Anahat Chakra Forth Chakra
Anahat Chakra Forth Chakra
AIR CHAKRA
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| Heart Chakra |
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| Air |
Chakra Four : Located over the sternum, is associated with love. Its element is air.
Pounding of our heart as physical manifestation.
LOVE
AIR
BREATH
BALANCE
RELATIONSHIP
AFFINITY
UNITY
HEALING
Anahat : A Sound that is made without any two things striking. It is the name of the heart chakra.
YAM : The seed sound of the Anahat (forth chakra).
An alignment of one's spinal vertebra also correlate to the openness of the chakras. For example if our chest is collapsed, due to spinal curvature or somatic or emotional holding, the heart chakras may be impeded.
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| Seat of infinite love |
Chakras are organizing centers for the reception assimilation and transmission of life energy. Our Chakras as core centers form the coordinating network of our complicated mind/body from instinctive behavior to consciously planned strategies from emotions to artistic creations.The chakras are masters programmer that governs our life, love, learning and illumination.
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| Connecting with Anahata |
There are seven basic chakras that exist within the subtle body, interpreting the physical body. The subtle body is the non-physical body that is superimposed on our physical bodies. It can be measures as electro -magnetic force fields within and all around living creatures. In the aura, which is the external manifestation of the subtle body, the energy field appears as a soft glow around the physical body often made up of spindle like fibers.
Chakra Four- Vegetables
Vegetables are the products of photosynthesis sometimes that our bodies are incapable of producing.Vegetables trap the vital energy of the sunlight, as well as good balance from the earth air fire(sun) and water.Vegetables are the product of cosmic and earth processes in natural balance, reflecting the balance nature of the heart chakra. In the Chinese system they are neither yin nor yang , also representing the balance and neutrality characteristic of this chakra.
OPENING MEDITATION
From love were we made
On passion's wave our spirit sparkled
And down we come into our
mothers...matter...matter...
The pull of love calling us , deep into the earth
As deep into the mother father pushed.
Deep into the womb, we crawled-
e warm dark womb of earth
and water. The womb of love-
safe dark, cradled,quiet
we grow
In the dark there was but one sound-
The sound of life, the sound of love, the sound of heart,
Beating...Beating...Beating...Beating...
Here it now in your heart. Its rhythms pumping life and air and
breathe through every part of you, renewing you
Bathing you in air, in space, in breath,in life.
Feel it now at the core of you, embrace it with your hands
Feel it yearning, crying,loving,hopping, healing
Feel it within you, old as you are, beating since the days from deep in the womb, feel how long it's been there.
Always beating never stopping
Always beating never stopping
Always beating never stopping
Always beating never stopping
Do you love that heart ?
Breathe in deeply, drawing in the air...as softness...dept as wisdom
As you breathe, spirit comes within your heart and touches you...
Moving you ...Changing you...
Deeply , you accept as thirstily you drink. be thankful for this vessel that receives.
..we fling with joy up to the sky, above the earth
Faster now a waves of flame, ..we fling with joy up to the sky, above the earth , above the water, beyond the fire, into the air.
We reach and spread out wings and fly, free to ride the wings and fly, free to ride the winds, but soon gets tossed about and cry.
Where is the heart? Where is the heart? Where is my home?
We listen for the beat and fly. deep into the sound
We reach for ground, slowing down.We still ourselves to listen deeper, quiet is the sound.
Gently we reach for the heart is tender, softly we touch for the heart is afraid
We open our hands to the love inside, to unite to touch,, to heal.
Offer that love now. Ask for the entry to your own heart.
Listen deep and hear, inside a silent sound
Anahata, Anahata, Anahata, Anahata...
Listen deep into and breathe into the sound, the breath, the winds of healing
In..and out...in..and out..in...and out...
Inhaling that which is new, exhaling the old,, each breath renewing
Each breath a wind within you and around you,gentle zephyr, storm of life, winds of change.
For what does your heart cry? For what does it long? In what does it find peace? Release its hopes and dreams to fly upon the wings of change and then return of wings of love, fulfill beyond your dreams.
Your are not alone. Your cries are echoed in a thousand hearts the same.
If you listen, you can here them,
Beating...beating...beating...beating...
Deep within each person find the heart
Everywhere around you find the heart
Deep within ourselves we find the heart
Every time we touch, we touch the heart
Within each one is love, awaiting sweet unfoldment
Release that love upon the winds of breath, and reach beyond
Touch the heart inside the once you love.
and listen to the breath that whistles in..and out...in..out...
Like you they laugh and cry and play
Case less rhythms through each day
Feel the heart so like your own
Hoping, healing. breathing .feeling
Let there be no sound of striking (Anahata)
Only that of love and liking
Each unto the dance of love
That joins the earth to world above
And join ourselves unto each other
Each one seen as sister, brother
Within our hearts the seed of peace
Lie awaiting sweet release
Upon the winds of change they fly
As deep within our heart we cry
Anahata,Anahata, Anahata, Anahata
The sound of love.
ANAHATA-The still center Point
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| Heat as end point of spiral |
THE HEART OF THE SYSTEM
Love was born first, the god cannot reach it or the spirits or men. Far as heaven and earth extend, far as the waters go, high as the fire burns, you are greater, love! The wind cannot reach you, nor the fire, nor the sun,nor the moon,, you are greater than them all. Atharva Veda
Now that we have ignited the fire of our will, taken control of our like, and burned through our stubbornest blocks, we can allow our fires to subside a bit. As they turn to warm embers, we turn towards our center, warmed cleansed and ready to embrace the next level of awareness.
From the active, fiery solar plexus, we are thrust into a new and different realm. From the realms of the body and manifestation, we move into the softer touch of spirit, from the focus of the cell and its desires and action, we embrace a larger pattern and dance our small part within a greater web of relationship. We transcendent our ego, and grow towards something greater, deeper stronger, as we reach for the heavens we expand.
We have now reached a central point of chakra system,even in our language, the heart refers to the center of things, the essence,, the kernel of truth, as in "to go to the heart of the matter" This is our spiritual center., our core, the place that unites forces from above and below within and without.
The task of chakra four is to integrate and balance the various aspect of our being. In so doing, it brings a radiant sense of wholeness to the entire organism, an acceptance of the exquisite interpenetration of both spirit and matter. Within this sense of wholeness lie the seeds of inner space.
The heart chakra is the center of love. As spirit and matter are combines, Shiva and Shakti are united within the heart, in their eternal dance of creation, their love radiates throughout all existence, giving it the permanence that allows the universe to continue. In the form of Vishnu and Laxmi the preservers they rule over the middle part of our lives, bringing us steadiness and continuity. Their love can be thought of as the binding force that holds together all the building blocks of which life is made.
The love we experience at the level of the heart chakra is distinctly different from the more sexual and passionate love of the second chakra. Sexual love is object oriented- the passion is stimulated by the passion of particular person. In the forth chakra , love is not dependent on out side stimulation but experienced within as a state of being. In this way it radiates outwards bringing love and compassion to what ever comes into our field. It is a divine presence of empathetic connection, rather than an extension of our need or desire. Hopefully through the force of a will, our need have to be fulfilled or transcended. Love can emerge with a deep sense of peace that comes from lack of need with a joyous acceptance of our place among all things., and the radiance that comes from inner harmony. Unlike the changing nature of second chakra with its transitory passions, love from the heart is of an enduring quality, eternal and constant.
ANAHATA - THE STILL CENTER POINT
The symbol of the heart chakra is a circle of 12 lotus petals surrounding two intersecting triangles, forming a 6 pointed star. The triangle represents the decent of spirit into the body and and the ascend of mater rising to meet spirit. The symbol (also known as the star of David) represents the sacred marriage : the balance interpretation of masculine and feminine. This is a star of radiance that emanates from an open heart chakra. The six point can also be seen as relating to the six other chakras, as they are each integrated at this center.
