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Manipura Chakra The Manipura Chakra is the third of seven main chakras. The word is composed of "Mani" – jewel or gemstone – and "Pura" – city or place. It is simply a city of gemstones. This translation is apt because the Manipura Chakra is where a person's dormant talents are activated in the energy center. Here you can find the Manipura Chakra Manipura is located directly in the middle of the lumbar spine. From here, energy radiates from the Keshtra energy field into the entire abdominal area, centering in the navel. For this reason, it is often referred to as the Nabho Chakra, Nabhi Chakra, or simply the navel chakra. Manipura's energy thus governs the entire middle and upper abdominal area, including the solar plexus in the middle of the costal arch. Once activated, it radiates forward beyond the abdominal wall. Function of the Manipura Chakra Its designation as the solar chakra makes it clear that this is a chakra associated with solar energy. It addresses courage, willpower, and self-confidence. This energy is also associated with passion, great enthusiasm, and assertiveness. Not only the solar chakra itself, but also the associated solar energy channel – the Pingala Nadi – is controlled by the Manipura chakra. It is easy to understand that the vital life energy, prana , is also stored here. The strong Manipura chakra creates an equally fascinating charisma. These are people with charisma who are able to reach people and pursue new goals. If, however, it is closed, energy builds up. This can lead to severe performance losses. Energy is synonymous with the element of fire, also called Agni. Therefore, its chakra color is similar to that of flame: orange-red, while the aura color appears yellow. The pancreas, adrenal glands, and digestion are also governed by the Manipura chakra. In Ayurveda , the Manipura chakra corresponds to the Pitta element. Promote positive characteristics By activating the Manipura chakra, positive qualities can be released. These primarily include assertiveness, combined with inner fire and passion in general. If you lack the enthusiasm and creativity to get things done, you should work on your Manipura chakra. Digestion can also be improved. People who have long-term digestive problems for no apparent reason can experience improvement with the opening of the Manipura chakra. The respective correspondences of the Manipura Chakra The yantra symbol of the Manipura Chakra is the triangle, and it is associated with Aries. Its sensory strength is sight. Rudra and Lakini are the god and goddess of Manipura. On the astral level, Sukshma Sharira represents the Sharira body, the mental-emotional sheath; however, the Manomaya Kosha is responsible for the kosha, the sheath. The Manipura has sun salutation position 6. Yellow tourmaline, yellow topaz, citrine, amber, and tiger's eye are gemstones associated with the Manipura. Aromas such as anise, fennel, lavender, and chamomile have a positive influence. In asana, crocodile exercises , the rotated triangle , rotated hero variations , the forward bend, and Navasana as an abdominal exercise are helpful on a physical level. How is the Manipura Chakra activated? There are various ways to achieve this. Meditation is a helpful tool, using the corresponding elements of fire, sun, and volcano. Affirmations repeated frequently throughout the day are also helpful. For example, "I consciously experience the flame of passion." You can also use pranayamas or the fire breath, Kapalabhati . You can also activate the Manipura Chakra with a fire mantra or the sun mantra. Arati, Homa, or Havan are traditional fire ceremonies performed as rituals. Image © zhanna26 / 123rf.com

Muladhara Chakra - the root chakra What are chakras? The term "chakra" translates as "wheel" and refers to energy centers, which also run in a circular pattern. Chakras can be open or closed and are considered centers of subtle life energies. These are repositories of energy forces and energy centers. A chakra is a state of consciousness and conveys a feeling of joy or bliss. A goddess or god reigns within each chakra, with each chakra represented by a specific animal species. A chakra has a fixed number of petals, which represent the nadis. Colors, mantras, and bijas address the individual petals. What is the Muladhara Chakra? The Muladhara Chakra is one of the seven main chakras and is located in the lowest region, which is why it is also called the root chakra. The name Muladhara Chakra is composed of mula (root) and ahara (support). The chakra is located at the very base of the spine. The inner color of the Muladhara Chakra is yellow to ochre yellow and is said to represent the color of the earth. The Muladhara Chakra is the seat of the earth element, which is called Prithivi Tattwa. The root chakra has four petals, which are also called main nadis, i.e. energy channels. The petals of the chakra are red, and the yantra is a square. The elephant-headed god Ganesha rules the chakra and symbolizes endurance, blessings, firmness, and the beginning. The god Brahma is the creator and also rules the chakra, which is why the chakra can be considered the root chakra of all creation. The goddess in the Muladhara chakra is Dakini, who sits on a red lotus. The goddess Dakini sometimes shines in white, but mostly in red. Her beautiful face with three eyes is complemented by four arms, a trident, a staff, and a skull. Similar to the god Brahma, the goddess is often depicted with a drinking vessel and a swan. The Muladhara chakra controls the sense of smell, which absorbs odors via particles. The chakra animal is the elephant. No wonder: This is the heaviest and largest mammal in the world. Interesting facts about the Muladhara Chakra The Muladhara Chakra is endowed with particularly positive qualities. The qualities most commonly attributed to the Muladhara Chakra are balance, endurance, calmness, consistency, thrift, a sense of reality, common sense, and adherence to principles. The motivations of the Muladhara Chakra are eating, sleeping, and drinking—in other words, everything related to self-preservation. At the apex of the Muladhara Chakra is the Brahma Granthi, which represents the difficulty of transitioning from a physical to a subtle perception. The chakra can be activated in various ways. The chakra can be strengthened with special meditations. These primarily include visualizations of mountains, trees, and roots. Strengthening can also occur through affirmations such as "I am well-rooted" or "I find access to my roots." The same applies to special pranayamas and mantras . Performing the required meditations requires time and experience. With increased concentration and a trained body and mind, the effect of meditation can be significantly increased, leading to a better connection to the chakra. The Muladhara Chakra is the foundation of the human energy center. The Muladhara Chakra is the origin of the Kanda, the root tuber. The chakra is the origin of the three main nadis, which is why the released energy travels up the subtle spine. As the seat of the human cosmic energy, the chakra is exceedingly powerful. It must be extremely strong for the powerful Kundalini to rise within it. Image © zhanna26 / 123rf.com