Essence of the Chakra, Hindu names and meanings

 

Hindu Essence of the Chakra

 

     In this article I am going to try to cover some basics on the Hindu/Tantric/Yogi names and meanings of the chakra's as requested.  Please know that this is not my area of expertise my own knowledge was limited to basically the Hindu names and the associated elements and emotions, but I did do the research and I think have come up with some interesting things to share.  I will post my references at the end of this article so those of you who wish may continue learning.

 

     In Ancient Hindu Teachings the Chakras are seen as beautiful Lotus Flowers, (Anahata) each with different symbols representing many things.  As these Lotus move up the body the petals also grow in number as it ascends the life energy upward through our bodies energy centers.  The Chakras also each correspond with an element, sound, breath, plane of existence and many more.  We will cover just a few of these at this time.  Hindu  believe that through meditation/yoga, a person can activate the Chakras and awaken there life force energy which is called, "Kundalini."

 

     The Sanskrit meaning for Kundalini is, "coiled like a snake."  This energy is said to lay dormant in the first Chakra, with very few people ever coming to the realization that it exist.  As we raise our consciousness through meditation we awaken and activate this sacred energy, it moves up the spine clearing everything on its way and can sometimes be an extremely powerful physical presence.  It is very important for a person to fully understand this energy before releasing it, for sometimes it can be overwhelming and uncomfortable for the novice practitioner.

 

     Below I have put together a quick (hopefully,) guide to the Ancient Hindu names and brief meanings of the Chakras, or Lotus Energy Centers.  Although they are similar in many ways to the more modern new age Chakra meanings, the ancient meanings to me at least were much more in depth and the original names are beautiful.  I will begin with the first Chakra (base or root) and work up to the seventh Chakra.

 

Muladhara Chakra (base or root) 

Located at the base of the spine this Chakra is the root center of the physical experience.  It represents Mother Earth, the four directions and four dimensions.  The goal of this Chakra is survival and the human experience.  It's plane is the physical plane, it has four petals and the element is Earth. 

 

Svadhisthana Chakra (sacral)

In the ancient teachings the aspects of this Chakra are creation, procreation and family.  It's vital breath is "Prana," is resides in the astral plane, has six petals and it's element is water.

 

Manipura (solar plexus)

This Chakra is considered to be the life force Chakra.  It is the "seat of fire," in our bodies.  This Chakra correlates to longevity, immortality and power in the ancient teachings.  Its vital breath is "samana," it's plane is the Celestial Plane, it has ten petals and the element associated is fire.

 

Anahata (Heart)

The place of pure balance, this is what I perceive the meanings of this Chakra to be.  It is the connection between the three lower Chakras to the three upper Chakras.  This Chakra was said to help us release attachments to the physical world.  It's vital breath is Prana.  It resides on the Plane of Balance, it has 12 petals and is associated with the element of Air.

 

Vishudda (throat)

In Ancient beliefs this Chakra is the union of all five elements.  Earth, Air, Fire and Water dissolve into Akasha (spirit.)  It is also considered the Chakra of communication, with or without words.  The vital breath is Udana, the plane of existence is human, it has 16 petals and its element is Ether (Akasha.)

 

Ajna (Brow or Third Eye)

Ajna represents the Conscience.  There is balance between the solar and lunar energy bodies, it brings insight into the future and is the center of Clairvoyance. 

 

Sahasrara (Crown)

This Chakra is known as "Lotus of a Thousand Petals."  This is where immortality is achieved.  It is said that here we can achieve a trance like state and enter the space between Hemispheres.  The ancient teachers believed that by reaching a state of living in the Sahasrara Chakra you no longer will be confined by "human belief systems," you will attain an ascended state of awareness such as Buddha, Shiva, Shakti and many others who are believed to be Ascended Masters.  You can achieve an ascended state of pureness.

 

     There is an abundance of knowledge that can be learned concerning the Chakras.   Each have a story to tell in the Hindu/Yogi traditions I recommend researching them.  Whether it be the traditional and ancient essence of the energy or the more metaphysical new age way of relating them to life the Chakras are a part of us and we a part of them, working with them, acknowledging them, and learning as much as you can will help you in every way to become a more balanced, peaceful person who can find serenity in every way. 

 

Dodie Clelland

SAGAPS Case Manager/Investigator/

Sensitive

 

References:

http://www.shivashakti.com/

http://www.sacredspaceyoga.com/

http://www.innertraditions.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Stop, listen, breathe, you may just hear creation speak"