Chakras - Psycho - Energy Power Centers

                                                

The divine cosmic force in our bodies

                                                                     DYNAMIC POWER

The Chakras are energy centers in the spinal column. Each Chakra is usually represented  as a lotus. There are seven main Chakras in the human body that are directly connected with higher centres of the brain.  These Chakras are a part of Shushumna Nadi, and this subtle body channel is part of the spinal column. On the physical side the spinal column connects the limbs and organs of the body to the brain through a network of channels, the nerves. The chakras are the junctions of nerves. The brain monitors, coordinates, regulates and controls the functions of the body through these nerves.

The object of pranayama is to arouse Kundalini, the divine cosmic force in our bodies.

Introduction

Kundalini, the divine cosmic force in our body. Kundalini is symbolized as a coiled and sleeping serpent lying dormant in the lowest nerve center at the base of the spinal column, the Muladhara Chakra. This latent energy has to be aroused and made to go up the spinal column piercing the chakras up to the Sahasrara (the thousand pelleted lotus in the head, the network of nerve in the brain). and there to unite with the supreme soul. This is perhaps an allegorical way of describing the tremendous vitality. which is obtained by the practice of Uddiyana and Mula Bandhas.The arousing of  kundalini and forcing it up  is perhaps a symbolic way of describing the  sublimation of vital energy.

Chakras are wheels or circles.Those in the body are the fly- wheels in the body machinery.

The human body is a miniature universe in itself. Hatha is composed of a syllable ha and tha ( हठयोग)  & which means the sun and the moon respectively. The solar and the lunar energy is said to flow  through the two main channels (nadis);  Pingla and Ida, which starts from the right and the left nostrils respectively and move down to the base of the spine. Pingla is the nadi of the sun, while Ida is the nadi of the moon. In between them is the (Susumna), the Channel (nadi) of fire, 

As stated earlier , Susumna Nadi is the main channel for the flow of nervous energy and it is situated inside the spinal column or meru danda. Pingla and Ida intersect each other and also susumna at various places. These junctions are called chakras. or wheels and regulate the body mechanism as fly-wheels regulate an engine.

These chakras correspond to the endocrine glands, which supply hormones and other internal secretions to the system. The Muladhara and Swadhishthan chakras perhaps correspond to the  gonads (the testicles,penis and prostrate in males and the ovaries,uterus and vagina in females). In between these two chakras is the seat of the  genitals known as  Kamarupa after Kama the god of passion and love. The abdominal organs like the stomach, spleen,liver and pancreas perhaps correspond to the  Manipura Chakra. The two adrenals may stand for the Surya and Manas chakras. The Anahata Chakra is the heart and the main blood vessels around it. The vishuddha chakra  may be thyroid, parathyroid and the thymus. The Ajna ,Sahasrara and Lalata chakras may be the bran matter and the Pituitary and Pineal glands.

"Prana" means energy drawn from breath, and "Ayama" means extension of Prana. Pranayama is the exercise of the motion of inhalation and exhalation of breath in particular following perfection there in. Pranayama trains in rhythmic breathing. Prana is a auto energizing force. The "in-breathe" fans the elements of fire and water for them to fuse so that  they blend to form a new bio electrical energy. This new bio electrical energy is called "Prana" in yogic terms.

'As the energy is generated from falling water, Yogic Pranayama helps the spindles of air cells act as turbines for the production of energy to enjoy 100% health and happiness. The energy obtained from pranayama is stored in the seven chambers of the spine known as Chakras and discharge the energy when the body and mind need to face the upheavals in life'.

                                          " All Mudras help in awakening kundalini."

Mooladhara Chakra

Muladhara Chakra is situated in the pelvic region above the anus (mula-root, cause, source; adhar- support or vital part). It resides at the base of the spinal column. Its function are to provide energy, support and balance to the body. This is the seat of Kundalini the great dynamic power.

Swadhishthana Chakra

Swadhisthana Chakra above the organs of generation (sva-vital force, soul : adhisthana- seat or abode. 

