Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

A STUDY ON W.S.R. TO PINEAL GLAND

Dr. Teena Jain1 Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav2 1 Ph.D. Scholar, Dept. of Sharir Rachana, NIA, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 2 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sharir Rachana, NIA, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India ABSTRACT The are represented as energy centers aligned along the spinal cord, which form an inte- grating channel. They serve as collection and transmission centers for both subtle, and metaphysi- cal, energy and concrete, or biophysical, energy. Chakras are even more involved with the Nadis: conduits that disperse life energy (called Prana) throughout the body. There are seven primary Chakras. From lowest to highest they are Chakra (root Chakra), Chakra (sacral Chakra), Chakra (solar or navel Chakra), Chakra (heart Chakra), Chakra (throat Chakra), Ajna Chakra ( Chakra) and Sahasrar Chakra (Crown Chakra). The Ajna Chakra is located in between the eyebrows. It is also called as third eye Chakra so it is our center of intuition. The pineal gland is a photosensitive organ and it is correlated with Ajna Chakra. Key words: Chakra, Ajna Chakra, Pineal gland.

INTRODUCTION when emerging from the body, vortices that Chakras are the crux of the system are conical in shape. According to various and also called energy centers or energy sources, a circle holds many organs. The main Nadis i.e. Ida, Pingla and meanings. For example, it describes a rota- Sushmna run along the spinal column in a tion of , or feminine life energy, de- curved path and cross one another several notes Yantras (mystical symbols) that direct times. These Nadis are the subtle energy reality, and references the different nerve channels of the body and they conduit Prana centers in the body. throughout the whole body. At the points of The word Chakra is derived from “Kriyate intersection Nadis form strong energy gatirenena”. Chakra denotes a centre of centers, known as Chakra. A Chakra is a power or energy. There are seven primary center of activity that receives, assimilates, Chakras- and expresses Prana. Each Chakra can be 1. Muladhara- Base or Root Chakra seen as a pair of conical vortices emanating 2. Swadhisthana- Sacral Chakra from the front and the back of the body. 3. Manipura- Solar plexus Chakra Together, these vortices regulate our 4. Anahata- Heart Chakra conscious and unconscious realities, the 5. Vishuddha- Throat Chakra psychic and sensory energies, and our subtle 6. Ajna- Brow or Third eye Chakra and physical selves. 7. Sahasrar – Crown Chakra Chakras are envisioned as either circular, or These seven Chakras located align the

How to cite this URL: Dr. Teena Jain & Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav : A Study On Ajna Chakra W.S.R. To Pineal Gland. International Ayurvedic medical Journal {online} 2016 {cited 2016 June} Available from: http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/980_986.pdf Dr. Teena Jain & Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav : A Study On Ajna Chakra W.S.R. To Pineal Gland spine, starting from the base of the spine The pituitary is sometimes referred to as the through to the crown of the head. To visu- “master gland” because its secretional activ- alize a Chakra in the body, imagine a ities control the functions of the other swirling wheel of energy where matter and glands. Like the conductor of an orchestra, it consciousness meet. establishes the harmonious interaction of the Ajna Chakra- Ajna Chakra is the sixth other glands. Chakra, is in the area of the third eye, which Psychological function- Intuition, imagi- is found in the space between the eyebrows. nation. So it is also known as the Brow Chakra, the Deity- Hakini Shakti, Ardhanarisver third eye, the eye of wisdom, the inner eye (-Shakti) Chakra or the command Chakra. An invisi- Associated astrological signs and plan- ble yet powerful third eye, this is our center ets- of intuition. Mercury: intellectual cognition, rational The sixth Chakra and its associated char- thought. acteristics- Sagittarius/ Jupiter: holistic thought, Sanskrit name: Ajna- to perceive, to realization of inner correlations. command. Aquarius/ Uranus: divinely inspired Location- It is located in the pituitary thought, higher knowledge, flashes of gland, directly behind the center of intuition. the forehead. Its , or superficial Pisces/ Neptune: imagination, intuition, activation site, is between the eyebrows access to inner truths though devotion. at the position of the "third eye". The lo- Associated structure in physical body- cation makes it a sacred spot, where pineal gland. apply vermilion to show respect. Fig.1 Ajna Chakra Color- indigo, also yellow or violet. Purpose and func- Sense- all senses, including extrasensory tion of the sixth perception. Chakra Petals of the lotus- Two Conscious The letter "ham" is written in white on the perception of being takes place through left petal and represents Shiva. "Ksham", the sixth Chakra. It is the seat of our written in white on the right petal, repre- higher mental powers, our intellectual sents Shakti. These two petals also represent capacity to distinguish, our memory and the manifest and the un-manifest mind, and our will. On the physical plane it is the are sometimes said to represent highest center of command for the cen- the pineal and pituitary glands. tral nervous system. Seed sound- Its actual color is a clear indigo blue, but Vowel sound- Mmmm yellow and violet shades are also to be Basic principle- knowledge of being. found. These colors indicate different Associated parts of the body- face, eyes, functions at various level of conscious- ears, nose, sinuses, cerebellum, central ness. Rational or intellectual thought nervous system. may produce yellow radiation, while a Associated gland- pituitary (hypophysis) clear dark blue color indicates intuition 981 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 06; June- 2016

