Wheels; We are going to learn how to balance the seven healing chakras. These seven energy areas are receivers and transmitters for vital energies on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. The word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel.”
Speed; Each chakra vibrates or rotates at a different speed. The first chakra, the Root, rotates at the slowest speed. The crown chakra, the seventh and highest, rotates at the highest speed. The Crown chakra vibrates and rotates at highest speed. Its amazing dynamism is set off by the power of thought.
Chakra Colors; Chakras can be stimulated both by sound and by a complimentary color. There are 7 major chakras in our subtle system which are responsible for our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. According to Sat-Chakra-Nirupana, the ancient document of Tantra, there are seven major Chakras, namely,
1. Mooladhara chakra (Root chakra)
2. Swadisthan chakra
3. Nabhi chakra
4. Anahat chakra (Heart chakra)
5. Vishuddhi chakra
6. Agnya chakra
7. Sahasrara chakra (Crown chakra)
When the Kundalini is awakened, she starts cleansing and enlightening these chakras. Thus, the qualities of these chakras begin manifesting in our daily lives, making us more balanced and integrated.
This awareness of the energy centers provides us with a tremendously objective view of ourselves. We don’t “think” that we have this or that problem, but we can actually feel the source of our problems on our fingertips. We have a great capacity to rationalize our experiences, to justify our actions through the power of our mind. Amazingly, every problem that we have, whether it is physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, can be related to disturbances, also known as “catches”, on these energy centers.
According to Akhand Sutra, Ida-Nadi and Pingala-Nadi, the subtle channels, meet to form Muladhara Chakra, the Root/Basic Chakra in the pelvis. These Nadis are associated with the sympathetic nervous system and are responsible for the dynamic aspects and functions of the mind and consciousness.
A few fibers of these Nadis terminate in the left and right nostrils respectively. As a result, we can control and regulate the body and mind with Pranayama (Breathing). These Nadis are connected with some of the important nuclei of the Brainstem (Reptilian Brain), which control and regulate the unconscious and subconscious centers of survival.
Most fibers of these subtle channels terminate in the Hypothalamus, the head ganglia of the autonomic nervous system and the head endocrine glands, which automatically control and regulate the involuntary systems of the body for constant maintenance of the external and internal environment of the body, homeostasis, and integrated health.
The prime function of the nervous system is “Master Control” of the hundred trillion cells of the human body. The networking system of the human nervous system is beyond criticism. Any person, who can integrate every part of the human body, can be in tune with the Universal Consciousness (God-Nature). But they are actually triangles. Because of the three dimensions of energy of Pingala, Ida and Sushumna, there are seven sets, each with three chakras functioning as one. The detailed knowledge of Ida-Nadi, Pingala-Nadi, and Sushumna-Nadi is absolutely essential for perfect integrated health and Self Realization.
The seven chakras are partial externalizations or expressions of the seven rays as they condition human beings on all levels physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The rays are cosmic with microcosmic correspondences. Part of that microcosm is the human energy system. The seven rays are corespondent with the chakas with many complex blends.
The local physical and ethereal energy system of the human being is synchronous with seven rays. But energy-wise, you will be a cripple. These chakras have a manifestation in the body. And they also have a subtler manifestation. These manifestations are called kshetras / Kosha, means a place where someone resides. There are kshetras that are external ones, called bahya kshetras, and there are internal ones called antar kshetras.
In Hindu philosophy, the koshas are considered the energetic layers of your body that surround your soul. Sometimes, they’re referred to as “sheaths / kshetras /casings.” The five koshas exist together and are encased, or nested, within each other. Your physical body composes the outermost layer, while the innermost layer contains your bliss body, or soul. Some believe the koshas are key to enhancing awareness of your inner world and developing a connection among your mind, body, and spirit.
Attention to your koshas may awaken deeper states of awareness on your path to self-realization. Working with the koshas may allow you to go deeply into the center of your self or soul. This can help you take your spiritual practice to the next level and make positive changes in your self, your life, and the world around you. An awareness of the physical and mental koshas is the starting point for you to become aware of the deeper layers within.
