What is Chakra Meditation

Before trying any kind of meditation using Chakras, we need to have a clear
understanding of Chakras. Once you understand this, doing the Chakra
meditation will be easy and effortless. While I will be explaining the entire
process of Chakra Meditation in the later part of this article, for all of you who
are curious, it would be suffice to say that Chakra meditation is quite similar to
Mantra Meditation that I explained here. However, before learning the
technique of Chakra Meditation, we need to have a basic understanding of
what exactly are the Chakras.

Understanding the Chakras

The word chakra is a Sanskrit word which is derived from the verb car (to
move). There are several literal meanings of chakra:
* wheel
* circle
* Center
Besides the literal meaning, there are also some esoteric meanings:
* The Chakra denotes the wheel of becoming (bhavacakra), or round of
existence (samsara), which is the phenomenal cosmos.
* The word Chakra is used to refer to a circle of initiates in a Tantric ritual.
* A Chakra is a diagram used to determine the right kind of mantra for a
particular situation or student.
* The word Chakra refers to the psychoenergetic vortices forming the major
organs of the body composed of life energy (prana). These esoteric
structures are also often referred to and graphically depicted as lotuses
(padma, kamala).
As per the ancient Hindu belief, Chakras are energy centers of circular shape
present inside our body. While there has been some disputes on the number

of Chakras, in most of the belief systems there are seven chakras. These
Chakras are believed to be situated inside our bodies at a particular distance
from each other, the lowest being at the base of the spine and the topmost
between the center of our skull. The five lower chakras are believed to be
associated with one of the 5 basic elements that constitute this universe which
are Earth (prithivi), Water (apas/jala), Fire (tejas/agni), Air (vayu) and
Ether/Space (akasha). The remaining two higher chakras i.e. Aagya (Third
Eye) Chakra and Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra do not contain any specific
element. The Third Eye Chakra is believed to contain Maha Tatva- the
supreme element which is the source of all other elements. The Crown
Chakra, on the other hand, is considered beyond all elements.
Here is a symbolic representation of Seven Chakras in our bodies.

Chakr
a Meditation : 7 Chakras in Human Body

Chakras in Indian & Tibetan perspective

Chakras as per Buddhism(Tibet)
Chakras are seven energy points in human body and denote various
characteristics of our spiritual development in this world. It is believed that
right from our journey from the physical world to the highest position in
spiritual word, a person passes through seven bodies. Every chakra in our
body denotes one such body. Read more : The mystery of the seven bodies
The original models of the chakras from the Brahma and Yogatattva
Upanishads were adapted in Tibetan Buddhism as Vajrayana theory and as
the Tantric Shakta theory. Vajrayana Buddhism aims to assist the student in
achieving full enlightenment or Buddhahood in just a single lifetime. Using

techniques based on ancient scriptures known as the Tantras, the practitioner

tries to identify with and practice the enlightened ways of the Buddha. Tantric
techniques include the repetition of mantras, the use of breath control, healing
mudras (or hand positions) and the use of mandalas (circular symbols of the
universe) for meditation. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition only five chakras are
identified.
Chakras as per Shaktism (India)
Shaktism arose as an organized sect in India in the 5th century AD, and it is
this sects interpretation of the chakras that has most influenced the Western
understanding of them. Shaktism describes the seven major chakras that we
recognize today. In Shakta theory the chakras are viewed as centers of pure
consciousness and are focal points for meditation. Shakta theory firmly
established symbolic associations and correspondences for each chakra: its
element, visual symbol, mantra sound, deity, color and animal. The Shakta
way also teaches us about kundalini energy: the energy that was unleashed
during the creation of the world; Tantric practice focuses our attention on
awakening this energy at the base of the spine for a specific purpose.

