The seven chakras in Yoga

The spine and the human energy field contain chakras, or energy centers, that vibrate at different frequencies. Each frequency holds the gift of a certain power, which enhances our human experience on Planet Earth. As we tune into this power, we are internally empowered to deal with the specific life challenges of that energy center or chakra and as a consequence to live more whole, meaningful and fulfilling lives.following are the seven chakras in yoga.

 

 

 

 

 

(i)  Muladhara chakra (roots, alignment, earth)

 

Mooladhara Chakra

 

Muladhara chakra having The four petals are red,  representing the four vritties: greatest joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passion, and blissfulness in concentration. First or Root Chakra/ Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine, at the perineum. The name means support, or foundation.Muladhara is the body in physical space and time, developing grounded ness, stability and foundation. In Yoga, the attention is alignment in all poses, building awareness and strength in the legs especially all standing poses. Anything that stabilizes and roots the foundation reinforces muladhara. It is associated, in the body with the large intestine, feet and legs, with the element earth, and with the colors red and maroon.  

 

(ii) Swadhisthana chakra (sensation, flow, water)

Swadisthana chakra

 

Swadhisthana chakra is shown as having six petals,The Swadisthana, or Sex Chakra, is located at the sacrum - the pelvic area between pubis and navel. Its name means "abode of the vital force" or "dwelling place of the self.It is associated, in the body with the genitals, reproductive organs, and bladder, with the element water, and the color orange.In swadhisthana chakra we become aware of the senses, sensation (pleasure/pain) and emotions that accompany each pose. We allow our awareness of ecstatic energy to build in the second half of the pose. Suggested poses include pigeon, bridge and he spinal twist.

 

(iii)  Manipuraka chakra (flower, fire)   

 

 

Manipuraka Chakra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manipura chakra is shown as having ten petals,They correspond to the vrittis of spiritual ignorance, thirst, jealousy, treachery, shame, fear, disgust, delusion, foolishness and sadness.The Manipuraka, or Navel Chakra, is located some 2-3 inches below the navel. It's name means"jewel of the lotus" or "lustrous gem".It is associated, in the body with the small intestine, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, with the element fire, and the color yellow.In manipura, our fire (spiritual heat) is stimulated. We "jump start" the battery of the body, the physical storehouse of energy, through strong standing poses like the warrior. The willful aspect of the practice is also associated with chakra three. Here we are building the battery in the belly and then consciously directing that energy upward. This is an essential part of conscious generation and directing of energy is necessary for prana to awaken and move upward to higher centres.

(iv) Anahata chakra (Awakening to the spiritual path)

Anahatha Chakra

The Anahatha  chakra having twelve petals are vermilion coloured They match the vrittis of lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, incompetence, discrimination and defiance. Anahata chakra symbolizes the consciousness of love, empathy, selflessness and devotion. On the psychic level, this center of force inspires the human being to love, be compassionate, altruistic, devoted and to accept the things that happen in a divine way.The Anahatha or Heart Chakra, is located at the heart. Its name means unstuck, fresh,clean unhurt.It is associated, in the body with the heart, hands, arms and thymus gland, with the element air and the colors green, pink, and rose.In Anahata, we are asked to open the heart. This requires spiritual commitment to let the ego drop away. In Yoga the heart energy is engaged with the use of the arms, with mudras, giving and receiving movements, some heart opening poses can be camel, Yogamudra, cobra, half locust (opens arms and heart meridians) Breathe (lungs)and the forth chakra are closely connected.

(v) Visuddha chakra/ or Throat Chakra

Vishuddha Chakra

Vishuddha has sixteen purple petals,The petals correspond to the vrittis of the mantra Aum, the Sama-mantras, the mantra Hung, the mantra Phat, the mantra Washat, the mantra Swadha, the mantra Swaha, the mantra Namak, the nectar Amrita, and then the seven musical tones.The Visudda or Throat Chakra is situated in the throat, at the base of the neck between the collar bone and shoulders, at the site of the reptillian brain or lower brain stem. Its name means pure.It is associated, in the body with the throat, ears, thyroid, parathyroid, with the element ether, and the color royal blue. Use sound vibration when in the pose and the power of our word (opening intention and om) to create the vibration field we intend. Become aware of our own inner dialogue and if it serves us or not. In Yogasana the throat chakra may be stimulated through chanting,bridge, camel and shoulder stand postures.

 

(vi) Aajna chakra: the third eye

 

      Aajna chakra

Ajna has two white petals, said to represent the psychic channels, Ida and Pingala, which meet the central Sushumna nadi (channel) before rising to the crown chakra, Sahasrara.Third Eye Chakra or Ajna Chakra, is located between the brows in the inward, center of the forehead. Its name means command, perception, knowledge, authority.It is associated, in the body with the pituitary gland, eyes, brain, with the element light and also beyond the elements, and with the colors purple and indigo.

Meditation, witness, meditative, awareness,pratyahar, deep absorption without choosing for or against what is present in Ajna chakra. In the second half of the pose and third eye integration-consciously allow energies to grow with meditative attention and draw freed energies upwards toward the third eye for integration. All forward bending poses where the head is lower than the heart brings attention and energy to the third eye (child, Yogamudra, wide angle forward bend)

 

(vii) Sahasrar chakra (silence)

 

Sahashrara Chakra

The Sahashrara or Crown Chakra, is located at the crown or top of the head, baby's soft spot. Its name means "thousand petal lotus".It is associated, in the body with the pineal gland & cerebral cortex, with consciousness and beyond the elements, and with the colors violet and the quality of luminosity.