrara. While we focus on the Chakra, we will recite the Seed Mantra associated with its elements. It will go like this:

a)      Focus your attention on the place where Muladhara the base Chakra (representing the Earth element) is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : LAM…. LAM … LAM ….

b)      Now bring your attention on the place where Swadhishtan the Sacral Chakra (representing the Water element) is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : VAM …. VAM … VAM ….

c)       Now bring your attention on the place where Manipura, the Solar Plexus Chakra (representing the Fire element), is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : RAM …. RAM … RAM ….

d)      Now bring your attention on the place where Anahata, the Heart Chakra (representing the Air element), is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : YAM …. YAM … YAM ….

e)      Now bring your attention on the place where Vishuddha, the Throat Chakra (representing the Akasha/Space element), is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : HAM …. HAM … HAM ….

f)       Now bring your attention on the place where Aagya, the Third Eye Chakra (representing the Supreme element comprising all the basic elements), is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : AUM …. AUM … AUM ….

g)      Now bring your attention on the place where Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra (Considered to be beyond all elements), is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : AUM …. AUM … AUM ….

(3)   Once you complete the above steps, you will be having two options: (i) Either repeat the above cycle by following all the seven steps mentioned above or (ii) Repeat any of your chosen Mantra of your liking (as explained in the Mantra section here).

I would advise you not to do the first option in excess. Instead please follow a combination of the 3 steps as below:

Suppose you have chosen the Mantra ‘OM Namah Shivay’ for repetition. Therefore, do the combination like this:-

(3.1)  Recite the cycle of 7 seed Mantras as explained above. Then recite the Mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’ three times.

(3.2)  Repeat the above (i.e. one cycle of 7 seed mantras and 1 main mantra) two times more.

(3.3) Now stop the cycle of 7 seed mantra and only recite the main Mantra (Om Namah Shivay in this case) continuously for 5-10 minutes.

This, in nutshell, is the entire technique of Chakra Meditation.

Another Method of Chakra Meditation :

Another method of Chakra Meditation which is equally good but adopt a slight different approach is this:-

Instead of focusing on the seven chakras one by one and repeating their Seed Mantras one by one, you can focus on just one Chakra in one session. What you will be doing is to focus on just one Chakra in your body and repeating the Mantras related to its element. Apart from repeating the Seed Mantra of that Chakra, you can also visualize the colour related to that Chakra.

(Thanks to Giovanni Dienstmann from Liveandare for suggesting this method)

While you focus your attention on one particular Chakra, you must repeat one of the main mantras after this method. It will help in balancing any sudden force of energy that may arise within you. Main Mantras are important medium to control the power of Kundalini)

Important things to be kept in mind :

(1)    While repeating the mantras, the instructions as explained here should be kept in view.

(2)    While the main mantra should be repeated contemplating its meaning in your heart, the same will not be possible in the case of seed Mantras as they don’t have any particular meaning. So while reciting them you should focus on their respective chakras.

Correct Pronunciation of Seed Mantras

Watch this video by MC-yogi:

Then this one by Heart Alchemy Yoga

Watching carefully the way in which all the seed mantras have been pronounced in the above two videos. After browsing through numerous videos, I have selected the above two videos as in both of them the seed mantras have been pronounced correctly that is the way they should be pronounced.

Conclusion

This ends my detailed explanation of Chakra Meditation comprising the concept of seven chakras in human body, the three Nadis, the concept of Kundalini, dangers involved in the practice and the safest way to perform Chakra Meditation. I hope all people interested in the Chakra Meditation will like it beneficial for their practice.

Related:

Chakras and Supernatural Powers

Chakras

Root Chakra

The Seven Chakras of the Human Body

Root Chakra

This article has been contributed by Georgiy Onyschuk at www.mindvalley.com

 Root Chakra: the Foundation of One’s Life 

Many people fail to notice the significance of managing their chakra in order to for the body to receive the maximum energy needed to get the most out of their lives. Those who are focused on enhancing their upper chakras to achieve wholeness tend to overlook their lower chakras because they are scared that they might lose the established energy that they already have. It is vital that an individual enhances all his chakra points in order to have balance. Once a body has a well-balanced chakra, a person will feel peaceful, whole, and fulfilled in his life. 

