"Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots." – Rumi
Location: Base of The Spine, Pelvic Floor & The First 3 Vertebrate
Description: The root energy centre is situated at the base of the spine, inside the coccyx. The subtle energy channels that carry life-force throughout the body rise from this location. It governs the coccygeal nerve plexus, while it provides a physical and psychological foundation for our existence. This energy centre concerns itself with our personal safety as well as our survival. An overly active root chakra is characterised by a preoccupation with the material and objects therein. Such preoccupations may distort ideological systems. For example, obsessive, delusional and/or paranoid tendencies (even if apparently justified) are a common indicators of an underlying imbalance. To reduce the risk of drifting from one extreme to the other, find balance through moderation. Typically, balance can only be achieved, when we understand that order requires chaos to exist in a dualistic universe, and vice versa. From a neutral standpoint, order and chaos are interdependent constructs by nature. Both represent fundamentally interchangeable ways of perceiving and operating in the external world. Ideally, when we achieve balanced, we embrace order and chaos for the sense of security and continued development without attachment to or negative effects from either.
In this centre, our preoccupation with personal safety and survival takes hold. It governs essential needs, such as water, food, shelter etc. This is the energy centre where it is us against the world...where we view ourselves as separate from the world. It is predominantly non-sentient in nature. It propels actions, which tend to be adharmic or disharmonious. In this centre, human and consciousness evolution takes place. It represents the beginning of sentience.
Primary Goal: Peace – The root energy centre shapes perception. It is activated through deep reflection, followed by expanding our consciousness on the grounds of forthcoming realisations. The centre is fully open, when the mind is still and inner bliss gives way to peace. In truth, peace knows no fury, fear or desire, only boundless love and compassion. To be truly at peace is to be secure within yourself, regardless of the circumstance. The ground could shatter underneath your feet, while you remain largely undisturbed by the event.
Only once the true meaning of inner peace is revealed, will we be ready to still the mind completely and attain the fourth state of consciousness. This often entails a transpersonal experience, in which we are overcome by a sense of bliss or peace that was never known before.
Word of Caution: The truth is in the habit of revealing itself. Hence, it is important to go with in the flow of experience until its lateral end. Especially, when the Kundalini has been aroused, as there is no way of reversing the process after its completion.
Associated Psychological Barrier: (also known as the Perineal Knot or as the Brahma Granthi) The body consists of two subtle energy currents. One flows upward from the diaphragm to the neck, whereas the other flows from the navel downwards. To penetrate the energy barrier of the root chakra for cosmic energy to flow into the second energy centre, we have to practice breath awareness, advanced breath-work and perform energy locks. According to Vedic literature, piercing this psychological barrier entails transcending our darker qualities and emotions. We must embrace the unknown with an open-minded attitude. In general, the more adharmic our thoughts and actions are, the more genuinely committed we have to become in order to enable the process. The three subtle energy barriers restrict our experiences to instinctual, emotional and intellectual levels. The flow of energy is circumvented down to this region, when financial security, power, hunger and other instinctual drives predominate the mind.
Techniques: Breath Awareness, Yoga Postures, Ethical Conduct, Gross and Subtle Channel Purification, Root Lock, Mantra Recitation
Colour: Red (620-750nm/461.22THz/1.91-2.00eV)
Sense Organ: Nose (Smell)
Associated Organs: Adrenal Glands, Bones, Skeletal Structure, Coccygeal Nerve Plexus
Corresponds To: Safety, Survival, Food, Reproduction, Shelter, Resources Key Requirements: Patience, Stillness, Grounding, Discipline, Meditative Concentration, Tip of the Nose
Subtle Level: Physical Plane
Positive Expression: Abundance, Kundalini Arousal, Trust, Mental Stability
Negative Expression: Fatigue, Hoarding, Abandonment Issues, Predatory Behaviour
Space-Time Domain: Lower Worlds/Hell Realms (Anger, Hatred & Violence)
Transmigration Point: Soles of the Feet
Location: Behind The Navel On The Inner Wall Of The Spinal Column
Description: The sacral energy centre governs the psyche. It is associated with personality development. The manner, in which we express and conduct ourselves, according to the physical and subtle reality we perceive in the first energy centre. Moreover, the sacral energy centre balances the transformative or degenerative forces that dwell within the body. It also presides over social interaction, including the desire, need or fear to form interpersonal connections. However, this energy centre is also associated with pleasure-seeking, sexuality, and reproduction in the social spectrum. It relates directly to the unconscious minds motivation to gratify itself through the sense organs (in the form of nourishment, intercourse, child rearing mind-altering substances etc.) In contrast to the root chakra, which represents sensation-seeking to fulfil our basic needs to survive, the sacral chakra seeks pleasure for the sake of emotional fulfilment. (Blockages in the energy flow are often present when we experience sexual trauma, repressed emotion, amenorrhea, infertility, premature ejaculation etc.)
