Chakras - The Energy Centers

Let us enter the marvelous world of mysterious "Chakras" today. The sanskrit word "chakra" literally means "wheel". It can also be taken as "circle".  We all have seven Chakras in our subtle body, which are widely known as "Energy Centers" these days. To tell the long story short, the main Shakthi (energy), called "Kundalini" is activated in the "Muladhara Chakra" (Root) and arises little by little, passing all the chakras. When it ultimately rises to the top "Sahasrara Chakra" (Crown), the "Sakthi" (energy) reunites with "Shiva" (consciousness) and the ultimate state called "Samadhi" is attained. 

Tantra, Mantra and Yantra :

These are considered as the three basic techniques of worship in "Sanatan dharma".  "Tantra" uses body as a medium. Yoga postures and techniques basically come under this category. The "Chakras" which we are going to explore today also come under this "Tantra" section. "Mantra" uses mind power. The sounds and vibrations caused by them are the key factor here. All our Vedic Mantras and Shlokas come under this section. "Yantra" uses objects as medium. Objects which are considered to possess and attract unique mystical powers are worshiped. "SriYantra" is considered as one of the most powerful yantras. This "Sriyantra" is itself an excellent topic of research and needs to be explored in detail. 

"SRI YANTRA"
By SharkD (Michael Horvath) (self-made (can also be found here at my
homepage))  [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses
/by-sa/3.0)],  via Wikimedia Commons

Kundalini - The Serpent Power :

Please read the following passage, (source - wikipedia).  Kundalini is excellently described by none other than "Swami Vivekananda" in his "Raja Yoga" lectures given in London.

"According to the Yogis, there are two nerve currents in the spinal column, called Pingalâ and Idâ, and a hollow canal called Sushumnâ running through the spinal cord. At the lower end of the hollow canal is what the Yogis call the "Lotus of the Kundalini". They describe it as triangular in form in which, in the symbolical language of the Yogis, there is a power called the Kundalini, coiled up. When that Kundalini awakes, it tries to force a passage through this hollow canal, and as it rises step by step, as it were, layer after layer of the mind becomes open and all the different visions and wonderful powers come to the Yogi. When it reaches the brain, the Yogi is perfectly detached from the body and mind; the soul finds itself free. We know that the spinal cord is composed in a peculiar manner. If we take the figure eight horizontally (∞) there are two parts which are connected in the middle. Suppose you add eight after eight, piled one on top of the other, that will represent the spinal cord. The left is the Ida, the right Pingala, and that hollow canal which runs through the centre of the spinal cord is the Sushumna. Where the spinal cord ends in some of the lumbar vertebrae, a fine fibre issues downwards, and the canal runs up even within that fibre, only much finer. The canal is closed at the lower end, which is situated near what is called the sacral plexus, which, according to modern physiology, is triangular in form. The different plexuses that have their centres in the spinal canal can very well stand for the different "lotuses" of the Yogi.[20]"

Ida, Pingala and Sushumna - The Three Subtle Nadis :

There are three important "Nadis" called "Ida", "Pingala" and "Sushumna", within the spine. "Ida" is lunar channel and associated with "feminine" properties. "Pingala" is solar channel and associated with "masculine" properties. Both these Nadis represent the "duality" in existence which we call as "Shakthi" and "Shiva". The "Sushumna" nadi is in the center, between Ida and Pingala. At the lower end of this "Sushumna" Nadi, lies the "Root" chakra. This is where the dormant "Kundalini" energy rests, like a coiled serpent, waiting to be awakened. Through systematic "Pranayama" and deep "Meditation", this energy is awakened. Once awakened, this energy has to be carefully taken step by step to the upper chakras. A yogi can such attain ultimate bliss or samadhi, when he takes "kundalini" to the top "Crown"chakra.

By Silvanasono (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Shiva's Snake - A Symbolic Representation :

We all know that Lord Shiva has a snake around his neck. There are many symbolic interpretations for snake. One such interpretation in this context is that, the snake stands for the fully awakened "Kundalini" energy. Shiva is often pictured in yogic posture. As an all accomplished yogi, the fully awakened "serpent power" is typically represented by the snake around his neck.

Read the following for better understanding :

http://www.ishafoundation.org/blog/yoga-meditation/demystifying-yoga/the-three-fundamental-nadis/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadi_(yoga)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini

http://www.icrcanada.org/learn/historicalbasis/kundaliniindia

http://www.kundaliniresearchproject.net/resources/kundalini/history

Before proceeding further, I encourage you to watch the following three video clips about these energy centers :

Chakras In Detail :

"Muladhara" - The Root Chakra :

By Léah 30 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)],
via Wikimedia Commons

This is the Root chakra. If the root is strong, it can hold anything. Since this is the base chakra from which the energy arises to the top, it got the name "Muladhara". It is located in the base of spine, below the coccyx. It is red in color and has 4 petals. Dormant "kundalini" energy rests here. This chakra is responsible for basic survival instinct. As such, it governs stability, sensuality, security and spirituality. The three Nadis which we saw before lie near this chakra and it is from here, they begin their upward journey.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muladhara
http://www.ishafoundation.org/blog/yoga-meditation/demystifying-yoga/muladhara-chakra/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/362922-muladhara-chakra-exercises/
http://www.allgoodthings.com/yoga/chakra/chakra1_3.html