Nurturing the root chakra will allow one to realize his way of life can be more pleasant and will prepare him in receiving more energy needed to survive. Before nurturing the root chakra, one has to understand what a root chakra is.

 The Basics 

A root chakra produces a Red aura and is located at the end of the spine. A healthy root chakra can work very well with the crown chakra in generating positive energies for the body. These energies can assist an individual in increasing his creativity and in communicating with his Higher Self. When there is balance from the root, there will be a feeling of security, protection, and ground; the communication with the external surrounding is also improved. Generally, one will learn to empathize, be sensitive and have self-awareness of things that do not belong to them.    

The root chakra is physically connected to our spine, adrenals, kidneys, immune and skeletal systems and sex organs. We may have emotions and diseases that are linked to it as well such as stress and fear, nervousness, high blood pressure, lower back pain, obsession, problems with the feet, legs, and hip, impotence, depression, and lack of control in one’s own life. It also promotes different rights such as the right of existence and protection. 

Connecting with and Analyzing the Root Chakra

The simplest way to connect to the Root Chakra is through breathing meditation. Concentrate on the location of your root chakra. Breathe in, feel the root elevate. Hold your breath for a few seconds and direct the energy to the root area. Once you exhale, release all the tension. Repeat the process until the right amount of energy is achieved and sealed on the root.

Once the Root Chakra has been opened, one may start the visual analysis. Study the color, the spinning movement, the direction of the movement, and the images it produce.

Viewing the images of the root chakra may not be good at first. Most of them are negative images that you might hate. Just remember that these images are from your mind and you have the power to control it. You can make them stop and try again some other time. 

Communicating with the Root Chakra

If a root chakra is imbalanced or blocked, one can heal it to restore the balance. There are recommended questions that can be used especially when one is doing guided chakra meditation. One has to calm his mind and let the chakra talk on its own. Listen to its voice and don’t contradict even if it’s saying something negative. The messages may not be clear at first but once you have listen very well, it will reveal interpretations that can be life-changing.

If you think you can’t take it anymore, you have the option to stop and calm yourself again. Allow yourself to absorb and understand what you have heard. 

1. When you are young, do you feel protected? How about now?
2. As a child, did you feel you are important? How about now?
3. What do you feel about your body? What are your pains? (List all that are related to the root chakra.)
4. Do you like what you’re wearing? Explain it.
5. What are the beliefs that you have learned from your family? From other people? Are those beliefs able to protect you? Why and why not?
6. Are you always seeking for appreciation?
7. Are you showing the real you now? Why and why not?
8. Do you think God loves you? If not, why?
9. Do you have enemies? What stops you from being friends with them?
10. Do you feel grounded in your body? If not, what makes you keep running away from yourself?

Healing yourself requires a strong will and determination. Love yourself and be proud if you’re able to create balance on your Root Chakra. The Root Chakra is part of your foundation from the day that you were born up to this very moment. 

Mindvalley is one of the world’s fastest growing online publishing companies. Through a unique blend of conscious marketing, technology and a fun and quirky work culture, the Mindvalley team spreads enlightened ideas across the Internet and beyond. 

Shiva Samhita

The Shiva Samhita is one of the highly regarded texts on Hath Yoga; the other two being the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gherand Samhita. The Sanskrit verses are a conversation between Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The Shiva Samhita was believed to be written sometime between 15th-17th centuries. The author of this text is unknown.

Below is an overview of each of the five chapters, based on the translation by Srisa Chanra Vasu. In its five chapters the Shiva Samhita covers information regarding the following:

• Nadis, sushumna, ida, pingala

• Prana, 10 types of prana

• How one can attain success in yoga

• Who is worthy of doing yoga

• The signs of someone who is worthy of doing yoga

• The signs of someone whose nadis (energy channels in the astral body) have been purified by nadi shodhana (alternate nostril pranayam)

• The obstacles in yoga

• How to attain success in yoga

• Mentions 84 asanas (poses) of which only 4 are described and mentioned as the most important

• mentions only one pranayam which is nadi shodhana and the method of doing it, and how long it takes for the nadis to get purified

• Mantra yoga, shadow gazing, anahat sounds

Chapter 1

Talks about the means of liberation and the different methods for example-karma, vairagya (dispassion), charity, truth, ascetism, forgiveness, household duties, mantra yoga, visiting places of pilgrimage, that people believe will lead to emancipation, but Yoga shastra is considered to be the only true means for liberation. As long as one is attached to the fruits of his action he will continue to take rebirth. The very fact that you are born in a human body is because of your past life karmas. Spiritual knowledge is regarded as the only thing that will release people form the bondage of rebirths. The spirit is eternal and never dies but is reincarnated over and over again. The world is an illusion.

