Adapted From An Eastern Method For Opening The Third Eye (Activation of The Sixth (Brow, Ajna) Chakra)

By Kinjou Okumura-Ten

The Third eye, or Brow Chakra, is also referred to as the 'mind center'. It is our avenue to wisdom learning from our experiences and putting them in perspective. Our ability to separate reality from fantasy or delusions is intimately connected to the health of this chakra. Achieving the art of detachment beyond "small mindedness" is accomplished through developing impersonal intuitive reasoning. It is through an open Third Eye that visual images are received. Intuition, insight, and imagination are also associated with this Chakra, as well as numerous ESP experiences and synchronicity, fully functioning clairs (claircognizance, clairaudience, clairvoyance, clairsentience), strong faith, healing ability (both in person and at a distance), and profound understanding of pastpresent -future. Associations Color: indigo Sanskrit Name: ajna ('to know,' 'to perceive' or 'to control') Physical Location: center of the forehead Purposes: action of ideas, insight, mind development Spiritual Lesson: understanding, reality check point, detachment, open mind Physical Dysfunctions: brain tumors, strokes, blindness, deafness, seizures, learning disabilities, spinal dysfunctions, panic, depression Mental and Emotional Issues: fear of truth, discipline, judgement, evaluation, emotional intelligence, concept of reality, confusion Information Stored Inside Sacral Chakra: seeing clear picture (symbolic or literal), wisdom, intuition, mental facilities, intellect Area of Body Governed: brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose, pituitary, pineal glands

Preparation Prepare a seat where you can balance your thighs and calves at 90 degrees. (Yoga stances are allowed as well, referenced later). Balance your feet, shoulders, and lightly place your palms (facing down) on your knees. Seated Meditation Position

Face front, straighten your back and posture, with the Bai Hui point (1) on top, tucking your chin in to straighten your spine. Position of the Bai Hui Point

The Bai Hui point corresponds to the sahasrara or Crown Chakra. Bai Hui is the acupuncture terminology for this area.

Now start to relax from head to toelet your mind drift, relax your body bit by bitin turn, cheeks, ears, nose, mouth, muscles, shoulders, back, knees, feet, hands.

Getting Started Slowly close your eyelids (don't muscle them). relax your lips, your tongue, and most importantly, relax your brain and the thoughts in your mind. First, relax. Second, empty yourself. Lightly smile, take a deep breath, and exhale naturally. The entire process must not be stressed. Begin 1. Now that you've closed your eyes, slowly move your eyes to between your eyebrows in the Yin Tang (2) position (This is a lot like crossing your eyes, do your best not to 'muscle' it or strain.) Position of the Yin Tang, or Third Eye

Yin Tang is the acupuncture terminology for this area.

2. After a few minutes, bringing your conscious mind back into play, focus on your Third Eye again. Then use both your naked eyes (closed) and focus on your Third Eye. Then use both your inner ears (your brain) and listen to your Third Eye. 3. After a few minutes, gradually visualize your Third Eye. Visualize the Third Eye as being inch above the Yin Tang. Use the following illustration for reference; notice that the Third Eye is sideways. This traditional visual comes into play shortly.

Traditional Eastern Illustration Of The Third Eye

4. Using visualization, starting on the left, drag your Third Eye's eyelid to the left. Repeat this visualization on the right eyelid. Then drag both of them open simultaneously. Repeat this 9 times, visualizing an opened Eye each time. Open the eyelids consciously, but do not try to stress them. 5. Inhale and exhale slowly and naturally. Using visualization, imagine that you are not breathing through your nose, but breathing with your Third Eye. Visualize light as piercing through your Third Eye, penetrating all the way through to the Pineal Gland. Position of the Pineal Gland In the Brain

6. Imagine every sort of light being absorbed by your Third eye--sunlight, moonbeams, the twinkling of stars, the refraction of light through crystal, fire, galaxies and constellations, light reflection off of the bark of a tree, metals, your phone; All forms, being absorbed into your Third Eye. (This takes extensive visualization and can take time; don't feel the need to hurry, strain, or rush yourself.) Similarly, imagine your Third eye is absorbing and feeling all the materials that makes up the Earth; Air, Water, the Elements, etc. As best you can, don't concentrate on your physical breath. How your Third Eye breathes is exactly the same rythym as your physical breathing; again, use visualization. 6. Each step requires a minimum of 3 - 5 minutes, maximum of 30 minutes. The longer the better; repetition is key.