The annamaya kosha is the physical sheath that composes the outer layer. It’s sometimes referred to as the food sheath. Your body weight or size can reflect your physical sheath, as well as any physical ailments or concerns you have. You can also pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of food.
The pranamaya kosha is the vital energy, breath, or life force sheath. In Sanskrit, the word “prana” refers to life force and is the word for breath. Awareness of this kosha allows you to move stagnant energy, so you can experience greater vitality and an energetic connection to yourself, others, and nature. The pranamaya kosha (five+prana+vayus) is made up of five major pranas which are collectively known as the pancha, or five, pranas: prana, apana, samana, udana and vyana.
Pranamaya kosha, governing the area between the larynx and the top of the diaphragm. It is associated with the organs of respiration and speech, and the gullet, together with the muscles and nerves that activate them. It is the force by which the breath is drawn inside.
Apana is located below the navel region and provides energy for the large intestine, kidneys, anus and genitals. It is concerned with the expulsion of waste from the body.
Samana is located between the heart and the navel. It activates and controls the digestive system: the liver, intestines, pancreas and stomach, and their secretions. Samana also activates the heart and circulatory system, and is responsible for the assimilation and distribution of nutrients.
Udana controls the area of the body above the neck, activating all the sensory receptors such as the eyes, nose and ears. Thought and consciousness of the outside world would be impossible without it. Udana also harmonises and activates the limbs and all their associated muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints, as well as being responsible for the erect posture of the body.
Vyana pervades the whole body, regulating and controlling all movement, and coordinating the other pranas.
The manomaya kosha is contained within the annamaya and pranamaya koshas. It acts as a messenger, bringing experiences and sensations from the outer world into your intuitive body. This is the mental sheath that represents your: mind, emotions, inner world. This layer includes thought forms, mental activity, and awareness of thoughts. Getting in touch with this kosha involves looking at your perceptions and mental patterns.
The vijnanamaya kosha is the astral or psychic body that’s your seat of intuition. Known as the awareness or wisdom sheath, it allows you to develop a deeper awareness and to see reality for what it is. Thought of as “the mind beyond the mind,” this kosha is connected to your deeper and more subtle layers of thoughts. The vijnanamaya kosha helps develop clarity and inner reflection as you learn to detach from your thoughts, ego, or sense of self. By remaining the witness, you may learn to become more present and aware of each moment.
The anandamaya kosha is referred to as the bliss body. It’s the deepest and subtlest of all layers so much so that some people even say you can’t use words to describe it. Instead, it must be felt and experienced. Developing your anandamaya kosha requires the discipline to complete inner work and spiritual practices over a long period.
This level of consciousness relates to the essence of your true self or nature, which is perfection. Transcending all five sheaths can lead to a state of samadhi, or unity between individual and universal consciousness. This is said to be pure bliss or joy. While you may not reach samadhi, you may experience glimpses or moments of bliss that are bright enough to color your world and awaken these feelings of joy, even if only for brief moments.
The involuntary functions of these subtle channels can be easily controlled by a Genuine Exponent of Akhand Yoga, an integrated form of Yoga. Incidentally, Sushumna-Nadi, which is associated with the vertebral column, spinal cord, and the brain, gets integrated with Ida-Nadi and Pingala-Nadi.
Such an enlightened Soul can be in tune with the Ultimate, Formless, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and all-pervasive Universal Consciousness called Nirakar-Nirgun-Brahman (God-Nature-Paramatma), the source of everything in the universe.
As a result, Akhand Yogi/Akhand Rishi will be able to recognize, perceive, conceive, and reveal the hidden secrets of the universe and Nature directly with the help of intuition. According to Akhand Sutra, there are ten major Chakras, which are closely associated with the ten major autonomic nervous system ganglia and the ten major endocrine glands.
