Chakras and Gunas
1) Chakras (Sha-kra-s)
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The word Chakra means energy wheel and Chakras are centres of physic energy running at intervals along the entire length of the spine. There are 7 main and many other minor Chakras, each with its own energy and meaning. When energy is able to flow upwards through each Chakra starting from the base through to the crown then this is said to unlock the secret of enlightenment. However, Chakras can become blocked at any level preventing the upwards flow of energy and limiting our spiritual development and knowledge. The process of unblocking the Chakras is called Kundalini (kun-da-li-ni) Awakening.
Kundalini is likened to a coiled serpent lying at the base Chakra. As the serpent (Kundalini) awakens it rises up through the Chakras. Kundalini is awakened through meditation. The Chakras and their location, associated colours and seed sounds are: (listed from top to bottom) |
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a) Sahasrara Chakra
b) Ajna Chakra c) Vishuddha Chakra d) Anahata Chakra e) Manipura Chakra f) Svadhistana Chakra g) Muladhara Chakra |
The Crown Chakra
The third eye Throat Heart Solar Plexus Navel / Sacral area Base / Perineum |
Purple or white
Lilac Blue Green Yellow Orange Red |
No seed sound
Om Ham Yam Ram Vam Lam |
Hatha Yoga prepares the practitioner for the awakening of Kundalini. Below is a "guide at a glance" to the Chakras.
2) Gunas (Goo-n-ahs)
There are three Gunas or qualities that affect all living creatures. These are:
a) Sattva (Sat-va)
b) Rajas (Ra-jaas)
c) Tamas (Ta-ma-s)
The Gunas bind the spiritual consciousness to the material body and can be translated as a state of mind or quality. Various things can contribute to these qualities including diet. Often a person will exhibit traits of all three Gunas with one more dominant than the other two.
A person exhibiting the qualities of Sattva is said to be a Sattvic person. This is a person who demonstrates humility, goodness, purity and treats everyone the same.
A person exhibiting Rajas qualities is said to be a rajasic person. These people are motivated by materialistic and egocentric dreams. They work hard and long to achieve these dreams and may ride over others who stand in their way.
A person exhibiting Tamas is said to be a Tamasic person. These people are slow and unmotivated and often indulge in distraction such as alcohol, drugs and overeating of fatty heavy foods. They have trouble getting out of bed and getting started.
Where do you fit?
There are three Gunas or qualities that affect all living creatures. These are:
a) Sattva (Sat-va)
b) Rajas (Ra-jaas)
c) Tamas (Ta-ma-s)
The Gunas bind the spiritual consciousness to the material body and can be translated as a state of mind or quality. Various things can contribute to these qualities including diet. Often a person will exhibit traits of all three Gunas with one more dominant than the other two.
A person exhibiting the qualities of Sattva is said to be a Sattvic person. This is a person who demonstrates humility, goodness, purity and treats everyone the same.
A person exhibiting Rajas qualities is said to be a rajasic person. These people are motivated by materialistic and egocentric dreams. They work hard and long to achieve these dreams and may ride over others who stand in their way.
A person exhibiting Tamas is said to be a Tamasic person. These people are slow and unmotivated and often indulge in distraction such as alcohol, drugs and overeating of fatty heavy foods. They have trouble getting out of bed and getting started.
Where do you fit?