Spaced two fingers above the  Mooladhara Chakra is the home of Swadhishthana Chakra. This Chakra  is concerned with elimination of waste materials as well as reproductive activity of the body.

Manipur Chakra

Manipur Chakra is the  navel . (Manipura - navel); the Manas and the Surya Chakras between the navel and heart (manas- mind: surya- sun. It   corresponds to the solar plexus. It controls the process of digestion, assimilation and maintains body temperature.

As per the yogic physiology digestion is governed by the Manipur Chakra ,the home of energy / Prana, situated in the spinal chord behind the navel.The psychic center is concerned with the fire of the body, which is used in digestion and metabolism of food, It coordinates the nerve of the stomach , intestine and other abdominal organs. When Manipur is weak digestive system is sluggish, blocked or unbalanced. The digestive fire depends on a supply of prana from manipur , becomes less intense because it has less energy to function. Though yogic sadhana, manipur chakra is activated to maintain a good digestive health.

Anahata Chakra

Anahata Chakra in the cardiac region, it resides behind the base of the  heart. It controls the functions of the heart and the lungs and produces virtues like truth, non-violence, love compassion, forgiveness and charity.

Vishuddhi Chakra

Vishuddha Chakra in the pharyngeal region .Vishuddha meaning pure; Situated at the level of the throat pit  which controls the thyroid gland, vocal cords and discriminates the knowledge of the external world.

Udana helps the  functions of Vishudhi Chakra which is situated in the throat pit. Udana mudra activates the functions of Udana Vayu.

Udana Mudra

Ajna Chakra

Ajna Chakra is situated between the eye brows Ajna means command.This corresponds to the peneal and Pituitary glands lying in the center of the brain, directly above the spinal column. This is the command center, has control over all the functions of human life.

The aforementioned six chakras serve as switches for turning on different parts of the brain. The awakening of each chakra is conducted to the higher centers in the brain via channels called Nadis.

Bhuchari  Mudra

Sit in any meditative asana like Padmasana, Sukhasana and Siddhasana. Using your hand at a fixed point  4 to 5 inches from the  tip of the nose . Remove the hand and concentrate on a point. This is Bhoochari mudra.

Along with this  one can perform Jnana mudra,, Dhyana mudra or Prana mudra whicch will give greater benefit. This mudra can be performed for 5-10 minute every day.

Effect :

The Ajna chakra gets activated by  focusing eyesight between the two eyebrows.

Benefits :

• Activating Ajna chakra  increases awareness  and reasoning power.
• The mudra enhances concentration and creates a rich base for long meditation.

Sahasrara Chakra 

Sahasrara Chakra which is called the thousand- petaled lotus, in the cerebral cavity; It is represented by a lotus having thousand petals.- and hence the name Sahasrara.. It is believed to be situated at the very top of the head. This is place of culmination of the Kundalini power, the seat of higher awareness and is physically connected with pituitary gland and the life system of the body.   

Lalata Chakra

Which is at the top of fore head . Lalata means forehead.

Bindu Chakra

This is located at the back of the head  where hindus keep thr tuft of hair. This is the seat of nectar - Amrit. The nectar is secreted by bBindu chakra  spread through out the body by Vishuddhi Chakra and the body becomes radiant. This provides energy for procreation.

Kundalini Power

Since the dawn of creation the Rishis and Yogis has realized that within the human body there is a potential force that is either physical, philosophical nor transcendental but is a dynamic potential force in the material body and is called Kundalini- the coiled serpent power. 

The seat of Kundalini is a small gland at the base of the spinal  cord. With the evolution of natural forces within man,this gland has reached a point to where it can realize its full potential. In India the entire culture set up was once organized to facilitate this realization.

When the Kundalini is awakened, a metamorphosis occurs in nature and spirit of man  accompanied by changes in the physical body and the nervous system. A person with awakened Kundalini has clarity of vision, a high quality of thinking and a sublime philosophy.

