The Chakras - A Psychological Perspective

 By Swami Nishchalananda

The Path to Realise Our Fullest Potential and Fundamental Identity

The chakras are centres of energy within each human being.

They function in each moment of our lives and, taken together, they encompass and embrace the entire spectrum of human experience.

They relate to specific physical organs, nervous plexuses, endocrine glands, emotional responses, mental patterns and psychic experiences within each of us, as well as, if we go deep enough, opening us up to spiritual insight.

In this article we will consider the chakras mainly from a psychological perspective and explore how harmonising the chakras can lead to us to deeper realisation of what we are and our place in the universal scheme of things.

Although the chakras are functioning in all of us, they tend to be blocked and imbalanced. Unblocking, harmonising and energising them brings profound changes in our understanding, perception and behaviour. They then become vehicles of self discovery, enabling us to truly fulfil our lives. Through practice, we can awaken hidden dimensions of our embodied existence. Moreover, by awakening the “higher” chakras  we start to realise our innate nature as Awareness; there is a quantum leap in our self-identity. This is why the chakras are so important in yoga and tantra.

The six major chakras are:

Sanskrit Name | English Name | Physical location | Key Quality

Mooladhara | Root Centre | Perineum/Cervix | Physicality and Instincts

Swadhishthana | Pelvic Centre | Pelvis | Sexuality and Desires

Manipura | Navel Centre | Navel/Solar Plexus | Emotions and Vital Energy

Anahata | Heart Centre | Heart/Chest Cavity | Feelings, Love and Compassion

Vishuddhi | Purification Centre | Throat | Purification and Communication

Agya | Third Eye | Centre of the Head | Thinking, Intuition, Realisation and Knowledge

Being energy patterns, the chakras do not have specific physical locations. However, for the sake of practice, in yoga and tantra, the chakras are given precise physical locations.

More subtle than these six chakras are the bindu (the causal body) and the sahasrara (the thousand-petalled lotus; the Source). These are explained later in this article.

In brief, the specific psychological qualities of each of the chakras are as follows.

Mooladhara chakra

The ‘root centre’ (moola, root; adhara, place) represents our body, the physical base of our personality and embodied existence. It is concerned with nourishment, health and safeguarding our physical survival by ensuring that we dedicate time and energy to seeking food and shelter.

Ego-state: ‘I am the physical body’.

Signs of balance: Good physical health and vitality, as well as being comfortable in our body and well grounded. Moreover, we are not overly attached to material things or the false security of possessions because we feel secure in ourselves.

Signs of imbalance: When we over-identify with our body, there is a tendency to overeat, which can result in obesity; obsession with money, our appearance, property and possessions; fear of change; addiction to physical security and rigid boundaries. On the other hand, a negative attitude to our body, may lead to disconnection from the body, negative self-image and being underweight.

Causes of blockages and imbalance: There may be inherited traumas and defects (i.e., genetic), birth trauma, childhood abandonment and physical neglect, poor physical bonding, poverty, malnutrition, major illness, physical and sexual abuse.

Ways of unblocking and healing: Reconnecting with the body, physical activity such as sport, walking, gardening, massage, eating good nourishing food and hatha yoga (complemented by other forms of yoga).

Addictions and compulsions: We tend to be addicted to all material things, more for the sense of security they bring than for their functional necessity or any pleasure that they bring. For example, we may hoard possessions because it gives us a feeling of security and meaning; we tend to be obsessed by a strong sense of territoriality and the attitude that this is ‘my property.’

Physiology and ailments: Specifically associated with the organs of elimination, the colon and anus, as well as with the perineal node which provides a focal point for the muscles around the pelvis and perineum. Associated diseases include constipation, haemorrhoids, colitis, varicose veins, lower back pain and inguinal hernia (though, in fact, all physical diseases will relate in some way or another to imbalance of the mooladhara).

Spiritual potential: With good physical health, we are enabled to look beyond the confines of our physical body and its needs. We are able to use the body as a vehicle to not only live our life fully, but to explore and express our greater potential, indicated by the other chakras, and awaken to our spiritual nature.

Swadhishthana chakra

‘One’s own abode’ (swa, one’s own; adhishthana, abode) represents the instinctive, subconscious realms, which are the basis of our personality. The swadhishthana gives us the capacity to experience sensory pleasure, whether in sex, eating or drinking. It also relates to our strong gender identification. Working on this chakra brings more awareness of how the subconscious impacts on our motivations and behaviour, revealing hidden aspects of our personality.