The Nadis : Channels that passes through Chakra

The Tantric texts refer to the nadis (or channels) of vital life-force (or prana),
which passes throughout the body and link with the chakras. According to
Shakta theory, the seven chakras are strung along the primary nadi in the
body-the Sushumna Nadi-like pearls or jewels. It is also believed that there
are two secondary nadis on either side of the sushumna: Ida on the left
(containing descending life-force or vitality); and Pingala on the right
(containing ascending vitality). Their aim is to direct the energy of each
secondary nadi into the central nadi, where it then ascends through each
chakra in turn. When kundalini energy reaches the highest chakra (the Crown
Chakra), the yogi (or master of yoga who has achieved a high level of spiritual
insight) achieves a state of oneness with God.
Let us learn each of these chakras and bodies in some details :

The Seven Chakras of Human Body: Explained in Details

First Chakra Muladhara (Root)

Muladhara (Root)
Chakra

Literal Meaning: root-foundation wheel

Location: Base of the Spine (Perineum area)
Color: Red
No. of Petals : 4
Element: Prithivi (Earth)
Mantra: LAM
The first chakra is the root chakra, called Muladhara in Sanskrit. The root
chakra is believed to be located at the base of the spine at the tailbone in
back, and the pubic bone in front which primarily consist of Perineum area.
The root chakra is closely related to ones contact with the Mother Earth,
improving our ability to be grounded into the earth plane. Muladhara is also
the center of manifestation. When you are trying to achieve something in the
material world, business or possessions, the energy to succeed is supposed
to come from the first chakra. If this base chakra is blocked, an individual may
feel fearful, anxious, insecure and frustrated.
A mans sexual organs are located primarily in his first chakra, so male sexual
energy is usually experienced primarily as physical. A womens sexual organs
are primarily in her second chakra, so female sexual energy is usually
experienced primarily as emotional. Both chakras are associated with sexual
energy.
Second Chakra Belly (Sacral)/ Swadhisthana

Swadhisthana
(Sacral) Chakra

Literal Meaning: Wheel of the self-base

Location: Two inches below the navel (area of Clitoris in women/ Base of
Penis in men)
Color: Vermilion, white
No. of Petals : 6
Element: Apas (Water)
Mantra: VAM
The next chakra or second chakra is the Svadhisthana often referred to as
the sacral. It is located two inches below the navel around area of Clitoris in
women/ Base of Penis in men). This chakra is believed to hold the basic
needs for sexuality, creativity, intuition, and self-worth. It also denotes
friendliness, creativity, and emotions. It is also believed to govern a persons
sense of self-worth, his/her confidence in his/her own creativity, and his/her
ability to relate to others in a friendly way.
Third Chakra Solar Plexus ( Manipura)

Manipura (Solar
Plexus) Chakra

Literal Meaning: Wheel of the jeweled city

Location: Navel
Color: Dark grey, red, blue (also gold)
No. of Petals : 10
Element: Tejas (Fire)
Mantra: RAM
The third chakra is called Manipura (in Sanskrit) also referred to as the Solar
Plexus Chakra in English. It is located in the navel area. The Manipura chakra
is considered as the center of personal power, the place of ego, of passions,
impulses, anger and strength. It is also considered the center for astral travel
and astral influences, receptivity of spirit guides and for psychic development.
When the Third Chakra is out of balance you may lack confidence, be
confused, worry about what others think, feel that others are controlling your
life, and may be depressed.
Fourth Chakra Heart (Anahata)

Anahata (Heart)
Chakra

Literal Meaning: Wheel of the unstruck sound

Location: Chest (center of two breasts)
Color: Deep red, gold, smoke
No. of Petals : 12
Element: Prana (Air)
Mantra: YAM
The fourth chakra is the Heart (Anahata) chakra.It is located in the central of
the spine near the heart, with its exact location between the center of two
breasts. This Chakra is the center for love, compassion and spirituality. It
directs ones ability to love themselves and others, to give and to receive love.
This is also the chakra connecting body and mind with spirit. When this chakra
is out of balance you may feel sorry for yourself, paranoid, indecisive, afraid of
letting go, afraid of getting hurt, or unworthy of love.
Fifth Chakra Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat)