In the body this chakra relates to the cardiac plexus and rules over the heart, lungs and thymus gland.. Just as each chakra can be seen as a disc of swirling energy so too can be entire body / mind be seen as a chakra, spiraling through each center, we find that the heart is the end point of the spiral.- the center the destination. Here we find the eye of the storm where calm prevails in the midst of fury. The heart is indeed the a center of peace.
The element of the forth chakra, is air, the least dense of our physical element, so far. As an element air is commonly associated with knowledge and things that are expensive and spirited. Air represents freedom, as in the bird that fly. Air represents openness that freshness, as in the airing of the room. Air represents lightness simplicity and softness. When we fall in love we feel like we are walking on air. Air implies spaciousness, which is achieve through letting go. When we cling too tightly to what we love, we suffocate our beloved., which is like depriving them of air. We talk about needing space when we want "room to breath".
Air the gaseous state of matter, differ from any element because it tend to disperse itself evenly throughout any space it occupies. (accept gaseous that are notably lighter or heavier than our average atmosphere). Water sits at the bottom of the bowl Earth stays rigid and fixed, fire moves upwards, but always cling to its fuel yet air disperses. Incense burnt on an altar gradually pervades the whole room. There is a sense of equilibrium calm and evenness. Like wise the heart chakra reflects a kind of loving equanimity in regards to the complex interrelationships of all things.
Lastly air represents breath the vital process through which our cells are kept alive The Hindus called it "Prana"(from pra first and na unit) In yoga philosophy , prana is referred to as a vital energy in and around itself., a basic unit from which all like is made. This energy represents an interface between the physical world and the mental world that is mind. If it wishes to influence the body. Likewise control of the breath can quiet the mind. Prana is considered a vital link between the two- just as the heart chakra is the integrator between upper and lower chakra.
Opening the heart chakra requires a combination of technique and understanding First, we learn to see the world in terms of relationship- what causes things to enter into and remain in combination with other things. This off course includes our personal relationship with others and with the world around us.
The heart requires an understanding and practice of balance- between mind and body, inner and outer realms, self and other, giving and receiving. Opening the heart requires a transcendence of ego, allowing us to surrender to forces larger than self. Lately opening of heart chakra requires an understanding and control of the breath, for it is tool of physical and mental transformation.
"When all knots of the hearts are unloosen then even here in this human birth the mortal becomes immortal."
LOVE
Love is an attraction exercised on each unit of consciousness by the center of the universe in its course of taking shape."
Love, of all the words in English language, this four letter word probably has the most meaning, or at least the most elusive meaning. So basic to the soul of each one of us.. Love becomes the precious essence, governing each of our life.. How do we find it? How do we maintain it How do we share it? And beyond the power of words lies the question, What is this.?
Love, like power, is something we all want and need. Fewer ever feel they have enough. Many live in the fear of it. Nearly no one understands it.. Yet we all search for it, and gaurge our life by it when it is found.What is the mysterious force? Why it have such powers in our life?
Love is the unifying force- it draws things together and keep them in relationship. From this unity we can touch an underlying continuity that allows our seperate parts to be held in relationship to something larger. From our parents we needed to learn that there would be there, day after day, in order to grow into security. A binding force allows something to hold together long enough to evolve its pattern to deeper and more cohesive states. Love allows change and freedom, but keeps coherence at the center.
In entering the forth chakra we transcend ego in order to loosen our self defined boundaries and merge into the ecstasy of love. There is no greater way to invite love , than to offer it first., since it is something we all want and need, we gravitate towards those with whom we feel safe and appreciated. To offer that safety and acceptance to another invites the field of love to flourish. To offer loving energy whether as loving compliment , emphatic, acknowledgement or physical nurturing,, invite similar energy to be return. Those who seek money or power or often merely seeking a way to receive love, usually in the form of admiration or acknowledgment. Going straight to the acknowledgement can bypass some of the less functional way we behave in order to find love.
Love and approval are basic to our personal growth-, as they promote self acceptance,- a neccessary step of self loving oneself, As young children we are conditioned , and taught by approval, or lack there of, from our parents. The feedback shapes our first ideas of who we are, Oh, look what sally made, isn't she creative? This forms a positive feedback system. If i told you how nice you look today, you'd feel pleased. Most likely you'd want to find something nice to say to me as well. then i would feel pleased. On it goes each time making us feel more and more comfortable and appreciated by each other.
There are many things, however which reduce the flow of loving energy from one person to another. Undue attachment, to one person can reduce the flow of loving energy that could come from many others. Jealousy reduces the flow of love, as it dictates that they must flow within narrow limits.- Homophobia , ageism and racism restrict love. You cannot touch him-he's of same sex "She is too old.". They are wrong, (color, size and background). Any of these demarcations destroy the understanding of oneness and interdependence that is integral to the heart Chakra. If we see love as infinite and approach it from abundance, instead of scarcity, we see that in truth love is self perpetuating.
Opening the heart Chakra expands ore's horizon for sharing loving energy. People of differing background are more likely to stimulate growth than those are the same. The greater our understanding, the greater our capacity for love.The heart chakra perceives the world in its unity, not its separation.
Withholding usually decreases, what we receive as well. It's a vicious cycle. I don't think X likes me, he'd probably think i was silly if i said how much i admire him.. Meanwhile X is thinking about how cold and detached you are. Breaking this cycle remove some of the blocks between people of the heart chakra level. With third chakra empowerment, literally under our belts, it is easier to make a first move.
Rejection is one of the most basic of human fears. This is not surprising when you consider how it important it is that our core center remains healthy. Rejection t heathens our basic internal balance and sense of self acceptance.If the heart chakra is the integrator than rejection may cause us to "dis-integrate". Our positive feedback system is short circuited. We turn this non-love against ourself and start to self destruct. Instead of feeling connected. we are cut off,seperate and isolated. For some it is easier to live without love altogether, than to risk opening, sharing, and failing.
This fear is integral to the understanding of heart chakra. It works as a protective device, helping the balance of flow of input and out put. It is the gatekeeper of the delicate heart chakra energy. maintaining this gate, however is a two edged sword. The input and out put of energy in a chakra increase together. The more tightly our gate closes the more we restrict the passage of energy through all chakras. The restriction not only inhibits energy passage to and from the outside world. But simultaneously restrict the flow between our upper and lower chakras. causing alienation between our minds and bodies. Eventually heart chakra becomes depleted and we have walled ourselves into a world alone.
Learning to love takes energy on many levels. We need all our chakras functioning in order to create and maintain it. We must be able to feel, we must be able to communicate, we must be able to have our own autonomy and power, and we need to be able to see and understand. Most important we need to relax and let it happen. The heart chakra is YIN, and sometimes most profound love is that which can simply let things be the way they are.
Love is the expansion and equilibrium of air, the new dawn of the east, the gentleness of the dove,, the spirit of peace. It is the field that envelops us.Through it we find our center, our core, our power, and our reason for living.
Love is not a matter of getting connected , it is a matter of seeing that we already are connected within an intricate web of relationship that extends throughout life. It is the realization of "no boundaries". That we are all made of same essence riding through time on same planet, faces with the same problems, the same hopes and fears. It is connected at the core that makes irrelevant skin color, age, sex, looks, or money.
More than anything, love is a deep sense of spiritual connection, the sense of being touched, moved and inspired to heights beyond our normal limits. It is a connection with deep fundamental truth that runs through all of life and connects us together. Love makes the mundane sacred so that it is cared for and protected.When we loose our sense of connection with all like, we have lost the sacred, and we longer care for and protect that which nourishes us.
We are that love. We are life force,in expression, its manifestation its vehicle. Through it we grow , we transcend, we trump and surrounder to grow again deeper.We are renewed again. It is the force of eternal, the stabilizer, Blessing to be the central wheel of life from which all other turn.
