A Chakra Purification Meditation

7/30/2019 A Chakra Purification Meditation

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A Chakra Purification Meditatio

The chakra cleansing exercise accomplishes pranayama, pratyhara, anddharana all at once being an excellent preparation before meditation orother practices of laya yoga. It helps us focus within toward awareness ofthe energy body, based on the classic seven chakras and their seed (bija)syllables. Each chakra has thus a corresponding vibratory sound energywhich helps us get in touch with that region. According to classic hathayoga there are seven chakras and their sounds are approximately:

Lam for the muladhara (earth) chakra located in the perineum area.Yellow in Color

Vam for the swadhistana (water) chakra located in the prostate/ovariesarea. White in Color

Ram for the manipura chakra (fire) located above the navel. Red in

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Color.

Yam for the Heart chakra (anahat) associated with the element of air.Blue in Color

Ham for the vishudda (throat chakra) associated with ether (akasha).Swirling Dark Gray

Aum for the third eye

AH for the Crown (various schools use different sounds for the crownchakra, here AH is a special mantra specifically chosen for its benigneffects.

The first five seed syllables are said with a nasal "hngh" type ending

more than a mmm type ending as in lamngh, vamngh, ramngh, yamngh,and hamngh. In the Nepalese and Tibetan tradition it is often pronouncedla, va, ra, ya, ha.

We can increase the detail in regard to colors, number of lotus petals,letters on the lotus petals, sounds of the lotus petals turning, etc. to aidfurther detailed concentrations, but this process of differentiation can beendless. It can be even counter-productive as these details are not thechakras themselves, but rather simply symbolic representations ofcorresponding characteristics that "may" help point out as a temporaryaid in which to access the actual awareness of these vibrating energyvortexes in which more or less detail may or may not be of help.

For those who are a bit unfocused, then the need for more details mayhelp their over active mental situation in which case there exist manymore detailed chakra meditations utilizing such detail. However in thischakrapurificationmeditation we do not trouble ourselves with such

details, but rather use the sounds as an aid to focus in on the pre-existingenergy patterns that are singing at each chakra -- bring our awarenessand listening to "it", more than projecting a sound unto it.

We start simply by sitting in a comfortable position with the spine restingon the upright sacrum, - grounding the tailbone to the earth, andextending the spine and torso (in mulabandha) so that the occiput extendstoward the sky and the chin is slightly drawn in (a soft jalandhara




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bandha). I t might help to halfway to close the eyes gazing inside andupward touching the tongue lightly to the roof of mouth while the eyeslook up softly into the ajna chakra.

The Practice Proper

We then visualize a brilliant bright light at the base of the spine. As wbreathe in we visualize this brilliant bright light entering the chakra andpurifying it. As we exhale we visualize the chakra opening (like the petalsof a lotus blossom) and say the seed syllable (once or up to sixteen times).

Then we again visualize a brilliant bright light at the base of the spineand as we inhale, visualizing this light raising up to the next chakra

purifying it. Again as we exhale, we visualize the chakra opening like thepetals of a lotus blossom as we vibrate the seed syllable for that chakraout loud. Eventually we work up to the crown kinesthetically feeling thevibratory nature of these energies. With the awareness focused within tothis energy flow we sit in silent awareness connecting the root with thecrown (sambhavi mudra).

For example, inhale a brilliant bright light from the base of the spine intothe MULADHARA chakra. As we exhale we visualize the chakra opening

like a lotus flower while saying LAM as many times as you like(classically up to 16 times).

On the next inhale we visualize a brilliant bright light moving up fromthe base of the spine to the SWADHISTHANA chakra (below the navel)and as we exhale we vibrate aloud the sound, VAM, anywhere as manytimes as you like (classically up to 16 times) as we visualize the chakraopening like the petals of a lotus flower.

Likewise from the base of the spine we visualize a brilliant bright lightand as we inhale it moves upward purifying the MANIPURA chakra(above the navel) and as we exhale the seed syllable RAM vibrating aloudas we visualize the chakra opening.