Ego-state: ‘I am a man/ woman’ and ‘I want to join sexually with another’. We enjoy beautifying ourself and dressing up as means to attract the attention of others. 

Signs of balance: At ease with our gender, viewing sexuality as a natural aspect of our existence and able to experience it in a conscious, joyful and spontaneous way, free of guilt and the feeling of sinfulness.

Signs of imbalance: If we have lots of sexual energy, but little of the mellowing influence of the “higher” chakras, we tend to over-indulge in sex, considering others as sexual objects; we use seductive manipulation, become enmeshed in obsessive attachment and jealousy; we tend to be addicted to pleasure, even those pleasures that are harmful, unhealthy and unnatural.

If we deny and suppress our sexuality, we tend to be rigid in body and attitudes, and fearful of sex; we may deny pleasure and lack vitality, passion and excitement; often we are riddled with guilt, have low self-esteem and are prone to depression.

Causes of blockages and imbalance: When we are young, the swadhishthana can be blocked by sexual abuse, neglect, coldness and rejection by our parents; emotional manipulation, as well as religious and moral (anti-pleasure) restrictions; we easily inherit issues from our parents who have not worked out their sexuality.

Ways of unblocking and healing: Inner child work, emotional release, enjoying healthy pleasures, enjoying the senses, sharing and exploring sexuality with a loving partner, as well as hatha yoga and other forms of yoga.

Addictions and compulsions: Over-indulgence in sex and pleasure; self-harm; obsessions in general.

Physiology and ailments: Relates to the sex organs and the sex glands (the gonads: in men, the testes; in women, the ovaries). Associated diseases include sexual problems of all types. In women, this includes premenstrual tension, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, sterility and frigidity; in men, this includes prostatitis and impotence. This chakra also relates to lower back pain and kidney problems.

Spiritual potential: As we become more conscious of the “higher” chakras, our attitude and understanding regarding the swadhishthana changes. As well as being a means of physically, emotionally and mentally joining or uniting with another, sex becomes a transformative force or energy. Instead of ‘I want to join sexually with another’, one’s attitude becomes more like ‘I want to unite with my deeper Self through another’. We realise that sexual energy is a sacred gift. Instead of an object of sexual enjoyment, the ‘other’ becomes a partner on the path to deeper realisation – his/her pleasure is as important as our own.

Manipura chakra

The ‘city of jewels’ (mani, jewel; pura, city), is so called because each one of us can be compared to a city with multifarious activities simultaneously taking place. This is particularly true of the manipura, or solar plexus, which is our powerhouse. It is the centre of vitality and generates energy that animates every action and thought. It gives us the energy and aspiration to express ourselves in the world and our capacity to fulfil our ambitions. When this chakra functions smoothly we are able to express and act effectively in the world with abundant energy and willpower.

The solar plexus is widely called ‘the abdominal brain’; through it, we can ‘feel’ situations. We often have a 'gut feeling' or a 'twinge' in the abdomen which tells us that something is not quite right. We can 'sense' situations directly through the manipura without being censored by the intellect. The manipura is sensitive to emotions, and is also the depository of suppressed emotions.

The diaphragm is the dividing line between the lower instinctual and the higher intellectual and intuitive levels of man. In one Amerindian tradition, the diaphragm is compared to the surface of the earth: below lies the instinctive, animal aspects of human nature; above are the higher aspects. This analogy exactly applies to the manipura chakra.

Ego-state: ‘I will do’ or ‘I am able to do’. We express our personality in action. To develop and evolve this chakra, we have to learn how to express ourselves in the world, in thought, word and deed.

Signs of balance: Efficient in our actions, combined with a willingness to engage with the world and take responsibility for our actions; good self-esteem and confidence, and a sense of our personal capacity to meet challenges; not afraid to make mistakes; able to combine strength with sensitivity; enjoyment and enthusiasm for life; and we listen to gut feelings.

Signs of imbalance: When there is an excess of energy, but it is imbalanced, we try to ‘pump’ energy instead of allowing energy to flow; that is, we push ourselves beyond reasonable limits. Though we may get the job done, our actions are overly aggressive, tend to harm others and create disharmony and even accidents. We are prone to uncontrolled anger and violent outbursts, need to have the last word, are power hungry and need to control. We have driving ambition (type A personality), are overly competitive, over stressed (often needing to diminish stress through sedatives) and hyperactive. We tend to be arrogant, lack flexibility and need other people’s approval (disguised by emotions such as bravado and showiness). We have a sense of worth only through doing.