RELATIONSHIP & BALANCE
"The ideal situation for really, understanding another is not so much how a person reacts to extreme stress, but rather how he and she suffers a vulnerability of falling in love."
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| Devi Kushmanda worshiped on 4th day of Navaratri |
At the level of the forth chakra, we step out of the minute cycles of the lower chakras and gain an overview of how they function together.. Ishvar, the deity within the lotus is the God of unity represents the interdependence of the three fundamental tendencies (tamas, rajas and satva). It represents the balance of the three qualities sometimes thought of as illusion. For this state of balance is always in flux. To move from separation into unity first require entering into relationship.
Lets review the building of our structure, thus far seeing the relationship among the lower chakras Chakra one is about material object, that are , seperate, distinct and solid. This objects range in size from subatomic particles (in as much as they can even be called as objects) to planets and stars., At chakra two we looked at how objects moved-the forces that acted on them.At chakra three we looked at the reorganization that occurs from this movement, as objects collide, change structure, combust and release energy.We than saw how everything has these cycles within it , combining to form larger structures.
These cycles can only continue when they are in certain kind of relationship. Poles do not attract when they are too far apart to be relevant. Not all fuel catches fire. There is a larger force that keeps these subroutines functioning-The force of chakra four- a force we can love This force perpetuates the eternal dance of relationship, so that the smaller components can continue their subroutine and keeps us functioning. Love for the body motivates us to take care of our physical needs. In a family love keeps its members together, as they can conduct the business of life and raise their children. For a group love of a common cause keeps its members relating, so they can accomplish they task. Love of learning makes us buy books or go to school.It is love that keeps us in relationship.
The mysterious force is full of paradox . It has gravitation as well as radiation. we fall in love yet are lifted by our experience. Love binds together without limiting. It require closeness as well as distance. It is the essence of balance and equilibrium - dwelling at the core of each of us.
As our smaller pattern and cycles repeat they are perceived and regulated by the mind.- which acting through the will, ensures their continuity.We see these aspect in terms of their relationship.-we see the space between, rather than the things themselves.We view the world as an interlocking puzzle.
As between each of chakra, the primary difference between the third and forth is one of awareness. Through the creation and representation of pattern, the organism become self aware. Our lower chakra activities has influenced and created consciousness. We acted according to our instinct and emotions, learning from our mistakes. Our learning becomes even more complex and is stored in higher centers as concept, memory and logic, to descend downward again, where our consciousness can influence our actions.
Relationship is the interface between matter and information and plays apart in all levels that lie between. In fact that all information can be regarded as awareness of relationship. These patterns gives us the concept which forms the basic structure of our thought, communication and perception. They are the foundation of who we are . The forth chakra level of consciousness perceives the world as an intricate web of relationship., bound together by force of love.
Once we perceive object and their activities as relationship, we begin to perceive the perfection. Balance and eternal nature of these relationships. In viewing the planets for example we see an endless cycle of relationships- perfectly coordinated and balanced - the planet in orbit moving in balance with the pull of sun., repeating their pattern eternally. We see each of the star in its place in the heaven through moving and pulsating. each blade of grass covers its own spot of turf, though it dies each year and is reborn.
As we perceive pattern in this way we see that all lasting patterns are a product of dynamic equilibrium among its parts. We than find each element in life woven into a greater pattern, each of its own place We can than seek a point of balance between ourselves and our surroundings This point becomes an integral part of own giving it a coherence of a mandala, emanating from a central point. When we understand a perfection of relationship around us, it beckons the heart to open.
In our interpersonal relationship, the same rule of balance applies. Relationship endure when an overall balance is maintained.. They end when one or both partners feels the relationship has gotten out of balance and does not have a capacity to return. This can be due to an imbalance of taking and giving, an imbalance in basic life force, in spiritual evolution, money, sex. power, housework, children, communication or any of the other elements that play out in arena of relationship. It must be remembered that this balance is dynamic rather than static,- it fluctuate over time. It is the overall totality that must contain a basic parity if the relationship has to survive.
Balance within our self gives us the best shot at maintaining balance with our relationship with others. Inner balance allows us to to perceive and enter the equilibrium within the ordered pattern of the mandala, which than becomes a point of openness and stability.. Neither the mind and the body , nor any single chakra can do it alone. It must be done with the fullness of heart as the center of being.
When the will has consciously tempered and fulfilled our needs, our mind can better enter into an understanding of , and we find our "proper place" from this place, all our relationships as well as their beginnings and endings are in harmony with a greater pattern. Relationship with the greater equilibrium and therefore the most grace will neccessary will be most enduring. The once that are more transitory are stepping stones in the swirling creation of a larger pattern. This realization of perfection opens the heart to receive.
Each chakra receives its charge of energy by being in alignment with the sushumna, as the central column of energy. If we are not in balance with ourselves, our chakra fall out of alignment., much as a vertebra in the spine can fall out of alignment. Unfortunately there are no "Chakra Pr actors". to put them back in place. This is something we must do ourselves.
The heart chakra , exactly at the center of the personal mandala, suffers the greatest loss, and causes the greatest damage, if it fails too far out of its place. Imbalances within the heart (the central core) can throw the entire system off balance. Not only is the balance between upper and lower chakras and between the mind and body neccessary, but also between inner and outer, between self and transcendence. In order to love there must be certain transcendence of ego and and loss of separateness that allows us to experience a greater unity. We gave up some of our individuality for this union.
As this union is facilitated by a moving along the liberating current, we experience the freeing. -exhilarating effect of love - the union, the transcendence, a sacred and somewhat altered state of consciousness. Falling out of love is a return to a smaller place, the mundane self, alone and separated fallen from the grace and idyllic high of this love state, we therefore become attached to maintaining a state of love.
The risk of the exhilarating lift of love is that we can easily loose our ground. In order to maintain love , we need a ground from which to nourish it and provide roots. We must retain a part of individual self- a part of the substance from which passion and will emerge. If we transcendence our separateness too much, we are no longer fully present. We have separated flame from the fuel., and we came crashing down the earth. as it burns out. We have tipped our balance and we can no longer offer substance to the relationship at hand. When we loose ourselves we loose our center, we loose our own heart, and displace our relationship to our loved ones. If one yield oneself up to the other entirely , there is a gutting mess. You have to balance love and individuality and actually sacrifice a portion of each.
Living in balance is a living in a state of grace, of delicacy and gentleness.. Love is what that endures, and likewise, what is done with love will endure. This is what is out of balance, will not endure. Only by being balanced , within ourselves can we hope to balance the world.
To maintain our balance we must be aware of all our parts. This is not something that occurs , in an intellectual fashion. , like taking inventory in a storeroom.. Instead it comes from a dynamic experience of our center - the heart itself- which organically organizes and balances if given the freedom to do so.
Lastly the heart chakra needs to be balanced between input and output. Just as the breath equalizes inhalation and exhalation so too, must our energy replenish itself in order to keep giving. When handled properly there is a infinite supply of energy through any chakra, love multiplies as it is given. yet many people loose their alignment by giving too much, loosing their ground or giving when their energy is depleted. We are taught that selfishness is bad, and it is wrong to balance our account from time to time. Yet altering our own balance can alter the symmetry of the mandala around us. Constant overdrawing of the account can deplete the resources until we can't give at all. Than we can have a backlash that is not very loving at all.
In balance between all things we need to get out of polarities of "good" and "evil". We need not be puritanically good to stroke our delicate egos. nor need we be selfishly evil. True love flows from the center to another., allowing each the freedom to dance their own in their own unique way. As Anahata is a YIN chakra one of the challenges is to allow "letting " to replicate "doing" and "making" only than can we truly perceive the pattern of what it is .
Love is not something that is attached to an object. Love is a state of being in harmony with oneself.
