Ajna, The third Eye, 6th chakra
Command of Ajna chakra takes one beyond indecision of what to do in life as one rises beyond the desires of worldly motivation and surrenders to the ultimate knowing of what is needed to be done to fulfill life's purpose and bring one's spiritual fulfillment and happiness.
Ida and Pingala Nadi
Nadi means “stream”.
The right side of the brain tends to use more creative, fantasy and philosophical thinking,
The left side of the brain focuses more on facts, numbers and analytical thinking.
Ida and pingala nadis separate from shushumna nadi at muldahara chakra and intertwine up through the chakras meeting at Ajna chakra. The solar and lunar, male and female energies become neutral, bringing balance, equilibrium and a sense of oneness and of unity with the cosmic laws that appear. Duality becomes equalized. Then Ida and pingala separate again, running into the left and right nostrils.
Ida and Pingala are time-bound. Up to the fifth chakra the yogi also is time bound, but as Ida and Pingala end here, the yogi moves into Sushumna, beyond time. He is now in a state of non-dual consciousness. The activation of Ajna chakra is said to lead to psychic powers (siddhis) such as clairvoyance.
The right side of the brain tends to use more creative, fantasy and philosophical thinking,
The left side of the brain focuses more on facts, numbers and analytical thinking.
Ida and pingala nadis separate from shushumna nadi at muldahara chakra and intertwine up through the chakras meeting at Ajna chakra. The solar and lunar, male and female energies become neutral, bringing balance, equilibrium and a sense of oneness and of unity with the cosmic laws that appear. Duality becomes equalized. Then Ida and pingala separate again, running into the left and right nostrils.
Ida and Pingala are time-bound. Up to the fifth chakra the yogi also is time bound, but as Ida and Pingala end here, the yogi moves into Sushumna, beyond time. He is now in a state of non-dual consciousness. The activation of Ajna chakra is said to lead to psychic powers (siddhis) such as clairvoyance.
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Both sides of the brain are connected to each other, so they switch off taking control when necessary.
Modern science shows that when you're doing mathematical and analytical thinking, for example, you're utilizing the left side of your brain. The left side of the brain (the right side of the body - pingala) is often associated with masculine traits and cerebral functioning such as logic, direction, systematic thought and so on, as also with valour and related traits. |
The right side of the brain tends to use more creative, fantasy and philosophical thinking, whereas the left side of the brain focuses more on facts, numbers and analytical thinking. When you daydream, you're using the right side of your brain. When you're thinking of an original design or drawing, that's also the right side of your brain at work.
Creativity
People with right-side brain (left side of the body - Ida) dominance are thought to be more creative. They excel at pursuits that involve fantasy or creation, such as songwriting or drawing. As children, they may have loved art or music classes.
In contrast, people with left-side brain dominance (right side of the body - pingala) deal with reality, thier thinking is mostly analytical. They have a hard time using their imaginations.
Intuition
The right side of the brain (left side of the body - Ida) seeks meaning in situations. Decisions tend to be based on gut feelings, intuition or emotion. This is because the right brain heads straight to the answer to a problem, instead of factually investigating it.
In contrast, people with left-sided (right side of the body - pingala) dominance consider facts and logic to make decisions and may miss what their intuition tells them.
Creativity
People with right-side brain (left side of the body - Ida) dominance are thought to be more creative. They excel at pursuits that involve fantasy or creation, such as songwriting or drawing. As children, they may have loved art or music classes.
In contrast, people with left-side brain dominance (right side of the body - pingala) deal with reality, thier thinking is mostly analytical. They have a hard time using their imaginations.
Intuition
The right side of the brain (left side of the body - Ida) seeks meaning in situations. Decisions tend to be based on gut feelings, intuition or emotion. This is because the right brain heads straight to the answer to a problem, instead of factually investigating it.
In contrast, people with left-sided (right side of the body - pingala) dominance consider facts and logic to make decisions and may miss what their intuition tells them.
Medieval Solar representation
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Japanese Lunar Goddess
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The Vrittis
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- para: spiritual knowledge, elevating the lower vrttis towards spiritual enjoyments.
