Yoga in Practice - Ajna Chakra

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Of course you may be wondering, what exactly are chakras. Translated from Sanskrit, the world "chakra" actually means ring or wheel. These personal chakras that are found on the body are located on the head and the spine and they have a lot of coiled energy in them. They are considered to be junctions that are very critical and decide what the state of the mind and body will be. Cosmic energy is tapped by these chakras and then turned into spiritual energy. Chakras have also been described as vortices that are within the body as well, and many people who practice yoga work to balance the chakras.

Although you cannot see these chakras, they are tangible through the effects that they have. Once students of yoga achieve the level where they can merge their human side with their divine side, they are able to access their chakras. There are seven critical chakras and four others that depend on them.

One chakra, that is well known and that many people identify with is the Ajna chakra. This chakra is often known as the "mind's eye" or the "guru" chakra. The location of this chakra is right in the middle of your forehead, and the name Ajna actually means the center of command or the "monitoring center." If you take a look at the name alone, you easily see that by mastering this one chakra, you'll be provided with control over the body and the other chakras too. In ancient times, the bindi was worn at this area to remind people that this was indeed a chakra that was very powerful. Some also know it as the third eye, and it provides intuition and clairvoyance when this chakra is opened.

Most people easily realize that insight and intuition exists, and helps with self reflection, even if they are not aware that this comes from the Ajna chakra. This Chakra is also sometimes called the eye of intuition and it looks inward, allowing self reflection and revelation. Also, it is through this chakra that mind to mind communication occurs

This chakra is where paranormal powers come from, as well as extrasensory perception, intuition, and clairvoyance. When you are able to tap into this chakra through yoga, you are able to channel, tune into the higher self, and get the guidance that you need too. You are able to experience past lives and telepathy through this chakra and these energies can be accessible to anyone, no matter what their ethics or values may be.

Since this chakra is the center of your mind, it also stands for a higher awareness and as you develop the Ajna chakra, you'll begin to develop psychic powers. Often this chakra is thought to be like a knot and until you are able to overcome it, your evolution spiritually is blocked. Once you awaken this chakra and overcome your own personality, then this knot is untied and you are able to access and use this chakra.

While this chakra does not exist physiologically, it is said to have influence on the pineal gland. It also influences and relates to your pituitary gland as well, and it controls the rest of the body, affection all of the endocrine system. The Ajna trigger point is called the bhrumadhya and is located right in the center of the eyebrows. When it comes to visualization and meditation, this is a very important focal point.

Sandalwood Essential Oil has a rich, sweet, warm, and woody aroma that is sensual and romantic. Used traditionally as incense in religious ceremonies and for meditation, it is uplifting and relaxing. In alternative and holistic modalities Sandalwood is considered to bring one closer to the divine. It removes the states of fear, stress, nervous exhaustion and anxiety. Kept for sacred use, the Sandalwood scent is believed to transform one's desires and maintain a person's alertness while in meditation. It is a perfect aid for meditation on the Ajna Chakra.

Although many people who practice yoga only think of Hatha Yoga, which is physical yoga, yoga can affect the physical being, the spiritual being, and the mental being as well. This means that you should use the Ajna chakra to your advantage. Mental exercises, such as visualization use this chakra and it helps to bring success in life as well. Using this chakra to visualize, meditate, and analyze ones' self is important and can help any student of yoga with success.

Perhaps you are not a person that is intuitive. Well, you can enhance the quality of intuition by balancing the Ajna chakra through yoga. Intuition is important in making decisions and also a help you find deeper personal awareness and truth as well. Remember, yoga is designed to awaken the energy that is within you, and this is done by awakening and balancing the chakras. Now that you have a bit more understanding about the 6th chakra, Anja, you are enlightened so you can focus on working to open this chakra and increasing understanding and spiritual awareness in your life.