On this level, some seek immediate gratification through minimalistic effort. For instance, deep-rooted imbalances manifest in those, who arrange their life to heighten their personal comfort in manners that suit them alone, attributing value to 'people' or objects in accordance with the degree of pleasure, they provide. As you've probably guess, this is the level Sigmund Freud was mainly concerned with. Unconscious desire exert power over the mind-body complex, therefore emotional freedom and surrender is a key requirement to establish balance. We have to make the first steps towards ego transcendence. During the course of consciousness development, cosmic energy rises up to the sacral energy centre. However, when it stagnates at this level, it can be prevented from rising higher as result of a barrier created by impressions left on the consciousness or insufficient chakra development. Certain emotions (i.e. envy, jealousy, selfish impulses, anger, greed) block the energy flow, which bounces prana/cosmic energy back and forth between the 1st-2nd chakras. The vibrational frequency would 'oscillate' between the two lowest energy centres without being able to rise.
Root Goal: Emotional Freedom, Cultivating Moral Principles – In German, the word for passion is "Leidenschaft", which roughly translates as “suffering created”. The term implies we create that which we suffer from. This is greatly demonstrated by the fact that "the causes of suffering are material and physical desires" (Bhoga Vāsanā). It is the kind of widespread passion within modern society, masquerading as fanaticism, obsession and addictive behaviour. Addiction in any shape can be dangerous, as it leads to imbalance in the mind- body complex. The most common are excessive eating, drinking, sexual activity or a dependency on toxic substances. Conversely, it can sometimes be expressed as codependency, an unhealthy emotional attachment to objects/people or aversions toward intimacy. On a related note, radical tendencies are often rooted in extreme emotion, therefore they also correspond to this level of awareness. To establish control over such self-destructive tendencies and powerful emotions may require lifelong vigilance. Meditation, self-control and higher learning are necessary assets in order to sufficiently move on this level. It seems the transition between the second and third energy centre is entirely dependent on the release of residual emotional energy. In cases, in which the Kundalini has been aroused (spontaneously or intentionally) and risen to this level, only to be blocked by the energy barrier can result in detrimental health conditions, according to Deepak Chopra. In my experience, very few emergency medical procedures are available in the West. It is of great significance to either undergo rapid transformation (without possible reversal) or gradually work through the unconscious layers of awareness. Nonetheless, both forms of transformation harness the unconscious potential of the mind through a series of exercises detailed in this series. Overall, the transition can only be completed by reversing the energy flow, when we direct the downward-flowing energy current upward, which in turn ruptures the energy barrier between the second and third chakra. However, this must be practiced in combination with breath-work. Deepak Chopra recommends this, if the Kundalini has been awakened and has become aware of itself. In any case, the beginning of this transformation resembles the awakening of a higher form of awareness, unhindered by the ego.
Colour: Orange (590nm/508.12THz/2.10eV)
Sense Organ: Taste (Tongue)
Associated Organs: Ovaries, Testicles, Endometrium, Prostate, Kidneys, Sacral Nerve Plexus
Correspondence: Sexuality, Fertility, Unresolved Emotion, Preferences, Intimacy, Identity, Power, Control, Passion, Self-Esteem
Key Requirements: Detox, Emotional Freedom, Abstinence, Tantric Healing
Subtle Level: Astral
Positive Expression: Compassion, Creativity, Self-Belief, Self-Confidence, Extrasensory Awareness of Non-corporeal Entities
Negative Expression: Fear, Violence, Anger, Loss of Appetite, Indulgence
Space-Time Domain: Lower Worlds/Ghost Realms – (Greed)
Transmigration Point: Reproductive Organs
Location: Solar Plexus
Description: This chakra governs digestion on multiple levels. Our digestion is a reflection of our ability to assimilate any content, incl. thoughts." (Motoyama) We organise our minds in accordance with this chakra. Particularly, the manner in which experiences are processed and catalogued to create balance. In homeostasis, it allows for clear, realistic goals to be outlined, and then gradually achieved by applying the maximum amount of will/concentration available.