Then visualizing again a brilliant bright light at the base of the spine weinhale it up to the heart center (ANAHAT CHAKRA) and as we exhal

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say the bija mantra YAM as many times as we are drawn to (usually onto sixteen times) as the chakra opens.

Then visualizing a brilliant bright light at the base of the spine, inhaling itup the spine as a white light into the throat chakra (VISHUDDA) and as

we exhale say HAM as we visualize the petals of the chakra opening.On the next inhale we breathe up a brilliant white light from thegrounded tailbone connecting into the third eye (AJ NA chakra) and asthe petals open as we exhale saying a long AUM only once.

Then we visualize a brilliant bright white light at the base of the spineand as we inhale visualize it rising to to the crown chakra(SAHASRARA) and as we resonate out loud a long AHHHH deep within

the brain and upward we visualize the chakra opening so that our energyis as an open self supporting balanced conduit between the earth and thesky extended in an effortless self supported equipoise.

At this point in the meditation we can engage in other practices for selfhealing, such as doing energy healing work by finding pre-existing energyblocks and working through them, or begin a silent meditation, or simplybe finished for the time being.

For example we can repeat the visualization over again to see if there isan improved effect. Especially if we noticed an energy blockage in aspecific area the first time, we can simply breathe back into the chakrabelow and above it, resonate the seed syllables over again, and then on anadditional breath, breathe into the specific energy center in question. Thiscan be repeated until some sort of openness or flow is achieved. Feel freeto experiment with resonant combinations of the chakras, for example,the ajna chakra and swadhistana chakra have a specific resonance, thevishuddi (throat) and manipura (fire chakra), the earth (muladhara) and

sky sahasrara), etc. It is especially the the root and crown chakras (earthand sky) which are the two most critical to connect while the others may

just fall into place on their own inbetween.

So in the above practice we have also accomplished asana (posture),pranayama (lengthening the energy), pratyhara (focusing the awarenesswithin), and dharana (focusing the mind) allowing us to be much better




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prepared to sit in meditation as the energy is already flowing easierbecause pratyhara and dharana has already become accomplished.

An Advanced Chakra MeditationThis ends the simple chakra purification exercise which accomplishespratyhara and focuses (dharana) our energy and mind inside freeing usfrom external disturbance and vagaries (vrtti) and thus acting as acatalyst both toward self empowerment, self healing, and effectivemeditation.

The first practice (given above) is both absolutely safe and purifying as

well as energizing. An advanced practice may be undertaken after onehas practiced pranayama with kumbhaka (retention) and the threebandhas (mula, uddiyana, and jalandhara bandhas) with an even morepowerful effect.

The advanced practice is performed as above, but the main differenceoccurs with the synchronistic use of retention (antar kumbhaka), thebandhas, and more elaborate visualization thusly. At the end of eachinhale, having brought the light and breath into the chakra and before

the beginning the exhalation, one holds the breath inside (internalkumbhaka) while at the same time performing the three bandhas as acontinuous wave starting at the bottom and working upward. While thebreath is held inside, the chakra region can be visualized in more detail ifdesired. A simple and easy addition in this regard is to visualize thechakra region as pulsating in a vibratory wavelike motion addingappropriate color associations to the energy or adding even greaterelaboration if one desires. Then, one slowly exhales, before there is anydiscomfort vibrating the seed syllable as in the above purification

practice, paying attention to the subtle quality and tone of the exhalation.

This should be done after the chakra purification practice is mastered. Itbrings more vitalizing energy into the system (good for those who aredeficient in prana, tejas, or ojas). One may do this advanced practicefeeling both the front and the back of the body vibrating. For some thecolors are valuable, for others the sound, for others the breath, and for




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others it is simply the feeling -- the awareness of opening and being filledwith light, prana, and strength.

To enhance the above after the chakras are purified and open, they canbe activated by doing the same as above, but in addition hold the breath

(internal kumbhaka) inward utilizing the three bandhas gently for a shortduration of time before exhaling and sending the the light out (while thelotus flowers expand).