Chapter 2

Talks about the spinal column and the nadis of which 14 are important out of which arise numerous networks, branches an dsub branches of nadis that result in (350,000) nadis that supply various parts of the body and regulate the functions of the body. Of the 14 nadis, 3 are more important. These are ida, pingala, sushumna. Of the 3, sushumna is most important.

Sushumna, ida and pingala have been identified as the important nadis with sushumna being the most important. Inside the sushumna is the chitra nadi and inside it is the barahmarandra (the most subtle of all nadis). Chitra is the favorite of lord Shiva. By contemplating ont eh purest chitra nadi, the yogi can destroy all sins. Talks about location of kundalini at the base of the sushumna. Kundalini has 3 and ½ coils. The ida (representing moon)on the left side coils around sushumna (representing fire) and goes to the right nostril (representing sun) and the pingala coils around sushumna and goes to the left nostril. The sushumna has six energy centers, six lotuses known to yogis. It touches upon the fire in the abdomen that helps in the digestion of food, that nourishes the food, increases life, gives energy and destroys diseases.

The jivah (being) residing in the human body, experiences the result of past karmas. All pleasures and sufferings are a result of karma. The person who has accumulated good karma enjoys happiness. From desires arise delusions, but that can be removed through knowledge that gives salvation or moksha. It then becomes clear that the world is just an illusion. One is in the body as a result of past karmas, but the burden of living in this body is considered worthwhile only if it is used to obtain Nirvana (enlightenment). The desires that bind a jivah (living being) cling to the person in each lifetime, it suffers similar misery. Practitioners of yoga should renounce fruits of all actions in order to rise above the illusory world. All desires can be dissolved through spiritual knowledge.

Chapter 3

Heart Chakra or Anahat Chakra

Heart chakra is described as a divine lotus with 12 petals that have Sanskrit letters. Prana lives in the heart along with past desires and egoism. The different modifications of this prana, results in ten principle types of pranas. These are pran, apan, saman, udana, vyan, naga, kurma, krikara, devadatta, and dhananjay. Of these the first 5 are important ones and of them the first two-pran and apan are the most important. The heart is the seat of pran, the anus is the seat of apan, the navel region is the seat of samana, the throat is the seat of udana and vyan moves throughout the body. The remainder vayus, are incharge of functions like eructation (naga), opening eyes (kurma), hunger and thirst (krikira), yawning(devadatta) and hiccups ) dhananjaya).

How to attain success in yoga? Who is worthy of doing yoga?

It stresses the importance of having a guru. Walking around the guru 3 times and touching his feet, serving him in thought, word and deed is considered auspicious. Yoga should be practiced with faith and perseverance. Yoga is for one who is sincerely devoted to attaining any knowledge. Those individuals who are slaves to sensual pleasures, lie, are hurtful in words, disrespectful of guru, keep bad company, and are skeptics, never attain success.

The six signs of someone who would achieve success in yoga are:

1. Confidence

2. Faith

3. Respect towards guru

4. The spirit of equality

5. Control of senses

6. Moderate consumption of food

The yogi should begin by first paying respects to Guru on left, Ganesha on right and then again to goddess Ambika on left. The yogi should practice breath regulating procedures while seated in padmasan on a seat in a clean location. He should inhale through his left nostril while closing the right nostril with his thumb. He should hold the breath as per his capacity and then release it through the right nostril without force. Then he should inhale through the right nostril, retain per his capacity and exhale without force through the left nostril. He should practice twenty kubhakas, (breath retentions), that would make 10 rounds of this cycle, 4 times a day early morning, mid-day, sunset and midnight. The nadis (energy channels in the astral body) will be purified if practiced this way for 3 months. Upon purification of the nadis, the yogi becomes purified and enters the first stage of Pranayam called Aarambavastha (beginning stage). The other 3 stages are: ghatavastha, parichay avastha, nishpatti avastha. They destroy all sorrow.

