The Seven Yoga Chakras
If you've been a student of yoga for any length of time, you've probably heard about the Chakras or perhaps you've heard about them in spiritual pursuits outside of yoga. In any case, teachings describe the Chakras as centers of energy which are located at various points along the spine. To have them in balance is to have physical and spiritual well-being.
The Sanskrit word "chakra" translates literally to "wheel" or "disk." The chakra or symbol of the wheel is used to signify each one of your energy centers. In yogic texts, one's life force is said to travel throughout the body in energetic pathways called "nadis." Where the nadis intersect, they form a "chakra". Each chakra is associated with particular functions within the body and with specific life issues and the way we handle them, both inside ourselves and in our interactions with the world. The lower chakras focus on details such as our home, family, and emotions, while the upper chakras focus on the spiritual aspect of our lives. All of the chakras affect one another and work together.
The science of yoga asserts it is best to keep the chakras open and in balance, as this is considered a significant way to promote spiritual and physical well being. Many yoga postures and breathing and meditation exercises are used to open and balance the chakras. There are seven primary charkas that flow through the human body along the spinal cord. These are:
- 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. 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.
- 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 this chakra is balanced all appetites are in control, the person can seek pleasure and enjoy life without making that the overwhelming drive.
- 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 in balance it gives a strong feeling of power and centeredness, without trying to dominate others.
- 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 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.
- 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. A balanced mind chakra not only gives a clear mind but also compassion of heart since it is balanced by a healthy heart chakra.
- 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 (apparent power to perceive things that are not present to the senses) and also control over the whole chakra system.
- 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.
By learning to understand and work with our chakras to bring them into balance, we are able to excel at all things and lead a joyful life. Kundalini Yoga provides scientific approach to exercising your chakras so that they may become balanced. By focusing on the areas within your life that need the most attention, this system is able to allow you to remove blockages so that you may express yourself to the highest potential.