Introduction:
Our body is made up of five elements - earth, water, fire, air, and space. Each element is associated with a specific chakra - energy centers of prana (the life force). It is this prana - the life force - which makes us execute our daily activities - sleeping, eating, recreation, thinking, feeling, working, etc.
It is said in Kathopanishad (2:3:2): यदिदिम किम च जगतसर्वं प्राण एजति नि: स्रत्म Everything in this universe has been sustained by prana - the life force.
Activating each chakra and in turn, the associated prana helps us to work efficiently, think clearly, and decide judiciously - the three pillars of mental health. Saadhna's program have been planned to assist you in utilizing your dormant energy (the energy centers of prana!) to make your life better - in terms of better mental health, better decisions, emotional resilience, calm and happy state of mind.
What is a chakra?
The pranic body is fuelled by the chakras, or psychic centers, which are subtle, high-powered vortices of energy in the body. They receive and store the cosmic prana, and act as transformers to step down the level of energy so that it can be used by the different organs and parts of the body. They also act as switches for illuminating the higher faculties and dimensions of consciousness. The chakras have been discovered by yogis, rishis, and sages of various traditions in India and throughout the world. They have been seen, not by physical dissection of the body, but by psychic introspection. From the knowledge of these centers, the great science of kundalini yoga has developed, which is concerned with awakening the chakras. The six main chakras located along the spinal column are: mooladhara, swadhisthana, manipura, anahata, vishud-dhi and ajna. Although these centers are situated in the subtle body, they correspond to the nerve plexuses in the gross body. Each chakra vibrates at a particular rate and velocity. The chakras at the lowest point of the energy circuit operate at a lower frequency. They are grosser and create grosser states of awareness. Chakras at the top of the circuit operate at a higher frequency and are responsible for higher intelligence and subtler states of awareness. The different systems of yoga, especially Hatha and kriya yoga, systematically purify, rebalance and awaken the chakras individually and also as a whole. When the chakras are properly prepared by such practices, the pranic level is higher and more stable, and there is little difficulty in awakening and experiencing the transmission of prana.
What are the 7 Main Chakras?
The Root Chakra
The root chakra, or Muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine. It governs the way we connect to the outside world and oversees our basic needs for stability, food, and shelter. It is associated with the color red and the earth element.
The Sacral Chakra
Svadhisthana, the sacral chakra, is located below the navel. This chakra is intimately linked to our sexuality and creative process. Its energy encourages us to explore the world and use our creativity to find artistic outlets and adapt to change. Its base color is orange and its element is water.
The Solar Plexus Chakra
The Sanskrit name Manipura means City of Jewels. This chakra is located between the rib cage and the navel. It is believed to be a source of personal agency and self-esteem in that it translates our desires into action. Physically, it helps regulate digestion. Its color is yellow and it is associated with the fire element.
The Heart Chakra
Anahata, the heart chakra, means “unstuck” in Sanskrit. This chakra lies in the middle of your cardiovascular system and is connected to organs such as the heart and lungs. The heart chakra is associated with a person’s emotional profile, such as their natural generosity and ability to appreciate compassion and connectedness. Its color is green and its element is air.
The Throat Chakra
Vishuddha, the throat chakra, governs the neck, mouth, tongue, and other physical elements of the throat area. It regulates how we communicate and allows us to express ourselves skillfully. Confidence and understanding are related to this chakra. Its color is blue and its element is ether
The Third Eye Chakra
Ajna is located behind the forehead, at the level of the space between the eyebrows. The “third eye” chakra governs intuition and insight, especially at spiritual levels. A receptive and balanced Ajna chakra empowers us to notice interconnections that exist in this world and beyond. Its color is indigo and its element is light.
The Crown Chakra
Sahasrara, the crown chakra, is situated at the top of the head. Also known as the “thousand petal lotus” chakra, it is considered to be the most spiritual of the core chakras as it governs spiritual consciousness and the potential for awakening to the dimension of the divine. Its color is purple (or white) and it embodies the spirit.
How is Mindfulness related to chakra meditation?
Like chakra meditation, mindfulness is a method whose goal, ultimately, is to form a solid basis for not only temporary benefits of improved health and less stress but also personal transformation. Also like chakra meditation, mindfulness requires focus and a balance of determination and relaxation.
Unlike chakra meditation, mindfulness does not require any particular beliefs aside from a belief in the potential benefits of the practice. Mindfulness is more about experiencing the present moment just as it is and learning to remain grounded in the here and now. People who practice mindfulness meditation often find that they are more attentive, grounded, and receptive to others outside of their practice sessions.
By reading this article it’s clear that you’re interested in the practice of meditation and its results: experiencing genuine joy and well-being. You’ve come to the right place.
As meditation practice develops the most fundamental axis of our being, it’s essential to rely on clear, progressive, and genuine meditation methods from authentic guides.
What are the benefits?
Kundalini yoga has several science-backed and anecdotal benefits. Let’s look at them more closely.
Stress and anxiety relief
Like other forms of yoga, Kundalini yoga can help relieve stress and anxiety.
In research, participants experienced immediate stress relief after doing Kundalini yoga. This effect continued after they practiced for 3 more months.
Similarly, a research study determined that 8 weeks of Kundalini yoga lowered participants’ anxiety levels. The researchers concluded that Kundalini yoga may be an effective treatment option for people with generalized anxiety disorder.
Improves cognitive function
Researchers studied 81 participants with mild cognitive impairment. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group practiced Kundalini yoga, while the other group received memory enhancement training for 12 weeks.
While both groups showed significant improvements in their memory at the end of the study, only the Kundalini group showed short- and long-term improvements in their executive functioning. This includes skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility, among others.
In addition to cognitive improvements, the group that practiced Kundalini yoga also had fewer symptoms of depression at the end of the study.
Boosts self-perception
Another small study found that Kundalini yoga may improve body positivity and self-acceptance. These benefits were observed in nine women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
According to the researchers, Kundalini yoga may help treat eating disorders by improving self-perception and self-appreciation.
Spiritual enlightenment
It’s believed that as your Kundalini energy awakens, you become more spiritually connected with yourself and others.
These benefits have not been scientifically proven but are instead supported by anecdotal evidence.
The purported benefits may include the following:
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more empathy
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increased creativity
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improved charisma
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increased energy
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internal peace