Vishuddhi (Throat)
Chakra

Literal Meaning: Pure wheel

Location: Throat
Color: Smoky purple, Blue, White
No. of Petals : 16
Element: Akasha (Space)
Mantra: HAM
The fifth chakra is the Throat Chakra also known as Vishuddhi Chakra in
Sanskrit. It is located at the throat and is the center of communication,
sounds, and expression of creativity via thought , speech, and writing. The
possibility for change, transformation and healing in a person are located
here. When this chakra is out of balance you may want to hold back, feel
timid, be quiet, feel weak, or cant express your thoughts.
Sixth Chakra Third Eye (Ajna or Aagya Chakra)

Aagya (Third Eye)

Chakra

Literal Meaning: Command wheel

Location: Forehead ( Between eyebrows)
Color: White
No. of Petals : 2
Element: Manas (Mind)
Mantra: OM
The sixth chakra is referred to as the Third Eye Chakra. In Sanskrit it is known
as Aagya Chakra i,e. Command wheel. It is located above the area of physical
eyes on the center of the forehead. This is the center for psychic ability, higher
intuition, the energies of spirit and light. It also assists in the purification of
negative tendencies and in the elimination of selfish attitudes. Through the
power of the sixth chakra, one can receive guidance, channel, and tune into
your Higher Self. When this chakra is not balanced you may feel nonassertive, afraid of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. Please
also read Third Eye Meditation.
Seventh Chakra Crown (Sahasrara)

Sahasrara (Crown)
Chakra

Literal Meaning: Thousand-petaled Lotus

Location: Above head, facing down
Color: White
No. of Petals : 1,000
The seventh chakra is referred to as the Crown.
It is the upper terminal point of the central channel (sushumna-nadi) and the
final destination for the awakened serpent-power (kundalini-shakti). When the
kundalini, the force of Devi, reaches this center, this signals the merging of
Shiva and Shakti.
It is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It
allows for the inward flow of wisdom, and brings the gift of cosmic
consciousness. This is also the center of connectedness with the Goddess
(God), the place where life animates the physical body. The silver cord that
connects the aura bodies extends from the crown. The soul comes into the
body through the crown at birth and leaves from the crown at death. When
this chakra is unbalanced there may be a constant sense of frustration, no
spark of joy, and destructive feelings. Illnesses may include migraine
headaches and depression. Balanced energy in this chakra may include the
ability to open up to the Divine and total access to the unconscious and
subconscious.

The Concept of Kundalini

The topic of Chakras will be incomplete if the concept of Kundalini is not
described here. The Chakras are essentially the milestones through which the
kundalini travels to reach at the highest abode in the 7th Chakra.

Chakra Meditation: A depiction of Kundalini

as it rises upwards. (Image credit: http://www.adishakti.org/)

`Kundalini literally means coiling, like a snake. The word kundalini comes
from the Sanskrit word kundal, which means a spiral or coil. In Yoga,
Kundalini Shakti means the coiled power. It is compared to a serpent that lies
coiled while resting or sleeping. It essentially denotes a primal life force that
animates all living entities and is the source of all creative energy. As the
kundalini moves upwards in the spine, it results in an upward shift in our
consciousness. There are three nadis (energy channel) in the body known as
Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. When awakens the kundalini is believed to travel
from Sushumna Nadi through various chakras.
In Hindu scriptures, Kundalini is also described as the feminine power the
Shakti- at the base of the spine, which travels up the spine to unite with the
masculine power, her consort, Lord Shiva (Shakta), in the seventh chakra,
Sahasrara.

