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Sahasrara Chakra

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About 

Sahasrara chakra or crown chakra is the seventh chakra. It sits at the top of the chakra system connecting us to universal consciousness and ultimate truth. In yogic philosophy, the chakras are subtle bodies, or energy centers, that ascend the spine. 

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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.

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The crown chakra is best explored through subtle practices, like those found in studying the schools of Laya, Jnana, or Bhakti Yoga. Yoga therapists use Yoga as an integrative system to help clients acknowledge wholeness, and may do so by developing awareness around the crown chakra through breathwork or meditation. If you’re interested in studying the different schools of Tantra or Yoga as an integrative system in clinical application, you should consider education in Tantra Yoga or a career in Yoga Therapy. 

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Location 

The crown chakra extends from the length of the spine and blossoms over the soft spot we’re born with at the crown of the head. It exists beyond the physical plane connecting us with Pure Awareness and universal consciousness. In our lineage, it is the place where spiritual evolution and growth take place. Sahasrara chakra can be represented as violet or clear white light. 

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Appearance

The Sahasrara is described as a lotus flower with 1,000 petals of different colors. These are arranged in 20 layers, each with approximately 50 petals. The pericarp is golden and within it a circular moon region is inscribed with a luminous triangle, which can be either upward- or downward-pointing.

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Often referred to as a thousand-petaled lotus, it is said to be the most subtle chakra in the system, relating to pure consciousness, and it is from this chakra that all the other chakras emanate. When a yogi is able to raise their kundalini (energy of consciousness) up to this point, the state of Nirvikalpa Samādhi is experienced.

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Asana Associated with Sahasrara Chakra

1.) Shirshasana (Headstand)

The pose is called the king of all asanas as it is a pose that involves balance on the head/crown. This is an advanced yoga asana that must only be attempted under the guidance of a yoga instructor. This asana is very popular due to its multiple health benefits. It speeds up the blood circulation and ensures that the brain receives sufficient, well-oxygenated blood.

Benefits 

  • Strengthens the muscles of the neck and shoulder, abdomen, and spin

  • Helps in circulating blood to the scalp, and thus helps in preventing hair loss, greying of hair, and baldness.

  • Helps in the functioning of the pituitary gland, which supports the functioning of all the endocrine glands

Contraindications 

  • The entire weight of your body is supported by the muscles in the hands, neck, and shoulders. If you have spondylitis, please speak to your yoga instructor before starting this asana.

  • Avoid doing it during menstruation. People with heart conditions, vertigo, and high blood pressure also need to be cautious.   

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2.) Vrikshasana with crown mudra (Tree Pose)

This is a balancing posture that replicates the graceful, steady stance of a tree. The pose gets its name from the Sanskrit words Vriksha, meaning tree, and asana, meaning pose.

Benefits 

  • Brings balance and concentration to the mind, and improves physical balance.

  • Helps relieve sciatica.

  • Strengthens the legs & opens the hips.

Contraindications 

  • Those with high blood pressure may do Tree Pose but without raising the arms above the head, as doing so may further raise blood pressure.

  • People with migraine or insomnia should also avoid this.

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3.) Vajrasana with crown mudra (Thunderbolt Pose)

This pose gets its name from the Sanskrit words Vajra, meaning diamond-shaped or thunderbolt, and Asana, meaning pose. Used to keep the spine straight, Vajrasana is an ideal posture to sit in when doing breathing exercises.

Benefits 

  • Increasing blood circulation in the lower abdomen, and also improves digestion.

  • Strengthening the thighs, calves, and other leg muscles.

  • Enhancing the effectiveness of breathing exercises by keeping your spine straight

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Contraindications 

  • People with slipped disc conditions, issues with the knees, & recent knee surgery should not do this pose.

  • Also avoid this asana if you have pain in the calf muscles, pelvic muscles, or any joint pain.

Pranayama Associated With Sahasrara Chakra

 

Anulom vilom pranayama (alternate nostril breathing), bhastrika pranayama, Kapalbhati, & ujjayi pranayama can awaken the Crown chakra. Crown chakra is the point where the Nadis – Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna meet. These pranayamas balance the flow in all the nadis and activates Crown Chakra.

 

Mudra Associated With Sahasrara 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. Mudras for Sahasrara Chakra are Mahamayuri Mudra & Ksepana Mudra (crown mudra).

Mahamayuri Mudra

Mahamayuri Mudra is a highly regarded practice in yogic and tantric texts. To hold crown chakra mudra, place your palms in namaskar mudra, then interlace all your fingers except the little fingers and thumb. Leave the little fingers and the thumb straight up touching each other.

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Ksepana Mudra

Ksepana Mudra (Crown Mudra) is a sacred hand gesture or 'seal', known as the gesture of pouring out and letting go. It is used as a means of draining negative energy and attracting positive energy or chi. Ksepana Mudra stimulates elimination through the skin, lungs, and large intestine, as well as through energetic channels.

Beej Mantra & Association with Deity

 

The seed syllable of Sahasrara Chakra is AUM, which is believed to be the basic sound of the world and contains all other sounds. It helps to cultivate a connection with the spirit and the whole universe or higher power. It is considered the supreme sound of the universe. The Bīja mantras are monosyllabic seed sounds that, when they have 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.

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Color Associated With Sahasrara Chakra

 

Violet or white is the color of the Crown Chakra. Violet is the color of spirituality. It is a unifying color that contains all the qualities of other chakras when completely activated. It brings a strong emotion of letting go and also the joy of transformation. There is a realization of a profound change. The spirit of violet allows the self to look beyond the merely physical and material values of existence.

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Food Associated With Sahasrara Chakra

 

The Crown Chakra foods are natural, wholesome foods that promote general well-being. Foods that are fresh and organic, vegetables, fruits, brown rice, brown bread, and hearty broths help to bring energy centers into alignment. Violet foods like eggplant and red grapes are great as they are the colors of the Crown Chakra. Ginger spice has cleansing benefits and promotes spiritual clarity. Herbal teas reduce blockages by promoting health in your digestive system.

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Affirmation Associated With Sahasrara 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 crown eye chakra include:

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  • I honor the divine in me.

  • I am open to new ideas.

  • Information I need comes to me easily.

  • This world is my teacher.

  • I am guided by the higher power and inner wisdom.

  • I am worthy of love, from divine energy.

  • I am open to letting go of my attachments.

  • I live in the present moment.

  • I am an extension of this universe, and the universe is kind and loving.

  • I am connected with the wisdom of the universe.

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