In this episode of Swami Ji, the OG we talk through the seven chakras. We will discuss where they are located and the main qualities of each. We will also learn about what the gunas are and how they play a role in the chakras.
On Episode 8 we are talking about the seven chakras and how the three gunas influence each one. To listen to the full episode, click here.
The word chakra means "wheel". In yoga it is believed to be a vortex of energy within the psychic body – a place where the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual and spiritual dimensions are joined. These dimensions of being are called koshas. In ancient times these centers of energy were delineated through meditation as the points whereby the whole self is regulated. Interestingly, in our modern era medical science has found that these locations correlate with major nerve plexuses and endocrine glands, the two bodily systems that are primarily responsible for regulating the body. There are seven major chakras within the body.
The gunas or qualities of nature. The word guna means quality and there are three qualities that exist in everything that is manifest in the universe.
Tamas – inertia, darkness, depression, stability, stuck
Rajas – movement, dynamism, action, and influenced by ego
Sattwa – balance and luminosity
Mooladhara, the "root" chakra, is located within the perineal area deep in the pelvis. The main quality that is functioning in mooladhara relates to survival in all of its manifestations: procreating, having food to eat, a roof over our heads, and dealing with our fears. One word: security.
Tamasic
lowest sense of security
life is lived with an ongoing sense of fear
avoidance of situations that may increase anxiety
hypervigilant
Rajasic
take care of security in a direct way
acquire not just to hoard but to secure relationships
need for progeny
strong element of selfishness
Sattwic
these people are secure at all levels
have experienced divine grace
things fall into place as they need to
The next chakra is Swadhisthana, "one's own abode", and is located at the junction of the tailbone and the sacrum at the base of the spinal column. Swadhisthana is all about desire, cravings, tastes, and how we can satiate them.
Tamasic
extreme sadness & inability to enjoy life
all that can be perceived are the negatives of life – sad memories & pessimism
may be suicidal or at least need medical interventions
Rajasic
effort, drive, optimism & flexibility as long as things going their way
tend to be joy-seeking
sense of humor, but can be hurtful
Sattwic
these people are joy & see the funny side of life
they light up a whole room just by walking in
Manipura, "city of jewels" is located within the lumbar spine at the level of the navel. The qualities associated with manipura include work and personal power.
Tamasic
inertia, lethargy, laziness, fatigue
feeling blocked from their quality of being able to take action
ultimate procrastinators
Rajasic
active and courageous
able to accomplish the normal tasks of life
activities are still done to support the ego
Sattwic
perform their actions for the benefit of others and the world
instruments of divine grace
they put the pieces of work together and grace creates all of the circumstances for manifestation
Anahata, the place where "unstruck sound" manifests, is located within the thoracic spine at the level of the breastbone. It is at anahata that unconditional love unfolds, with devotion and acceptance.
Tamasic
emotionally isolated
no awareness about the needs of others
may see other's kindness as stupid and take advantage and exploit them
Rajasic
capable of loving and being loved
unable to feel love for self, so always looking for someone to love them
when love relationships waiver, they feel empty, resentful, jealous, angry
Sattwic
this person is love
express compassion and love in a way that other people feel it in their presence
animosity dissipates in their presence
Vishuddhi, the "purification center", is located within the cervical spine at the level of the Adam's apple. One develops a keen sense of hearing within the mind, not the ears, hearing sat or "truth".
Tamasic
recluse, isolated from others
suspicious
verbally inept – may lead to feelings of persecution
Rajasic
communication flows easily, good conversationalists
they like to relate to others
their conversation partners are often those who can further their ambitions
Sattwic
information flows through the person from higher levels of awareness – intuition & wisdom
communication is no longer just an intellectual exercise
an audience recognizes a level of truth in some part of their being
Ajna, the "guru command center", is located above the spinal column behind the eyebrow center. It is here that the "eye of intuition" opens. One word: Intuition.
Tamasic
difficulty thinking & often realize it
tamasic qualities dull ability to think clearly
often come to the wrong conclusions
Rajasic
intellectually competent & logical in every day matters
still think about their own desires & ambitions & those of their family & friends
average person in this day and age
Sattwic
in contact with the higher mind, accessing intuition & wisdom
behavior is based on what is right in a big picture way
may have psychic powers, but never use them for personal gain
At the crown of the head is sahasrara, "one thousand petals". It is here that samadhi occurs. This is where the ego dissolves into the transcendental state of supreme consciousness and the individual loses all sense of identity, becoming one with the universe. Here the individual is no longer under the influence of the gunas.
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