Symbolism apart, Kundalini power has found a mention in almost all the
spiritual traditions of the world in some way or other ( Read more here ) .
While there has been a number of spiritual paths like Vipassana, Zen etc
which gave no specific stress upon kundalini, there are a number of paths
wherein the spiritual progress of a person runs parallel with his level of
Kundalini awakeness.
Further, all the spiritual paths which give emphasis to Kundalini awakening
can also be divided into two major groups. The first group is consist of the
practitioners of Mantra Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga or Raja Yoga etc
wherein the kundalini is awakened through the effort of the individual (often
under the guidance of a guru or master). The second group is of those
representing Sahaja Yoga, Kundalini Yoga or Siddha Mahayoga wherein the
kundalini is spontaneously awakened by the grace of the Siddha guru in a
process which is called Shaktipat. In this tradition, the Siddha Guru/Master
conveys shaktipat initiation to the disciple by means of touch, word or
intention which results in an instant awakening of kundalini. Both of these
paths of Kundalini awakening have their advantages and disadvantages.
The first path of individual effort is considered the difficult path as the person
has to work hard on his practice and the progress is often very slow.
However, as everything depends upon the individual effort, the consistent
efforts results in permanent progress and the Sadhak (the person who tread
the path) becomes supreme confidence in his efforts. Further, slow awakening
of kundalini allows proper control over the excess energy it produces and the
chance of damage or of negative effects are minimized. However, even in the
individual approach, the guidance of a guru/master is a must. In the absence
of an experienced person to guide the Sadhak, he may face a sudden uprising
of the Kundalini which will be difficult to control.
One such real life incident happened in the winter of 1937 when an Indian
man by the name Gopi Krishna experienced a sudden and forceful awakening
of kundalini in the state of deep meditation in his room at Jammu, India. His
life after the Kundalini awakening was both blessed by ecstatic bliss and
tormented by physical and mental discomfort. Here is the description of his
experience in his own words taken from his autobiography Living With the
Kundalini
The illumination grew brighter and brighter, the roaring louder, I
experienced a rocking sensation and then felt myself slipping out of my

body, entirely enveloped in a halo of lightI felt the point of

consciousness that was myself growing wider, surrounded by waves of
lightI was now all consciousness, without any outline, without any
idea of a corporeal appendage, without any feeling or sensation coming
from the senses, immersed in a sea of light simultaneously conscious
and aware of every point, spread out, as it were, in all directions without
any barrier or material obstructionbathed in light and in a state of
exaltation and happiness impossible to describe.
Another disadvantage of individual effort in Kundalini Awakening is the fact
that the Sadhak who succeed in this endeavor may become egoist due to his
achievement. The awakening of Kundalini and its control is considered as one
of the most difficult feat to achieve. As such, those who have some worldly
desires in them, will feel elated and somewhat special on achieving this feat.
From spiritual point of view, this egoism hinders the progress of the Sadhak.
The second path of Kundalini awakening through Shaktipat also has its merits
and demerit. On the one hand, it is a short path where the blessing of a Guru
is enough to initiate the disciple and awakening his Kundalini. On the other
hand, this sudden rise in consciousness may prove difficult to the unprepared
Sadhaks. Further, the Sadhak becomes too much dependent on his Guru and
live his life depending upon the borrowed experience of his Gurus grace. An
independent awakening of an individual sadhak through is own effort is thus
missing in this second method.

The Big Picture : How you can utilize the concepts of Chakra
and Kundalini in your daily life ?
What I have discussed in the preceding paras is a brief outline of the concept
of Chakras and Kundalini as they exist in various belief systems. However,
this will be of no value if I dont tell you the way to adopt these concept in your
daily meditation practice. As already stated in the beginning of this article, this
guide is for absolute beginners who are living a busy urban life and dont have
time to fully devote themselves to the spiritual path but still they want to
adopt the practice of meditation in their life for inner peace and personal
growth.
Risk Involved (Dont play with the serpent)

