Yoga is both a science and an art that has a deep, ancient history. Our ancestors had acquired a depth of spiritual knowledge that became practically non-existent with the activity and frenzy of industrialization and the after years of material and gadgetry development. In present days, after having reached a level of comfort, humans are now turning their attention to spirituality again.
Today we have satellites in our orbit and advanced technology that tells us there are nine planets in our solar system. However, our ancestors already worshipped the Navagrahas, or nine planets. Yoga originated five thousand years ago, and we must keep this tradition and this system of overall health and wellbeing alive. Joining Live Online Yoga Classes is a step in this direction.
One of the core aspects of yoga is the science of chakras. Let’s dwell on these spinning centers of energy associated with the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of human existence.
The Tale of Seven Chakras
Chakras are continually spinning energy vortexes in the subtle body of every individual. These are like crossroads or intersections where a whole lot of subtle pranic nerves criss-cross, thereby forming a powerful circle of energy. There are innumerous such energy centers in the subtle body of humans but we generally refer to the seven main ones.
The term “chakra” meaning wheel is used, because these areas are much like spinning wheels of energy. Interestingly these Chakras lie in the same region as our endocrine glands, the powerful hormonal glands of the physical body.
The Chakras are of course imperceptible to the human eye, however with deep ‘sadhana’ or spiritual practice, we begin to feel their presence. From Einstein’s Theory of Relativity to David Bohm’s postulates, scientists took years to articulate the concept of Chakras, already mentioned in the Vedic texts, five thousand years ago.
The subtle, ‘pranic’ level of our human body accommodates seven principal chakras, arranged in a vertical stack. These include:
- Muladhara (Root Chakra): Situated at the base of the spine, this is the root chakra that serves as the foundational point of the chakra system. It is the epicenter of stability and security, governing our fundamental needs as human beings.
- Svadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra): Positioned below the navel, the sacral chakra embodies the essence of sexuality and serves as the core of creativity.
- Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra): Nestled in the upper abdomen, behind and just above the navel, the solar plexus chakra is intricately linked with our self-esteem and sense of personal power.
- Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra): Located at the center of the chest, and behind the physical heart, the heart chakra harmonizes the upper and lower chakras. Consequently, it emerges as a source of love and connection.
- Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra): Also recognized as the throat chakra, this swirling energy vortex facilitates the revelation of profound truths and emotions in our lives.
- Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra): Positioned between the eyes but deeper within behind the forehead, the third eye chakra is closely associated with intuition, enabling a deeper understanding of our inner realms.
- Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra): Seated at the pinnacle of the head, the crown chakra is the gateway to spiritual connection and self-awareness, symbolizing the highest state of consciousness.
Yoga For Aligning the Chakras
To align and balance the Chakras, all the different yoga ‘kriyas’ and practices like asanas, pranayama, sattvic diet, drishti, dharana or concentration, ‘dhyana’ or meditation can significantly help. They can promote the ability to focus inward, aid in clearing blockages both at the level of the physical body and the body of energy; enhance energy flow, and bring the different levels of our being to a state where they are coordinated and in balance with each other.
Do begin to harness the potential of your Chakras with Yoga Courses Online in India Join yoga and mindfulness sessions at Yoga with Sapna.