Dr. Teena Jain & Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav : A Study On Ajna Chakra W.S.R. To Pineal Gland and holistic cognition. Extrasensory per- By developing our consciousness and ception is shown in shades of violet. increasingly opening the third eye, we Every realization in our lives is preceded can control this process more con- by thoughts and projected images which sciously, and our imagination can create in turn can be nurtured either by subcon- the energy for the fulfillment our wishes. scious emotional patterns or knowledge In conjunction with an open heart of reality. By mental power we are con- Chakra, we can send out healing ener- nected with the process of manifestation gies, both close at hand and over long via the third eye. distances. The creative process starts when being At the same time we can gain access to resting in itself become conscious of its all levels of creation beyond physical re- existence. An initial relationship be- ality. Knowledge of this reaches us in tween the subject and object takes place, the form of institution, clairvoyance or thus giving rise to duality. Being in its hypersensitive hearing or feeling. Things shapelessness manifests a firm pattern of that we had only vaguely suspected be- vibration. fore are now perceived clearly. On the basis of this first, primordial vi- Harmonious functioning of the Ajna bration each step forward in the devel- Chakra opment of awareness creates a new and Nowadays there are very few people with differentiated pattern of vibration. Thus the completely opened third eye that always all levels of creation are contained in accompanies an advanced state of con- human life, from pure ethereal being to sciousness. However, in spite of incomplete the densest of matter, and in turn are rep- development, the sixth Chakra can function resented in the Chakras with their vari- far more harmoniously than any of the other ous levels of vibrations. Thus the pro- Chakras. This expresses itself in an active cess of manifestation also takes place mind and advanced intellectual skills. The within and through us. holistic pursuit of scientific research or the As the third eye is the seat of attainment recognition of far-reaching philosophical of consciousness, it is here that we can truths may be a sign of a partly opened and manifest matter and dematerialize it. We harmoniously functioning third eye Chakra. are able to create new realities at the We probably possess a well-developed ca- physical level and dissolve old ones. pacity for visualization and the ability to As a rule, however, this process takes comprehend many things intuitively. Our place automatically and without con- mind is composed, and at the same time scious action on our part. Most of the opens to mystic truths. We realize more and decisive thoughts in our lives are con- more that the world of appearances is but an trolled by unresolved emotional patterns allegory, a symbol of a spiritual principle and programmed by our opinions and manifested on the physical level. Idealism prejudices and by those of others. Our and phantasy are the key elements of our mind, therefore, is often not the master thinking. We possibly notice from time to but the servant of the emotionally loaded time that our thoughts or ideas come true. thoughts that sometimes dominate us. The more our third eye Chakra develops, the 982 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 06; June- 2016