On numerous occasion throughout history, it has been theorised that the solar plexus chakra determines the health of the mind-body complex. Imbalances in this energy centres can result in a all-consuming need that varies per 'individual'. For example, whereas some strive to accumulate as much wealth as possible, others are consumed by a hunger for power.
This energy centre is associated with our level of consciousness on the causal plane (cause & effect) in accordance with their dharma (life-purpose). Its emphasis is to seek penance for past errors in order to let them go. At this level, we can be prone to strong or temperamental emotions. We can be driven by a distinct need for recognition and/or power, which are resolved by confronting issues that relate to the ego, its control over emotions, routines and all other related aspects of life.
Psychologically speaking, the solar plexus centre symbolises the importance of balance through moderation. At this stage, it is imperative that we make a committed decision in regards to how they will achieve our life-purpose, instead of living on previously sowed seeds. Whether energy is invested to avoid the past or to create a positive future determines our course of action and direction in life. For that, we must transform negative thoughts, words and actions. It is essential to gradually increase our self-awareness before proceeding to the heart chakra.
Symbolically, the gut stands for courage. It represents whether we have the confidence to take a firm stance in the world in order to maintain the necessary boundaries. According to the subtle anatomy infrastructure researched by Hiroshi Motoyama, the vibrational frequency of this energy centre is said to be determined by internalised beliefs, regarding our place in the world. It also reflects our ability to succeed in the material world, which directly corresponds with how active/balanced this chakra is.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali indicate that once our life-purpose has been adhered to (i.e when we have sought for, discovered and pursued it, in accordance with higher ethical principles) It is the beginning of our journey to self-actualisation. Through the use of our natural, unique talents. Every life-form has their rightful place in the multiverse. Every being can contribute in some form to warrant their existence to themselves...to bestow their lives with the meaning that it deserves for the purpose of liberation. Therefore, every unit of consciousness has the capacity to maximise their potential to seemingly incomprehensible heights...
Crazy Fact: Intensive care research studies indicate loving-kindness meditation, practicing forgiveness and even prayer shortens the recovery timespan by accelerating the healing process. Beware, when subtle energies are transferred from one to the other, they are as powerful as we are.
The solar plexus energy centre leads up to the second psychological barrier. It is here, where we actively begin to relinquish control over the false self and the desire to retain control over others by transforming negative emotions. Apathy becomes compassion. Suspicion unveils itself as fear in the face of our deep, natural interconnectedness. We awaken to patience without ulterior motive or desire for personal gain. Eventually, we even begin to feel everything as more than we imagined, as this chakra gives way to the heart.
Warning: At this developmental stage, it is beneficial to abstain from (hidden) sources of animal fats and/or proteins, unless medically exempt.
Symbolically, the second barrier was depict as the fiery gate in front of which we surrenders ourselves to infinity. Ironically, Motoyamas research showed the cardiac energy field is strengthened by becoming 'pure of heart', as it may. Our hearts are only are strong as our capacity to love and be loved in return. So, the way to the heart cannot be paved by ego-centred intentions. Moreover, loving- kindness meditation is essential to move from the third to the fourth chakra. Although this form of meditation has been practiced by Tibetan Monks for thousands of years, it has only recently been recognised for its medicinal benefits. It simply shows the transformative, purifying potential our emotions possess. We cannot open the solar plexus fully without opening ourselves. However, we must gather courage before we can open our hearts to the subtle emotions present in reality, as to not be corrupted by them. What we assimilate through the mind and the heart affects the stomach. Yet, in the end, each chakra leads back to the heart of hearts...
From the lower two states of consciousness,
The higher planes cannot be seen.
Due to misperceptions at the lower levels, we may misuse our personal abilities, which begin to manifest in the solar plexus chakra upon the awakening of cosmic consciousness. Only when the energy arrives in the solar plexus chakra are we able to envision or attain a state of infinite consciousness.
