Chakras

If we dissect the human body we will not find the chakras. These are energy wheels. The word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning wheel. If we were able to see the chakras (as many psychics, in fact, do) we would observe a wheel of energy continuously revolving or rotating. Clairvoyants perceive chakras as colourful wheels or flowers with a hub in the centre. The chakras begin at the base of the spine and finish at the top of the head. Though fixed in the central spinal column they are located on both the front and back of the body, and work through it. Chakras’ energy centres interpenetrate the physical body.

Each chakra vibrates or rotates at a different speed. The root or first chakra rotates at the slowest speed, the crown or seventh chakra at the highest speed. Each chakra is stimulated by its own and complimentary colour. The chakra colours are of the rainbow; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The size and brightness of the wheels vary with individual development, physical condition, energy levels, disease, or stress.

If the chakras are not balanced, or if the energies are blocked, the basic life force will be slowed down. The individual may feel listless, tired, out of sorts, or depressed. Not only will physical bodily functions be affected so diseases may manifest, but the thought processes and the mind may also be affected. A negative attitude, fear, doubt, etc. may preoccupy the individual.

A constant balance between the chakras promotes health and a sense of well-being. If the chakras are opened too much, a person could literally short circuit themselves with too much universal energy going through the body. If the chakras are closed, this does not allow for the universal energy to flow through them properly which may also lead to dis-ease.

Most of us react to unpleasant experiences by blocking our feeling and stopping a great deal of our natural energy flow. This affects the maturation and development of the chakras. Whenever a person blocks whatever experience he is having, he in turn blocks his chakras, which eventually become disfigured. When the chakras are functioning normally, each will be open, spinning clockwise to metabolize the particular energies needed from the universal energy field.

Chakras are not visible through physical eyes or senses. That is why they were falling under the category of mysticism. Due to nature of this science, it remains a long held secret and Yogis knew this secret. But they were imparting this secret knowledge with others very carefully, so that one could not misuse it. Sometimes there were misconceptions about Chakras, so they remain out from the reach of common people. But yoga found these energy wheels very useful for human health and balanced life. Most of the Sickness can be related to any of few of the Chakras’ imbalance.  Balanced Chakras result in balanced body, mind, senses, spirits, emotions and life.

As per Kirlian photography, an energy body permeates from our body known as Aura. There are whirlpools of energy surrounding the body. This energy flows like spinning wheels; hence these are called as Chakras. Major Chakras regulate major bodily functions.

Blocked Chakras brings imbalance in thoughts and attitudes. This further brings physical diseases, negative thoughts, and faulty beliefs.  Activating and balancing the chakras takes us up to the higher level.

Smooth and free chakras result in loving relationships, creativity, personal power, inner understanding, and internal harmony. 

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Nadi

Nadis

(Energy Channels)

In Sanskrit, word ‘Nadi’ means current or flow. The plural of the word ‘Nadi’ in Sanskrit is ‘Nadiyan’ and some books started referring to them as ‘Nadis’.  The ancient Yogic and Ayurveda Scriptures say that there are 72000 Nadis present in the subtle body. Once a yogi attains success, he gets access to his own subtle body. Through the subtle body one can see these Nadis light lines through inner vision.

In the modern age, these Nadis are called as nerves but these are made of subtle elements. Most important Nadis among all are three:  Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. Among these three, Sushumna is the most important.

Sushumna Nadi is located in the center of the spinal cord. Though physically, we cannot see the same. It starts from the base of spine, i-e Mooladhar Chakra. From Mooladhar Chakra it passes through spine and completes its journey in Sahastrar Chakra (Crown Chakra) in upper head.

Ida Nadi starts from Mooladhar Chakra. This Nadi is on the left hand side of the body. This is invisible but very powerful. This Nadi travels through left of Sushumna Nadi, crossing each chakra through left and right consecutively in a serpentine manner. This Nadi completes its journey into the Agya Chakra (Third eye chakra) from the left side.

Pingala Nadi originates from the right side of Mooladhar Chakra. This Nadi travels through right hand side of the body and cross each chakra in a serpentine manner. This Nadi terminates at Agya Chakra (Third eye chakra).

Two opposite energies are there in our body systems, like negative and positive. These are being represented by Ida Nadi and Pingala Nadi.  Ida Nadi represents and possesses passive, introvert and feminine characteristics, which is also known as "Chandra Nadi (Moon Channel)". Pingala Nadi represents and possesses active, extrovert and manly characteristics, and is also known as "Surya Nadi (Sun Channel) ".

Nadis and changes in the breath flow patterns

Everyone does many tasks every day. Human activities are affected by the change in the flow in Nadis. These flow changes from one Nadi to another in about every 60 to 90 minutes. But through some yogic practices  and techniques, one can alter these Nadis flow, as per their wish.

For example, if your Pingla Nadi  is more active and you need to perform some mental work, you can deliberately change the flow to Ida Nadi so as to have more suitable energy available for mental work. Similarly one can alter other way round according to your wish and requirements.

Yoga teacher training India - japa

What is ‘Japa’?

‘Ja’ means birth to life and ‘pa’ means call from the heart, which gives totality. ‘Japa’ is that which gives completion of life. Continuous repetation and recitation either by mouth or mind or heart or prana is called ‘Japa’.

In Yoga, Japa is an important branch.  Food is needed for hungry body, Japa is needed for spiritual fulfilment. Japa leads to self realization. Enroute to the goal, japa also removes many obstacles in the life. In japa aspirant (sadhak) send expressions of gratitude to the God and in Meditation God talks to the sadhak. Meditation becomes more deeper in the beginning for sadhak.  Later on in the meditation, japa merges with the higher awakening and consciosunessness.

After knowing the meaning of Mantra or Japa, the picture of Lord or God or Shakti comes before your mental eyes. Later on that picture merges into the consciousness.  After going deeper, one feel divine presence and divine experiences may also come. Witness the happenings.

How many types of ‘Japa’?

Sometime repeat the Mantra verbally or whisper or mental repetation. There are many types of Japa.

1.   Daily Japa: Japa which is done daily.

2.   Nimittik Japa: A Japa which is done for accomplishment in an indicative form.

3.   Kamaya Japa: This japa is recited for full-filment of desire or specific longing.

4. Nishidha Japa: A japa which is done without Yama or Niyama or guidance of guru is called as Nishidha Japa.
5. Prayshchit Japa: If some error or mistake or unknowing crime happens, then for its forgiveness japa is called prayschit japa.
6. Achala Japa: A japa done in stillness is called ‘Achala Japa’
7. Chala Japa: A japa done during walks/movements is called ‘Chala Japa’.
8. Vachika Japa: A japa done while reciting louder from the mouth is called ‘Vachika Japa’.
9. Upanshu Japa: When only lips move but no sound comes, is called ‘Upanshu Japa’.
10. Bharamar Japa: When lips, ears, and eyes are closed and sound like honey bee comes is called as ‘Bharmar Japa’.
11. Mansik Japa: A japa done on the mind level is known as ‘Mansik Japa’.
12. Akhand Japa: When japa is done non-stop for a duration is known as ‘Akhand Japa’.
13. Ajapa Japa: When japa is happening, without efforts, without choice is called as ‘Ajapa Japa’.
14. Pradikshna Japa: While taking holy round of a diety japa is performed, is called ‘Pradikshna Japa’.
15. Likhit Japa: Writing down the Mantra or Guru Mantra for a specific time and days. Observe Mauna. Likhita Japa develops wonderful powers.
    
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