Dr. Teena Jain & Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav : A Study On Ajna Chakra W.S.R. To Pineal Gland more our thoughts are based on a direct in- of isolation and the satisfaction we strived ner awareness of reality. Increasing numbers for will not be long lasting. Another possible of people are beginning to develop sixth consequence of misdirected energies in the Chakra skills, such as clairvoyance or sixth Chakra occurs when the base Chakra sharpened sensitivity at particular levels of is disturbed, and when the other Chakras are being; others achieve temporary insight into not functioning harmoniously. Although we other dimensions of reality, for instance have access to the subtler levels of percep- during sleep or meditation. tion. It can happen that we do not grasp the Disharmonious functioning of the Ajna true meaning of the images and information Chakra- The most frequent consequence of we receive. Due to unresolved emotional a disharmoniously functioning sixth Chakra patterns, they get mixed up with our own is “top-heaviness”, i.e. overemphasis of the imagination. There subjective images can mental sphere. Our life is determined almost become so strong and dominating that we exclusively by reason and intellect. Since we begin to consider them to be the only truth. are trying to organize all aspects of our life We project them onto the external world and in an intellectual manner, we only accept thus in the final analysis lose touch with re- what we perceive with our rational mind. ality. Our intellectual skills may be quite well de- Insufficient functioning of Ajna Chakra veloped and we may possess the gift of keen If the flow of energies in the sixth analysis, but we are lacking holistic way of Chakra is blocked to a considerable degree, seeing things and the capability of integrat- the only reality we will see and accept is that ing all that we experience into a single cos- of the external, visible world. Our life is mic law of natural balance. We can easily dominated by material desires, physical become a victim of intellectual arrogance. needs and unreflected emotions. We find The only things we accept are those that the spiritual reflections and discussion a strain mind can comprehend, that can be demon- and a waste of time, and we reject spiritual strated and proven by scientific method. We truths because we view them as products of reject spiritual insight as unscientific and senseless dreaming without any practical unrealistic. Another effect that a disharmo- use. Our thoughts are oriented along the es- niously functioning third eye Chakra can tablished lines of society. We easily lose our have is that we may attempt to influence head in demanding situations. We are prob- human being or events by the force of our ably also very forgetful. If our vision is im- mind, simply to demonstrate our power of to paired, an effect which often accompanies satisfy our personal needs. In this case, the insufficient functioning of the sixth Chakra, solar plexus Chakra is usually out of bal- we should look within our self-more closely ance and the heart and crown Chakras are and get to know the areas that lie beneath only developed to a slight degree. If our the surface. In extreme cases, our thinking third eye is opened relatively wide in spite will be muddled and confused, and com- of its blockages, we might even succeed in pletely determined by unresolved emotional this undertaking, although our intentions are patterns. contrary to the natural flow of life. But Possibilities for cleansing and activating sooner or later we will be beset by a feeling the sixth Chakra 983 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 06; June- 2016

Dr. Teena Jain & Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav : A Study On Ajna Chakra W.S.R. To Pineal Gland  Experiencing nature principles. By stimulating our intuition The third eye can be stimulated by the con- and inner sight it makes us realize the templation of the starry, deep blue night sky. hidden meaning of the material world This experience of nature opens our mind to and the energies at work beyond it. It the boundless expanses of all manifestation also fills us with deep joy at the miracles in all its immensely varied forms of expres- of life and the universe. sion. It gives an idea of the subtle energies,  Indigo-blue sapphire: A clear, transpar- structures and laws at work behind the visi- ent sapphire opens our mind to cosmic ble plane of life, as are represented by the knowledge and eternal truths and its vi- dance of the celestial bodies in the infinity brations have a purifying, transforming of space. and renewing effect on our bodies and  Sound therapy souls. It builds a bridge between the fi-  Music: We can utilize any sounds which nite and the infinite and makes our con- relax and open our mind and which sciousness flow with the stream of di- evoke images or feelings of cosmic di- vine love and cognition. It also brings mensions. New age music will be partic- clarity to souls in search of truth on the ularly suitable in this respect, but there spiritual path. are also pieces of eastern or western  Sodalite: The dark blue sodalite purifies classical music which will also stimulate our mind and enables it to think more and harmonize the third eye Chakra. deeply. It’s still radiance fills us with se-  Vowel: This Chakra is activated by the renity and strengthens our nerves. It also vowel-sound “e” (as in “easy”), which helps dissolve obsolete patterns of should be sung in A. It seats off an up- thought and gives us the trust and energy ward movement and represents the necessary to stick to our opinions and power of inspiration that leads to the apply our ideas and knowledge to every- new insights. day life.  Mantra: Ksham  Aroma therapy  Color therapy  Mint: The refreshing scent of mint dis- Transparent indigo has an opening and puri- solves blockages within the sphere of the fying effect on the sixth Chakra. It provides third eye and helps rid oneself of old, the mind with inner calmness, clarity and confining thought patterns. It clears and depth, and strengthens and heals the senses brightens the mind and stimulates con- as well as opening them to subtle level of centration. perception.  Jasmine: Though the fine, flowery scent  Gemstone therapy of jasmine our mind is opened to images  Lapis lazuli: In the deep blue of the la- and visions which carry the messages of pis lazuli we find golden inclusions of deeper truth. Its vibrations sharpen our pyrite, scattered like stars in the sky at senses and combine the energies of the night. Lapis lazuli conveys a feeling of third eye Chakra with those of the heart security within the cosmos to our soul. It Chakra. leads the mind inwards, strengthens its  Forms of Yoga working primarily energies and makes it’s recognize higher through the sixth Chakra 984 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 06; June- 2016