The above is the classic hatha yoga practice, but there are many schoolswhich differ on some specifics. The most controversial is the sound at thecrown chakra, but ah is the most common. The second most commonsound that is often suggested at the crown chakra is the high pitchedsound, hri (pronounced huhreeee). There are also schools which use

different sounds at each chakra (rare).

Many Western schools give the colors for the chakras like the spectrumstarting with red at the root, orange at the swadhistana, yellow at thenavel, green at the heart, blue at the throat, purple at the ajna, and whiteat the crown, but such is not found in classical yoga. Utilized as a simplebut profound purification, a white color should be used for all thechakras. As an additional practice the different colors, syllables (sounds)for the various petals, associated deities, and symbols may be used for

those who like more detail. Feel free to experiment to ascertain whatworks best for yourself. To get a powerful effect, the practice can be verysimple as in the first part.

CHAKRA CHART

Chakra LocationSeed

SyllablePrana Kosha

Body

ShariraOrgan Element

MuladharaBase ofthe spine

Lamapanavayu

Annamaya Sthula smell earth

SwadisthanaBelowNavel

Vamvyanavayu

Annamaya Sthula taste water

ManipuraAboveNavel

Ramsamanavayu

Pranamaya Sukshmaseeing fir




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Regarding the above chart, one may eventually become aware of themore subtle energies that surround and operate in our life. The variousbodies (called sharira in Sanskrit) are associated with the five koshas(sheaths). The coarse physical body (sthula sharira) is of the lowestvibration and most dense. The subtle body (the sukshma sharira) which isoften called the astral or energy body is associated with the pranamaya,

manomaya, and vijnanamaya koshas depending on its state ofpurification and transformation, while the causal body (the karanasharira) is associated with the anandamaya kosha which is beyondsuffering and bondage. SeeThe Timeless Body of Infinite Light and it'sFinite Manifestationsfor more.

A Top Down Chakra Meditation

Another classical chakra meditation is top down (from sahasrara tomuladhara). This one also utilizes a slight retention after the inhalation(antar kumbhaka).

Again find a very comfortable, strong, and upright position groundingthe tailbone with the earth and placing the pelvis in neutral position sothat the spinal column sits erect upon the sacrum. L ift the hear, extendthe spine, slightly without tension tuck the chin gently, and implement theenergetic form of each bandha (mulabandha, uddiyana bandha, and

jalandhara bandha) without strain so there is a felt sense of selfsupporting mutuality. Let the back of the medial scapulae sink while thetop front of the shoulders move up and around and toward the back(posterior). Let the gaze rest at the third eye or nose and implementkhechari mudra (if you practice it) or simply place the tongue at the toppalate without creating stress to the tongue or jaw. Relax into a feeling ofbuoyancy. The hands can rest on the knees in chin mudra, jnana mudra,or any other comfortable position that supports the overall energy.

Anahata Heart Yampranavayu

Manomaya Sukshmafeeling air

Vishuddha Throat Hamudanavayu

VijnanamayaSukshmahearingspeech

ether(akasha)

AjnaThird

EyeAum VijnanamayaSukshma

Sahasrara Crown Ah Anandamaya Karana




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Begin by becoming aware of the space above the crown (at the parietalbones which are located top dead center between the occiput in back andfrontal bone in front). Center your awareness there and try to feel theempty space above the crown (sahasrara) as a subtle density dynamic, awind, fluid, wave like etheric pressure variant, or any other such subtle

awareness. Visualize the brahmarandhra (hole of Brahma) open at thetop of the head. If you do not feel the specific location of thebrahmarandhra chose the bregma point (the anterior fontanel at the

junction of the frontal and parietal bones) or the posterior fontanel at thjunction of the parietal and occiput. If the exact spot is difficult to locate,then try visualizing the entire parietal bone flapping subtly like wings, thesides rise up on the exhalation and come together on the inhalationcreating an widening abduction on top.

