Journey Through the Chakras: A Mystic’s View

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Chakras are not as mere theories, but living centers of energy and consciousness within us. They are the spinning lotuses of prana (life force) where our subtle and physical selves meet. Ancient Vedic and Tantric texts picture them as wheels on the inner pathways (nadis) that channel our vitality. From base to crown, each chakra embodies a facet of being – survival, creativity, power, love, expression, intuition, and bliss – and together they form the spiral of spiritual awakening. As we journey upward through these centers, we gradually release dense, unconscious energies and open to deeper wisdom. In the words of a modern yogi: “Kundalini is awakened at the root chakra (Muladhara) and driven up the sushumna nadi, traversing each chakra until its destination at the crown”. this post discusses chakra by chakra, weaving together classical teachings (Tantra, Vedanta, Kriya Yoga, Kashmir Śaivism) and practical exercises, so that these luminous centers become more than concepts – they become living temples on our path to Self-realization.

Muladhara (Root) Chakra: Foundation and Grounding

Begin at the base of the spine, where the Muladhara (mūla-ādhāra) chakra rests in the perineum. “Mūla” means root and “ādhāra” means support – indeed this chakra is our grounding. Classical Tantra describes it as a downward-hanging four-petaled red lotus at the spinal root. There Abhinavagupta’s Kaula school says the divine Shakti (kundalinī) lies coiled like a sleeping serpent. This earth-element wheel gives us stability, security and the will to live. This muladhara lotus is even called “the Earth” – reminding us it connects to the very earth beneath our feet. Masters teach that when this chakra is balanced, we feel grounded and fearless; its imbalance brings fear, inertia and disconnection.

In the yogic tradition, the Muladhara is the seat of kundalini, and heavy, tamasic energies dwell here that must be transformed. Kriya Yoga texts likewise emphasize that “the most potent energy… lies dormant at the root of the spine (Muladhara)”. Therefore the awakening begins here: rooting like a tree. Kashmir Śaiva Tantra (Samaya) notes this center illuminates the path upward, and only when the root is steady can we rise to higher awareness. In Vedanta terms, this chakra corresponds to the energetic sheath (prānāmaya kośa) of survival; illumining it prepares us to awaken higher consciousness.

– Guided Practice: Sit comfortably on earth or a mat. Visualize a ruby-red lotus at your perineum, petals unfolding. Feel the weight of your body on the ground, imagine roots growing from your seat into the earth. Breathe deeply into the lower abdomen, gently contracting Mūlābandha (root lock) as you exhale. You may silently intone the bija mantra “Lam” with each breath, allowing its vibration to stabilize the base. Let any anxieties or fears be offered into the earth with each exhalation.

• Feel the solidity of earth supporting you.

• Envision the color red and the sound “Lam” filling your root lotus.

• Embrace the stillness and safety of this foundation (Mūlādhāra = root-support).

These practices awaken the grounding energy of Muladhara, preparing the way upward.

Svadhisthana (Sacral) Chakra: Creativity and Pleasure

Moving upward, turn attention to the Svadhisthana chakra, just below the navel. Svādhiṣṭhāna means “one’s own abode,” a sacred vessel for creative flow. Classical Tantra paints it as a beautiful orange-red, ten-petaled lotus at the root of the navel. It is governed by the water element and by the lunar principle of fluidity. Here the inner tides of emotions, desires, and sexuality are born. Contemplating this spotless lotus frees us from ego-attachments (ahaṅkāra) and dispels the darkness of ignorance. In other words, when Svadhisthana is awakened, we glow with creative vitality and our speech flows with sweetness.

Tantric tradition calls Svadhisthana the “path to great ecstasy”. We sense this as the center of sensual awareness and emotional clarity. It rules our sensory experience and imaginative power. Its bija sound is “Vam”, and it is associated with the Makara (fish-crocodile) symbol and the deity Viṣṇu (conservation) on Garuḍa, linking to prānā and apānā vayus (moving energies). In Advaita terms, Svadhisthana washes away creative blockages and anchors our sacral shakti. In Kriya Yoga practice, once the root is firm the current rises to this second center, where it nurtures emotional health.