This is on the left side and is associated with the Ida Nadi. The breath that is drawn in through the left nostril is known as Ida, the lunar channel. Ida is the creative principle, it is white, feminine, cold and represents the moon.
When the left nostril is dominant so is this vrtti and the mind is in a more elevated state.
Right side of the brain but left side of the body.
- apara: secular knowledge, directing the lower vrttis towards mundane enjoyments.
This is on the right side and is associated with the Pingala nadi. The breath that is drawn in through the right nostril is known as Pingala, the solar channel. Pingala is the masculine and analytical principle. It is red, masculine, hot, and represents the sun.
When the right nostril is dominant so is this vrtti.
Left side of the brain dominance but right side of the body.
- Sushumna nadi is the central channel
Kundalini
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In Muladhara, Shakti, the static unmanifested Kundalini, is symbolized by a serpent coiled into three and a half circles around the central axis Svayambhu-linga at the base of the spine. The serpent lies blocking the entrance to Sushumna, the central channel with his mouth. Sushumna remains closed at its lower end as long as Kundalini is not awakened.
The technique of Kundalini Yoga consists in using Prana (the vital air), guiding its circulatory movement through Ida and Pingala down to the base of the spine into the space where Kundalini lies coiled. The vital energies of the opposite forces circulating in Ida and Pingala will be unified and Shakti Kundalini will then awaken and rise up Sushumna, energizing the seven chakras. From Muladhara chakra, Ida and Pingala alternate from the right to left sides at each chakra until they reach Ajna chakra where they meet again with Sushumna. |
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In Ajna chakra the meeting of the three main nadis is called Mukta Triveni (Mukta: “liberated”). Continuing beyond Ajna chakra, Ida and Pingala end in the left and right nostrils respectively.
Once the Kundalini Shakti has ascended through Sushumna to Sahasrara, the highest psychic center at the crown of the head, it is made to reverse its course and return to rest in the base center again.
Once the Kundalini Shakti has ascended through Sushumna to Sahasrara, the highest psychic center at the crown of the head, it is made to reverse its course and return to rest in the base center again.
The Deities of Ajna Chakra
The presiding deity is Ardhanarishvara, the half-male, half-female Shiva-Shakti, symbolic of basic polarity; the right side is male and the left side, female. The symbolic intent of the figure, is to signify that the male and female principles are inseparable. Purusha is the passive force of the universe, while Prakriti is the active, dynamic force. Both these forces must embrace and fuse with each other to generate and sustain the universe.
Ardhanarishvara stands in a shining white lingam, like the color of light. The male half of Ardhanarishvara has camphor-blue skin. He holds a trident in his right hand, representing the three aspects of consciousness: cognition, conation, and affection.
The female side of Ardhanarishvara is pink. She wears a red sari, and about her neck and arms are wound shining golden ornaments. She holds a pink lotus, a symbol of purity. All duality has ceased. Shiva has total command over all aspects of the self in this plane of liberation, or moksha.
The third eye of Shiva is called sva-netra, the organ of clairvoyance. Becoming Sada-Shiva, the eternal one, Shiva is no longer separate from Shakti as a separate male entity. Devata Shiva is the granter of knowledge. This knowledge brings the breath (prana) and the mind under control of Ardhanarishvara. Most portraits show both half-forms sharing the trinetra or the third eye.
The energy is Hakini. Hakini Shakti has four arms and six heads. Her skin is pale pink, and her jewelry is golden and shines with gems. Wearing a red sari, she sits on a pink lotus with her left foot raised. She imparts the knowledge of unconditional truth, the awareness of nonduality. In her hands she holds the following objects: Shiva’s damaru drum, which maintains a steady drone and leads the aspirant in his way, a skull, as symbol of detachment, a mala for japa as a centering device. her remaining right hand is posed in the mudra of granting fearlessness.
The Spiritual Symbolism
The concept of Ardhanarishvara indicates that "totality lies beyond duality" and the essentially equal nature of both the masculine and feminine energies. It talks of both being part of the Supreme Being, being two equal parts, making the whole.