Love seems to be appreciation that we are all little lumps in
the same earthly soup which is a little lump in a larger cosmic.
soup. So love is an awareness of this beautiful energetic relationship
and a natural appreciation of this situation. It doesn't seem
to be a matter of finding love...its matter of being aware of
it. Its not a question of invention of but rather of discovery.
Love is a natural relationship between healthy living things . we need only to believe that it is around us at all times and in all things to find it within our selves.
AFFINITY
Affinity is a term used in chemistry to describe the tendency of one substance to enter into and remain in combination with another substance. This occurs because of an intrinsic fit within the atomic structure of the substance.
The result of affinity is bonding. When two substances with affinity for each other come together, they bond forming a more permanent connection. Each has something the other is lacking. On a simplified level, it is the attraction of opposite seeking to balance themselves.
Human bonding can be so similar to chemical bonding that we often refer to it as "chemistry"we may not always understand why we feel drawn towards someone, but the feeling is there, nonetheless and it is often irresistible.
Most often the person has something in his or her energy field that we want and need If we are lucky, we have something they need too. and a bonding can occur, good for the duration of the affinity feelings.. As the heart chakra is the center of the balance, it is fitting that love itself arises, initially out of natural tendency to merge and balance our energy with other living creatures.
Often this balance can be analysed in terms of chakras. We've all felt the non verbal ads "White male, 32 with dominant upper chakra awareness seeks grounded female, guaranteed to raise "kundalini".Or "black female highly creative seeks second chakra partner for TLC." While these ads are not written in words in the news paper , they are broadcast at parties. and our psychic scenes pick them up each time we meet someone.
This is not to say that we have an affinity only for those who are opposite to us.. Many times finding someone that shares our views can also gives us that feeling of affinity.- the peaceful sense of validation that come from finding one who understands. The energy we project outward finds a matching energy reaching in . Again , our chakra both open and closed are searching for balance. It is not based on polarity. as much as the organism seeking enhancement of its next stage of unfoldment.
The most important aspect of affinity, however lies not in our chemical attraction to others, but in the development of affinity within. the composite part of the self. When we have this sense of affinity , we emanate a vibration that is loving, accepting and joyful. This allows and even encourages other to find their own sense of affinity.
So many people have minds that constantly war with their body . " You are too fat.". "Work harder, not until you finish this project can you rest. . "What do you mean you 're hungry. I just fed you an our ago. Many people take control of their bodies in a way that is harsh and unyielding.
The body too, can be war with the mind, like a spoiled child constantly demanding attention. "Feed me" "I am too tied.". Then like a child it need to be "unspoiled". but in a way that is nurturing and supportive, making sure that the child gets the basic things it needs.
Self acceptance is our first chance to practice unconditional love. It doesn't mean that we have to give up striving to be better, but that our self love is not conditional on some future or imagined change.When this occurs , within our heart, it then becomes easier to accept others, faults and all with the unconditional ;love of the heart chakra. With acceptance and compassion for our selves, it than becomes easier to make personal change.
Affinity can also be changed as an vibrational quality. When we are in affinity the harmonious state we feel, gives coherency to every thing we say or do like tones of scale in harmonic resonance. We radiate love because we have created a coherence center within ourselves which in turn harmonizes the surrounding circumstances.
In the organ of the heart , each cell is beating continuously, if we were to dissect the heart, each cell will continue to beat by itself, as soon as we put these cells together with other heart cells ( or on a microscope slide) the cells shifts their rhythms so that they are pulsating together. They enter a state of rhythmic resonance with the core rhythm of our organism and the rhythm of the world around us.
So how does one go about creating this sense of affinity. By taking a little quite time to talk to yourself. All it really takes is checking in with yourself now and then. After you read these words take time to close your eyes and take a deep breath and say hello to your body, see if you get a hello in return. Begin a dialogue Are there way you could treat yourself better. Are their parts that needs attention, parts that dominates unnecessarily Do you treat your self as well as others Is a time to throw a party to others to show your appreciation. Or do you need to sit still and listen for a while.
If there is a strength in numbers , it is only when those numbers are united. We have many composite parts to ourselves. Our very strength lies in the unity and harmony within those parts only than we are able to effectively give to others. If those parts are all tuned into the center-the heart of the organism- they than are simultaneously tuned to each other and enter a natural state of affinity.
HEALING
"Consciously or unconsciously every being is capable of healing himself or others. This instinct is inborn in insects, birds and beasts as well as in man. All these find their own medicines and heel themselves in each other in various ways."
To heal is to make whole. If the heart chakra is the integrator and unifies, then it follows that it is also the center of healing. Indeed love is the ultimate healing force.
As we come up to the heart chakra, we encounter the arms
Upright with arms outstretched, the body forms a kind of cross. The four points of which meets at the heart. Just as the legs are connected to chakra one.The arms are the integral part of middle chakra 3,4,5 (Manipur, heart and Vishudha chakra). The inside YIN channels of the ARMS contains three of the fourteen of the Chinese energy channels called the Meridians. These particular meridian corresponds to the heart, lungs and pericardium.(A loose sac covering heart). Obviously there are all relevant to the heart chakra. and they carry energy from the center down to the arms and hands.
The channels of the energy moving out from heart towards the hand it is called the healing channel, the means by which healing energy reaches out to others. These are also minor chakras in the hands. Hands are very sensitive extension of of the body/mind. having far more neural receptors than most part of the body. The hands both create and receive ans are sensory organs pulling in as much information as the eyes and ears.They are valuable tools in perception and control of psychic energy.(To open the hand chakra one should exercise it).
Healing is the restoration of balance to an organism or situation. It is believed that all diseases , whether caused by germs, injury or stress is the result of an" imbalance" that than fragments the organism and destroys its natural resonant affinity.
Opening of the heart chakra and developing compassion, connection, and understanding for those around you naturally gives rise to the urge to heal. The realization that we are all one dictates that, like a Bodhisattva we cannot advance alone, while others are ailing. (A Bodhisattva is someone who spiritually realized but avoids crossing into enlightenment until others can follow., instead staying behind to teach). Like the Bodhisattva we find we must take the time to heal others as we advance along our path. This brings into balance the lure of spirituality and the need to remain in the physical world.
Helping others also arises from a simple state of compassion- the center of heart chakra. Through non-judgmental compassion for others we cannot help but reach out in a healing manner. Our vision of the balance of all things underlines anything which is not in harmony with that balance. It is as natural as straightening a picture on wall.
Our need not be a professional healer , doctor or posses supernatural power in order to have their healing channels open. The natural urge to help an elderly women cross the street, comfort someone in tears or rub a pair of tired shoulders is a potent expression of the heart chakras healing energy.
Many people forget the lesson of balance in their healing efforts. you might call them meddlers. To properly heal someone it is neccessary they come into balance with their own energy. which may not comply with the healers concept. of "correct" A true healer must tune into her subject, remaining grounded in her own energy and allowing the subject to create his own sense of balance. The healer is merely a catalyst in the subjects own healing experience. When our heart chakra are open and balanced, our very presence radiates love and joy. The love is the essence of true healing.
BREATH - THE HEART OF LIFE
"If your breathing is any way restricted, to that degree, so is your life."
A normal human being inhales between 18,000 and 20,000 breaths per day totaling an average of 5,000 gallons of air.. In weight alone this is thirty five times as much as we take in from food or drink. We can go weeks without food , days without water hours without heat (in extreme cold) but only minutes without air. (how long we can go without thought.)
Breath is related to the element of air is one of the primary keys to opening of heart chakra. Air is also the most quickly distributed element in the body. unlike food which takes hours or even days to digest, each inhalation of air immediatly enters the blood stream Oxygen must be constantly supplied to each and every cell, or the cells quickly die. For this reason body has a through and elaborate transportation system to distribute oxygen throughout the entire system. This is our circulatory system, mastered by the heart. Each breath nourishes and feeds the system.
