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the 7 psychic centers of consciousness

IT IS SAID that the main purpose of (conscious control of the Prana or Vital Life Force, the breathing exercises) as a Sadhana or spiritual practice is

to awaken the Divine Cosmic Power. This power, known as , is con-

ceived of as a sleeping coiled serpent that lies dormant at the base of the spine,

the , Basal or First region. Through steady application of spe-

cific yogic techniques, this power is made to travel up the spine, penetrating all

the Major Chakras in its path, eventually reaching the highest Chakra –

By Yogi Sri Dharma Mittra

MARCH-APRIL 2012 NEWLIFE 19 NewLife.Mar12.pg.03-22 3/7/12 2:12 PM Page 20

the just above the physical skull, right from wrong, the individual hurts himself name, fame and position – even their reli- where it unites with the Supreme Soul. As and others. In this state, the Divine Energy is at gious observances are related to these aims, soon as the Major Chakras are pierced by its lowest degree of strength. Imagine a cave- giving rise to arrogance. Ostentation, rude- Kundalini, the ordinary consciousness is man; someone so primitive that they are only ness, etc.: “Striving hard only to amass raised to a specific state of consciousness. concerned with the most basic acts of survival. wealth for the satisfaction of their passion, Until one’s consciousness evolves to the point Their responses to the outer world are painted one saysMotivated by selfish actions, one of the Vishuddha or Fifth Chakra opening and only with the broadest of brushstrokes as in fear, offers sacrifices, gives and rejoices. activating, the consciousness always moves anger, joy, etc. Although we all pass through between Chakras as a result of one’s deeds this state of consciousness as young children, the Fourth Chakra from the past and what one is currently pass- most move beyond as they age and evolve. ing through. Once one’s consciousness arrives (located by the heart) at the Fifth Chakra, it never descends again. the Second Chakra At this level, one begins to transcend the While there is a relationship between the ordinary human emotions partially Glandular System and the Major Chakras, (located by sexual organs) described above. One acts with pure resolve the Chakras are truly part of the Subtle or Here one thinks only that the world is and with conscience. Ordinary love is now Psychic Anatomy. Only those blessed with brought about by the union of male and constantly being transformed into compas- psychic powers or abilities can actually see female -- that sex is the basis of everything. sion, and it purifies the mind and heart, them, not even the most powerful electron Holding such a view, this poor soul endowed increasing spiritual perception. This may be microscope can actively engaging the pow- with little understanding wastes all its semen the beginning of the end of sin. ers of the imagination to grasp what they and sexual power in vain, sympathetically truly are, and then to use this knowledge to slowing its down spiritual progress. An indi- the Fifth Chakra help make real progress in yoga. vidual lost in this state is easily hooked on sex, VISHUDDHA and it is hard for them to ever really break free. (located by the throat) The Major Chakras and The more one’s cravings are satisfied, the larg- Here one strives hard for spiritual fulfill- their Stateof Consciousness er they grow and the faster they multiplyOf ment. Virtues such as self-denial, self-con- from the Base of the Spine to the course, when exercised properly, with moder- trol, austerity, steadfastness, uprightness, Crown of the Head and Beyond ation and without attachment, then the suffer- renunciation, dedication, truthfulness and ing inherent in this state is lessened. tranquility are highly cultivated. This may be the First Chakra the end of sin. MULADHARA the Third Chakra (located between the legs) the Sixth Chakra At this level, an individual acts in darkness (located below the navel) and views the world in a very cruel and mate- In this state, one seeks for power and (located by the forehead – third eye) rialistic way. Lacking the discrimination to tell achievement. Here one works hard for Here, after long and painful spiritual prac- tices such as self-purification, the mind, heart and intellect are purified and the con- sciousness is expanded to the level of Divine

The Natural  Perception. One sees the Spiritual World or has a complete vision of God.

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20 NEWLIFE MARCH-APRIL 2012