Summary of the Chakras

The Lower Triangle

The first three chakras or energy centers comprise the lower triangle. Developing the higher centers without the base is like pouring water into a cup without a bottom. We need the strength and balance in the lower chakras to materialize our desires and sustain the consciousness that we attain in meditation.

The first or root chakra is at the base of the spine. When properly functioning, we are grounded, able to take care of our basic needs, and feel comfortable in our body and secure on planet Earth.

The second or sacral/sex chakra is located at the sex organs. When well-balanced and functioning, we honor, but are not consumed by, our desires, and we can relate to others with proper boundaries. Transformed sexual energy can be used for all kinds of creative pursuits and transmuted for healing and rejuvenation.

Unbalance or weak first and second chakras, can lead to greed, possessiveness, jealousy, attachment, emotional instability, insecurity, inconsistency, and lack of interest.

The third or naval chakra is located an inch or two below the umbilicus. A well-developed, strong, balanced core chakra is associated with health, vitality, physical well-being, good digestion, and energy. It supports a clear, action-oriented mind, strong character, optimism, and the power to sustain efforts, break and make habits, and the effects of meditation.

If the "nabhi" chakra is weak or out of balance, we experience a lack of endurance and motivation, ineffectiveness, laziness, incomplete efforts, dependency, anger, insensitivity to others, and selfishness.

The Upper Triangle

The upper triangle consists of the fifth (throat) chakra, the sixth (brow) point, and the seventh (crown) chakra.

The fifth or throat chakra, located in the neck is associated with the thyroid gland. An activated throat chakra gives us the power to fearlessly communicate truth. A weak fifth chakra engenders fear and powerlessness to speak from our heart.

The sixth or anja chakra is located at the brow point and is associated with the pituitary gland. An open third eye gives us the power to see the truth beyond duality. When our third eye is closed, we remain attached to the stories and beliefs made up in our dualistic mind.

The seventh or crown chakra is located at the top of our head and is associated with the pituitary gland. When the thousand petal lotus opens, the veil that prevents us from being aware of non-physical reality dissolves. When it is closed, our perception of reality is limited to the physical world.

The Heart Center

The fourth or heart chakra, located along the spine at the level of the physical heart, is associated with the thymus gland. The heart chakra is the seat of love and compassion for self, others, and the Divine. An activated and balanced heart center awakens us to an expanded reality of wisdom, nobility, success, satisfaction, happiness for no identifiable reason, and a strong immune system.

If the heart chakra is dormant, one may "lose heart," be selfish and controlling, break others' hearts, or have one's own heart broken in painful relationships. With a closed heart, one suffers from disappointments and regrets and never enjoys the realization of his or her dreams or desires. Opening the heart center can awaken a profound experience of compassion for self, others, and all life. As we surrender the analytical head, allowing the heart to be the locus of decision making, we attain serenity and clarity, attract appropriate relationships, opportunities, and abundance.

The paradigm shift occurring on the planet is due to the elevation of the planetary vibration to the frequency of the heart center.

The Electromagnetic Field

Our electromagnetic field, or aura, is sometimes called the eight chakra. Our physical, mental, and emotional health and balance is revealed by the strength, coherency, lightness, clarity, and intensity of the aura surrounding our body. A healthy aura is bright and extends to at least nine feet in all directions. It's brilliance reflects the condition of our being and our chakras. A strong aura also protects us from hostile influences, allowing us to relate more effectively to events and situations, disassociate from negative ones, and project positive, healing energy to improve our circumstances.

Source: Transitions to a Heart-Centered World with the Kundalini Yoga and Meditations of Yogi Bhajan by Guru Rattana, Ph.D.