The full importance of breath cannot be expressed by these simple facts. Aside from maintaining simple life functions the breath is one of our most powerful tools for transforming ourselves for burning up toxins, releasing stored emotions, changing body structure and changing consciousness. Without breath we could not speak for air is the force behind our voice. We could not metabolize our food without oxygen. Our brain could not think. Breathing is a grossly underestimated source of life giving, healing and purifying
Unfortunately the average person does not breath very deeply. A normal pair of lungs can hold about two pint of air, while an average person breaths in about one pint or less per breath. You can confirm this for yourself by taking a normal breath and than seeing how much more air you can add to it. While you are doing this, notice how it feels to breath deeply. Notice what part of the chest feels tight, how it constrict the breath and give those part some gentle massage. Feeling up the chest and upper back through massage or emotional release helps to deepen the breath.
Most intellectual activity since it require so little physical exertion leads to shallow breathing, which than becomes a habit. Frequent fear, anxiety, depression smoking or simply polluted air also leads to habitual breath deprivation. The habit once formed leads to slower metabolism, lower physical energy level., and build up toxins in the body. . All of which contribute to a self perpetuating cycle As our metabolism is lowered we become lethargic, leading to greater reliance on conveniences such as driving when you could walk, ingesting stimulants for more energy or smoking cigarettes to (paradoxically) stimulates the chest. None of these things helps the breath.
The brain too relies critically on a constant source of oxygen. In the resting body, one forth of the oxygen is consumed is used by the brain., only though it is one fiftieth of the body mass. Hol your breath and see how long you remain conscious.
The breath is also one of the few things in the body that comes under both voluntary and involuntary control.. Involuntarily he breath contracts when we are afraid- a carryover from survival instincts, when holding the breath helps us remain undetected by dangerous creature. Similarly we can combat fear by forcibly , deepening our breath, thus easing tension in our whole body.
By exercising the voluntary aspect and consciously trying to increase our breathing capacity, we gradually make deep breathing a habit. The breath can actually change the body structure, and once changed, the body hungers for this increased oxygen supply. It is an evolutionary and healing oriented process.
The Hindus believe that breath is a gateway between the body and mind. Whole system of yoga have been built on breathing techniques called Pranayama. Which is designed to expand consciousness and purify body. When the thoughts are quiet, the breath is calm as well as the soothing and healing rhythms run throughout the whole body. The mind can also be calmed through control of breath.. The flow of breath as it constantly enters and leaves the body is dynamically moving energy field that continuously fill your body shape and returns formless again to the outside world.
Pranayama techniques are designated to nourish the psychic and spiritual pathways in the body such as the major nadis and acupuncture meridians. These channels are charged by the process and raise the subtle vibrations within the entire organism. Yogis make a decision between gross physical ingestion of air (Sthula prana) and the subtle movement of energy that results from the breath (Sukshma prana). It is important in doing a breath work to pay attention to the subtler movement that occur. We can than direct that energy towards specific areas or chakra through visualization or use of posture.
BREATHING EXERCISES
Pranayama the breathing exercises are many and varied.
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Bellows Breath - Bhastrika Pranayama भस्त्रिका प्राणायाम
Bhastrika means a bellows used in a furnace. Here the air is forcibly drawn in and out as in a blacksmith's bellows. Hence the name.Rapid forceful breathing
Process :
- Take a fast vigorous breath and exhale fast and forcefully. One inhalation and one exhalation completes a cycle of Bhastrika. The sound made resembles air rushing through bellows.
- Complete at a stretch 10-12 cycles. Then take a slow deep breath.
Sacred Vow : While inhaling in the process of doing Bhastrika we have to think that the divine powers are getting filled in us.
Benefits :
- Disease like cold, cough,allergy, asthma and respiratory are cured. Health is improved because of the fresh air provided to the body.
- Disease of throat, tonsillitis are cured.
- Vata, pitta, kapha the three doshas get balanced. So blood is purified. This helps in the awakening of kundalini power.
- Bhastrika activates and invigorate the liver, spleen, pancreas and abdominal muscle
- Thus digestion is improved,
- The sinuses are drained,
- The eyes feel cool and one has a general sense of exhilaration.
- Improves low energy levels.
- Good for Thyroid Problems
- Improves lungs health
- Blood purifier
- Fat burner
- Neurological balance.
- Strengthens immunity
- Good for cold & Flu
Contraindications :
- As a locomotive engine is stoked with coal to generate steam to pull the train, so Bhastrika generates Prana to activate the entire body.
- Too much stoking burns out the boiler of the engine, so also too long a practice of Bhastrika wears out the system as the breathing process is forceful.
- Person with a weak constitution and poor lung capacity should not attempt Bhastrika.
- Those suffering from ear or eye complaints (pus in the ear, detachment of the retina) should not attempt them either.
- If the nose stars to bleed or the ears to throb and ache, immediately stop Bhastrika..
- Bhastrika should not be done by pregnant women.
- Uncontrolled Hypertension or low BP
- Cardiovascular disease
- Major surgery.
- Glaucoma.
- Pitta constitution people.(Inner fire element dosha)
Caution : Those suffering from High BP and heart diseases should not do this pranayama.
Kapal Bhati / Breath of Fire
This is a rapid diaphragmatic breathing usually fast short breaths created by snapping in the muscles of your abdomen in rigid succession.
Skull Shinning Breath - Kapalbhati Pranayama कपाल भाति
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| Boost your immunity with your breath |
Kapal - Forehead, and ; Bhati - means light, luster. Kapalbhati is also a -cleansing techniques. It is a milder form of Bhastrika Pranayama. So with this pranayama one becomes luminous and lustrous.. In Kapal Bhati Pooraka is to be done with normal force but the Rechaka has to be done with as much force as possible. In doing so , all abdominal area gets inward and outward movements.This pranayama can be done for five minutes. In between one can rest for a while.
As it involves breathing in specific ways, some think it is a form of Pranayama. This is advanced breathing exercise should ideally be learned from an experienced teacher, as it is possible to become lightheaded if it is done incorrectly. Once mastered, this breath generates heat and clears the nasal passages.
Sacred Vow :
Think that we are throwing all diseases out, mental problems of anger, greed, ego, attachments are also getting cleared. Hence we feel peace.
Process:
- In this, you inhale passively and exhale actively and forcefully.
- Inhalation is slow but the exhalation is vigorous.
- There is a split second of retention after each exhalation.
Benefits:
- Face becomes lustrous and attractive. Diseases like asthma, respiratory troubles, allergies, sinus are cured. Disease of heart brain and lungs get cured.
- This relieves constipation.obesity, diabetes, acidity, and kidney problems.
- Organs in abdominal cavity viz intestine, prostrate and kidney, functions more efficiently and develop immunity towards disease.
- The sinuses are drained,
- The eyes feel cool and one has a general sense of exhilaration.
- The most effective for detoxifying the body and clearing the energy channels.
- Additionally, it is believed to increase one’s intuition.
Contraindications :
- Kapal bhati generates Prana to activate the entire body.
- Person with a weak constitution and poor lung capacity should not attempt Bhastrika.
- Those suffering from ear or eye complaints (pus in the ear, detachment of the retina) should not attempt them either.
- If the nose stars to bleed or the ears to throb and ache, immediately stop Bhastrika..
- Kapalbhati should not be done by pregnant women.
- Uncontrolled Hypertension and low BP.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Major surgery
- Glaucoma.
- Pitta constitution people.(Inner fire element dosha)
Practicing this exercise bring profound changes in consciousness.