"It stretches before him endlessly, full of beauty, truth and auspiciousness. In the face of this vision, all his views are completely changed. The personal prejudices, complexes and biases drop away as the endless beauty and perfection of the higher worlds dawn within the consciousness." (Saraswati, 1966)
Root Goal: Non-Attachment, Ego-Transcendence, Surrender Power and Control
To direct the subtle energy flow upwards, the transitions of consciousness from a lower to a higher state of awareness is necessary. Bear in mind, unsavoury mental content can disturb, stagnate or even prevent Kundalini rising above this level.
The techniques detailed in the following chapters are designed to reverse the direction of the current and aim it upwards to reach the level of the solar plexus, while energy is brought down from the upper current. This creates a mixed flow of energy streams in the region of the abdomen. In practice, this mixture has shown to activate dormant energies in the base of the spine and assist in moving them upward without harmful side-effects
"The apana moves upwards and when it reaches the circle of fire (manipura chakra) the flame lengthens and reaches the anahata chakra. When the apana and the fire meet (at manipura) the prana is heated. This increases the digestive fire. Due to this kindling of the fire, apana and prana, the sleeping kundalini is awakened." (Hatha Yoga Pradpika, p.68)
Colour: Yellow (570-580nm/516.88-525.95THz/2.14-2.18eV)
Sense Organ: Sight – Eyes (Knowledge), Feet (Action) {This implies vision and wilful action are interdependent processes)
Associated Organs: Small/Large Intestine, Celiac Plexus, Pancreas, Appendix Spleen, Liver
Correspondence: Courage, Energy Distribution, Memory, Personal Power
Key Requirements: Caloric Restriction, Delayed Gratification
Subtle Level: Causal/Celestial Plane
Positive Expression: Longevity, Self-Sufficiency, Autonomy
Negative Expression: Shame, Sorrow, Pride, Ego, Fatigue, Victim Mentality
Space-Time Domain: Middle Worlds/Animal Reincarnation – (Ignorance)
Exit Location: Navel
Location: Directly behind the centre of the chest (Thymus Gland)
Description: The enlightened can hear the sound of the multiverse resonating from within the heart. As stated before, it is not sound as we know it per say...It is better described 12-dimensional sound and beyond.
The cardiac energy centre represents a union between the masculine and the feminine energies in the physical body. It is theorised in the Vedanta that we begin transcend space-time in this chakra centre, which can unfold in the following two ways: (1) Subtle emotional energies can accumulate in this centre, as a result of grief and loss, when we are unable to let go of any attachment.
(2) The ability to practice compassion, gratitude and forgiveness physiologically strengthens the heart. Charitable, selfless service to society, and those less fortunate, assists in balancing this energy centre, since it expresses genuine love.
Beware: During this transitional state, the hearing of subtle sound and vibrations is not uncommon, especially in deep meditation. These subtle sounds are lower than silence, it is described as an inner decibel that is experienced as unrealised sound- potential or potential sound waves, which possess practically no vibration with an infinite wave-length.
In religious terms, when we reflect upon the heart, we realise our soul. In more scientific terms, the heart chakra is widely regarded as the centre of consciousness. It is the ultimate focal point in meditation, not merely for numerous religions and spiritual practices. It is that which is not hidden within that which is...It is the 'Existence' we are all inevitably absorbed or dissolved by...
In this context, certain ancient techniques were designed to create a singular (or series of) mental images in the ethereal space of the heart centre. Some envision themselves as a ball of clear light in nothingness, whereas other project the images such as the Gautma Buddha, Christ, Krishna or their God-Realised Self.
As the seat of emotions, the heart transforms negative emotions into positive emotions through understanding. It shares a deep connection with mind, since it contains its source. It moulds our thinking by allowing us to experience cosmic oneness. When we open our hearts, there are no limits. There is nothing compassion, love and commitment cannot achieve.
Warning: Opening the heart chakra may generate intense feelings of devotion, good-will, inner happiness and laughter for no reason other than just because you feel truly that joyful!
Meanwhile, as the heart chakra opens completely, the mind becomes single- minded through which we transcend our 'being'. At this level, we begins to accept, understand and love everyone and everything unconditionally for their true nature. That which they truly are: Unrealised potential with infinite capacity that will ultimately be realised.