What are the signs of someone whose nadis have been purified through nadi shuddhi pranayam?

The body of such a person smells good, appears balanced, poised and beautiful. Other qualities found are good digestion, courage, strength etc.

What are the obstacles in Yoga?

Consuming foods that are acidic, astringent, salty, mustard, pungent items, wandering around/travelling too much, bathing before sunrise, fasting, oily foods, eating too much, violence, anger/hate towards others, company of women, talking excessively, agni seva (worshipping fire), unnecessary thoughts of anything besides salvation.

How to obtain success in yoga?

The practioner of yoga should consume ghee (clarified butter), milk, sweet foods, betel without lime, camphor, pleasant speech, a simple residence, listen to good talks, perform duties without attachment, take the name of Vishnu, listen to pleasant sounds (avoidance of debates, arguments, controversial talks, instigating talks), patience, forgiveness, austerity, cleanliness, devotion to guru.

The yoga practitioner should consume food when the breath flows through the pingala nadi (right nostril) and should sleep when it flows through the ida nadi (left nostril).

Pranayam should not be practiced when one is very hungry or immediately after a meal. If very hungry, one should consume a small amount of food like milk.

Food consumption should be in small quantities, but more frequently and kumbhaka (breath retention) should be practiced at the recommended times.

Once the yogi has full command over his breath (the final stage), nothing is impossible and he need not follow all these restrictions. In the first stage of pranayam, the yogi perspires. The sweat should be rubbed onto the body to prevent loss of dhatu (important elements). In the second stage the body trembles. In the third it is able to leap like a frog and in the final stage the yogi attains vayu siddhi (will be able to walk on air). The yogi becomes disease free. Once the body of this yogi becomes free from vayu (wind element), pitta (fire element-bile) and kapha (water element-phlegm), he can revert to regular diet. There would be no bad effects of consuming food in greater amount or small amount or even no food at all. He gains bhuchari siddhi (ability to jump like a frog). A yoga practitioner should not let obstacles prevent them from continuing on this path. He should chant Aum, while restraining hi senses. He destroys all his karma both present and past through the practice of this pranayam. He should practice kumbhaka for 1 and ½ hours. The accomplished yogi, through the practice of pranayam attains the 8 major psychic powers viz., vakya siddhi (prophecy powers), khechari siddhi (ability to transport himself anywhere), clairvoyance, subtle sight, power of entering another body, changing metal to gold, becoming invisible and flying in the air.When the advanced yogi can hold his breath for 3 hrs, he can balance himself on his thumb.

The next stage is parichaya which is achieved after all 6 chakras have been pierced. He has control over the five elements (ether, air, water, fire, earth). Meditating for 2 ½ hours on each chakra bestows tremendous powers. After this the yogi reaches the stage of nishpatti avastha. Having dissolved all the karmas, he drinks the nectar of immortality. He is now jivan mukta-individual liberated in the present life. When the yogi can drink nectar just by placing the tip of his tongue on his palate he is freed from the practice of all yoga. He is freed from disease, old age, death and obtains several powers. He does not feel hunger, thirst, fatigue or sleepiness. He is never reborn.

There are 84 postures of which 4 are most important. These are siddhasan, padmasan, ugrasan (pashimottanasan) and swastikasan (sukhasan). Through paschimottanasan, vayu siddhi is attained and miseries are destroyed.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 deals with 11 of the many mudras (positions). These mudras are Yoni mudra, Mahamudra, Mahabandha, Mahavedha, Khechari, Jalandhar, Mulabandha, Viparitkarana, Uddana, Vajroni, and Shaktichalan. For one who is seriously interested in pursuing this should practice with care, perseverance and faith only under the guidance of an experienced guru. The successful practice of these mudras per instructions can bestow upon the practitioner several supernatural powers like clairvoyance, ability to fly, become invisible, and walk on water, the ability to make prophecies. One is cured of all disease and decay, one’s sins are destroyed.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 mentions the four types of yoga- Mantra yoga, Hatha yoga, Laya yoga and Raja yoga. These different styles are appropriate for people with different personalities, traits, and temperaments.

Mantra yoga is recommended for mild aspirants who are fickle, timid, cruel, greedy, cynical, diseased etc. The efforts of such aspirants will bear success in yoga after 12 years.