Then on the inhalation breathe energy from infinite Source above thecrown and then down into that spot sucking it in through thebrahmarandhra. On the exhalation breathe the energy and light back upand out through the brahmarandhra to infinite space. Repeat two ormore times until the area feels open, airy, bright, and cleansed.

Then on an inhalation breathe fresh new white colored light into thecrown (sahasrara) and hold the breath and bandhas in while visualizingthe entire frontal cortex and cerebrum fill and flood with white light on

the exhalation letting the energy spread outward.

On the next inhalation breathe the white light in from infinite Sourcethrough the brahmarandhra and down from the crown into ajna chakrafilling the third eye, physical eyes, sinus, thalamus, cerebellum, backbrain, and brain stem with white light and energy while retaining thebreath in implementing the bandhas actively. Exhale the same way againflooding the light outward throughout the region.

Repeat breathing white light into the throat chakra (vishuddha), theheart/lungs (anahat chakra) , the manipura (fire chakra), theswadhistana chakra (water), and muladhara chakra (earth) the same wayutilizing an internal retention (kumbhaka) and then a spreading outwardof the light energy on the exhalation purifying each and every chakra oneby one.




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It is excellent to move this energy all the way down to the soles of the feetwhile spreading the white light outward on the exhalation.

Let the light spread out in all directions in each chakra. On eachexhalation be aware of a vibratory and pulsating afterglow of light in

each chakra.After all seven chakras are done this way and you have cleansed andactivated the muladhara, then in one long breath breathe in from infiniteSource all the way to the muladhara implementing the internalkumbhaka and the bandhas as the light and space is spread throughoutthe body to each and every system, cell, and atom. During the kumbhaka(breath retention stage) gently compound and suck in and up the energyin the lower cauldron (lower dan dien or hara) below the navel by

combining mulabandha and uddiyana bandha. Before the exhalationvisualize the energy from muladhara on up from chakra to chakra to thecrown completing the circle by containing it. At this phase spread theentire body with white vajra light. As you exhale let loose all the bandhasand slowly let the breath and light connect back to infinite source out thecrown of the head as well as sink down to mother nature/creation leavingthe entire body and nervous system as an open channel, connected,quickened, livened, strengthened, energized, cleansed, vibrating, andpulsing at an accelerated very intelligent healing frequency.

Sit in that afterglow space in a receptive mood and then start yourmeditation or practice or simply use this time to facilitate energy healingwork in specific areas. Eventually allow the breath to return to anequality of inhalation and exhalation or allow the exhalation to be longerin regard to duration and strength.

To end send the energy to fill the heart chakra and from there visualizethis energy going to every organ, tissue, gland, cell, atom, internal space

in the body, outer spaces, all times and dimension. Send this healinginfinite universal to the surrounding space, people, trees, community,plants, and animals -- to everyone everywhere and throughout the threetimes.




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The Ten and the Many

It is best mentioned here that the seven chakra system is classical, butyour actual practice does not have to be limited by the classical thought ofcenturies long past. In the very ancient literature and traditions, there

were three chakras or lokas, then later there was five, then six, thenseven. In some tantric systems there are 9, 10, 12, and more. One theoryis that the vibratory nature of the universe, the galaxy, and hence theearth is accelerating and becoming more refined and diversified as suchnew energy centers have emerged within the hologram of man.

I use ten chakras. Please notice that this experientially works best for meat this time, making no universal claims on its application, but simply willshare it here. One may locate the center of the chakras by making FIVE

FINGER WIDTH spacing starting from the pubic bone upward. Thecenter of the swadhistana then would be located in the center of the firstpalm. The second palm will center around the navel region (manipurachakra), then higher up five more finger widths the palm will be underthe sternum, its center on top of the spleen, liver, gallbladder, stomachcomplex. Here we can place an additional chakra and call it the spleen ornabhi chakra with the seed syllable hoh. Five more finger widths to theheart (anahata). Then five more locating the thymus center halfwaybetween the throat and heart chakra at the thymus whose seed syllable issham). These two chakras Spleen and Thymus) work in resonance (likethe throat and navel, ajna and swadhistana, muladhara and sahasrara).