Alternate Nose Breathing - Nadi Shodhan / Anolom Vilom अनुलोम विलोम
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
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| Coming into Balance |
To practice Nadi Shodhana, sit in a comfortable meditative position. Make a fist with your right hand, then partially re-extend your ring and little fingers. Lightly place the pad of the thumb on your nose just to the right and below the bridge; lightly place the pads of your ring and little fingers on the corresponding flesh on the left side of your nose. Gently pressing with the ring and little fingers to close the left nostril, exhale fully through the right. Then inhale fully through the right, close it with the thumb, release the left nostril, and exhale through it. Inhale through the left nostril, close it with the fingers, release the right nostril, and exhale through it. This completes one round of Nadi Shodhana.
Nadi is a Sanskrit word meaning “channel” or “flow” and shodhana means “purification.” Therefore, nadi shodhana is primarily aimed at clearing and purifying the subtle channels of the mind-body organism, while balancing its masculine and feminine aspects.
Nadi is a tubular organ of the body like an artery or a vein for the passage of Prana or energy. A nadi has three layers like an insulated electric pipe wire. The innermost layer is called sira, the the middle layer Damani and the entire organ as well as the outer layer is called nadi.
Sodhana meaning purifying or cleansing, so the object of Nadi Sodhana Pranayama is the purification of nerves. A little obstruction in a water pipe can cut off the supply completely. A little obstruction in the nerve can cause great discomfort and paralysis of a limb or organ.
The Nadi Shodhan Pranayama calms and centers the mind by bringing into harmony the left and right hemispheres of the brain which correlate to the logical and emotional sides of our personality. The right nostril represents the Ida nadi and is connected with the left brain. The left nostril represents the Pingala nadi and is connected with the right hemisphere of the brain. When we breathe through the alternate nostril in a specific pattern, it brings the balance between both hemispheres of the brain. Nadi shodhan is clearly a yogi's delight for its instant calming effect.
Prana breath in through left nostril represents energy of the moon, which symbolizes peace and has a cooling effect. Hence purification of nadis, commences. Begining of this pranayama has to be made by the left nostril.
Process :
- Sit comfortably in an erect position. Keep the head, neck and the spine straight.
- Rest the left hand on the left knee.
- Close the right nostril with the tip of right thumb.
- Now breath out slowly through the left nostril.
- Keeping the right nostril closed breathe in slowly and deeply through the left nostril.
- Now close the left nostril with ring finger and little finger of the right hand and slowly breathe out through the right nostril.
- Now keeping the right nostril still closed, breathe in through the right nostril.
- This completes one entire round of Anuloma - Viloma.
- Repeat the entire process
- Remember that breathing in and breathing out should be done very slowly without any noise
One complete cycle of nadi shodhan Pranayama. Here the rhythm of breathing is as follows:
- a Exhale through the right nostril.
- b Inhale through the right nostril.
- c Exhale through the left nostril.
- d Inhale through the left nostril.
- e Exhale through the the right nostril
- f Inhale through the right nostril.
- g Exhale through the left nostril.
- h Inhale through the left nostril
- i Exhale through the right nostril
- j Inhale through the right nostril...and so on
- Anuloma-Vilom Pranayama cleanses all Nadis which makes the body lustrous and healthy. Diseases occurring due to the disturbances of Vata Dosha like Rheumatism, gout, disease pertaining to urinary and reproductive organs are cured.
- Disease like cold, cataract, sinus are cured.
- The three doshas assume proper proportion
- Blockages of the arteries are removed and blood circulation get improved. The practice of this Pranayama regularly for month together removes major blockages preventing the phenomenon of heart attack.
- Pathogenic cholesterol, triglycerides, H.D.L and L.D.L also get controlled making the arterial channels clean for effective and unimpeded flow of blood in the heart.
- Increases enthusiasm, fearlessness, thus improving positive approach to life.
- This Pranayama has the effect on cleansing the body and the mind and cures almost all the diseases.
- Infuses the body with oxygen
- Clears and releases toxins
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Calms and rejuvenates the nervous system
- Helps to balance hormones
- Supports clear and balanced respiratory channels
- Helps to alleviate respiratory allergies that cause hay fever, sneezing, or wheezing
- Balances solar and lunar, masculine and feminine energies
- Fosters mental clarity and an alert mind
- Enhances the ability to concentrate
- Brings balance to the left and right hemispheres of the brain
Effect
The blood receives a larger supply of oxygen in Nadi Sodhana than in normal breathing, so that one feels refreshed and the nerves are calmed and purified. The mind becomes still and lucid.
Sacred Vow :
The result of friction and churning of breath in ida and Pingla Nadis, there is awakening n Sushumna nadi. A divine light may rise upwards to the Sahasrara Chakra ; A feeling of divine light pervades the whole of the body. We feel that with the Mantra 'Om Brahma' the supreme power is filling us with divine energy. Anuloma-Vilom Pranayama done with this kind of divine feeling gives better results.
Caution
- Persons suffering from high blood pressure or heart trouble should never attempt to hold their breath (kumbhaka).They can practice Nadi Sodhana Pranayama without retention (kumbhaka) with beneficial effect.
- Person suffering from low blood pressure can do this pranayama with retention after inhalation (antara kumbhaka) only with beneficial effect.
Locks / Bandhas
(Purifying Practice, Internal energy locks, Kriya)
Bandas means locks. In Sanskrit it means to hold or lock or tighten the muscles. There is physical action involved in this act and affect is on the energy level. The Bandas aim to hold a Prana (vital energy ) in particular area, and redirect their flow into Sushumna Nadi for the purpose of spiritual awakening. Bandas are either practiced individually or incorporated with Mudras and Pranayama practices.
Jalandhara Bandha Uddiyana Bandha and Moola Bandha are situated respectively in the throat, abdomen and Perineum.
- Jalandhar Bandha
- Uddiyana Bandha and
- Mula Bandha.
- Mahabandha.
It is said that by the practice of these bandhas the sixteen roots (Adhara) are closed. Adhara ('dhr'- to support) means a support a vital part.. The sixteen vital parts are:
- Thumbs
- Ankles
- Knees
- Thighs
- Prepuce
- Organs of generation
- Navel
- Heart
- Neck
- Throat
- Palate
- Nose
- Middle of the eyebrows
- Forehead
- Head
- Brahmarandha (the aperture in the crown of the head through which the soul is said to escape on leaving the body)
- Jalandhar Bandha / Throat Lock.
Target : Throat Chakra Meditation.Sit in any comfortable meditative Asana Padmasana. Sukhasana or Vajrasana. The head is bend forward so that chin is pressing the neck. The awareness is concentrated in Vishudha Chakra. This is commonly used in Asanas.The first on which a yogi should master is Jalandhar bandha. Jala ( जाल) a net, a web, a lattice or a mesh. In Jalandhar the neck and the throat are contracted and the chin is made to rest on the chest in the notch between the collar bones and at the top of the breast bone.. It is mastered while doing Sarvangasana and its cycles, for here also the chin is pressed against the sternum.
The Jalandhar bandha regulates the flow of blood and Prana to the heart, glands in the neck and the head together with the brain. If Pranayama is performed without Jalandhar bandha pressure is immediately felt on the heart, behind the eyeballs and in the ear cavity and the head feels dizzy. Jalandhar bandha is essential in the three processes of pranayama, namely, Puraka (inhalation), Rechaka (exhalation) and Kumbhaka (retention)This is to be performed with external breath retention. It should be held as long as practitioner is able to retain the breath. This practice may be performed five times a day.