If we suppress or fear expressing ourself in action, leading to deficient energy expressing through the manipura, we tend to be weak willed, easily manipulated, stubborn, doing what is expected (overly obedient), have low self-esteem, lack confidence, blame others as a way of denying what we can and should do ourselves. We are often unwilling to act, poor at following through and feel powerless. We tend to be emotionally inhibited (with latent, unexpressed anger), lack spontaneity, fear moving out of our comfort zone, need other people’s approval and have poor digestion.

Causes of blockages and imbalance: When we are young, domination by parents, a dangerous environment, fear of punishment, excessive punishment without explanation, emotional manipulation, authoritarianism, physical abuse and humiliation by parents or authority figures (e.g., ‘You’re so stupid, you can’t do anything right.’).

Ways of unblocking and healing: Working on suppressed emotions using any combination of the following:

• asanas (yogic postures)
• pranayama (controlled breathing practices), especially those that work on the solar plexus and diaphragm so that we can liberate knots of energy which are tied up in fear and aggression
• meditation so we start to become more aware of our mental and emotional patterns, especially negative ones
• relaxation (including yogic deep relaxation, such as yoga nidra) which reduces stress and releases negative emotions
• satsang (association with fellow yogic practitioners, or people who are looking more deeply at their lives) which gives us clarity to face the causes of our disruptive emotions
• visualisation, where, for example, we feel that blockages and knots in the solar plexus are being dissolved in light, perhaps yellow coloured light
• discussing our emotions with like-minded, understanding people
• earthing practices, such as physical work of all types, including sport and karma yoga
• learning not being scared of failure (after all, we learn through failure)
• emotional support from friends and family

Addictions and compulsions: The need for power and control (‘control freaks’), the need to be always right and the use of amphetamines to stimulate or barbiturates to tranquillise.

Physiology and ailments: Relates to the solar plexus (hence it is widely known as the ‘solar orb’ or the ‘solar centre’), the diaphragm, the adrenal glands and the digestive system.  Many people overuse the manipura chakra because of insecurity – they have to prove themselves and in so doing, they hype up the energy in the system. This leads to imbalance and, in time, may bring about the onset of a stress-related disease such high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, ulcers, liver or digestive problems.

Spiritual potential: By integrating the qualities of the “higher” chakras, we become less ruthlessly competitive. Though the modern world places a high value on competition and aggression (in business, people are often rewarded for being aggressive in their approach!!), these traits tend to block the deepening and evolution of the manipura. Of course, we should cultivate and unfold our capacity to act efficiently in daily life, but more through cooperation than competition and aggression.

Through exploring the “higher” chakras our attitude regarding the manipura chakra changes. Instead of ‘I will do’, we are motivated more by ‘I am an instrument’, or ‘Thy will be done’. We start to understand the deeper meaning of karma yoga (the yoga of action with Awareness) and practise it. We aspire to be a perfect instrument and we develop an effective will, not so much in an ego sense, but the knowing that ultimately it is cosmic Will that expresses through us.

Anahata chakra

The ‘centre of non-vibrational sound’ (anahata, non-vibrating) is the heart chakra through which we begin to connect with a wider sphere of existence and are enabled to feel and express love and compassion.

Loving and being loved is one of our innermost core needs. Through giving love (and this starts with self love, care and acceptance) we open ourselves to receiving love and inner fulfilment.

In some traditions, such as Sufism and bhakti yoga, the anahata is considered to be the centre of each human being since it integrates the qualities of the “lower” chakras with those of the “higher” chakras.

Everything in the universe is based on vibrational energy. The root of the anahata is said to be in God, or Consciousness – so subtle that it has no vibration. In yoga, it is symbolised by a flame which represents the eternal spark of life and immortal Awareness in each of us.

Ego-state: ‘I love’, ‘I feel’, ‘I give’ and ‘I share’. One cares for others – whether it is the love of a mother or father for a child, the love between committed couples, or platonic love between friends.