– Guided Practice: Draw awareness to the low belly. Sit with knees apart if comfortable, hips relaxed. Imagine an orange swirling water-vessel at the lower abdomen. With each inhalation, feel warmth or fluid flow; with each exhalation, surrender into the body. You might trace gentle pelvic circles or hip-openers to awaken this center. Chant softly “Vam” as a wave sound, like ocean tides. Visualize warm water-colors (orange/gold) rippling in the sacral lotus. Let creativity emerge: feel any sensations, dreams, or feelings as messages from this lotus.

• Embrace the feminine energy of water – softness, adaptability, pleasure.

• Allow emotions and desires to flow without judgment.

• Invite imaginative and sensual energy to rise (Svadhishṭhāna = abode of the Self).

Through these exercises, the water element in Svadhisthana begins to unlock joy, creativity and the capacity for healthy relating.

Manipura (Solar Plexus) Chakra: Fire and Transformation

Next, we come to the Manipura chakra at the navel/solar plexus. Manipura means “lustrous gem” – a brilliant sun-like city within. In this third center the fire element blazes: our inner will, personal power and digestion of life’s lessons. Shat-Chakra Nirūpana calls it a ten-petaled yellow (or golden) lotus shining like a storm-cloud with a sunburst inside. In tantra it is the seat of Agni and the prana called samāna. Paramahamsa Yogananda and other kriyā yogis emphasize that here “the Kundalini is driven up… through each chakra” including this solar center. Ayurveda likewise notes Manipura governs digestion – both physical and psychic – transforming experiences into vitality.

Traditions say Manipura is where we gain confidence and purpose. When balanced, one feels joy, self-esteem and clarity. Its bija is “Ram”, symbolized by the ram (a deity mounted on a ram, Shiva’s Rudra form) representing dynamism. Advaita texts refer to this center as containing “the most precious jewel” of inner strength. From a Vedantic view, Manipura refines ego into the light of awareness.

– Guided Practice: Place hands on the navel, or lie on your back with knees bent. Visualize a golden sun at your solar plexus. Feel warmth spreading with each breath. You may practice a gentle breath-of-fire pranayama (fast abdominal pumping breath) to stoke the inner fire, or do core-strengthening poses (boat pose, sun salutations). Chant “Ram” firmly, feeling its power concentrate in the belly. Imagine any heat or tension transmuting into light with each exhale.

• Stare softly at a bright point or imagine the midday sun – energize Manipura’s fire.

• Embrace your personal will and clarity of purpose.

• Repeat “Ram” and feel its vibrating power in the belly.

This practice kindles the solar fire of Manipura, strengthening willpower and transforming personal energy into illumination.

Anahata (Heart) Chakra: Love and Compassion

At the center of the chest blooms the Anahata chakra. Anahata literally means “unstruck” or “unbeaten” (the sacred sound of love without being struck), symbolizing the pure heart. It is the bridge between lower and higher chakras, the meeting of spirit and flesh. Tantra poets describe it as a twelve-petaled green-blue lotus with interlaced triangles (the Yantra) symbolizing Shiva–Shakti union. Here resides our compassion, devotion, forgiveness and deep connection to all beings. When the heart opens, “spiritual and physical meet” and higher consciousness participates in every action. In Kashmir Śaivism this corresponds to Siddha Śakti, the grace that flows through us when the heart opens. The Bhagavad Gītā too teaches that dharma flows from the heart, the seat of surrender and love.

When Anahata is balanced, we feel unconditional love, empathy, and equilibrium between giving and receiving. When blocked, we experience grief, jealousy or coldness. The bija “Yam” resonates here, and we can envisage emerald light radiating.

– Guided Practice: Sit with the spine tall. Place your palms over your heart or interlace fingers at the sternum, tapping lightly to feel connection. Inhale love, exhale tension. Imagine a smoky emerald lotus in the chest, petals unfurling with each breath. Repeat a heartfelt phrase or the mantra Yam. Practicing metta (loving-kindness) meditation fits here: silently wish well-being to yourself and others, letting unconditional goodwill stir Anahata.

• Breathe into the heart – envision gentle green light healing hurts.

• Softly stretch the arms wide (like a tree hug) to open the chest.

• Embrace humility and gratitude – “I honor my humanity and others’”.

These practices open the silent temple of Anahata, cultivating boundless love and compassion.

Vishuddha (Throat) Chakra: Truth and Expression

Rising to the neck, we find Vishuddha, the throat chakra, at the throat-pit. This center of ether (ākāśa) governs purification, communication and the creative Word. Its Sanskrit name means “especially pure” – the purity of expression and inner listening. The Throat chakra is said to be the doorway to higher consciousness, where discrimination (jñāna) and clear awareness emerge. When Vishuddha opens, we speak our truth and listen deeply; when blocked, we hesitate or speak falsely. 

