Chakra literally means "wheel"
or "circle". In yogic
context the word chakra means
"vortex" or "whirlpool
". Each chakra works as a transformer and controls the circulation
of pranic energy at specific areas in the body. While we concentrate on
chakra, it not only stimulates the flow of energy through the Chakras
but also help to activate them and able to awaken the dormant areas in
the brain and allowing one to experience higher state of consciousness.
It is very difficult to accept and explain about the existence of the
chakras by the modern man, or the
scientists or philosophers. It exists in the physical body. But in a subtle
experiencing way. One can not show the chakras by cutting the body. But
one can experience it like the mind in the brain or the existence of cheese
in the milk.
The realizations of the chakras are very personal. It depends upon one's
own thoughts and understanding and they are about to see these occult
aspects from different point of view. For example, if they have experienced
the color of the chakras and that
became different according to their perception. But it differs from person
to person. All their experiences are correct and same but from different
point of view. When we see a person from right side, we see the right
side of his body and when from the front, we see the front side of body.
The same person but different viewpoints.
In this way a yogi will describe the chakrasin spiritual or symbolic
way. A doctor may describe the chakras as bunches of nerve fibers. This
is a common problem amongst people when they try to communicate any idea
or experience in words.
For the practice of yogic kriyas,
one should know the different colors and symbols of the chakras. Because
they are very beautiful and form an intrinsic part of the awakening of
the individuals chakras. So, one should know the color, mantra, symbol
etc of the chakras before going to practice on it.
In Yoga the chakras are symbolized by the lotus flower. Because lotus
is very significant. There are three stages of spiritual
life in human being which represents three levels of his existence.
1) Ignorance
2) Aspiration and endeavor
3) Illumination
In the same way the lotus also exists
on three different levels.
a) Mud
b) Water
c) Air
The yogis co-relate the levels of lotus with the spiritual levels of man.
In mud (ignorance)where the lotus sprouts and grows up through the water
in an effort to reach the surface (endeavor and aspiration) and lastly
reaches the air where it faces the light of the sun(i.e. illumination).
In this way the lotus symbolizes the man's growth from the lowest starts
of awareness to the higher states of consciousness. In this way it is
helpful to awakening of human potential.
Each principal charkas can be visualized as a lotus flower with a specific
color, number of petals, Yantra or geometrical shape, a beeja mantra,
an animal symbol and the higher or divine beings.
The beeja mantras or seed sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet represent the
different manifestation of psychic energy, which connected to chakras
and nadies or psychic channels.
Each chakra has a Yantra
comprised of geometrical symbol
of its associated element
and beeja mantra.
| Chakras | Petal | Color | Kshetram | |
| 1 | MOOLADHAR | 4 | deep red lotus | Does not have kshetram |
| 2 | SWADHISTAN | 6 | vermilion lotus | Pubic bone infront of the body |
| 3 | MANIPURA | 10 | bright yellow lotus | Navel |
| 4 | ANAHAT | 12 | blue lotus | Heart |
| 5 | VISHUDDHI | 16 | violet lotus | Throat pit |
| 6 | AJNA | 2 | silver gray | Brumadhya(eyebrow centre) |
| 7 | SAHASHRARA | 1,000 | multi or red color lotus |