Laya yoga is for the average aspirant. Such aspirants are kind, merciful, desirous of virtue, sweet in speech, and who do not go through extremes in achieving anything.

Hatha yoga is for the above average aspirants who are mentally stable, energetic, sympathetic, forgiving, truthful, brave, and full of faith, devoted to their gurus, always engaged in the practice of yoga. Their efforts bear fruit in 6 years.

Raja Yogas is for superior aspirants who are in the prime of their youth, are moderate in their eating habits, in control of their senses, bold, energetic, knowledgeable, content, forgiving, religious, charitable, healthy, don’t waste time etc. The efforts of such aspirants bear fruit in 3 years. They are also qualified to engage in the other forms of yoga.

The chapter also talks about Prateek upasana- worshipping the shadow. It also talks about attaining nirvan through the practice of the following:

Closing eyes, nose, lips and ears with the fingers by placing the index fingers on the eyes, the middle fingers on nose, the remaining fingers on the upper and lower lips and the thumb on ears, the person can see his soul in the form of light. From the practice of this the yogi can hear mystic sounds. The anahat sounds in order are:

• the sound of a buzzing bee,

• flute

• harp

• ringing bells

• thunder

Lord Shiva praises as the superior most the following:

siddhasan, , kumbha, khechari mudra, and nada (mystic sounds). If a yogi constantly meditates on the third eye chakra, he senses a brilliant fire like lightning. By meditating on this light, all sins can be destroyed and one can attain the highest end. Upon experience, he can see and converse with the other accomplished siddhas.

Food consumed is of 4 types. Food that is chewed, licked, sucked and drank. The finest portion of food nourishes the subtle body. The second best part made of 7 elements nourishes the gross body. The most inferior portion of food is excreted from the body. Hence the first two by products of digested food are considered the best as they nourish the body. Vayu (air element) flows through the nadis (energy channels in the astral body). These nadis can be weak or strong and prana (life force) flows through them. It is clearly stated that one need not go searching for God outside of them. God is within you.

A Summary of the effects of meditation on the chakras as described in the Shiva Samhita.

Muladhar Chakra or Root Chakra: Meditate on the svayambhu linga. The one who meditates on this chakra (the svaaymbhu linga in the muladhar chakra) attains darduri siddhi (power to jump like a frog and ultimately rise into the air). He becomes free from disease and old age. He can see the past, present and future. He becomes master of all esoteric sciences. He can attain mantra siddhi by mere repetition. He is freed from all sins and attains whatever the mind desires. By constant practice he sees results in 6 months and air element enters the sushumna (spinal column). He conquers his mind

Swadishthan Chakra or Sacral Chakra: One who contemplates on this chakra, attains knowledge of all the sciences even though he may have never known about them before. He becomes disease free and can roam the universe fearlessly. He attains the powers of anima (ability to become small), laghima (ability to become huge).

Manipura Chakra or Solar Plexus Chakra: One who meditates on this chakra located in the navel region attains everything that he desires. He gets the power to convert base metals to gold, clairvoyance, the ability to find cures for diseases, and can see hidden treasure.

Anahat Chakra or heart chakra: If one contemplates on the flame called vanlinga that resides in the heart chakra (anahat chakra), attains knowledge beyond measure. He attains clairvoyance and can see the past, present and future. He can walk in air (khechari siddhi) and travel anywhere (Bhuchari siddhi). Through his clairvoyance he can perceive the yogins.

Vishhuddhi Chakra or the throat chakra: One who contemplates on this chakra attains the knowledge of the secrets of the Vedas (sacred Hindu tests). He never experiences and weakness of body.

Ajna chakra or the third eye chakra: By contemplating on this chakra, one attains the highest success. One attains the all the fruits as attained by contemplating on the above 5 chakras. One who meditates on this chakra while standing, walking, sleeping, or while awake, is free of sin.

Sahasrara or crown chakra: By contemplating on this chakra, one becomes god like. His mind becomes pure and he can see the future. All his sins get destroyed. All accidents are warded off.