Since we are discussing the concept of Kundalini Awakening, I want to clarify

one thing loud and clear. The Kundalini is not something to play with. Never,
never try to play with the Kundalini. Kundalini Awakening is a high risk subject
which may wreak havoc on the subject if done in haste without preparation.
Please read this advice of Swami Yatiswarananda in his book Meditation and
spiritual Life about the danger of Kundalini :
Those who practise spiritual disciplines without physical and mental purity are not
only wasting their energy from the spiritual point of view, but are also running the
risk of gathering too much energy, which, flowing through the worldly channels,
might intensify their worldly life, including sex life, and thus harm them greatly.
Sometimes some take it seriously, and try to awaken the kundalini without undergoing
the purification of mind. The practice of concentration without sufficient purity is
dangerous. If the energy that is increased through concentration cannot move along
the spiritual channel, it may express itself outwardly in the form of violent passions in
an extrovert, harming him as well as others. In the introvert the gathered-up energy
may not find an outward expression. In that case it may form an awful whirlpool in
the individual, shattering his nerves and mind and making him a complete wreck.
In some cases, as the mind is stirred through meditation, all the good and evil things
lying hidden in it may come to the surface with tremendous force and bring about a
physical and mental collapse. Those impure souls who want to play with the serpent
always come to grief. In some others again, the stored-up energy may manifest itself
as cheap psychic powers such as clairvoyance, thought-reading, and such powers
which make those persons egoistic and spiritually bankrupt. In some cases again,
there may be a partial awakening of the latent power. The spiritual power may rise to
a higher center but may fall down with disastrous results, stimulating worldly desires.
One thing which I want to make clear is that when you are doing anything with
the Chakra, you are actually tinkering with the Kundalini the dormant energy
lying at the base of your spine. Without the able guidance of a Guru, the
awakening of the Kundalini can have serious negative consequence as the
sudden burst of energy, if not controlled properly, can harm the Sadhak. The
part of the consciousness which normally remains hidden in the
subconscious mind become available after awakening of the Kundalini. The
untrained extrovert may waste the excess of energy on on sex and violence
whereas the untrained introvert can stuck themselves in a whirlwind of
cyclone of the void. (Read more about this concept here and here )

What if you cant awaken it due to risk involved?

Again the words of Swami Yatiswarananda will give you solace and show a
way :
The description of the rise of the Kundalini appears to be simple and easy enough.
But actually, it is all very, very difficult. Out of a thousand people who struggle for it,
only one may get the awakening. But there is no need to get discouraged. From the
way most people live we find that it is only good that in their case the Kundalini
awakens very slowly or does not awaken at all. Most people are not at all ready for
the rise. They can not face the tremendous reaction that it produces. In fact, in the
beginning of ones spiritual life, it is better to forget all about Kundalini and think
only about God. Let the love for your Ista Devata (term denoting a worshippers
favourite deity within Hinduism. Read more here) absorb all your attention and
energies. Leave the Kundalini to Him. He will look after your spiritual welfare. God
will grant you awakening at the right time.
As I have repeatedly said, it is better to follow the path of synthesis a combination of
Karma, Gyana (Knowledge) and Bhakti (Devotion). Let selfless work go hand in hand
with your meditation. That purifies and strengthens the mind, Practice self-analysis
and make the mind detached and calm. And then japa (the repetition of the Mantra)
does the rest. When properly done, japa creates an inner harmony which gradually
flows along the susumna making it active.
In view of the risk involved, we need to adopt a path which uses the concept
of Chakra & Kundalini in its meditation practice but does not involve the high
risk mentioned above.

The safest path : Mantra

Whatever be our spiritual path, be it Hindus, Buddhists, Christians or Sufis,
the three stages we all have to pass through are purification, meditation and
experience of the divine Reality or Godhead. Here arises the question : how
are we to begin meditation with a view to awakening our spiritual
consciousness? One disciple once asked the spiritual teacher, Swami
Brahmananda, Sir, how can the Kundalini, the latent spiritual consciousness,
be awakened?
This is what Swami replied:

According to some there are special exercises by which the kundalini can be
awakened, but I believe it can best be awakened by the practice of japa and
meditation. The practice of japa is specially suited to this present age; and there is no
spiritual practice easier than this, but meditation must accompany the repetition of
the mantra.
So what is the path. It is very simple, very powerful yet relatively very safe.
Simply speaking it is Mantra Meditation.
As explained above in the section of individual 7 Chakras, the lower 5 chakras
have 5 elements attached with them. These 5 elements have their respective
seed (Bija) Mantras. We use these seed mantras to balance the elements in
the respective Chakras. For the two higher Chakras ( Aagya/Third Eye &
Sahsrar /Crown) the divine Mantra OM is used.
So, in short, the Chakra Meditation, in its safest form, is the repetition of Bija
Mantras related to the respective elements of 5 lower Chakras which in turn
helps in balancing the Chakras.