Vishuddha links to the thyroid and breath. Its bija is “Ham”.

– Guided Practice: Sit comfortably and relax the throat. Breathe slowly and allow the neck to soften. Feel vibration in the voice box by humming or chanting “Ham”, noticing the tone at the throat. You can practice the jalandhara bandha (chin lock) briefly to focus awareness here. Also try Khechari Mudra (tongue up) if taught, or gentle neck stretches. Speak a personal truth or sing aloud in meditation; let creative words flow.

• Yawn or lengthen the spine to open the throat space.

• Experiment with resonant sounds (OM or even musical notes) and feel them in the throat.

• Cultivate honesty: practice expressing one heartfelt thought without judgment.

Through honest sound and breath, Vishuddha begins to purify and liberate our voice.

Ajna (Third Eye) Chakra: Intuition and Insight

Higher still, at the brow between the eyebrows is the Ajna chakra, our third eye. This “eye of intuition” is the gateway to inner vision. It is often depicted as a two-petaled lotus or the syllable “Om” with crescent and bindu above it. In depth, Ajna represents Clarity and the mind’s eye – seeing without physical sight. Here Shivajnana (Shiva’s insight) dawns. When awakened, we experience a stillness beyond thought, and insights flow effortlessly.

Physiologically, this chakra is linked to the pineal gland. Yogic texts teach techniques like Trataka (gazing at a point) and Shambhavi Mudra (focusing between brows) to awaken this center. Indeed, the awakening of the third eye is said to reveal the subtle realities that ordinary senses miss.

– Guided Practice: Soften your gaze at a candle flame or an inner image (gazing softly at a point between the brows is Trataka). Sit quietly and focus attention between the eyebrows, feeling a gentle light or indigo glow. Practice deep Ajapa japa: mentally chant “So Hum” with breath, feeling “Hum” at the third eye. After some time with closed eyes, observe any inner light or visions. You may also lie in savasana and concentrate on the space between your brows.

• Use the breath as a tool: draw awareness to the brow each inhale.

• Perform Jalandhara or Khecharī bandha (if comfortable) to direct energy upward.

• Visualize a gentle indigo-blue lotus at the forehead with petals opening.

Through steady gazing and focused breath, the inner eye opens, offering intuition and clarity of truth.

Sahasrāra (Crown) Chakra: Unity and Bliss

Finally we arrive at Sahasrara, the thousand-petalled lotus above the crown. This is the transcendent chakra, where individual consciousness merges with the infinite. No physical location houses Sahasrara – it is beyond the skull, at the very summit of spiritual unfoldment. 

Philosophically, Sahasrara is Brahman’s very realization – the unifying light behind all chakras. At this level, the kundalini merges with Shiva and Śakti in bliss. There is no mantra here – rather, we abide as pure Self.

– Guided Practice: Meditate in silence with palms raised (open awareness). Inhale the mantra “Om” as the sound of creation, exhale into silence. You may visualize a brilliant white or violet light above your head, or imagine a golden sūrya (sun) at the top of your crown. Practicing sahaja samādhi (effortless absorption) is suitable – simply rest awareness at the “sky” above your head and feel infinite stillness. A prayer of surrender or heart-opening mantra can be spoken softly.

• Remain in quiet spaciousness, without forcing any thought.

• Trust in the unfolding and let dualities dissolve (the crown is beyond all form).

• Even a brief glimpse of this state can leave you bathed in the “nectar of immortality.”

As masters say, true awakening to Sahasrara is beyond words – yet it is the consummation of the chakra journey. In silence and surrender, we touch the boundless.

In closing, this chakra-by-chakra awakening is both a deep inner science and a living mystery. Our brief scholarly glimpses are only pointers; the true knowledge lies in direct experience. With patience and devotion, each lotus can be opened, each energy refined. May you discover the alchemy of spirit within. You are the light at the center of all these lotuses – radiant in Muladhara’s earth, flowing through Svadhisthana’s waters, burning in Manipura’s fire, blossoming in Anahata’s air, singing in Vishuddha’s ether, knowing in Ajna’s silence, and shining forth from Sahasrara’s unity.