Raja Yoga

The person who meditates on the void and shadow, attains numerous powers. Such a yogi doesn not identify with “I”. Hatha yoga and Raja yoga go hand in hand. One should learn Hatha yoga before moving on to Raja yoga. One who lives in the human body and does not practice yoga is living merely for the senses. One engaged in this yoga should not give up his household duties or professional responsibilities, but should not be attached to them. He should continue to perform them.

Mantra Yoga

The highest mantra is revealed and proper method of chanting of mantras and their benefits is explained.

My Spiritual Awakening Experience

Below I am sharing three of my most significant divine experiences with readers. Hopefully this will dispel any doubts and inspire you to continue on your spiritual journey.

From the Spiritual Diary

The Unstruck Sound:

I wish I had written this down sooner, but the demands of a family responsibility took first place. So here I am now a week later and I still wouldn’t have written this down if it weren’t for what I learned yesterday. It is May 29, 2005. Last week I awoke to a pleasant reverberation of Aum in my mind. No, I was not chanting Aum, nor was I thinking Aum, but as soon as I opened my eyes I could hear the harmonious reverberations loud and clear, effortless in my ears and mind. It was a beautiful sensation; Most divine. I just lay there in bed quietly without blinking almost in a state of daze for fear of losing it. I felt the calm of the break of dawn and the calm in my mind energized by the unstoppable sound that all of a sudden sprung forth out of nowhere. It only lasted for a few moments, but I feel blessed that I am one of the very few individuals who got to taste that divine nectar, that feeling of bliss however short lived it was, but for a brief period it was mine.

Following the experience, I did some research and found an article on-line: http://sannyas.org/quotes/chakra06.htm. To my surprise, it mentioned my Aum experience exactly the way I had experienced it – as something that you can’t force. You can hear the Universal sound without any effort on your part and without any need for deep concentration or meditation. It flows freely and the individual has no control over it. I have realized that I may have experienced something so special and indescribable. I think only someone who has experienced the same will be able to understand what I mean.

2011 Update: Unfortunately the page doesn’t exist anymore, but below is part of the article that I had saved back in 2005. I believe it was written by Osho.

“And the heart centre is the centre from where the soundless sound arises. If you relax into the heart centre, you will hear Omkar, Aum. That is a great discovery. Those who have entered the heart, they hear a continuous chanting inside their being which sounds like aum. Have you ever heard anything like a chanting which goes on by itself? – not that you do it. That’s why I am not in favour of mantras. You can go on chanting aum, aum, aum, and you can create a mental substitute for the heart. It is not going to help. It is a deception. And you can go on chanting for years, and you can create a false sound within yourself as if your heart is speaking – it is not.

To know the heart you are not to chant aum – you have just to be silent. One day, suddenly the mantra is there. One day, when you have fallen silent, suddenly you hear the sound is coming from nowhere. It is arising out of you from the innermost core. It is the sound of your inner silence. Just as in a silent night, there is a certain sound, the sound of the silence, exactly like that on a very, very much deeper level a sound arises in you. It arises – let me remind you again and again – it is not that you bring it in; it is not that you repeat aum, aum. No, you don’t say a single word. You are simply quiet. You are simply silent. And it bursts forth like a spring…suddenly it starts flowing, it is there. You hear it – you don’t say it, you hear it.”

A month or so after I stared doing Pranayam, I had yet another experience worth mentioning. I was trying to fall asleep at night and after a while I felt myself ease into a slumber only to be woken up by extreme silence. I felt as though I was 3 times bigger than my actual body. This experience actually intimidated me and led me to suspend all yogic practices for a while.

In the summer of 2007, I experienced spontaneous bliss. Words cannot begin to describe the feeling. Emotions of intense love and compassion flooded every fiber of my being. I felt a connection to every living organism and the presence of a force bigger and stronger became intelligible. Intense bliss took over. The hollowness of the material world at once became clear. The esoteric finally made sense. The only thing I remember that led to this state of ecstasy was that I was in a meditative state (not sitting and meditating, but going around my daily activities while meditating and preventing any thoughts from arising in my mind (chitta vrittii nirodh-preventing the rise of thoughts (vrittis) in the mind (chitta).

God realization/Self Realization
What is Brahman.

Over the years I read several Hindu scriptures and discovered that  my experience above matches the description of what is called Self-Realization or God-Realization or realization of Brahman-the formless God that pervades the entire Universe.

