MARCH-APRIL 2012 NEWLIFE 19

T IS SAID that the main purpose of Pranayama (conscious control of the Prana

or Vital Life Force, the breathing exercises) as a Sadhana or spiritual practice is

to awaken the Divine Cosmic Power. This power, known as Kundalini, is con-

ceived of as a sleeping coiled serpent that lies dormant at the base of the spine,

the Muladhara, Basal or First Chakra region. Through steady application of spe-

cific yogic techniques, this power is made to travel up the spine, penetrating all

the Major Chakras in its path, eventually reaching the highest Chakra –

the 7CHAKRAS

psychic centers of consciousness

B y Y o g i S r i D h a r m a M i t t r a

I

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20 NEWLIFE MARCH-APRIL 2012

the Sahasrara just above the physical skull,where it unites with the Supreme Soul. Assoon as the Major Chakras are pierced byKundalini, the ordinary consciousness israised to a specific state of consciousness.Until one’s consciousness evolves to the pointof the Vishuddha or Fifth Chakra opening andactivating, the consciousness always movesbetween Chakras as a result of one’s deedsfrom the past and what one is currently pass-ing through. Once one’s consciousness arrivesat the Fifth Chakra, it never descends again.

While there is a relationship between theGlandular System and the Major Chakras,the Chakras are truly part of the Subtle orPsychic Anatomy. Only those blessed withpsychic powers or abilities can actually seethem, not even the most powerful electronmicroscope can actively engaging the pow-ers of the imagination to grasp what theytruly are, and then to use this knowledge tohelp make real progress in yoga.

The Major Chakras and their Stateof Consciousness

from the Base of the Spine to theCrown of the Head and Beyond

the First Chakra

MULADHARA(located between the legs)

At this level, an individual acts in darknessand views the world in a very cruel and mate-rialistic way. Lacking the discrimination to tell

right from wrong, the individual hurts himselfand others. In this state, the Divine Energy is atits lowest degree of strength. Imagine a cave-man; someone so primitive that they are onlyconcerned with the most basic acts of survival.Their responses to the outer world are paintedonly with the broadest of brushstrokes as in fear,anger, joy, etc. Although we all pass throughthis state of consciousness as young children,most move beyond as they age and evolve.

the Second Chakra

SVADHISHTHANA (located by sexual organs)

Here one thinks only that the world isbrought about by the union of male andfemale -- that sex is the basis of everything.Holding such a view, this poor soul endowedwith little understanding wastes all its semenand sexual power in vain, sympatheticallyslowing its down spiritual progress. An indi-vidual lost in this state is easily hooked on sex,and it is hard for them to ever really break free.The more one’s cravings are satisfied, the larg-er they grow and the faster they multiplyOfcourse, when exercised properly, with moder-ation and without attachment, then the suffer-ing inherent in this state is lessened.

the Third Chakra

MANIPURA(located below the navel)

In this state, one seeks for power andachievement. Here one works hard for

name, fame and position – even their reli-gious observances are related to these aims,giving rise to arrogance. Ostentation, rude-ness, etc.: “Striving hard only to amasswealth for the satisfaction of their passion,one saysMotivated by selfish actions, oneoffers sacrifices, gives and rejoices.

the Fourth Chakra

ANAHATA(located by the heart)

At this level, one begins to transcend theordinary human emotions partiallydescribed above. One acts with pure resolveand with conscience. Ordinary love is nowconstantly being transformed into compas-sion, and it purifies the mind and heart,increasing spiritual perception. This may bethe beginning of the end of sin.

the Fifth Chakra

VISHUDDHA(located by the throat)

Here one strives hard for spiritual fulfill-ment. Virtues such as self-denial, self-con-trol, austerity, steadfastness, uprightness,renunciation, dedication, truthfulness andtranquility are highly cultivated. This may bethe end of sin.

the Sixth Chakra

AJNA(located by the forehead – third eye)

Here, after long and painful spiritual prac-tices such as self-purification, the mind,heart and intellect are purified and the con-sciousness is expanded to the level of DivinePerception. One sees the Spiritual World orhas a complete vision of God.

the Seventh Chakra

SAHASRARA(located at the top of the head)

This is the end of the journey, one returnshome again. As the air from a bubblebecomes one with the ocean of air around itafter bursting, so here pure consciousness,existence and bliss are freed from their veilor bubble (ego, individuality, perception ofduality, Maya) and become one with thehomogeneous Mass of Existence, CompleteKnowledge or Bliss Absolute.

What else is there to say? Observe the full-ness of Yama and Niyama (the ethical rulesand observances of yoga), do your practiceno matter what, be kind to everyone, harborno ill feelings for your fellow man and makeevery action an act of adoration to theSupreme Self or God. Then the essence ofthe Chakras will reveal itself to you and youwill achieve perfect success in yoga.

Join Sri Dharma Mittra daily as this livingmaster continues to disseminate the prac-tices of yoga at the beautiful new DharmaYoga New York Center at 61 West 23rdStreet, 6th floor. Visit www.dharmayogacen-ter.com for more information.

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