Meditation and Pranayama Workshop May 3rd, 2014
Chakras, Prana and Nadis
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E n c h a n t e d F o c u s e d C o n n e c t e d
Yogita Yoga 1/435 Fullarton Road Highgate SA 5063
How do Nadis and Chakras relate to each other?
Principal energy circuits, paths and blockages
Of the approximately 72,000 to 350,000 nadis (energy channels), the three most important ones are located in and around the area of the spine (but this is only an approximation as nadis are not physical entities like nerves or blood vessels). Nadis are analogous to channels or conduits along which energy (prana) flows. The three most important nadis are:
Ida: Left of Shushumna, associated with lunar energies, feminine aspects and the parasympathetic nervous system
Pingala: Right of Shushumna, associated with solar energies, male aspects and the sympathetic nervous system
Shushumna (“she who is most gracious”): Central pathway along the spine; pathway of the ascending Kundalini-shakti (the awakened serpent power); Ida and Pingala wind their ways around Shushumna like a helical staircase, meeting at each chakra point, starting at the 1st and ending at the 6th chakra; only the Shushumna nadi extends all the way to the crown chakra
The aim of yogic practices is to stabilise the flow of energy in the central Shushumna pathway: Restricting the energy flow to Ida and Pingala means that the attention is externalised and we are dominated by the opposing lunar and solar forces. The aim of hatha yoga (ha = sun, tha = moon) is the unification of lunar and solar forces and harmonising opposing energies.
Balancing the chakras: The rationale behind balancing or unblocking the chakras is to let the Shushumna energy flow freely, connecting the lowest chakra (the seat of Shakti) with the highest chakra (the seat of Shiva) and through its connection awakening the Kundalini energy. The ultimate aim of our yogic practices is to transcend the human condition and to reach the 8th limb Samadhi (universal consciousness).
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Chakras - what are they?
Chakra means ‘wheel’ or ‘circuit’ (C.G. Jung referred to them as the ‘gateways of consciousness’); the chakras lie along the Shushumna nadi and are a progressive series of centres of coiled energy. Each chakra is located where Ida and Pingala intersect. The respective state of each chakra (blocked, uncoiled, dormant or free-flowing) determines a person’s state of mind and physical qualities. Chakras are pools of life energy (prana), each vibrating at different levels and characterised by different symbols, colours, sounds and mantras. Each chakra influences specific organs in the physical body and can affect psychosomatic functions.
There are seven chakras: Three lower ones (possessions, sexuality, power) and three higher ones (love, communication, intellect/wisdom); the 7th one is technically not a chakra but the culmination of the six lower chakras.
Below, the chakras are described in ascending order from the lowest to the highest:
Muladhara: ‘Root’ or ‘Support’ chakra, resting place of Kundalini energy and Shakti; at the floor of the perineum (between anus and genitals), Earth element, linked to sense of smell and lower limbs; deities: Brahma and Dakini
Muladhara Chakra is associated with our most basic needs such as personal security, money/material possessions, courage, physical stability (home), security and being grounded
Colour and symbol: Bright red four-petal lotus, grey elephant
Gland: Adrenal gland
Ailments: Constipation, diarrhoea, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, irrational fears, financial worries, selfish desires
Affirmation: I am; Sound: Lam; Mantra: Om Aim Namaha
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Svadhisthana: ‘Own base’ or ‘sacral’ chakra; at the lowest level of the sacrum, just above the genitals; Water element; linked to sense of taste and hands; deities: Vishnu and Rakini
Svadhistana Chakra is associated with sexuality, joy, humour, healthy emotions, energy, spontaneity and creativity
Colour and symbol: Orange six-petal lotus, crocodile
Glands: Reproductive glands
Ailments: PMS, ovarine/uterine/prostate cancers, IBS, joint stiffness, submissiveness
Affirmation: I feel; Sound: Vam; Mantra: Om Vam Namaha
Manipura: ‘Jewel city’, ‘fortress or ‘navel’ chakra; in the area of the solar plexus/navel; Fire element; linked to visual sense; deities: Rudra and Lakini
Manipura Chakra is associated with personal power, dynamic action, self- esteem, healthy ego and confidence, ambition, drive, intellect, feeling in control of one’s life and destiny
Colour and symbol: Golden yellow ten-petal lotus, ram
Gland: Pancreas
Ailments: ulcers, nausea, gall stones, gas, procrastination, insecurities in career/relationships, weakness
Affirmation; Sound: Ram; Mantra: Om Shrim Namaha
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Anahatha: ‘Unstruck’ or ‘heart’ chakra; at the level of the heart but centred; it is the literal heart of the transcendental sound Nada (unstruck = not produced by mechanical means); Air element; linked to touch; deities: Isha and Kakini
Anahatha Chakra is associated with compassion, emotions, feelings in general, unconditional love for self and others, ability to give and receive
Colour and symbol: green twelve-petal lotus, black antelope
Gland: Thymus gland (immune system)
Ailments: heart disease, varicose veins, immune disorders, allergies, rashes, acne, lupus
Affirmation: I love; Sound: Yam; Mantra: Om Yam Namaha
Vishuddha/Vishuddi: ‘Pure/purity’ or ‘throat’ chakra; in the centre of the throat; Ether element; linked to hearing, mouth and skin; deities: Shiva/Parvati and Shakini
Vishuddi Chakra is associated with communication, interpersonal relationships, harmony between inner and outer world, will, freedom and expression
Colour and symbol: blue sixteen-petal lotus, snow-white elephant
Gland: Thyroid
Ailments: Repression, sadness, inability to articulate, asthma, sore throat
Affirmation: I speak; Sound: Ham; Mantra: Om Ham Namaha
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Ajna (pronounced ‘aagnya’):
‘Command’ or ‘third eye’ chakra; located at the centre of the brain at the level between the two eyes; deities: Parama-Shiva and Hakini
Ajna Chakra is associated with the intellect, intuition, wisdom, psychic abilities, stable moods, mental clarity, restful sleep, forgiveness, letting go of resentment
Colour and symbol: purple two-petal lotus, inverted triangle (representing the polarity of Shiva and Shakti)
Gland: Pituitary gland
Ailments: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, headaches, cataracts, near or far sightedness
Affirmation: I see; Sound: Om; Mantra: Om Namaha
Sahasrara: ‘Thousand petal’ chakra, seat of Shiva; crown of the head; Sahasrara chakra is the culmination of the energetic connections of the other 6 chakras; consciousness in human form)
Sahasrara Chakra is associated with seeing the overall picture, connection to the universe/divine, oneness, and enlightenment
Colour and symbol: white one-thousand-petal lotus, Shiva’s Linga
Gland: Pineal gland
Ailments: Frustration, anger, envy, loneliness, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, confusion
Affirmation: I understand; Mantra: Aum
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Location of the chakras and how the breath
and chakras relate to each other
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