Ajna Chakra
About
Known in Sanskrit as Ajna chakra, the third eye chakra, according to Samkhya philosophy, is represented by the element mahat, or maha tattva. It’s important to note here that according to yoga and Samkhya philosophy, the earth elements are only four of many elements that make up our experience not commonly taught in the west. Mahat is a concept that can be manifested through all matter, energy, and light. If you’re interested in learning about the elements in traditional yoga and Samkhya philosophy, you should consider education in Tantra Yoga.
When Ajna chakra is balanced, we feel stable, clear, and connected to intuition and source. We see things as they are rather than as we think we see them. In yoga philosophy, we call this energetic state of being sattvic. In this state, we can confidently practice discernment, trusting our inner wisdom to inform and guide us.
An imbalanced Ajna chakra can contribute to issues around mental clarity, concentration, and focus. Mindfulness meditation, energy clearing, and daily rituals can stimulate Ajna chakra, which becomes engaged when we land in a meditative state of being.
Location
The Agya or Ajna chakra is believed to be located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. It is not a part of the physical body but is considered to be the part of Pranic system. The location makes it a sacred spot where Hindus apply a tilak bindi to show reverence for it.
Appearance
Agya chakra is described as a transparent lotus flower with two white petals, said to represent the nadis (psychic channels) Ida and Pingala, which meet the central Sushumna nadi before rising to the crown chakra, Sahasrara. The letter "ham" (हं) is written in white on the left petal and represents Shiva, while the letter "ksham" (क्षं) is written in white on the right petal and represents Shakti.
Inside the pericarp of the flower is the Hakini shakti. It is depicted with a white moon, six faces, and six arms holding a book, a skull, a drum, and a rosary, while making the gestures associated with granting boons and dispelling fears. The downward-pointing triangle above her contains a white lingam. This triangle, along with the lotus flower, can represent wisdom. In some systems, the deity Ardhanarishvara, a hermaphrodite from Shiva-Shakti, resides within the lingam and symbolizes the duality of subject and object. This sixth chakra of our energy body is also connected with the sixth layer of our aura, known as the celestial layer in aura science.
Asana Associated with Ajna Chakra
1.) Adho mukha svanasana (Downward-facing Dog Pose)
It is one of the most common asanas in yoga. For beginning yoga students, proper form for Downward Dog Pose can be challenging initially, but over time, as one's practice advances, it often turns into a favorite 'relaxation' pose between other, more strenuous postures.
Benefits
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This pose increases circulation of both blood and lymph systems, nourishing and revitalizing cells throughout the whole body while clearing out old waste products.
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It also expands the chest and strengthens the lungs for better respiratory function.
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As a mild inversion, it acts in reverse of the usual forces on your spine and brings more blood flow to your brain. When incorporated into a weekly yoga practice, it may even help relieve chronic back pain.
Contraindications
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People suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure, weak eye capillaries, detached retina, or any other infection or inflammation of the eyes and ears should avoid practicing Downward Facing Dog.
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Also, those with recent or chronic inflammation/injury to the arms, wrists, shoulders, back, hips, knees, legs, or ankles will want to wait until returning to health before practicing the pose.
2.) Yoga Mudrasana (Deep Forward Bend Pose)
Yoga mudrasana, a deep forward bend, is one of the best anti-aging poses as it helps the practitioner to look and feel younger. From Sanskrit, yoga means "awareness"; mudra means "seal"; and asana means "pose" or "posture."
Benefits
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It stretches the muscles and joints around the hips, thighs, knees, ankles, abdomen, shoulders, arms, and upper chest. It gives more flexibility and mobility to those joints and muscles.
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This Posture tones up the internal organs of the abdomen like the liver, kidney, pancreas, and adrenal glands. By the way, this improves their functions.
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It also helps in therapeutic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, Asthma, and Cardiac diseases. It prevents lower back pain, sciatica pain, and shoulder disorders.