As a result, the vital functions of the body are automatically maintained so that we, human beings, can easily make optimum use of the human birth, life, body, brain, breath, mind, consciousness, and the indwelling human Soul for Self Realization and Enlightenment. The subtle knowledge of Chakras, Nadis, Kundalini, and Tantra Vidya is mandatory.
1. Muladhara Chakra (Power of 4 Lotus Petals):
It is located in the pelvis and is closely associated with the scattered endocrine glands in the pelvic region, which are responsible for the characteristic body smell of the person. Muladhara chakra is primarily responsible for perfect and integrated physical health. Kundalini (also called Soul, Antaratma-Prana) normally sleeps in Muladhara Chakra.
To comprehend the Science of Muladhara Chakra, we need to comprehend the absolute wisdom of the three major Nadis, namely, Ida-Nadi, Pingala-Nadi, and Sushumna-Nadi and their close association with the sympathetic nervous system, the dynamic aspect of the autonomic nervous system.
The Sympathetic Nervous System: Divyank, the Divine Constant.
No wonder, the most powerful sympathetic nervous system, which is closely associated with the fluctuating, fleeting, and flirting mind, human problems-sufferings, and eternal Salvation (Moksha), is meticulously designed with Divyank, the Divine Constant, with which the perfect and most beautiful objects of the entire universe and Nature are designed and created.
1. 28 preganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers arise from 14 segments of the spinal cord (T-1 to L-2). As a result, the sympathetic nervous system is called “Thoraco-Lumbar Outflow”.
2. The preganglionic fibers lead to the formation of the left and the right paravertebral sympathetic chains.
3. Each chain consists of 22 paravertebral ganglia. There are 44 paravertebral ganglia.
4. The left and the right paravertebral sympathetic chains unite at the bottom to form Ganglion-Impar or Coccygeal Ganglion, called Muladhara Chakra.
5. The 45 paravertebral ganglia (22+22+1) divided by 28 preganglionic fibers lead Divyank Ratio of 1:1.618034v or 61.8034% and 38.1966%, the most economical algorithm of Nature.
Science of the subtle channels called Nadis
'Nadi' comes from the Sanskrit root 'Nad', which means motion, movement, and channel. Kundalini flows from Muladhara Chakra to other Chakras through these subtle channels. 72,000 Nadis connect different parts of the physical body with the ten major Chakras.
Ida-Nadi and Pingala-Nadi: Sat-Chakra-Nirupana, “Merorbahyapradese sasi mihira-sire savyadakse nisanne”,
In the space outside the Meru (the vertebral column) placed on the left and the right sides, are the two nadis, Sasi and Mihir. They are also known as Ida/Lunar, and Pingala/Solar, respectively. They originate from Muladhara Chakra, the basic Chakra.
Pathway: They twine around the Sushumna Nadi.
1. Ida Nadi terminates in the left nostril.
2. Pingala Nadi terminates in the right nostrils.
Sushumna-Nadi: It extends from the pelvis to the head and resembles the vertebral column which houses the spinal cord. The vertebral column has three protective sheaths, dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater and they are separated from each other by fluid containing spaces, the sub-dural and the sub-arachnoid spaces.
The Components of Sushumna-Nadi:
1. Vahini-Nadi: Within Sushumna-Nadi is Vahini-Nadi. Sat-Chakra-Nirupana, “The shining energy (Ojas) flows from the Medhra (Reproductive organs) to the head through this channel. Vahini means flowing”. It resembles and represents the sub-arachnoid space.
2. Surya-Nadi: It is within Vahini-Nadi. It resembles the white matter of the ascending and descending tracts of the spinal cord. It carries the sensory signals from the body and the motor signals from the central nervous system.
3. Chandran-Nadi: It is within Surya-Nadi. It can be compared with the grey matter of the spinal cord, which evaluates and integrates the local reflex arch and the segmental reflex.
4. Brahma-Nadi: It is within Chandran-Nadi. It resembles a cave (Guhayam) and it can be easily compared with the central canal of the spinal cord and the ventricles of the brain. It is interesting to note that the ancient description of Ida-Nadi, Pingala-Nadi, and Sushumna-Nadi and the modern description of the sympathetic nervous system are almost identical.
