By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed
According to ancient Yogic texts found in the Hindu compendium of scriptures, the human body has seven major energy centers that lie along the front and back of the spinal column. Additionally, two of these major energy vortexes are found along the head. One of these energy centers in the head area is located at the point between the eyebrows. This point is known as the Ajna Chakra. According to Hinduism, the Ajna Chakra is the seat of the ability to summon or command the creation, sustenance and dissolution of the world. This chakra is essentially said to be the dwelling place of the energy of Brahman, who has the power to manifest and dissolve physical reality at will.
In the center of the Ajna Chakra, there is a scintillating indigo-blue lotus flower with two white petals. In Yogic texts, these two white petals are symbolic of Shiva and Shakti, the primordial male-female couple who represent the unending cycle of creation and dissolution. In some systems of belief, these two petals are said to represent the pituitary and pineal glands of the endocrine system. The two petals of the lotus flower in the Sixth Chakra are also said to demarcate the two energy channels that run up the spine, known as the Pingala and Ida nadis. When these two streams of energy merge in the Crown Chakra, great bliss is experienced as a seeker begins to ascend the stairway of enlightenment with the veracity of personal experience of the signposts of liberation, as described by countless mystics throughout the ages.
The indigo-blue lotus flower that resides at the center of the Ajna Chakra pulsates with numinous beauty. The indigo-blue light is symbolic of divine beauty in many Asian spiritual traditions. In Hinduism, Vishnu is frequently described as the Lotus Eyed One. His skin shines with the same indigo-blue hue of the lotus flower that lies at the center of the Ajna Chakra. Likewise, Krishna is often depicted with skin the rich color of indigo-blue. In Buddhism, it is said that when the Buddha was born, he had the ability to walk and that lotus flowers bloomed from every step he took when he first began his journey on the earth.
These are some of the stories that hold the indigo-blue lotus flower as a central thematic element or characteristic of a deity. In our daily life, meditating on the ability of this beautiful flower to grow out of the mud can remind us of the ability we all have to choose to make lemonade out of lemons! In other words, if we are mired in the mud and muck of life, we can choose to grow from difficult experiences and bloom into a Yogi or Yogini of exceptional strength, beauty and inspiration.
Additionally, keeping the Ajna Chakra healthy and balanced will help to keep your endocrine system healthy. When this chakra is blocked or stagnant, a Yogi or Yogini may experience low thyroid function, depression and difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, when this chakra is overstimulated, a Yoga practitioner may experience mental agitation, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Balancing and harmonizing your Third Eye Chakra will keep your entire body functioning well. In addition, the health of this chakra will help to nurture your creativity, insight and inspiration.
* Yoga Practices to Stimulate and Balance the Ajna Chakra
There are a number of Yoga practices that can help to stimulate and balance the Ajna Chakra. These practices include physical Yoga postures, pranayama exercises and chanting the bija mantra of this chakra, “Aum.” Because the very essence of the energy that creates, sustains and dissolves physical reality resides in the Ajna Chakra, chanting this primordial seed mantra will re-calibrate this energy center, so that it is balanced and healthy. If you chant Aum while holding your gaze in Shambhavi Mudra, the effect of your practice will be much stronger. Shambhavi Mudra simply means to hold your gaze at the point directly between your eyebrows in an unremitting fashion.
Chanting for five to ten minutes after practicing the healthy and balanced postures of Yoga is a wonderful way to close your Yoga class or personal practice. When you are ready to begin chanting Aum while holding Shambhavi Mudra, sit on a pillow or in a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Rest your palms gently in your lap or on your knees. You may wish to light a candle and to wrap a meditation shawl around your shoulders for comfort and to create a sense of sanctity. Simply close your eyes with your internal gaze focused on your Third Eye Chakra and repeat Aum audibly or silently with each exhale. Let the sound resonate throughout your entire body as the energy you are cultivating expands and nurtures your Ajna Chakra.
© Copyright 2014 – Virginia Iversen / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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The Ajna is the seat of the ability to command the creation, sustenance and dissolution of the world.
Its really good that healthy and balanced Ajna Chakra can help to keep our endocrine system healthy.
Thanks for this great article about Ajna Chakra.
What a beautiful article, and so thoughtfully presented. Thank you so much!
Ajna Chakra develops mindfulness and exploring your own inner energy.My positive energy is restored , that’s what I feel, truely amazing.