Contraindications
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Avoid this pose if you have spinal injury and abnormalities, severe back problem and cervical and lumbar spondylosis
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Do not do this pose if you have Acute and resolving disc prolapsed (slip disc), acute pain in the neck and back, the stiffness of back and joints, bulging tummy.
3.) Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight Limbed Pose)
It is a posture where the body is balanced on eight points of contact with the floor: feet, knees, chest, chin and hands. It forms part of the classical Surya Namaskar sequence and is also used as an alternative to chaturanga dandasana.
Benefits
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This pose improves the mobility of the back and increases arm strength while opening up the chest.
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It is like a half push-up, so it helps build the muscles necessary to do Chaturanga safely.
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This pose prepares you for other poses requiring arm balancing.
Contraindications
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You should avoid this pose if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a wrist injury, or any recent injuries to your neck, shoulder, or elbow.
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Avoid doing this if you are pregnant, avoid this pose after the first trimester. If you feel any pain, ease out of the pose.
Pranayama Associated With Ajna Chakra
Bhramari Pranayama (Bumblebee Breath)
Bhramari Pranayama or Bumblebee Breath is a calming breath practice that can be performed anywhere. Bhramari is derived from the Sanskrit term for “bee.” This breath practice is named after a type of black Indian bee due to the bee-like buzzing sound produced during the exhale.
Benefits of Bhramari Pranayam
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This pose calms and quiets the mind & Releases cerebral tension.
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It Stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands, supporting their proper functioning.
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It also helps with relieving stress and anxiety. & lowers blood pressure.
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Contraindications
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This pose, should not be practiced by pregnant or menstruating women.
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It is also contraindicated for individuals with extremely high blood pressure, epilepsy, chest pain, or an active ear infection.
- It should not be practiced in a supine position (lying down).
Mudra Associated With Ajna Chakra
A mudra is a sign or hand gesture that has been known to affect different parts of the body by engaging the nerve endings in our fingertips. Mudras direct energy flow from the fingers to the brain and help the body communicate with itself. Mudras are a powerful way to activate our chakras
Chin Mudra
The Chin Mudra is helpful for connecting the individual’s consciousness to the universal consciousness. This means, trying to be aware of one’s mind (individual consciousness) which is just an extension of the supreme consciousness or universal consciousness. To believe all are equal and come from the same source.
Beej Mantra & Association with Deity
The seed syllable of Agya or Ajna is Ksham and the more well-known, Om, or "Pranava Om", which is believed to be the basic sound of the world and contains all other sounds. It is considered the supreme sound of the universe.[12] The Bīja mantras are monosyllabic seed sounds that, when they are spoken aloud, activate the energy of the chakras in order to purify and balance the mind and body. The energy resonates in the chakra associated with the mantra, helping the speaker become aware of their body's needs.
Color Associated With Ajna Chakra
Indigo, also called royal blue, is the color of night — there is a depth of awakening and change in this color that connects us to space and time.
Food Associated With Ajna Chakra
For Ajna chakra, think purple. Purple grapes, purple kale, blueberries, purple cabbage, eggplant, and purple carrots. Also include cocoa, which is rich in flavonoids and boosts serotonin, which helps to relieve stress and inflammation. These “brain foods” can instantly help clear an overworked mind and help to regain focus.
Affirmation Associated With Ajna Chakra
Affirmations are positive statements that confirm something to be true. Affirmations are a helpful tool for improving self-esteem and embodying certain qualities we endeavor to possess. Affirmations can be added to any yoga routine or used as an accessible part of many self-care rituals. You can introduce affirmations first thing in the morning, before practice, or anytime throughout the day as a way to connect and reground. Affirmations for the third eye chakra include:
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I am a vessel for true seeing.
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I am connected to the source.
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I trust my intuition.
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The world is my teacher.
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I see myself in all beings.
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I trust my inner wisdom.