How to Purify the Chakras
Chakra means wheel. A chakra is a doorway through which we perceive reality. Our ability to see into the various dimensions of reality is reflected in the energetic ease or dis-ease found in our relationships. The disease of feeling disconnected from oneself and others is pervasive in our time.
The practices of yoga clear our vision and heal the disease of disconnect. Vision is not just physical seeing but rather total awareness, full consciousness involving all of the five senses and beyond.
To purify is to cleanse of misperception. The yogi attains clear vision by overcoming avidya or ignorance, which is a case of mistaken identity. Through purification of perception, the radiant truth of the Cosmic Self is revealed. This is referred to as Samadhi or Yoga.
How do we evolve from disease to cosmic harmony? Our present condition is a result of our past actions or karmas. To purify our present condition demands a purification of our karmas: thoughts, words and deeds. All karmas are vibratory in nature. They are sounds. A thought is a sound, a word spoken silently or out loud is sound, a physical action is sound expressed, its effect permeating into the relative atmosphere of existence. All action speaks to every aspect of created manifestation causing an altering of life itself.
The ancient purifying system of yoga includes mantra and asana, the practice of which provides practical methods for purifying our relationships with others and ourselves. Our bodies are made of our past actions (karmas). Each chakra corresponds to particular relationships we have had with others, as well as our own physical organs, nervous system, senses and body parts. Every asana provides an opportunity to access and heal karmic relationships. Chanting mantra while in a particular asana can provide the means to resolve past karmas, thus lifting avidya to reveal the truth about ourselves and others. The purification of our relationships brings about a healing of the disease of disconnect and the reestablishment of a sound body and sound mind able to embody, radiate and communicate peace and joy to all.
Sahasrara Chakra:
- Translation: Thousand petaled
- Bija Mantra: OM
- Color: Luminous
- Element: Subtlest of subtle
- Sense: Cosmic consciousness
- Organs: Pituitary gland
- Outer Body: Above the head
- Asana: Headstand (Sirsasana)
- Key Word: Enlightenment
- Relationship: God/The Divine
The aim of Yogic practices is Samadhi (enlightenment). What is realized in the yogic state of Samadhi is the Oneness of Being. Otherness disappears. In the Aramaic language the word Alaha is used to describe this sacred unity of ALL. Separateness is transcended as the light of cosmic awareness reveals the unity between the individual, Nature and God. The purification of this chakra by means of grace allows Reality to be revealed as one’s own Self: Satchidananda. Through chanting the Divine Name, the Divine form is revealed. All is perceived as sacred. As above, so below. As she awakens, the serpent swallows her own tail. Kundalini’s journey has come full circle.
Spiritual Exercise: While standing on your head (Sirsasana), go to the Karmic root of the imbalance and disconnection associated with this level of perception. To do this, focus on your personal Ishtadevata: a form of the Divine which you can relate to. Inhale the deity’s holy Name and exhale the holy Name. Progress into a deeper contemplation and karmic purification incorporating breath and sound by chanting the Bija mantra, OM, silently while inhaling and exhaling, or out loud while exhaling, all the while remaining steady in the asana.
