Chakra word comes from the Sanskrit term that means wheels. As we have seen, wheels are circular in shape, so is the chakra. They are present in different parts of our body and are the main source of energy but they are of non material counterpart. They are situated from the lower portion of the spine to the uppermost portion of the head. The chakra possess various symbols and colors . The importance of Chakras are mentioned in the Upanishads of Hindu mythology as also in Tibetan Buddhism as Vajrayana theory (Ferretti ).
In Yoga, it is believed that we cannot touch , see any part of our body but the energy within our body flows. Through different asana we can feel the energy and can shift the energy in any direction we want. By practicing, yoga in the right way we can learn how the chakras provide energy to the body. In the chakras the energy are blocked and creates imbalance . The energy can flow freely only when we practice yoga in a proper manner .It is then that the balance will return and gives balance to our body by which we are able to control our body.
There are total seven chakras in the human body. Each chakra has a specific qualities that correspond to the refinement of energy from the first chakra to the seventh chakra. (Ferretti).
The first chakra is the root chakras or the Muladhara is situated at the lowest portion of our body means the earth or the Shakti in Sanskrit term (Ferretti). As this chakra is situated at the lower portion of body it gives us the power to survive. It also gives us security and basic human potentiality. Its symbol is lotus with four petals.
The second chakra is the Sacral chakra or Swadhisthan meaning water. This chakra gives us the ability to create relationship of many kinds (Ferretti).The development of ego, sexuality stars from this chakra. It is located slightly below the naval. Its symbol is lotus with six petals.
The third chakra is the Manipura is also known as fire. It is located slightly above the naval and is the place where the physical strength of our body is distributed. It is gives the power to control the emotions, digestion and assimilation (Ferretti). The symbol is lotus with ten petals.
The fourth chakras is the Anahata or the Heart chakra which is air. It is in the middle of the chest. It is the place of unconditional affection, spiritual growth and love (Ferretti) . It is the place of our spirit . The symbol is lotus with twelve petals.
The fifth chakra is the throat chakra or the Vishuddha. It is the main place of communication, growth , self expression and creativity and is located near the thyroid , a gland in the throat. The inside voice is also expressed through this chakra(Ferretti). Its symbol is a lotus with sixteen petals.
The sixth chakra or the Ajna is the chakras of time and awareness and of light spiritual vision and is located between the brows. Through this third eye we can visualize knowledge. Its symbol is lotus with two petals.
The seventh chakra or the Sahasrara is the Crown chakra. It is the chakra that empowers our consciousness (Ferretti) . It control everything .It is symbolized as lotus with thousand of petals. .
I feel that I need to work on eye chakra or the Ajna. This chakra helps to see both the outer and inner worlds. The energy of this chakra guides us to cut through the illusions and to access the deeper truths. This chakra develops my ability to focus and see the big picture. It also helps me to imagine, increase my intuition, wisdom, the ability to think and decide . It is not only the eye of wisdom but also the eye of conscience("Third Eye Chakra-Ajna-Chakra Anatomy"). With the third eye open we can not only see what is visible but can also see what is invisible. To heal the third eye it is important to meditate, to walk, to chant, to visualize and other physical exercises.
Chakras on our body has fascinated me for a long time because we know very little about our body and our inner strengths. While learning yoga I have felt the inner strength to some extent. With these simple asanas we can control our hunger, improve our digestion. So what will happen with the help of asanas we can control our total body. This is a great power to control's one's mind, body and spirit. This spiritual aspect of the energy within our own self have drawn my interest toward it. .
Works Cited
Ferretti, Andrea. "A Beginner's Guide to the Chakras"(2014, July 30th)
www.yogajournal.com/article/chakras-yoga-for-beginners/beginners-guide-ckakra
“Third Eye Chakra Healing.” (2012, November 2nd)
www.chakras.info/third-eye-chakra/third-eye-chakra-healing
"Third Eye Chakra-Ajna-Chakra Anatomy"
www.chakra-anatomy.com/third-eye-chakra.html