More Suggested Meditation Positions Some illustrations for reference, there are of course many more. Position 1

Position 2

(Known as Sukhasana, or Happy (or Easy) Pose)

Position 3

(Known as Padmasana or Lotus Pose) Remember, whatever posture is the most comfortable for you is the 'best way'. A position that is uncomfortable or painful will be distracting, and detract from your concentration. Additional Notes 1. The meditation position is important--you need correct posture, and the ability to relax and focus in peace and quiet. 2. When you're focusing on your Third Eye with your naked eyes, you can open them once in a while to prevent eyestrain, etc. 3. While using the Third Eye breathing exercise, it is important to visualize that you are inhaling and exhaling through your Third Eye.

Footnotes.
1.From Three Benefits From Lifting Your Bai Hui Point

The Bai Hui point, which sits on the crown of the head, is known by many different names...this point is named the Sahasrara (crown) chakra. In many esoteric traditions, Bai Hui is regarded as the gate between Man and Heaven. Bai Hui is not in the middle of the head, but near the twirl of the hair.... 1. Lifting the Bai Hui automatically tucks your chin. Because the Bai Hui is located towards the back of the head (relative to most peoples normal posture), lifting it requires a slight forward rotation. This rotation brings the chin down and inwards... 2. Lifting the Bai Hui straightens your spine. The modern sedentary lifestyle causes a pathologically curved spine, which manifests as stiffness, lower back pain, headaches, indigestion and other health problems. By raising the crown of your head, you can decompress your spinal vertebrae, strengthening your back, and improving your posture and health. Furthermore, this straightened spine will improve your balance , agility , and martial skills . 3. Lifting the Bai Hui improves circulation in the brain. Eastern and Western medical science both recognize the critical necessity of this flow; when it is obstructed for mere minutes, the result is permanent brain damage. Stroke, or brain attack, is currently the third leading cause of death in Western nations.

Stand up straight, close your eyes, and relax. You do not need to assume any exotic kung fu posture; just leave your arms down at your sides. Do not proceed to the next step until you feel relaxed. Raise the Bai Hui point. Place your intention at the point, and throughout your entire body. Stand still for three minutes. Change to a slouching position: spine curved, chin out. Keep your attention on your entire body. Stand still for three minutes more. Return to the previous posture, with the Bai Hui lifted. Again, stand for three minutes, and observe the different physical and emotional sensations resulting from this change in posture. 2. From Acupuncture Point Yintang: The Third Eye & 6th Chakra Jan 2, 2012 by Jessica Silver, L.Ac. NCCAOM by Jessica Silver, L.Ac., Herbalist in private practice in NY, NY. Sources: Cunningham, Patrick M. Acupuncture Points: A Practical Guide to Classical and Modern Usage. Medford, MA. 2000. http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/chakra6.htm The channels, or meridians, on the body used for acupuncture make up a complex network along which energy, or qi travels. Acupuncture points are located on areas where the qi flows closer to the surface of the body. There are 12 main meridians along which about 365 acupuncture points are located. In addition to points along specific channels, there are a number of extra points located outside of the specific pathways. One of these extra points is a particularly special one, called Yintang. Yin means seal, mark, trace, vestige; tang means hall or central dwelling. Its name is usually translated as Hall of Seal or Central Mark.... Some sources note that this point is the third eye which is able to see what is unseen by the physical eye. This extra eye was often embellished with a circular mark in ancient times, as it still is today in some cultures. In my medical practice, I have gotten feedback from patients that treatments including this point help them feel a renewed calm along with a sense of clarity. Many have reported new insights into their lives and are better able to make decisions, especially those that change the course of their lives. This area of the body has a lot of relevance in other cultures and holistic modalities for healing. For example, according to the Chakra system, this area of the body is the 6th Chakra, or Brow, Chakra and refers to the mind center. It is an area of the body that relates to wisdom, putting our experiences in perspective, and the ability to see the big picture. It is through an open brow chakra that visual images are received. Furthermore, the point relates to insight and mind development. This chakra corresponds to seeing the clear picture (symbolic or literal), wisdom, intuition, mental facilities and intellect. As it governs the brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose and pituitary and pineal glands, physical dysfunctions of this chakra are brain tumors, strokes, blindness, deafness, seizures, panic, depression and confusion. Partial Bibliography Three Benefits From Lifting Your Bai Hui Point By Martial Development: Unlocking Human potential through Martial Arts http://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/three-benefits-from-lifting-your-bai-hui-point/ Atlas of Acupuncture By Claudia Focks, M.D., 2008 ISBN 978-0-443-10028-4 Acupuncture Point Yintang: The Third Eye & 6th Chakra Jan 2, 2012 by Jessica Silver, L.Ac. NCCAOM by Jessica Silver, L.Ac., Herbalist in private practice in NY, NY. http://www.rickrichards.com/Chakras.htm http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/chakra7.htm http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/chakra6.htm