08/27/2013:  I just learned that this type of bliss can be achieved through Bhavana Samadhi which is achieved through meditation that involves ceasing of thoughts. There are other paths that lead to Self realization that involve rigorous Yogic Kriyas/techniques.

I have included some information below if you want to know more about this.  This kind of Samadhi does not involve the union of kundalini Shakti with Siva which gives the practitioner various psychic powers and siddhis and which is actually achieved through rigorous practices and might also be extremely dangerous.

Point to be noted is that most spiritual experiences usually happen when the mind is at its calmest, which is very early in the morning when you are just about to wake up or at night when you are just drifting into the dream state. Some paranormal experiences can be scary, but remember, they are very rare and don’t repeat themselves often. They happen when you least expect them.

NOTE:

In the first place, there are two main lines of Yoga, namely, Dhyana or Bhavana-Yoga and Kundalini Yoga; and there is a marked difference between the two. The first class of Yoga is that in which ecstasy (Samadhi) is obtained by intellective processes (Kriya-Jnana) of meditation and the like, with the aid, it may be, of auxiliary processes of Mantra or Hatha Yoga (other than the rousing of Kundalini) and by detachment from the world; the second stands apart as that portion of Hatha Yoga in which, though intellective processes are not neglected, the creative and sustaining Sakti of the whole body is actually and truly united with the Lord Consciousness. The Yogin makes Her introduce him to Her Lord, and enjoys the bliss of union through her. Though it is he who arouses Her, it is She who gives knowledge or Jnana, for She is Herself that. The Dhyana Yogin gains what acquaintance with the Supreme state his own meditative powers can give him and knows not the enjoyment of union with Siva in and through the fundamental Body-power. The two forms of Yoga differ both as to method and result. The Hatha Yogin regards his Yoga and its fruit as the highest;

the Jnana Yogin may think similarly of his own. Kundalini is so renowned that many seek to know her. Having studied the theory of this Yoga, one may ask: “Can one get on without it?” The answer is: “It depends upon what you are looking for”. If you want to rouse Kundalini Sakti, to enjoy the

bliss of union of Siva and Sakti through Her and to gain the accompanying powers (Siddhis), it is obvious that this end can be achieved only by the Kundalini Yoga. In that case, there are some risks incurred. But if Liberation is sought without desire for union through Kundalini, then, such Yoga is

not necessary; for, Liberation may be obtained by Pure Jnana Yoga through detachment, the exercise and then the stilling of the mind, without any rousing of the central Bodily-power at all.

Instead of setting out in and from the world to unite with Siva, the Jnana Yogin, to attain this result, detaches himself from the world. The one is the path of enjoyment and the other of asceticism.

Samadhi may also be obtained on the path of devotion (Bhakti) as on that of knowledge. Indeed, the ighest devotion (Para Bhakti) is not different from Knowledge. Both are Realisation. But, whilst Liberation (Mukti) is attainable by either method, there are other marked differences between the

two. A Dhyana Yogin should not neglect his body, knowing that as he is both mind and matter, each reacts, the one upon the other. Neglect or mere mortification of the body is more apt to produce disordered imagination than a true spiritual experience. He is not concerned, however, with the

body in the sense that the Hatha Yogin is. It is possible to be a successful Dhyana Yogin and yet to

be weak in body and health, sick and short-lived. His body, and not he himself, determines when he

shall die. He cannot die at will. When he is in Samadhi, Kundalini Sakti is still sleeping in the

Muladhara, and none of the physical symptoms and psychical bliss or powers (Siddhis) described

as accompanying Her rousing are observed in his case. The ecstasy which he calls “Liberation

while yet living” (Jivanmukti) is not a state like that of real Liberation. He may be still subject to a

suffering body from which he escapes only at death, when if at all, he is liberated. His ecstasy is in

the nature of a meditation which passes into the Void (Bhavana-samadhi) effected through negation

of all thought-form (Chitta-Vritti) and detachment from the world—a comparatively negative

process in which the positive act of raising the Central Power of the body takes no part. By his

effort, the mind which is a product of Kundalini as Prakriti Sakti, together with its worldly desires,

is stilled so that the veil produced by mental functioning is removed from Consciousness. In Laya

Yoga, Kundalini Herself, when roused by the Yogin (for such rousing is his act and part), achieves

for him this illumination.