Dr. Teena Jain & Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav : A Study On Ajna Chakra W.S.R. To Pineal Gland  Jnana Yoga: Jnana Yoga is the way of Pineal gland is activated due to head awareness based on the development of injuries or extreme pressure so that patients the mind’s capacity to distinguish be- awaking from these injuries and often feel a tween the real and the unreal, the eternal more open reception to deeper realms of and the transitory. The Jnana real- thought compared to other people. izes that there is only one unalterable, Fig. 2 Location of pineal gland everlasting and eternal reality: god. DISCUSSION Through meditation and the power to  Chakras are the crux of the system and differentiate, the devotee focuses exclu- also called energy centers or energy or- sively on the absolute until his or her gans. The Sanskrit meaning of Chakra mind becomes one with the unmani- is: “wheel of light.” They are located at fested aspect of god. the main branching of the nervous sys-  Yantra Yoga: Yantras are pictorial sym- tem. They serve as collection and trans- bols depicting geometrical forms which mission centers for both subtle, and met- represent the divine being in all its as- aphysical, energy and concrete, or bio- pects. They serve as an aid to visualiza- physical, energy. tion. The person meditating becomes  A Chakra is a circular-shaped energy completely immersed in the depicted as- body that directs life energy for physical pects and visualizes them within by in- and spiritual well-being. Chakras are ner contemplation. part of the esoteric anatomy. They are Pineal Gland- The pineal gland is a tiny, interconnected with the Nadis, i.e. Ida, pea-sized endocrine gland which sits near Pingla and Sushmna which are merid- the middle of the brain, between the two ian-like channels that carry energy or hemispheres behind, and just a little above Prana around the body. the pituitary gland. The gland weigh is little  The Chakras interface with other energy more than 0.1 gm and it is large in children bodies to assist in the rising of and begins to shrink with the onset of pu- , a type of life energy that in- berty. This gland produces melatonin, a vites union with the Divine. Through hormone that affects the modulation of Yoga, one reawakens the Kundalini en- wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions. ergy so it can rise through the higher The pineal gland is occasionally related with Chakras and eventually transform one the sixth Chakra or Ajna Chakra. It is be- back into the highest state. In other lieved by some to be a dormant organ that words, the Chakras provide the path of can be returning to enlightenment. awakened to  Chakra systems usually outline seven enable Chakras, which ascend along the spine telepathic from the coccyx area to the top of the com- head. They are often affiliated with: an munication. aspect of consciousness or a major theme; a color; an element; a sound; a lotus (with differing numbers of petals); and interactions with the physical, emo- 985 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 06; June- 2016

Dr. Teena Jain & Dr. Sunil Kumar Yadav : A Study On Ajna Chakra W.S.R. To Pineal Gland tional, mental, and spiritual aspects of lower vibration and vice versa. Ajna Chakra being human. Each Chakra is also fre- or third eye is correlated with pineal gland. quently associated with a gland of the In this Chakra we are able to acquire many endocrine system and a nervous system psychic abilities, and it varies on which level plexus. we open our third eye. Ajna Chakra is best  Ajna Chakra is located between the eye- balanced through meditation and Pra- brows also called third eye Chakra. In nayama or Brahmari technique. physical body there are two eyes which views objects upside down and sends REFERENCES images to the brain which interprets the 1. Amarakosa, Parameshwari Vyakhyanam. image and makes it appear right side-up 2. Gray’s anatomy. 40th ed. London, Churchil Liv- to us. But in human body has another ingstone Elsevier;2008. physical eye i.e. third eye or spiritual eye 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajna. which is correlated with the pineal 4. http://www.chakras.net/energy center’s /Ajna. gland. 5. Richard L. Drake, Gray’s anatomy for student. nd  Through meditation we activate the third 2 ed. London, Churchil Livingstone Elsevier; 2009. eye or pineal gland after some time con- 6. Sir John Woodroffe Serpent power, Shat chakra sciousness is centered in the region of nirupana, Ganesh and company, Madras. pineal gland. There is a pathway from 7. Shatachakra nirupana. retina to hypothalamus called retinohy- 8. The chakra handbook by Shalila Sharamon and pothalamic tract. This tract brings infor- Bodo J. Baginski, Motilal Banarasidass Publish- mation about light and dark cycles to a ers Pvt. Lt., Delhi,2006. region of hypothalamus called the supra- chiasmatic nucleus. From this nucleus CORRESPONDING ADDRESS the impulses travel through pineal nerve Dr. Teena Jain to the pineal gland. These impulses re- Dept. of Sharir Rachana, duce the production of melatonin and National Institute of Ayurveda, when these impulses stop pineal inhibi- Jorawer Singh Gate, Amer road, tion ceases and melatonin is released. So Jaipur.302002 the pineal gland is photosensitive organ Email ID: [email protected] and important timekeeper for human body. Source of support: Nil CONCLUSION Conflict of interest: None declared Chakras are energy transformers, capable of shifting energy from a higher to a

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