HAND

Location

Kundalini Mudra

Kundalini Mudra is associated with reproductive energy. Kundalini Mudra is a hand posture that symbolizes the unity of femininity and masculinity. It symbolizes the union of the individual with the universe. People with sexual problems like lack of interest, early orgasm and reproductive problems, can be benefited with the practice of Kundalini Mudra.

Formation :Form a fist of a left hand and extend the index finger.Cover the index finger and right hand fingers and place the right thumb at the top. Hold this mudra in front of the abdomen for 15 minutes, three times a day.

Effect :

Mudra enhances the kundaline force and the energy is released.

• This mudra promotes vigor in the couple.The reproductive energy is set  right in the couple. Both have to practice for 15 minutes thrice a day.
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Surabhi Mudra

Awakens Kundalini Shakti. Mudra For Acidity, Tridoshaka.

Shanmukhi Mudra : 

Mudra means a seal or a close up.

Shanmukhi mudra is a sacred hand gesture or "seal," used during yoga and meditation practice as a means of channeling the flow of vital life force energy known as prana. This gesture represents closing the six gates of perception – the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. The term is derived from three Sanskrit roots; shan, meaning "six";mukhi, meaning "face" or "gate" and mudra, meaning "gesture," "mark" or "seal."

This mudra is also known as Yoni mudra.

"The mudra is so called because the aspirant looks within himself to find the very source of his being."

Shanmukhi mudra involves closing the ears, eyes, nose and mouth with the fingers, helping the practitioner to withdraw the senses and turn the awareness inwards. As such, it can be considered a practice of pratyahara (sense withdrawal), which is the preliminary stage of dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation)

For maximum benefit, this gesture should be accompanied with pranayama (breathing techniques) or bandhas (energetic locks). Shanmukhi mudra is commonly practiced with brahmari, a pranayama otherwise known as Bee Breath

Technique :

• Sit in Padmasana, keep the spine erect and the head level.
• Raise the hands to the face. Lift the elbows to the level of the shoulder, place the thumbs on the ear-holes so as to cut off external sounds.
• Close the eyelids, but turn the eyes up. Place the index and middle fingers on the closed lids so that the first two phalanges  only pres the entire eyeball.. Do not however press the corners. Pull the eyelid down with the middle finger. Push the upper part of eyelids below the eyebrows upwards with the index fingers. Gently press the eyes at both the corners.
• Equal pressure should be maintained on the ears and the eyes.
• With the tip of ring fingers press both the nostrils equally. The nasal passage are thus narrowed for slow, deep, steady, rhythmic and subtle breathing.
• The little finger are placed on upper lip, where they can check the rhythmic flow of breath.
• Stay in this position as long as you can, drawing the vision inwards.

Effect :

By closing the outlets of all five senses body gets energy from the Mooladhara Chakra and the energy passes  through all chakras. As a result of these upwards movements of energy, brain becomes very active and alert.The five elements come into contact with the five sense organs.Hence all sense  organs get activated and the face becomes radiant.

Benefit : 

• Kundalini energy gets activated and one becomes bright and active. Mind becomesintrovert and enlightened.

• By recitation of Omkar, the brain gets better blood circulation, and is rejuvinated.

• Shanmukhi mudra is very beneficial to children By practicing this mudra  the power of thinking and memory becomes strong.

• The senses are turned inwards and the rhythmic breathing Calms the mind wondering.

• This brings the feeling of inner peace and one hears the divine voice of self within. "Look here! look within! not outside, for the source of all peace is within yourself.

• Relaxes and rejuvenates the eyes and facial muscles

• Balances internal and external awareness

• Creates a state of pratyahara

• Enhances focus and introspection

• Helps in managing anxiety

• Calms the nervous system.

Ashwini Mudra

Formation :

Sit in a meditative pose like Padmasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana. Draw the lower part (anus) upwards while exhaling, and loosen it downwards while inhaling. This is called Ashwini mudra. One can also lie on the back and do this mudra. One should  perform this mudra  when the stomach is empty. One can perform this mudra  for 20 to 25 times and than gradually reach 75 to 100 tomes.