"Svadhishthana"  - The Sacral Chakra :

By Mirzolot2 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

This chakra is located two finger-widths above the "Muladhara" chakra. The color of this chakra is orange and it has six petals. The element associated with this chakra is "water" and the seed syllable is "VAM". This chakra governs emotions, pleasure and reproduction. It is believed that it is very hard to take the "kundalini" past this chakra because "sexual desire" is the hardest to control. Since this chakra governs that, extreme determination is required to battle that desire and fix one's mind in the end goal. A person who concentrates and meditates on the "Svadhishthana" chakra is believed to attain the following powers :

• Freedom from enemies
• Loss of fear of water
• Psychic capacities
• Perfect control of negative emotions like anger, jealousy etc
• Creative imagination and eloquence 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svadhishthana
http://www.cit-sakti.com/kundalini/experiences-of-meditation.htm
http://www.allgoodthings.com/yoga/chakra/chakra2.html

"Manipura" - The Solar Plexus Chakra :

By Mirzolot2 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons
.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/
fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

This is the chakra which is located slightly above the the navel. It has ten petals and the seed syllable is "RAM". It is yellow in color. The element associated with this chakra is fire. In physical terms, this chakra governs digestion and emotionally,it is associated with power. Imbalance in this chakra causes negative emotions like fear, confusion, lack of confidence, depression and unwanted worries. A yogi who activates this chakra by bringing the "kundalini" energy up to this point overcomes all the above negative feelings.

http://projectyourself.com/blog/modern-science-finally-validates-one-of-the-worlds-greatest-cure-alls/
http://mercedeskirkel.com/seven-chakra-tantra/
http://www.yogaindailylife.org/esystem/yoga/en/180300/chakras/manipura-chakra/
http://www.suprapowers.com/chakras.htm

Anahata - The Heart Chakra :

By Mirzolot2 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)],
via Wikimedia Commons

The sanskrit term "Anahata" literally means "Unstruck". This chakra is located in the chest. It is green in color, has twelve petals and has "YAM" as the seed syllable and "Rakini" as sakthi. This chakra is responsible for love, compassion and soft emotions involved in human relations. In physical terms, this chakra govers circulation. When this chakra is activated, one can express unconditional love, compassion to all creatures, and accept people as they are without judging,

http://www.tantra-kundalini.com/anahata.htm
http://www.allgoodthings.com/yoga/chakra/chakra4.html
http://www.yogaindailylife.org/esystem/yoga/en/180400/chakras/anahata-chakra/
http://www.yogabound.com/anahata-anahatha-4th-chakra-unbeaten-or-heart-chakra/

Vishuddhi - The Throat Chakra :

By Mirzolot2 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/
fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

The literal meaning of the term "Vishuddhi" is "extremely pure". The location of this chakra is the throat. The seed syllable is "ham"and it has 16 petals. In physical terms, this chakra is responsible for communicaiton. In spiritual terms, this chakra takes care of "sense of security". Since this chakra governs communication, it is extremely important to a person who wish to activate this chakra to not speak harsh, not talk too much, pronounce mantras accurately and so on. All these things help in opening up this chakra bit by bit. It can only come through regular practice. When this chakra is activated, one can get a very compassionate voice and excellent communication skills. If you get complete control over this chakra (which can only happen with extreme meditation practices), you can attain "Vaaksidhi" which means, what ever you say will come true/happen. 

http://www.adishakti.org/subtle_system/vishuddhi_chakra.htm
http://www.chopra.com/ccl/speak-your-inner-truth-with-the-fifth-chakra
http://www.yogaindailylife.org/esystem/yoga/en/180500/chakras/vishuddhi-chakra/
http://www.curativesoul.com/chakras#.Vo8P-fkrI2w

Ajna - The Third Eye Chakra :

By Atarax42 (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Before proceeding further about this chakra, let us quickly think about "Lord Shiva". He is also known as "Mukkannan" which means one who possesses three eyes. The third eye is nothing but the fully activated "Ajna" chakra. The literal meaning of "Ajna" is to command. The location of this chakra is behind the forehead, which is the seat of consciousness. We can say that this chakra possesses extreme importance. The reason being, this chakra is the point where the two Nadis, Ida and Pingala (which were separate all along), merges with the central "sushumna". Spiritually, it can be taken that this chakra is where the duality ends and pure consciousness with the supreme being is established. It is rightly represented with two petals, symbolizing the duality, viz.. darkness and light, male and female, subject and object, etc.

