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AJNA CHAKRA
This is the centre of the `Third Eye`: the point between the eyebrows in the forehead. Physically this chakra corresponds to the pineal gland at the front of the brain, working in conjunction with the Bindu chakra (see below) this affects the hormone production of the pituitary gland behind it. It is also at the bridging point between the left and right sides of the brain and their relative functions. For this reason the chakra is sometimes called the Command Wheel (Chakra).
In yoga teaching this chakra is the centre of telepathic and intuitive powers leading to the development of clairvoyance. It can be called the Guru chakra, because communication between guru and shishya transcends mere oral teaching to that of the subtle realms. It is the point where the Ida and Pingala nadis are said to converge. We are also told that this chakra is connected to our individuality (Ahamkara) and also to the lower mind (Manas). From this chakra we rise to our union with the Divine.
In traditional symbolism the chakra is shown with two petals of grey or white. In the centre of the symbol is a downward pointing triangle – the Shakti (feminine) force – with an inner lingam – the Shiva (masculine) force. The sound associated with this chakra is Aum – the complete and Universal sound indicating the completeness of what is in this place where Ida and Pingala have united.
Concentration on this point is often used in meditation where it can help to develop those intuitive powers mentioned above.
A further chakra which is seldom included or described in chakra teaching is the Bindu (moon) chakra located at the back of the head, just above the Ajna and below the Saharara chakras. In Tantra it is taught that here the nectar of immortality Amrita is produced. Until its flow is controlled it is said to drip down to the Manipra chakra where it is burnt in the sun`s fire. Retaining the amrita in Vishuddha allows it to be directed to all parts of the body for growth and health. Viparita karani is a particularly useful asana for conserving the amrita.
AJNA CHAKRA
This is the centre of the `Third Eye`: the point between the eyebrows in the forehead. Physically this chakra corresponds to the pineal gland at the front of the brain, working in conjunction with the Bindu chakra (see below) this affects the hormone production of the pituitary gland behind it. It is also at the bridging point between the left and right sides of the brain and their relative functions. For this reason the chakra is sometimes called the Command Wheel (Chakra).
In yoga teaching this chakra is the centre of telepathic and intuitive powers leading to the development of clairvoyance. It can be called the Guru chakra, because communication between guru and shishya transcends mere oral teaching to that of the subtle realms. It is the point where the Ida and Pingala nadis are said to converge. We are also told that this chakra is connected to our individuality (Ahamkara) and also to the lower mind (Manas). From this chakra we rise to our union with the Divine.
In traditional symbolism the chakra is shown with two petals of grey or white. In the centre of the symbol is a downward pointing triangle – the Shakti (feminine) force – with an inner lingam – the Shiva (masculine) force. The sound associated with this chakra is Aum – the complete and Universal sound indicating the completeness of what is in this place where Ida and Pingala have united.
Concentration on this point is often used in meditation where it can help to develop those intuitive powers mentioned above.
A further chakra which is seldom included or described in chakra teaching is the Bindu (moon) chakra located at the back of the head, just above the Ajna and below the Saharara chakras. In Tantra it is taught that here the nectar of immortality Amrita is produced. Until its flow is controlled it is said to drip down to the Manipra chakra where it is burnt in the sun`s fire. Retaining the amrita in Vishuddha allows it to be directed to all parts of the body for growth and health. Viparita karani is a particularly useful asana for conserving the amrita.