Signs of balance: Being capable of loving others and of being loved; unconditional love; giving and sharing with others, whether possessions, time and energy, ideally without ulterior motive; compassion and caring for others; empathy; cooperation; altruism; appreciation of the mystery of the universe; care for the environment; feeling that, despite appearances and all the strife in the world, all is as it should be.

Signs of imbalance: When there is lots of energy in the anahata, but it is not balanced by wisdom (i.e., the agya), we tend to get overwhelmed with strong feelings and emotions: we easily plunge into love affairs and perhaps needy love, with a sense of dependency; we are prone to jealousy; often we have a martyr complex (i.e., sacrificing ourself for others at the cost of our own health).

When there is little energy in the anahata, we may tend to deny our natural need for love and withdraw from relationships; we are prone to self-love (narcissism), self-centredness, lack of love and concern for others, perhaps manipulating love for selfish purposes; there is often a fear of intimacy. We tend to cling to others, lack empathy, and suffer loneliness and depression.

Causes of blockages and imbalance: During childhood, rejection or abandonment, lack of love, denial of feelings, constant belittlement, sexual abuse and being told by our parents ‘I love you’ whilst knowing by their behaviour that it is patently not true; blockages in the “lower” chakras.

Ways of unblocking and healing: All forms of yoga, including hatha yoga, mantra yoga (chanting and singing, especially in a group) and bhakti yoga; visualisation; meaningful relationships; social service or charity work; forgiveness and releasing emotions (catharsis) by talking with others about our feelings.

Addictions and compulsions: Self-hate and self-harm; addiction to romanticism (unrealistic views of love); jealousy; obsessions.

Physiology and ailments: Related to the heart, circulatory and respiratory systems. Associated diseases include respiratory diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis and pneumonia, skin and lymphatic problems; and breast cancer. It is connected to the thymus gland and, in turn, with the lymphatic system. As such, it relates to all types of allergic and infectious ailments. A well-balanced anahata enables the body to resist all types of infectious diseases more effectively.

Spiritual potential: With the awakening of the “higher” chakras, the anahata undergoes a radical transformation. Instead of ‘I love’, one feels that ‘God loves through me’; ‘I feel’ becomes ‘God feels through me’; ‘I give’ becomes ‘God gives through me’; and ‘I share’ becomes ‘God shares through me.’ (Instead of ‘God’ you can read ‘Consciousness’, ‘Reality’ or the Universe.) We start to care for others, unconditionally, and we truly feel empathy not only for other humans but for all sentient creatures. Moreover, we feel awe at the beauty, enormity and complexity of nature and the universe in which we live.

Vishuddhi chakra

The ‘chakra of purification’ (vishuddhi, purification) symbolises the level of understanding at which we start to realise the importance of purification on all levels: that the quality of our life depends on a healthy body, harmonious emotions and a clear, uncomplicated mind. Knowing this, we start to detoxify our body by eating a more sensible diet (with occasional indulgences!) and actively work on ourselves to be free of emotional blockages and dogmatic thinking by practising yoga or other health and life-enhancing systems. A body which is reasonably free of toxins is able to catalyse the more profound energies of the “higher” chakras.

As the emotions and mind become harmonious and calmer, there is a sense of spaciousness. This allows us to commune with deeper levels of our being and thereby enables us to communicate with others more effectively. Therefore this chakra is also known as the ‘communication chakra’. As our contact with the vishuddhi deepens, we develop the capacity to communicate more powerfully on all levels: verbally, intellectually, aesthetically (through music, etc.) and psychically (e.g., telepathically).

Ego-state: ‘I aspire to health and harmony’ and ‘I communicate’.

Signs of balance: Despite its ups and downs, and its problems, we feel contented with life; we take full responsibility for our health, by actively eating good, nourishing food and living life in a way that is conducive to harmony; clear communication as well as the capacity to communicate deeper truths that have been realised; creativity; life becomes a process of expressing deeper understanding; we tend to have a resonant voice, become a good listener, and have a good sense of rhythm.

Signs of imbalance: When there is lots of energy in the vishuddhi, but not much wisdom, we tend to live in chaos, moving from one drama to the next, not realising that the quality of our life depends on the quality and health of our mind, emotions and body. In communicating, we tend to use a lot of empty, meaningless words, talk too much, like the sound of our own voice and indulge in gossip; we may even talk as a means of defence, or try to dominate through the voice; we may constantly interrupt, be incapable of listening and fear that being frank and honest may upset others.

