Meditation for Chakras for Bliss and Well-Being

According to the Hindu tradition of meditation, Chakras are energy centers at specific locations from the bottom of the spine to the top of the head. The vital life force flows through the Chakras and energizes the being. Each Chakra has a particular color, Mantra, location, visual association with a form/figure and unique range of experiences. The Chakras also control physiological functions and are seats of positive and negative emotions. Traditional practice symbolizes each Chakra as a lotus. A lotus exists on three levels - mud, water and air. These denote the stages of man's spiritual pursuit - ignorance, aspiration and illumination, respectively. Evolving from the mud of ignorance, rising through the water of aspirations, man reaches the air and enjoys the illumination of the Sun.

Following are the Chakras and their attributes.

Chakra-1: Mooladhara - in the perineum, 4 petalled lotus, deep red lotus, controls excretory and sexual functions, emotions of inertia/spiritedness, Mantra is 'Lam'

Chakra-2: Swadhisthana -in the pubic bone, 6 petalled lotus, vermilion lotus, controls sacral plexus of nerves, pro-creativity/excess sexual desire, Mantra is 'Vam'

Chakra-3: Manipura - in the navel, 10 petalled lotus, bright yellow lotus, controls digestion, assimilation and temperature regulation, emotions of generosity, greed and jealousy, Mantra is 'Ram'

Chakra-4: Anahata - in the heart, 12 petalled lotus, blue lotus, controls functions of heart, lungs and diaphragm, emotions of fear and love, Mantra is 'Yam'

Chakra-5: Vishuddhi - in the throat, 16 petalled lotus, violet lotus, controls thyroid functions and the organs of speech, emotions of grief and gratitude, Mantra is 'Ham'

Chakra-6: Ajna - in the forehead, 2 petalled lotus, silver-grey lotus, controls the brain center and pineal gland, emotions of anger and one-pointed focus, Mantra is Om

Chakra-7: Sahasrara - on top of the head, 1000 petalled lotus, multicolored or red lotus, controls the pituitary gland, sensation of bliss, Mantra is Om

According tot he Yogic tradition, at the base of the spine, Kundalini, the corporeal energy lies dormant. Meditation for Chakras attempts to awaken this energy and elevate it upwards through the Chakras. As this happens, extraordinary physical and mental potentials are believed to unfold. When the Kundalini reaches the top of the head, the Ultimate Bliss is belived to be experienced.

It is believed that when the Chakras are not in balance, mental and physical ailments manifest. Meditation on the Chakras tune the energy centers and harmonize them. Meditation is usually done in a seated, cross-legged position (Siddhasana/Padmasana). The spine should be erect with the shoulder muscles relaxed. The body should be comfortable and relaxed. A combination of the following techniques of meditation for Chakras may be used.

Making a Resolve: At the start, the seeker makes a resolve (sankalpa) - he/she mentally expresses a certain desire and believes it will occur with absolute certainty. Then formal meditation begins.

Body awareness and scanning: The mind is aware of each body part as it scans from the toes to the tip of the head multiple times.

Meditation on the location of the Chakras: Beginning at the lowermost Chakra, the mind gradually scans through each point where the Chakra is located and moves to the uppermost Chakra on the head. Intense concentration of the mind at each Chakra may be employed.

Using the Mantra: While at each Chakra, the corresponding Mantra is mentally chanted several times with deep breaths and its vibration is experienced.

Visualization of Color and lotus: At the location of each Chakra, its corresponding color and lotus may be mentally visualized. Other geometric forms or figures of specific deities may be visualized.

Using special forms of breathing: Pranayama or special breathing exercises that quieten the mind and create positive vibrations are also used.

Using Music with special vibrations: Specially designed music with vibrations tuned to the Chakras can aid in enhancing the meditative experience.

Ending the meditation: The meditation is ended by bringing awareness back tot he body and to the surroundings.

It is usually practiced for 20 minutes to an hour. Regular practice is said to heal many ailments and relive mental stress. As practice advances, the vibrations and colors get richer in tone and pulses can be distinctly felt in the region of the Chakras.

Meditation for Chakras corrects the imbalance associated with each Chakra and adds to improved well being. As stated earlier, each Chakra corresponds to certain emotions and physiological functions. Restoring its energy restores the physiological function of that Chakra and promotes the positive emotions associated with it. Some of the benefits of tuning each Chakra are listed below.

Chakra-1: Removes dullness and creates the spirit to live life.

Chakra-2: Gives emotional strength to overcome obsession with sex and makes the mind creative. Improves health of the sex organs.

Chakra-3: Helps in overcoming greed and jealously and fills the mind with generosity. Improves the nervous system.

Chakra-4: Fills the heart with love and joy. Improves the cardiac system.

Chakra-5: Gives the experience of being grateful and contented. Aides metabolic functioning.

Chakra-6: Improves intelligence, memory and the ability to concentrate. improves all the functions of the brain.

Chakra-7: Gives a joyful disposition and improves endocrine functions in the body.

I have practiced different forms of Yoga and have found meditation for Chakras to be the most powerful way to change the emotions of the mind and re-energize the self. But done improperly, it can leave you with negative emotions. So it is important to learn this art from an accomplished teacher to get its full benefit. Incorrect practice can hurt one's well being. After learning the technique, meditation for Chakras may be done independently or through a guided voice.

For a good understanding of meditation for Chakras, refer to the book "Kundalini Tantra" by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Yoga publications trust, India. The material in this article is based on teachings from this book and personal experience.