Benefits :Jalandhar banda compresses carotid sinuses which are located in carotid arteries, the main artery in the neck. These sinuses helps to regulate the circulator and respiratory system . Normally a decrease in oxygen and increase of carbon dioxide in the body leads to an increased in heart rate and heavier breathing.This artificially exerting pressure on these sinuses this tendency is prevented allowing for decrease in heart rate and increase breath retention relieving stress, anxiety and anger. This develops meditative introversion and one pointedness. The stimulus on the throat helps balance thyroid function. When relax the chin and head is upright start inhale and exhale.Uddiyana Bandha / Abdominal Lock /Concentration on Solar Plexes
Uddiyana Bandha : The exercise by which the Prana awakens and takes upward course to enter the Sushumna Nadi is called Uddiyana Bandha. Assume any meditative Asana, lift your chest a little upwards and push the stomach back so as to touch spine. Keep in this position as much as time you can. Repeat the banda three times. increase the number gradually.Uddiyana means flying up. Strictly speaking it is not an asana but a bandha, that is a restraint. As condensers, fuses and switches control the flow of electricity, so bandhas regulate the flow of prana (energy). In this Bandha the prana or energy is made to move from the lower abdomen towards the head.The process in Uddiyana bandha is to lift the diaphragm high up in the thorax and to pull in the abdominal organs against the back towards the spine. It is said that through Uddiyana bandha, the great bird Prana (vital energy) is forced to fly up through the Sushumna nadi, the main channel for the flow of nervous energy, which is situated inside the spinal cord (meru -danda). It is said that Uddiyana is the best of bandhas and he who constantly practices it as taught by his master becomes young again. It is said to be the lion that kills the elephant named Death. It should be performed only during bahya kumbhaka following Rechaka, that is , during the interval between complete exhalation and fresh inhalation when breathing is suspended. It exercises the diaphragm and abdominal organs. The cavity created by the lift of the diaphragm gives a gentle message to the muscles of the heart, thereby toning it. Uddiyana Bandha should never be attempted during antara kumbhaka, that is the interval between complete inhalation and the start of exhalation, when breath is retained, otherwise it will strain the heart and diaphragm and the eyes will puff out.Benefits :- This banda cures the diseases pertaining to stomach and organs of digestive system.
- It tones the abdominal organs, increases the gastric fire and eliminates toxins in the digestive track..
Contraindication :- High blood pressure
- Ulcers
- Hiatus hernia
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
Mula Bandha / Root Lock
Mula means root, source, origin or cause, basis or foundation. Mula Bandha is the region between the anus and the scrotum. By contraction this region., Apana Vayu (the Prana in the lower abdomen), whose course is downwards, is made to flow up to unite with the Prana Vayu, which has its seat in the region of the chest..Mula bandha should be attempted first in antara kumbhaka (retention after inhalation). The region of lower abdomen between the navel and the anus is contracted towards the spine and pulled up towards the diaphragm. In Uddiyana Bandha the entire region from the anus to the diaphragm up to the sternum is pulled back towards the spine and lifted up. But in Mula bandha the whole lower abdomen area between the anus and the naval is contracted, pulled back to the spine and lifted up towards the diaphragm.The practice of contracting anal sphincter muscles (the ashwini mudra) helps one to master Mula Bandha. Ashva ( अश्व ) means a horse. This mudra (a sealing posture) is so called because it suggest the staling of a horse. It should be learnt while doing Tadasana, Sirsasana, Sarvangasana,Ustrasana, and Paschimotanasana.While practicing Mula Bandha the Yogi attempts to reach the true source or Mula of all creation. His goal is the complete restraint or bandha of the chitta which includes the mind (manas), the intellect (buddhi) and the ego (ahamkar)Benefit- Mula Bandha increases sexual retentive power.
- Apana Vayu takes upwards course and helps Kundalini power to awaken.
- Cures constipation, improves digestion.
- Helps in observation of celibacy
Mahāmudrā literally means maha - great or noble and mudra - means shutting, closing or sealing. In this sitting posture the aperture at the top and the bottom of the trunk are held fast and sealed.Technique :- Sit on the floor with the legs stretched straight in the front
- Bend the left knee and move it to the left, keeping the outer side of the left thigh and the left calf on the floor.
- Place the left heel against the inner side of the left thigh near the perineum. The big toe of the left foot should touch the inner side of right thigh. The angle between the extended right leg and the bent left leg should be a right angle of 90 degrees.
- Stretch the arm forward towards the right foot and hook the big toe with the thumbs and forefingers.
- Lower the head to the trunk until the chin rest in a hollow between the collar bones just above the breast bone.
- Keep the spine fully stretched and do not allow the right leg to tilt to the right.
- Inhale completely. Tighten the entire abdomen from the anus to the diaphragm. Pull the abdomen back towards the spine and also up towards the diaphragm.
- Relax the abdominal tension, then exhale,, again inhale and hold the breath, maintaining the abdominal grip. 1-3 minutes
- Relax the abdominal tension, exhale, raise the head, release the hands and straighten the bent leg.
- Repeat on the other side, keeping the left leg straight and the right one bent for an equal length of time.
Benefits :- Prana takes upwards course, Body gets strong
- The Bandha helps in confluence of all the three nadis namely Ida, Pingla and Sushumna. All branches help rejuvenate the body
- This asana tones the abdominal organs, the kidneys and adrenal glands
- Women suffering from prolapse womb find relief as it pulls the womb up to its original position.
- Person suffering from spleens ailments and from enlargement of prostrate gland will benefit by staying in this pose.
- Maha mudra destroys pains. makes the digestive system strong.
- It is also good for piles.
- Enlargement of spleen.
- Indigestion
CHAKRA FOUR EXERCISES
Chest Opener
Put your arms behind your back, clasp your hands together and rotate your arms so that your elbows lock. This should press your shoulders back and your chest out. Take a deep breath. Throw your head back and use your arms as momentum to rotate your torso, loosening the tight muscles as you have their. Continue your deep breathing.
For added stretching and opening of the pectoral muscles around the chest grab a belt towel or tie and hold it over head with your arms forming a triangle. Keeping your elbows straight, stretch your arms back behind you, still holding your belt to provide a good stretch. If you cannot keep your elbows straight, move the hands further apart on the belt. If you cannot feel a good stretch, move the hands close together.
Bhujanga asana / The Cobra
● Cobra pose Bhujangasana (भुजंगासना )
Technique : Lie down on your abdomen by taking legs apart. Keep the palm beside the chest. Breathing in, lift the upper part of your body, up to naval region. Hold it for 10 seconds by feeling the stretch on your abdomen. Repeat this for 3-4 times.
Benefit :
Caution: Pregnant women and people with slip disc should avoid this asana.
- The posture is a panacea for an injured spine and in cases if slight displacement of spinal discs.
- The practice of this pose replace the discs in their original position
- The spinal region is fully toned and the chest fully expanded.
- This asana is beneficial in diabetes, bronchitis, asthma and spondylitis.
- This asana is very useful in relieving stiffness in upper back and also boost flexibility in lower back while strengthening our core muscles
- Opens up the shoulders and neck.
- Tones the abdomen.
- Strengthens the entire back and shoulders.
- Improves flexibility of the upper and middle back.
- Expands the chest.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Reduces fatigue and stress.
- Useful for people with respiratory disorders such as asthma. (Do not practice this yoga pose during the attack though).
- Flexibility of the dorsal spine, strengthens the spinal muscles. Prevent back pain. Reduces abdominal fat.
ual
The Fish
● Fish Pose Matsyasana (मत्स्यासन )
The posture is dedicated to Matsya the fish. Incarnation of Vishnu, the source and maintainer of the universe and all things.
Technique :- Sit in a Padmasana
- Lie flat on the back with the legs on the floor.
- Exhale, arch the back by lifting the neck and the chest, take the head back and rest the crown on the floor. Drag the head further back by holding the crossed legs with hands and increase the back arch
- Now take the hands from the legs, bend the arms, hold the elbows, with the hands and rest the fore arm on the floor behind the head.
- Stay in this position for 30 seconds while breathing deeply.
- Rest the back of the head on the floor, lie flat on the back, inhale then come up to Padmasana, release the legs and relax.
- Recross the legs the other way and repeat the pose for the same way. length of time.
Benefit :
- The stretched upper body allows unrestricted airflow, thus providing extra oxygen into the lungs.
