WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION TO THE
CHAKRAS
The Chakras, Prana, and the Nadis
AJNA
CHAKRA
THE THIRD EYE
• Nature: Centre of command – centre of clairvoyance and the deepening of the
conscious powers of the mind.
• Number of petals: 2
• Colour: Clear, grey, or violet.
• Physical location: Centre of head.
• Kshetram (trigger/activity point): Eyebrow centre.
• Physiological relationship: Cavernous plexus.
• Endocrine relationship: Pineal gland.
• Tattwa (element): Manas (mind).
• Yantra (symbol): Clear or grey circle.
• Tanmatra (sense): Mind.
• Jnandriya (sense organ): Mind.
• Karmendriya (“organ” of action): Mind.
• Beeja (seed syllable): Aum.
MOOLADHARA
CHAKRA
ROOT CHAKRA
• Nature: Root Lotus – Centre of primeval energies, basic instincts, and
fundamental needs for survival.
• No of petals: 4
• Colour: Deep red.
• Physical location: Cervix / perineum.
• Kshetram: Cervix / perineum.
• Physiological relationship: Sacro-coccygeal plexus.
• Endocrine relationship: Perineal body.
• Tattwa (element): Earth.
• Yantra (symbol): Yellow square.
• Tanmatra (sense): Smell.
• Jnandriya (sense organ): Nose.
• Karmendriya (“organ” of action): Anus.
• Beeja (seed syllable): Lam.
SWADISTHANA
CHAKRA
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nature: One’s own abode – controls the sexual urge and is the centre of the
unconscious, of our hidden desires and abilities, of our suppressed positive and
negative aspects.
No of petals: 6
Colour: Orange-red.
Physical location: Coccyx.
Kshetram: Pubic bone.
Physiological relationship: Pelvic plexus.
Endocrine relationship: Ovaries / testes.
Tattwa (element): Water.
Yantra (symbol): Silver or white crescent moon.
Tanmatra (sense): Taste.
Jnandriya (sense organ): Tongue.
Karmendriya (“organ” of action): Sex organs, kidneys, urinary system.
Beeja (seed syllable): Vam.
Asanas for awakening: Salabhasana (Locust pose)
Kundalini / Tantra techniques: Ashwini Mudra; Vajroli mudra
MANIPURA
CHAKRA
NAVAL CHAKRA
• Nature: City of jewels – Controls the digestive system, and is the main
driving force for our bodily activities.
• No of petals: 10
• Colour: Yellow.
• Physical location: Behind navel.
• Kshetram: Navel.
• Physiological relationship: Solar plexus.
• Endocrine relationship: Adrenal glands.
• Tattwa (element): Fire.
• Yantra (symbol): Red inverted triangle.
• Tanmatra (sense): Sight.
• Jnandriya (sense organ): Eyes.
• Karmendriya (“organ” of action): Feet.
• Beeja (seed syllable): Ram.
ANAHATA
CHAKRA
HEART CHAKRA
• Nature: Source of unbroken sound – In an awakened state, the heart chakra is
the centre for compassion and all-encompassing love.
• Number of petals: 12
• Colour: Green.
• Physical location: Behind heart.
• Kshetram: Centre of chest.
• Physiological relationship: Cardiac plexus.
• Endocrine relationship: Thymus gland.
• Tattwa (element): Air.
• Yantra (symbol): Smoky six-pointed star.
• Tanmatra (sense): Touch.
• Jnandriya (sense organ): Skin.
• Karmendriya (“organ” of action): Hands.
• Beeja (seed syllable): Yam.
VISHUDDHI
CHAKRA
THROAT CHAKRA
• Nature: Centre of nectar – centre of purification. The energies here
influence and strengthen discriminating wisdom.
• Number of petals: 16
• Colour: Blue.
• Physical location: Behind throat.
• Kshetram: pit of throat.
• Physiological relationship: Pharyngeal and laryngeal plexus.
• Endocrine relationship: Thyroid gland.
• Tattwa (element): Ether.
• Yantra (symbol): White circle.
• Tanmatra (sense): Hearing.
• Jnandriya (sense organ): Ears.
• Karmendriya (“organ” of action): Vocal chords.
• Beeja (seed syllable): Ham.
SAHASRARA
CROWN “CHAKRA”
• Nature: Thousand petalled lotus – the door to cosmic reality, the centre of
enlightenment and realisation.
• No of petals: 1,000 (infinite)
• Colour: Rainbow coloured / purple.
• Physical location: Crown of head.
• Kshetram: Crown of head.
• Physiological relationship: Hypothalamic / pituitary axis.
• Endocrine relationship: Pituitary gland.
• Tattwa (element): Beyond.
• Yantra (symbol): Beyond.
• Tanmatra (sense): Beyond.
• Jnandriya (sense organ): Beyond.
• Karmendriya (“organ” of action): Beyond.
• Beeja (seed syllable): Beyond.