Swadharma: The word "dharma" stems from the root "Dhri". Dharma is "that which upholds". It refers to the cosmic energy, which secures the preservation of its being on a universal/multiversal scale. "Swadharma" refers to our personal duty in accordance with the social classes, the natural order, but more importantly pure consciousness. Our duties founded in qualities produces by our 'lifestyle-choices' as a species. Everything and everyone adopts specific roles, in accordance with their inherent qualities. In essence, this implies the human condition affects the behaviour of consciousness and thereby its expression. For example, although certain insects mainly react to external stimuli without visible changes towards higher emotions or cognition, they still possess consciousness. It may seem insentient in their current state, yet its potential to 'become' sentient is ever-present. Underneath the least sentient lifeform lingers the wisest of the wise, if given half a chance to evolve. More importantly, our duties are not given to us by birth, we are chosen by them through greater forces that obey higher moral principle than our own. Conversely, as much as they choose us, we choose them with every thought, word and deed...
In the heart centre, our attributes are equivalent to our level of understanding. Above this level of consciousness, we identify progressively less with names, forms or relative existence. Once the process of self-realisation begins, our identity expands. For this reason, the Vedic scriptures infer that not only our individual consciousness resides in the cardiac energy field, but also 'That'.
Secondary Heart Centre: Just below the heart centre, there is a minor centre called the ananda kanda, the root of bliss. As stated previously, it is here that many people create an image of their personalised deity. Visualisation techniques as a part of worship state it to mentally imprints the symbol, image or engram. It is a centre, in which devotional practice and faith is intensified. According to Vedic literature, it is the beginning of the celestial plane, encoded with a celestial tree. Although it symbolises infinitely more, it is viewed as a subtle energy centre related ancestral and/or karmic knowledge. "However, the law of existence makes it generally impossible for people with negative attitudes to ascend to this level. There has to be a degree of self-purification before we may rise to the level of the heart chakra, otherwise negative thoughts and ambitions could easily destroy and cause great harm." (Swami Satyananda Saraswati) In Hinduism, it is generally accepted that at this level of awareness have a more profound effect on the subtle reality. Thoughts and intentions manifest, as the 'things' they are.
Theoretically, it is close to a divine state, in which whatever we wish or will can be achieved. Therefore, purification of the mind is particularly important to truly open our heart to the true potential within us.
Root Goal: Unconditional Love, Compassion and Forgiveness – To transcend suffering into a sense of deep-seated tranquillity and bliss that stems from an overpowering, unconditional love. Meditation on this energy centre has resulted in countless transpersonal experiences. We may feel inner warmth in the coldest winter. We may feel serenity without description. Yet, the main objective here is simply rejoice, be humble and express gratitude for the little things. In time, you will enter a state of genuine acceptance and compassion towards all... Be warned, a pure wish, prayer or thought from the heart has the profound power to give life, yet also to take it away. As any form of intent to heal or cause harm can. Intent is the first step toward action.
On a scientific level, the heart emanates thousands of times more electro-magntic energy in comparison to the brain. It can be even inferred, cardiac energy may be a thousand times greater in strength and thereby information. Once we progress from the third energy centre, we master life to a degree. We are still bound by the prarabdha karma (the causal events that resulted in the present incarnation). The ego is transcended entirely in this centre and no longer impedes the natural flow of contentment in the body-mind complex. However, the ego cannot be removed with intellectual persuasion or moral reasoning. It can only be transformed by the highest form of love. One that knows no bounds. We cannot love unconditionally while we express judgement toward the inherent nature of another living being. Divine compassion transcends societal perception, since it does not perceive itself as more or less advanced. It recognises the potential of pure consciousness in all things. It values the infinitely diverse paths toward self-realisation.
Psychological Barrier: The heart holds the second of the granthis or subtle energy barriers. In sum, empirical perception is transcended as the psychological barrier is untangled. According to Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the expression of consciousness is accelerated along with the speed of free will in order to journey beyond the gravitational pull of latent samskaras. At this level, the individual realises their potential, which can generate an unswerving belief in their willpower. They are unflinching, no matter the circumstances, as they have transcended fear (pain, death etc.) This single-mindedness is developed gradually and will shatter the psychological barrier at its peak.
Meaning of Cosmic Consciousness: Ishvara (derived from Sanskrit) denotes a non-ordinary state of consciousness, in which we have been released from the 'desire'. In other words, advanced control over the senses has given rise to inner freedom, after a complete surrender has taken place. This may only happen when we've experienced what we're actually surrendering to. Due to the lack of direct experience, God has been personified.