The last additional but very important chakra is the Talu chakra locatedat the cerebellum area and brain stem directly in front of the occiput. I tsseed syllable is also aum (like the ajna)

Thus we have ten

1. muladhara lam2. swadhistana vam3. manipura ram4. nabhi/spleen hoh5. anahat yam6. thymus sham7. vishudda ham8. talu au




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9. ajna au10. sahasrara ah

For more on a 12 chakra system see theaddendum at the Chakra Healingpage at Rainbowbody

The Seven Microcosmic Chakras of the Neck

The neck has an "S" shaped curve very similar to the spine and ananalogue can be found at each cervical vertebra. This additional chakrapractice for the seven vertebra of the neck and as a microcosm for therest of the spine can be done alone or integrated with the above practicesis an excellent 7 step exercise for those with blockages in vishuddachakra, neck, or throat problems.

EARTH -- lam between the 7th and 6th

WATER -- vam between the 6th and 5th

FIRE -- ram between the 5th and 4th

AIR -- yam between the 4th and 3rd

akasha -- ham between the 3rd and 2nd

aum between the 2nd and 1st

aum again between 1st and then entering into the talu chakra

(note that sometimes the name of the chakra behind the occiput at thebrain stem is called "talu", while in other literature, "talu", refers to theregion at the cerebellum.

One can continue to break down the energetic points of the body and givethem names and sounds which symbolize their energetic resonance,harmony, activation, and stabilization. Commonly there exist recognitionof the chakras at the cupped arches at both feet, at the heels, knees, andboth hip joints, the cupped arch at the palms of the hand, the wrists, theelbows, and at both shoulder joints (gleno-humeral joints). In additionmany tantric systems recognize at least one chakra below the bod




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belonging to the earth proper and at least in space above the headbelonging to the sky region proper. These two follows around the humanbody where ever it goes as long as it is alive. I t is through this body thatShiva's love is communicated to Shakti, and how Shakti's love towardShiva is expressed in a balanced mutual timeless non-dual synchronicity.

To Purity Portal

HeartMind Home Page

Back to Chakra and Energy Healing

The Cabala and the Chakras

The Timeless Body of Infinite Light and it's Finite Manifestations

The Stages of Life: Birth, Youth, Old Age, Sickness and Death

Tree Legends, Dragon Myths, and Wisdom Tales

The Long Body: Portal to Earth Based Spirituality (includes "TWO TREES" by W.B. Yeats)

Swara Yoga: Utilizing the Energy Valves at the Nares (swaras) as a Liberation technique

To Hatha Yoga Index

There exist many volumes of words about the chakras, but the most important thingto know is that all we need to know about the chakras are that they are found inside.

The following links are just the tip of the iceberg in comparison of what is availableon the world wide web, none of which can be nearly complete as establishing theinternal dialogue.

A simple but colorful exposition by Sahajayoga

A Wide Range of Information on Chakras at Kheper.net

Swara Yoga: Utilizing the Energy Valves at the Nares (swaras) as a Liberation technique

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras; Pada III (Vibhuti Pada), Sutras III.41-46. Also see III.31commentary on the Kurma Nadi

"Nature's Finer Forces and the Science of Breath (Pranayama Yoga)" was originall




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published in Sanskrit as"Science of the Breath and the Philosophy of the Tatwas"), byRama Prasad, is available here in PDF format,

Swara Yoga(according to the Bihar School of Yoga). Much excellent data about SwaraYoga athttp://www.swarayoga.org

Bhuta Shuddhi (presented by Swami Rama)

Presentation ofBhuta Shuddhi by Swami Satyasangananada Saraswati

Energy Bodies, Koshas, Kayas, and Sharira

Chakra and Energy Body Healing

An Energy Body Approach to Hatha Yoga Asana Practice

Hatha Yoga Topics Index

HeartMind Yoga Home


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A Chakra Purification Meditation