Another important point to emphasize here, is Hindus always mark their foreheads with holy ash, kumkum, chandhan etc. It is actually a way to protect this place (forehead where ajna chakra is located) from negative aspects from external factors, and to activate this chakra by gently pressing this area when applying those forehead marks. For a detailed information about this, please click the following link.

http://connectsciencetodivinity.blogspot.com/2015/04/forehead-marks-why-do-we-apply-them.html


The seed syllable of this chakra is the "Pranava", the "AUM". The Sakthi is Hakini and the presiding deity is "Ardhanaareeshwara" (again, a symbol of merging duality). Ajna covers basic intuition in physical terms, and spiritually, it governs visual consciousness.

http://www.tantra-kundalini.com/ajna.htm
http://fractalenlightenment.com/18337/spirituality/kundalini-rising-part-6-ajna-the-third-eye-chakra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra

Sahasrara - The Crown Chakra :

By Atarax42 (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

The literal meaning of "Sahasrara" is "Thousand petaled". As the name signifies, this is a thousand petaled chakra. It is the state of pure consciousness, where there is no duality. If the kundalini energy rises up to this point, Samadhi/liberation is attained. Moksha is attained by many paths viz. Karma, Bakthi, Gyana, Yoga etc. By uniting the Kundalini energy with the male "Shiva" energy, one attains Moksha by Yogic path.

It is a state of pure bliss, where one becomes immortal and eternal. The illusion of individual self is totally dissolved at this point. A person who attains this stage is never born again. He is said to have conquered the infinite cycle of births and deaths. In all the previous chakras, "form" was still present. Even in Ajna chakra, "form" was present along (though mild) with consciousness. It is at Sahasrara chakra, where the mind establishes itself in the supreme Bindu/Pure Void. At this stage, there is no knowledge, no knower and nothing has to be known. The ultimate goal of taking a human birth is attained. A yogi becomes unified into the one supreme being.

http://www.tantra-kundalini.com/sahasrara.htm
http://www.yogaindailylife.org/esystem/yoga/en/180800/chakras/sahasrara-chakra/
http://www.chakra-anatomy.com/crown-chakra.html
http://www.allgoodthings.com/yoga/chakra/chakra7.html

 Chakras in Shlokas :

Two important shlokas, the Lalitha Sahasranama and the Soundara Lahari, talk about these chakras and the kundalini shakthi. Lalitha Sahasranama describes how Devi resides in each chakra in different forms, her characteristics in each chakra etc. For instance, if you take the following shloka,

"Vishuddhi chakra nilayarakthavarna thrilochana
Kathvangadhi praharana vathanaika samanvitha
Paayasaanna priya tvakstha pasuloka bayankari
Amruthadi mahasakthi samvrta dakineeswari"   - Names 475-484

This verse talks about the Vishuddhi Chakra. It is said that the yogini (shakthi) for this chakra is Dakini. Her complexion is mild red. She has three eyes. She is fond of the sweet "payasam". She presides over skin and sensation of touch. She is frightful for those who are ignorant of self. She is surrounded by 16 shakthies (resembled by the 16 petals).

For detailed reading, click the following links.....

http://spiritualmindpower.com/files/Sri_Lalitha_Sahasra_Nama.pdf
http://www.advaita-vedanta.co.uk/index.php/content/204-saundarya-lahari-verse-36
http://enfolding.org/reading-the-saundarya-lahari-iv/

Some effects of aroused kundalini :

If you want to attain something in life, you should always make compromises. Happiness does not come without suffering. These are general statements of life.Same principles apply to Kundalini Shakthi too. Before one can feel the ultimate ecstasy, one has to undergo many side effects, which are even painful at times. Please take a look....

Side Effects :

• Involuntary jerks, tremors and shaking
• Itching and crawling sensations
• Feeling of energy rush
• Extreme heat or cold felt in the body
• Headaches and pressures inside the skull
• Nausea, diarrhea or constipation
• Unusual breathing patterns

Feelings of Ecstasy :

• Visions of sounds. You can actually hear the mystic Pranava sound "AUM"
• Feelings of infinite love and bliss
• Extrasensory experiences
• Out of body experiences
• Altered states of consciousness 
• Past life memories and astral travel
• Sense of unity with one supreme being

http://www.kktanhp.com/kundalini.htm
http://www.spiritualcompetency.com/blackboard/lessons/types/kundalinitype.htm
http://www.mudrashram.com/kundaliniarousalscale.html

Not to be practiced without a Guru :

It is always said that spiritual realization can happen only with a Guru. This reveals the importance of Guru and almost all our scriptures have mentioned and praised Gurus. Until British invasion, our education system was also called "Gurukula" where students stay at the place of Guru and learn under his guidance.  Though we lost this tradition in modern days, it is emphasized even now that yoga, meditation and such other spiritual practices should always be practiced under the guidance of a Guru. There is a famous saying, Maatha, Pithaa, Guru and Deivam. Mom is the first person a child knows and understands. To that child, mom shows the Dad. Dad takes the child to a specific Guru to enrich him with wisdom and knowledge. Guru is a person who reveals God to that child. Hence, our elders have given this nice order. It is strongly advised that kundalini should not be practiced without the guidance of a Guru. It is considered as a very risky and extreme yogic practice, due to the many side effects associated with this. Due diligence and care has to be taken when a person practices kundalini yoga. Even a single mistake can lead to many complications. Hence, please take the guidance of a Guru if you wish to practice this yoga, which activates the subtle powers and helps in reaching the ultimate goal of self realization.

I wish you all readers a very Happy New Year. Let this year bring health, wealth, peace and prosperity to all.