When we are blocked at the vishuddhi, we tend to have difficulty communicating, often being dishonest to oneself and to others, perhaps tell too many lies and fibs; we have a fear of speaking and feel debilitating shyness; we may fear our own thoughts and feelings (thereby unable to put them into words and share them with others) and be secretive; we may have a weak voice, be tone deaf and have a poor sense of rhythm.

Causes of blockages and imbalance: When young, we may suffer verbal abuse, being yelled at, excessive and undue criticism, authoritarian parents (‘don’t talk back’/‘kids should be seen not heard’/’do what you are told’), mixed messages, threats for telling and being honest, being obliged to be thankful for something we don’t want, dishonesty, being asked to apologise for something unjustly, and expected to be nice to someone we don’t like; fear of expressing ourselves.

Ways of unblocking and healing: Hatha yoga, mantra yoga (singing and chanting), as well as meditation; telling and hearing stories; writing, mouna (periods of silence), non-goal orientated creativity and listening (and so being listened to); honestly expressing ourselves, saying ‘it as it is’.

Addictions and compulsions: Excessive talking, gossiping, telling white lies/ fibs, overly attached to cleanliness and purity, perhaps even overly prudish and moralistic.

Physiology and ailments: Associated with the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the vocal cords and the larynx. It is related to stammering and shyness. Moreover, since the vishuddhi is the purificatory centre, it is related to all kinds of coughs, colds and fevers, such as laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and sinusitis, which are related to processes for purifying the body of toxins.

Spiritual potential: As we become more aware (i.e., more in touch with the agya chakra), the feeling ‘I can communicate the truth’ or 'I can communicate the truth of my Being' becomes more dominant. At a deeper level, when there has been a glimpse of the bindu (see later), our feeling becomes more like ‘Consciousness, or God, communicates through me.’

Agya chakra

The ‘control centre’ (agya, control, command, or guidance) of our personality. The agya functions at different levels, as:

• the pituitary gland which controls the entire hormonal system
• the brain which controls the entire nervous system and body
• thoughts which control our behaviour and attitudes.

The agya encompasses and controls all these levels of our embodied existence. However, it also functions as a channel for intuitive flashes.

This is why the agya is widely known as the ‘third eye’: it gives us the capacity to ‘see’ innerly and to access intuitive understanding that pertains not only to our daily life (for example, you think to phone your friend, only to find that your friend phones you at that very moment) but also into more subtle phenomena normally not visible to our two fleshy eyes. Moreover, the agya controls (‘keeps an eye on’) the other chakras. As we start to access the agya, intuition becomes an essential factor in our capacity to understand.

Ego-state: ‘I know’, ‘I understand’, or ‘I realise’, ‘I am an embodied being’ and ‘I am aware of whatever is going on here and now’.

The ego-identification depends on what we think we are. This sense of ego changes, perhaps imperceptibly, in the course of our lives as part of the evolutionary process. It radically changes and deepens through practices such as yoga and tantra, which put us in touch with unconscious aspects of our being, such as intuition and telepathy. Our sense of individual self expands. As the agya awakens, we are able to integrate previously hidden potentialities into our 'concept' of self.

Signs of balance: Access to different levels of understanding, including not only intellectual but also intuitive; as such, we become perceptive, both externally and internally; we are able to see connections between seemingly disparate events or concepts; we start to remember dreams, appreciate symbolism, both in myth and nature; our self-identification is more with inner ‘spaciousness’ or the inner ‘plenum’ than with thoughts; our mind becomes more lucid, sky-like.

Signs of imbalance: When there is lots of energy in the agya, but without depth, we tend to be overly busy and fast, yet scattered; over intellectual (not in touch with feelings and intuition), even denying our intuitive faculties, believing that thinking is the only way to understanding; as such, we think too much and are attached to concepts, taking them to be real in themselves (i.e., taking the map to be the reality); we are not able to look within and have difficulty concentrating; we tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance.

When we are predominantly dull (i.e., there is little energy expressing in the agya), we tend to have poor or negative self-image, have little intellect and even deluded thinking processes; we are prone to adhere to and blindly follow dogmas and belief systems; we are easily driven, or motivated by delusions and obsessions; poor memory; difficulty imagining alternatives to the obvious; lack of imagination; using the mind to manipulate situations, to cheat or misguide others; and lack of inspiration.

