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CHAKRAS : The wheels of spinning light
Yogic science recognizes that spiritual health is activated by a system of
CHAKRAS or never centre said to be located within the spinal column. Cosmic
energy lies coiled within these CHAKRAS and has to be awakened for self -
realization.
The Meaning Of Chakras
 "Chakra"
means wheel or ring in Sanskrit and our personal chakras have energy coiled
within them, located along the spine and head. They are the critical junctions
which determine the state of the body and mind. Just as the brain controls
physicals mental and intellectual functions through the nerve cells or neurons,
chakras taps the prana or cosmic energy which is within all livings beings and
transform it into spiritual energy. This is spread through the body by the "nadis"
or channels.
Being invisible chakras are tangible only through their effects. They can be
accessed once the student of yoga has achieved all the right aspect of
yoga when the human self merges with the divine self.
There are 11 chakras of which 7 are crucial and the others dependent. The most
important is the Sahasrara chakra where prakriti shakti or energy unites with
purusha shakti or soul.
1. Muladhara, the Root Chakra
 The
lowest of the seven chakras sits at the bottom of the pelvic floor, and it is
called Muladhara, which means root support. Here sleeps the mighty kundalini
energy in Her form as the serpent with the tail in its mouth. When this red
chakra is over active there is too much focus on the physical. These people are
too physical, too money minded and materialistic and deny the finer side of
life. They have no compassion and can be violent. A balanced and healthy
muladhara gives a firm sense of security, rootedness, unshakeable inner strength
and the feeling of being comfortable and safe in the world. To have a healthy
muladhar you need to conquer your fears, balance the material and spiritual
sides of life and also keep your body fit and healthy. When awakened by yogic
means this chakra gives great physical strength, incredible stamina, complete
power over the body and robust health.
2. Swadhistan, the Sex and Identity Chakra.
 The
second chakra sits at the bottom of the spine and is called Swadhistan, which
means 'ones own home'. Our sense of identity is based in this moon silver
chakra, and it is also the sex and pleasure center. When overactive the person
is hyper sexual and lives only for sensation.
When it is under active there is no enjoyment of life and no sex drive. The
person lives life as if it is a burden. They are often pessimists, and lack a
sense of humor. They are also unsure of themselves, indecisive, lack a firm
identity, are moody and can be easily swayed. When this chakra is balanced all
appetites are in control, the person can seek pleasure and enjoy life without
making that the overwhelming drive. To have a healthy swadhistan you need to
work on your self esteem, use creative ways to express your emotions freely and
learn to enjoy life.
3. Manipur, the Power Center.
 The
third chakra, Manipur is located at the level of the navel. Its name means 'city
of jewels'. This fiery chakra deals with energy, power and heat. When it is over
active the whole life is spent in the search for power. When it is under active
the person feels powerless and a victim, helpless in the face of a bullying
world. When in balance it gives a strong feeling of power and centeredness,
without trying to dominate others. If you want a healthy manipur you must stop
trying to control or change others and look for the power within instead. When
awakened this chakra gives control over heat and cold, endless energy and the
psychic power of healing.
4. Anahat, the Heart Chakra
 The
fourth chakra is Anahat, 'unstruck sound', sound which is beyond the physical
realm. This blue chakra is situated in the center of the chest at the heart
level. When this chakra is overactive the person may be emotionally out of
control, too sentimental, and prone to drastic mood changes. Often an overblown
heart chakra is combined with a weak manipur and the person tends to be led by
other people rather than stand up on their own feet. When under active there is
often an over strong mental chakra. This leads to the total suppression of
feeling. When in balance the person is full of love and compassion. Social
workers, healers, and people in caring professions usually use a lot of anahat
energy. To have a healthy anahat you need to be able to express your feelings of
love and compassion openly and joyfully. When awakened this chakra is the
beginning of the spiritual path and opens the psychic power of telepathy.
5. Vishuddhi, the Mind Chakra
 The
fifth chakra, Vishuddha is at the throat, and its name means purity. This smokey
purple chakra is the mind chakra. It deals with the powers of the rational and
the logical. When overactive the person is too critical, fanatical, sarcastic
and judgmental. They argue and criticize, make hurtful jokes and must always be
right. When under active the person does not use the mind at all. In old age
this can show up as loss of memory. A balanced mind chakra gives a clear mind
but also compassion of heart since it is balanced by a healthy heart chakra.
This chakra is balanced when you learn to be without judgment and without
criticism. And when you use the mind to learn rather than tear others down. This
chakra when awakened enables one to hear the voices of inner guides, teachers
and also opens up intuition.
 6. Ajna Chakra, the Third Eye
The
sixth chakra, located in the center of the forehead, is called Ajna which means,
'command ' center. The name indicates that mastery of this blue-white chakra
gives control over all the other chakras and the body as a whole. This is why
ancients wore the bindi here to remind themselves of this powerful chakra. The
third eye chakra, when opened, gives clairvoyance and also control over the
whole chakra system.
7. Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra
 The
uppermost of the seven chakras is Sahasrara whose name means thousand petalled
lotus. This chakra is often seen as a brilliant golden light around the head.
Sahasrara is the ultimate chakra and the very last to open. Yogic tradition
asserts that those who open this chakra have total control over life and death.
They can die only when they choose to, and in death their soul leaves from the
top of the head, through this chakra, which means that the human incarnation is
over and they will not return.
The practice of yoga is directed at awakening the, divine energy within every
human being. Asanas and
pranayama uncoil and alert the chakras. In the process the nadis are
activated. This causes the charas to vibrate and to generate energy which is
then circulated all over the body through the nadis. The emotions rooted in the
chakras are transformed as divine energy is awakened and circulated.
To achieve self -realization, persistent rigorous practice of yoga will help to
conquer the 6 main obstacles to happiness- desire, anger, greed, infatuation,
pride and envy .
Dated 13 June 2012
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