Effect :

Blood circulation to the anal part becomes proper and it attains health. Vitality increases many fold.

Benefits :

• Old age is arrested due to activation of Mooladhara chakra.

Rudra Mudra

God Rudra is a symbol of fire. Rudra meaning fierce is another name of Shiva. Rudra Mudra is the ruler of the third chakra (fire center)) in our body.  It rules the fire center in the body. Rudra is the ruler of Solar plexus the Manipur chakra. It is also another name for sun. This mudra activates Manipur Chakra.

Formation :

Join the tips of ring finger and index fingers to the tip of the thumb.

Effect :

The Prithvi element and the Vayu element get balanced. This Mudra affects the glands in the abdomen.

Benefits :

• Our whole body mass is made up of Prithvi. The centering force is associated with Prithvi. Rudra Mudra strengthens the Prithvi element and its organs. Hence stomach, spleen and pancreas function better.This Mudra develops heat and energy in the body.
• When Prithvi is strengthen the brain also receives enough energy.
• If a person feels listless, heavy, weighted down and dizzy, the weakness is relieved and completely eliminated by the practice of this mudra.
• For energy practice this mudra for 15 minutes daily

Bhuchari  Mudra

Sit in any meditative asana like Padmasana, Sukhasana and Siddhasana. Using your hand at a fixed point  4 to 5 inches from the  tip of the nose . Remove the hand and concentrate on a point. This is Bhoochari mudra.

Along with this  one can perform Jnana mudra,, Dhyana mudra or Prana mudra which will give greater benefit. This mudra can be performed for 5-10 minute every day.

Effect :

The Ajna chakra gets activated by  focusing eyesight between the two eyebrows.

Benefits :

• Activating Ajna chakra  increases awareness  and reasoning power.
• The mudra enhances concentration and creates a rich base for long meditation.

Chakra Mudra

                         

Lord Vishnu is adorn with Shankha Chakra, Gada and Padma,. The Sudarshan Chakra is a powerful weapon in the hands of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Both of them hold it in  the right hand.. Chakra mudra is performed during worship and praying for success in any endeavor.

Formation : Place the right palm on the left palm in such a manner that the index finger of the right hand is placed on the thumb of the left hand and small finger of the right hand is placed on the index finger of the left hand. Now press the palm against each other.

Effect:

The index finger Vayu of the right hand is paced on the thumb, Agni of the left hand.The small finger, Jala, is touching the index finger of the left hand. So , elements Agni, Vayu and Jala become powerful and spread their energy vibrations. Pressing the palm against each other activate the pressure point of the  heart, kidney, thyroid gland and lungs.

Benefits:

• The seven chakras get energy and the heart, lungs, pancreas, thyroid and kidney functions powerfully.
• The aura around the body increases.
• Placing the thumb Agni on wrist  on the wrist sends sends energy to radial, ulna and median nerve and the hand becomes powerful.
• This mudra may be done for 15 minutes a day to increase aura make the body more powerful.

Abhaya Mudra

Or Fearlessness  Mudra A Blessing Mudra. Removes fear. Removes anxiety . Increases your confidence and courage

Youngster touching the feet of elders with crossed hands is considered very auspicious in India. This is called the Namaskar Mudra. The elders respond by  giving their blessings in the form of  the Ashirvad mudra.

Formation :

This mudra is formed by keeping both palms on the head of a person performing a Namaskar mudra.

Effect :

When the youngster bow and touch the feet with crossed hands, the blood circulation on their hand increased. When they touch the feet of elders with crossed hands, positive energy and negative energy of both  sides get activated.

Benefits :

• During the act of Ashirvad, the positive or negative energy of two hands touch the two hemispheres of the brain as well as well as the crown chakra of a person performing the Namaskar
• The youngster as well as the elders are benefited by this and are energized.
•  There is a positive and happy feeling that grows in both of them who performs the Namaskar and who blesses with Ashirvad.

"Mudra practice establish a direct link between seven energy centers (the Chakras) in the body and the dynamic power, kundalini."

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