Causes of blockages and imbalance: According to yogic philosophy, many blockages are archetypal and genetic (known as samskaras) – that is, we are born with them. Many also arise from childhood, such as negation of our capacities, lack of respect from elders (who probably don’t respect themselves); our place in the family, school or society is dismissed or diminished; we may suffer constant criticism and are not encouraged to develop understanding in any sense; there may be constant, said or unsaid, pressure to conform and adhere to a dogma or prejudice.

Ways of unblocking and healing: Yogic practices in general; deep relaxation (such as the practice of yoga nidra); meditation; guided visualisation; exploration of dreams; counselling (examining one’s life aided by a trained person); examining and questioning our beliefs and concepts (as in satsang); visual art; art therapy; music and mantra; hypnosis; and past life regression.

Addictions and compulsions: Too much thinking; over intellectualisation; chronic anxiety; attachment to quirky habits; self-criticism; always apologising unnecessarily for one’s actions; repetitive, meaningless actions; and idiosyncratic behaviour.

Physiology and ailments: Related to the pituitary gland and the brain with all its faculties. It also relates to all mental processes including the intellect, intuition and psychic powers. Imbalance can lead to all kinds of mental and psychosomatic disorders, psychic stress, chronic anxiety, indecision and existential problems, such as lack of meaning and ennui.

Spiritual potential: Accessing the deeper qualities of the agya, we tend to become more mentally and emotionally balanced, even in difficult situations. New levels of understanding open up to us. The energies and understanding which the agya represents have a direct influence on the other chakras (i.e., other levels of our embodied personality). As such, when the agya is functioning well, the other chakras also start to function harmoniously. Even if the energies in the other chakras get out of hand, a healthy agya allows us to handle them.

As we start to access the deeper aspects of the agya, we are able to receive, through the medium of intuition, inner guidance from the core of our being (the inner guru), or from our spiritual teacher (the outer guru). We realise that the outer and inner guru are one and the same.

At the agya chakra all opposites are integrated: good and bad, spiritual and worldly, negative and positive and so forth. It is the crossroads where we are able to see both sides of the coin of life. Dualities, contradictions and conflicts start to be resolved and integrated into a wider vision of oneself, life and existence. We still play the game of life which demands that we make decisions (thereby moving into duality), but more and more we tend to abide in spaciousness. Most importantly, we start to realise that our fundamental nature of Awareness is beyond duality. We start to realise and access the bindu (see next heading).

Bindu: the causal body

The bindu (bindu, point) is the root of our individuality through which our individual consciousness, or Awareness, is ‘plugged’ into the underlying Consciousness. It is not a chakra as such because it is not directly related to our personality. It is the causal body, which is the archetypal pattern for our individual embodiment; moreover, the bindu is the conduit for Awareness – that which allows us to be conscious. In yoga and tantra, the bindu is also known as the ananda-maya kosha, the blissful sheath.

Through insight  we can realise that the bindu is the nucleus of our embodied existence and that Awareness is the deeper reality of our existence. This realisation, which may arise during meditation or through contemplation, completely changes our whole attitude to life, ourselves and others. Instead of totally identifying with our personality, we simultaneously identify with Awareness, the conscious presence which flows into our moment-to-moment experience of life. Moreover, Awareness, or Consciousness, is not only our essential nature, but the essential nature of everyone.

The bindu is more subtle than the physical body; however, for the purpose of practice and symbolism it is assigned a physical location in the body, namely, at the back of the head.

Ego-state: Though the bindu is the root of our sense of individuality, in itself it is beyond the ego. Therefore, identifying with the bindu we can only say 'I am' without adjuncts and definitions. Though the personality-cum-body-mind still functions, the sense of ego identification is not there.

Symptoms: The bindu exists on the threshold between the individual consciousness, or Awareness, and the cosmic Consciousness. Therefore it does not have any mental-emotional symptoms. However, we can say that when we realise the bindu and start to identify with Awareness, there are exhilarating tremors of joy which percolate into the body-mind. This engenders a spiritual identification with, and complete trust in Spirit, or Consciousness.