2. Svadhisthana Chakra (6): Sacral area. It is associated with the reproductive system and Gonads. It is also associated with the sacral parasympathetic nervous system and the inferior mesenteric ganglion of the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for normal reproductive health. Kundalini on awakening automatically goes to the Svadhisthana (Own) Chakra (Center).
3. Nabhi Chakra (10): Lumbar Vertebrae. It is associated with Adrenal gland and the sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for emotional health. The adrenal gland is called an emergency endocrine gland and plays an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis.
4. Manipura Chakra (10): Lumbar Vertebrae. It is associated with Pancreas, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems and is responsible for the concrete mind. It plays an important role in the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.
5. Anahata Chakra (12): Chest. It is associated with the heart and lungs, the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for compassion and love for humanity. It is also associated with the Thymus gland, which plays an important role in maintaining the immune responses of the body.
6. Visudhi Chakra (16): Throat. It is associated with Thyroid and Parathyroid functions. The normal level of thyroid hormone helps maintain the body heat for normal physiological functions of the body. This Chakra helps in purification of the body as well as the vocal expressions.
7. Ajna-Chakra (28): Between Eye-Brow. It is associated with Brainstem and Pituitary. It is responsible for the constant maintenance of the internal environment of the body. The anterior pituitary gland is the main endocrine gland to produce the stimulating hormones of the body, like thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), Growth hormone (GH), luteinizing hormone (LH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and prolactin. The posterior pituitary gland is associated with the storage and release of oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH) hormones.
8. Vigyan Chakra (52): Forehead. This is primarily associated with the head endocrine gland, Hypothalamus, which produces the Releasing Hormones of the body. It is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, intellectual mind (Buddhi), and health.
9. Pragyan Chakra (96): The center of Head Hairline. This center is also called Bindu Chakra. It is associated with the cortex and the inner three layers of the neocortex of the brain. It is also associated with the pineal endocrine gland. It is responsible for the conscious awareness of the existential world and intuitive mind.
10. Sahasrara Chakra (1000): Top of Head. This is primarily associated with the three outer layers of the neocortex of the brain. This Chakra acts as an antenna for direct knowledge of the Universal Consciousness. Sahasrara Chakra is responsible for the unfolding of Super Consciousness and genuine Spiritual Evolution.
Science of Kundalini: It is a mysterious divine force called Indwelling Soul (Antaratma). The activation, awakening, and ascension of Kundalini lead to activation and integration of ten major Chakras of the body. The ascension of Kundalini to the highest center of the brain called Sahasrara Chakra and union of the individual human brain, mind, and consciousness with the Universal Consciousness is called Kundalini Yoga.
Chakra Yoga - The External Route: The sleeping Kundalini from Muladhara Chakra can ascend to Sahasrara Chakra through the external route of AURA (Pranayamaya-Kosha). This ascension is temporary and Kundalini comes back after a while.
Antra Yoga - The Internal Route: When Kundalini breaks the Brahma-Granthi and enters within the central canal (Brahm-Nadi) and the ventricles of the brain (Vaikuntha), it leads to the genuine experience of Superconsciousness, enlightenment, and Self Realization. This is the Ultimate Stage of Akhand Yoga.
Science of Pranayama (Yogic Breathing);
Normally, we start breathing through the left nostril (Ida-Nadi) - Followed by Sushumna-Nadi (both the nostrils) - Followed by the right nostril (Pingala-Nadi) - Followed by Sushumna-Nadi - Followed by the left nostril (Ida-Nadi)...
Each breathing cycle lasts for 90 minutes. Breathing is also associated with the sleep cycle, which also lasts for 90 minutes. Breathing pattern is closely associated with the left and the right sympathetic chain. Breathing pattern is also balanced by the parasympathetic nervous system. The sleep cycle is also closely associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system.
In the diagram, the energy centers (or chakras) are shown as circles in different colors, aligned with the spinal chord.
Authored by Dr Anadi Sahoo