Technique of Chakra Meditation :

If you ask me to define the exact method of doing Chakra Meditation, it will be
like this :(1) Sit in the lotus pose. Take some deep breaths.
(2) We will be focusing on various Chakras of our body one by one, starting
from the lowermost Muladhara to the uppermost Sahsrara. While we focus on
the Chakra, we will recite the Seed Mantra associated with its elements. It will
go like this:
a)
Focus your attention on the place where Muladhara the base Chakra
(representing the Earth element) is located in your body. Now repeat thrice :
LAM. LAM LAM .
b)
Now bring your attention on the place where Swadhishtan the Sacral
Chakra (representing the Water element) is located in your body. Now repeat
thrice : VAM . VAM VAM .

c)
Now bring your attention on the place where Manipura, the Solar Plexus
Chakra (representing the Fire element), is located in your body. Now repeat
thrice : RAM . RAM RAM .
d)
Now bring your attention on the place where Anahata, the Heart Chakra
(representing the Air element), is located in your body. Now repeat thrice :
YAM . YAM YAM .
e)
Now bring your attention on the place where Vishuddha, the Throat
Chakra (representing the Akasha/Space element), is located in your body.
Now repeat thrice : HAM . HAM HAM .
f)
Now bring your attention on the place where Aagya, the Third Eye
Chakra (representing the Supreme element comprising all the basic
elements), is located in your body. Now repeat thrice : AUM . AUM AUM
.
g)
Now bring your attention on the place where Sahasrara, the Crown
Chakra (Considered to be beyond all elements), is located in your body. Now
repeat thrice : AUM . AUM AUM .
(3) Once you complete the above steps, you will be having two options: (i)
Either repeat the above cycle by following all the seven steps mentioned
above or (ii) Repeat any of your chosen Mantra of your liking (as explained in
the Mantra section here).
I would advise you not to do the first option in excess. Instead please follow a
combination of the 3 steps as below:
Suppose you have chosen the Mantra OM Namah Shivay for repetition.
Therefore, do the combination like this:(3.1) Recite the cycle of 7 seed Mantras as explained above. Then recite the
Mantra Om Namah Shivay three times.
(3.2) Repeat the above (i.e. one cycle of 7 seed mantras and 1 main mantra)
two times more.

(3.3) Now stop the cycle of 7 seed mantra and only recite the main Mantra
(Om Namah Shivay in this case) continuously for 5-10 minutes.
This, in nutshell, is the entire technique of Chakra Meditation.
Another Method of Chakra Meditation :
Another method of Chakra Meditation which is equally good but adopt a slight
different approach is this:Instead of focusing on the seven chakras one by one and repeating their Seed
Mantras one by one, you can focus on just one Chakra in one session. What
you will be doing is to focus on just one Chakra in your body and repeating the
Mantras related to its element. Apart from repeating the Seed Mantra of that
Chakra, you can also visualize the colour related to that Chakra.
(Thanks to Giovanni Dienstmann from Liveandare for suggesting this method)
While you focus your attention on one particular Chakra, you must repeat one
of the main mantras after this method. It will help in balancing any sudden
force of energy that may arise within you. Main Mantras are important medium
to control the power of Kundalini)
Important things to be kept in mind :
(1) While repeating the mantras, the instructions as explained here should
be kept in view.
(2) While the main mantra should be repeated contemplating its meaning in
your heart, the same will not be possible in the case of seed Mantras as they
dont have any particular meaning. So while reciting them you should focus on
their respective chakras.