Reasons why we don’t realise the bindu: The bindu functions all the time; otherwise we would not be here on planet Earth! It is the very core of our conscious embodied existence. However, specific mental-emotional characteristics tend to prevent us realising it. These include:

• our strong sense of ego and identification with the body-mind
• attachments to thinking and intellectualisation
• attachments to habits and addictions, especially those related to the “lower” chakras
• materialism – the unquestioned assumption that matter is the basis for existence
• attachments to, and identification with, possessions
• lack of guidance and satsang (which is indispensable in removing misconceived ideas and beliefs)
• attachment to blind and rigid beliefs
• lack of motivation to question
• unavailability to insight or grace (yoga and other mystical paths help us to be available and receptive).

All of us are attached to life; otherwise we would not be here. All of us like to be surrounded by people we care for and things which are meaningful. This is part of the joy and experience of life. The problem arises, from a yogic perspective, when we are dependent on our attachments for self-meaning and identification. Attachments tie us down to the small picture. Through meditation, introspection and following any spiritual path, including yoga, we open up to the wider picture which encompasses everyone and everything.

We do not need to relinquish our responsibilities, family and friends. Life should go on, but simultaneously, we should be willing to be open to the unexpected and the unknown – open to new possibilities. Attachments keep us bound to what we know and do from the perspective of the ego; they tie us down to the limited. By letting go, becoming ‘lighter’ with ourselves and our attachments, we become more spacious. We open up to a wider spectrum of energies. We start to trust the wisdom of the universe, symbolised by the bindu.

Ways of opening up to the bindu:

• yogic practice in general, including meditation
• reflection/ contemplation on the question ‘Who or what am I?’
• satsang (sharing with like-minded people who are looking deeper)
• being available to new experiences, intuitions and insight
• paying attention to what is going on inside and relating it to what is going on outside – i.e., being more aware
• being humble (i.e., not thinking that we know everything).

Addictions and compulsions: There are no mental-emotional addictions and compulsions. If anything, at an existential level, there is the ‘addiction’ or ‘compulsion’ ‘to be.’ That is, on the level of Consciousness, there is the desire to ‘be’ or ‘exist’ – the desire to take form and experience the ‘world of change’ (Sanskrit, samsara). This is a desire that exists before we are born, a throb of primal desire that starts to vibrate in the infinity of Consciousness. How or why? This is a mystery beyond explanation.

Spiritual illumination arises from the bindu, where Consciousness, the sahasrara, ‘knows’ or ‘realises’ itself. We can say that Consciousness realises itself, as Awareness, through the causal body.

Sahasrara: the thousand-petalled lotus

Though the word sahasrara literally means ‘a thousand’, it really implies ‘the Infinite’, the Fountainhead, Reality, the Absolute, or Consciousness. Mystically, the sahasrara is beyond time, space and all objects, and yet it is the source of them. Consciousness is the Reality that existed before the creation came forth, or in scientific terms, that which existed before the big bang; it is that which exists at the heart of everything Now; and it is that which will exist eternally beyond endless time in the future. It is the ever present stage on which the drama of time plays out. This Reality is summed up in the following statement by the Chinese mystic Chao-chou: 

Even before the world was, Reality is.

The sahasrara transcends all the chakras and includes them all within itself. It can be realised in samadhi (the absorption into Consciousness), the mystical state which takes place when the ego-personality temporarily evaporates. It may also arise when one is washing the dishes or sitting on the toilet! One identifies not with the limited personality, but with Consciousness, the universal Spirit.

In the western mystical traditions the sahasrara is called the ‘crown’ since it is symbolically located at the crown of the head and because it is the culmination and consummation of our evolutionary journey. We realise what we have always been as Consciousness and that our ‘trip’ to planet Earth was a grand illusory drama, sometimes pleasant sometimes painful. All our problems and anxieties were, and are, just bubbles in Eternity. We realise that there was not, is not and never will be a path to realise Consciousness. We are ever Consciousness. Ultimately, there is no need to realise anything: I Am and everything IS. However from the perspective of our life and our identification with our individual self, we aspire to realise what we already are. So we practise yoga and awaken the chakras, as outlined in this article.

The Chakras: the Path of Return

In introducing the bindu and the sahasrara, we have flown into the mystical realms, beyond thought and concept. But the chakras are dynamic aspects of our embodied personality which relate to our everyday life. By exploring them, we start to discover previously hidden and unsuspected potential in ourselves. They reveal joy, meaning and wisdom which allow us to live in heaven, but on planet Earth. Exploring the chakras can be invaluable on our life’s path to awakening.

Written by Swami Nishchalananda - Founder of Mandala Yoga Ashram