- It expands the bronchial tubes to permit easier breathing. This is especially useful for asthma patients.
- Stretching of the neck and spine stabilizes the functions of the parathyroid, Pineal, pituitary, and adrenal glands, thus regulating the hormonal functions within your body. This means increased improvement in skin conditions, and your facial and throat muscles.
- It improves metabolism, which makes it a great pose for those who wish to shed weight,
- It removes soreness of the muscles and bones in your spine and neck.
- It greatly improves posture, flexibility, digestion, thus reducing constipation.
- Practicing certain advanced variations of this pose will help you acquire perfectly toned glutes.
- This pose also allows you to de-stress and detoxify with ease, therefore improving your overall health and happiness.
- This is the best exercise for stomach. It activates the intestine and cures constipation.
- The dorsal region is fully extended in this pose and the chest is well expanded. Breathing becomes fuller
- Th thyroid benefits from the exercise due to the stretching of neck
- The pelvis joints become elastic.The asana relieves inflamed and bleeding piles.
The Wind Mill
We have all done these exercise as little children. Stand with the arms stretched outwards to each side and twist the torso back and forth. This sends energy from the body down into the arms and hands. and loosens the tight muscles of the chest and abdomen.
Arm Circles
This stimulates the muscles of upper arm and upper back(the wings)Stretch the arms straight to each side and rotate in small circles in one direction, gradually moving to larger and larger circles.. Then switch directions and repeat.. You can also ( in keeping with the element of air )prevent your flapping your arms like wings and flying, taking deep, deep breaths as you do.
MEDITATIONS
Kalpataru - The Wishing Tree
Just below the heart chakra is a tiny lotus of eight petals the AMANDA KANDA LOTUS within which is a "Celestial wishing tree" from the heaven of Indra, the Kalpataru. This magic tree in front of which is a jeweled altar, is said to hold the deepest wishes of the heart. not what we think what we want, but the deepest longing for the soul. within. it is believed that when we truly wish upon this tree and release those wishes, the Kalptaru bestows even more than is desires leading to freedom (moksha)
Lie down comfortably take a few moments to ground yourself, get centered. Relax your muscles. Make sure you are in an environment the feels safe and comfortable.
Breath deeply in ,,,and out. Become aware of your heartbeat. Listen to its rhythm. imagine each pulsation of your heart pumping blood all through your body through the intricate network of arteries and veins. Imagine each of these pathways above your heart as branches of trees, below your heart as root of the tree, teeming with life. Follow the path of oxygen as it is pumped out through the heart, out through the chest, your shoulders, down your arms into your hands and back again.Follow it again down your belly, your legs knees and feet and back up again through your body and home to the core. Every drop of blood that passes through the heart returns to the refreshed again with breath, air and life.
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| Heart as sacred tree |
Your heart as sacred tree. Its branches are threads of a web of life extending all through your body and then out into the world.. The trunk of the tree is you- your core, your being, your central self. From this core digs root, the foundation of tree. Their pathway finds food and water that supports and gives us substance. From this core springs branches, their leaves but wishes of the heart They collect the sun and wind that makes you grow They flower and fruit and fall upon the ground to grow again. All that is expressed eventually returns.
In front of this tree, lies a jeweled alter, make an offering to this alter, either something you are to give up, like a bad habit or something you are willing to give of your self like creativity, loyalty or healing. Make this offering as a symbol of exchange for granting your wish.
Next breath into your heart and fell its pain and joy. Feel the deep longings of the soul within,. Do you define this longing specifically, but feel its essence. Let the feelings increase, breathing into them Feel them through your whole body pulsing outward again. Allow this longing to fill the branches of the tree.
When the tree is saturated with deepest wishes of your heart, imagine that a single bird comes into the tree. The bird flies to the center of the tree, cocks its head to one side, cocks its head to other, and listens deeply to the longing and wishes that have been expressed. Have a moment of communion with this bird that lives inside your heart. As you do, hold the bird close to your heart and let your heart (not your mind) speak its wishes to the bird. Let it come from the yearning, if specific images come to the mind, fine, but don't stretch for them.When you feel complete, kiss the bird good bye and gently release it to fly back.. Set it free to do your work. Let it go and forget about it. The bird will carry your wishes to the power that be, so that they may be fulfilled in a best way possible for all concern.
Appreciation Ritual
Make a circle with group of friends you feel close to, who are all close to each other, or sit opposite a lover or friend with whom you have a deep connection.
Cast a circle if you are magically oriented or take some time to ensure that your time and space will be protected from distraction. Take time to ground and center, breath deeply and relax.
Look around the circle, look into the eyes of each one there, one at a time.Think about that person's value in your life.- the experience you have had together, the trials and joys.Think about those experiences from their point of view, what their struggle were their fears and joys.Take as much time as is neccessary and then close your eyes and go inside.
Beginning in the east of the circle take a person sitting there and put them in middle. Let every one in a circle chant their name three to four times, softly. After the chanting beginning with person to the left of where the subject was standing, go around clockwise and let each person take a moments to tell the one in the middle what they appreciate about them. "I really like the time you helped me get my car started". "I appreciated the way you always listen". "I like the way you make me laugh". Do not allow any comments, criticism or suggestions. Do allow hugs and gifts if feel appropriate.
When you have been all the way around the circle with appreciation. The person in the middle call the name of the next person and return to the circle as the group chants that name. and the whole process is repeated until each member of the group had had a turn in the middle.. Ground and close the circle with a chant. A sharing of food and drink, music, if possible and off course, a group hug.
Empathy Exercise
The exercise is often a good one for couples who are having problems with each over a special issue. To do this , imagine you are the person who are having trouble with . Tell the story from his her point of view, beginning, middle and the end. Put your self in other person's place as you do. Ask if you got it right or if you left out anything important. Then switch roles and have the other persons tell you story from your point of view..
Compassion Exercise
This meditation can be done alone (with imagination). with a a group or best of all in a crowded place like a bus station , restaurant or a park bench.
Pck a spot to sit comfortably and relax.. Close your eyes and center youself, and begin breathing deeply., down into your belly., down into your feet, down into the earth.
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CHAKRA FOUR
SYMBOLS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Sanskrit Name : Anahata
Meaning :Un-struck
Location : Heart
Element : Air
Other State :Gaseous
Functions : Love
Inner State : Compassion, love
Glands : Thymus
Other Body Parts :Heart, lungs, pericardium, arms, hands
Malfunctions : Asthma, high blood pressure,heart disease, lung disease.
Color : GREEN
Seed Sound : YAM( मुलायम)
Vowel Sound : Ay as in play
Petals : Twelve (like watch)
Taro Suit :Swords
Sephira :Tiphareth
Celestial Body : Venus
Metal : Copper
Corresponding Verb : I Love
Sense Touch :
Yoga Path :Bhakti Yoga
Herbs For Incense : Lavender,Jasmine, Orris,root, yarrow,marjoram,meadowsweet.
Mineral : Emerald, Tourmaline,jade, rose, Quartz.
Guna : Rajas
Animals :Antelope, Bird,Dove
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| Antelope (symbol of freedom.) |
Lotus Symbols : Twelve Petals, within which is a six pointed star. In the center is Shiva lingam. within a downward triangle (trikuna ) within a seed symbol Yam. Depicted are Ishwar, god of unity and shakti, Kakini. At the base of an star runs an antelope,symbol of freedom.
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| Kakini |
Hindu Deities : Vishnu, Laxmi,(As preserver, Krishna, Ishwar, Kama, Vayu, Adity, Urvashi.
Other Pantheon : Aphrodite,Freyja,Pan, Eros, Dian,Cecht, Maat, Asclepius, Isis, Aeolus, Isis, Aeolus, Shu (AlsoChrist, though not technically a deity) would be the energy of heart chakra)
Archangel :Raphael
Chief Operating quality : Equilibrium
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