Shiva's half part holding a rosary indicates asceticism, while Parvati's half holding the mirror is an embodiment of the highly material and illusory world. The fusing of these two opposites indicates that both the material and spiritual spheres have to coexist in one's life, for it to be complete. Shiva and Shakti are inseparable and interdependent. This indicates that both these opposing forces are one and the same and cannot be regarded as two individual identities.
Many cultures of the world also believe that hermaphrodite icons such as the Ardhanarishvara also symbolize fertility and limitless growth. Shiva embracing Parvati is associated with the boundless reproductive ability of Mother Nature herself. The supposedly opposing forces then become so non-dual, that it would finally become impossible to locate the masculine in the feminine and vice-versa.
The sacred bull, Nandi is shown as the gatekeeper and vahana or vehicle of the Ardhanarishvara. But sometimes, portraits may depict the Nandi standing or sitting near the Shiva half and a lion near the Devi's half. The revered Nandi is the reason why bulls are considered sacred. Nandi is the bearer of truth and righteousness.
Ardhanarishvara stands in a shining white lingam, like the color of light. The male half of Ardhanarishvara has camphor-blue skin. He holds a trident in his right hand, representing the three aspects of consciousness: cognition, conation, and affection.
The female side of Ardhanarishvara is pink. She wears a red sari, and about her neck and arms are wound shining golden ornaments. She holds a pink lotus, a symbol of purity. All duality has ceased. Shiva has total command over all aspects of the self in this plane of liberation, or moksha.
The third eye of Shiva is called sva-netra, the organ of clairvoyance. Becoming Sada-Shiva, the eternal one, Shiva is no longer separate from Shakti as a separate male entity. Devata Shiva is the granter of knowledge. This knowledge brings the breath (prana) and the mind under control of Ardhanarishvara. Most portraits show both half-forms sharing the trinetra or the third eye.
The energy is Hakini. Hakini Shakti has four arms and six heads. Her skin is pale pink, and her jewelry is golden and shines with gems. Wearing a red sari, she sits on a pink lotus with her left foot raised. She imparts the knowledge of unconditional truth, the awareness of nonduality. In her hands she holds the following objects: Shiva’s damaru drum, which maintains a steady drone and leads the aspirant in his way, a skull, as symbol of detachment, a mala for japa as a centering device. her remaining right hand is posed in the mudra of granting fearlessness.
The Spiritual Symbolism
The concept of Ardhanarishvara indicates that "totality lies beyond duality" and the essentially equal nature of both the masculine and feminine energies. It talks of both being part of the Supreme Being, being two equal parts, making the whole.
Shiva's half part holding a rosary indicates asceticism, while Parvati's half holding the mirror is an embodiment of the highly material and illusory world. The fusing of these two opposites indicates that both the material and spiritual spheres have to coexist in one's life, for it to be complete. Shiva and Shakti are inseparable and interdependent. This indicates that both these opposing forces are one and the same and cannot be regarded as two individual identities.
Many cultures of the world also believe that hermaphrodite icons such as the Ardhanarishvara also symbolize fertility and limitless growth. Shiva embracing Parvati is associated with the boundless reproductive ability of Mother Nature herself. The supposedly opposing forces then become so non-dual, that it would finally become impossible to locate the masculine in the feminine and vice-versa.
The sacred bull, Nandi is shown as the gatekeeper and vahana or vehicle of the Ardhanarishvara. But sometimes, portraits may depict the Nandi standing or sitting near the Shiva half and a lion near the Devi's half. The revered Nandi is the reason why bulls are considered sacred. Nandi is the bearer of truth and righteousness.
Trataka Meditation
A yogic and tantric form of meditation. Tratkata improves the memory, and increases awareness, attention, focus and concentration. It calms the mind and improves the eyes. It activates Ajna, the third eye, stimulating the pineal gland and develops psychic abilities.
Practitioners use many different objects for doing steady gazing. Flame of a candle, a black dot on the wall, the crystal ball, the Shiva Linga, the early morning sun, the full moon, picture of a deity, etc. can be used depending on one’s choice. The most commonly followed technique is gazing on a candle flame.
Place a candle at arms length and eye height and close your eyes to quieten the mind, relax the body. Open the eyes and gaze into the middle of the flame of a candle, ideally at the red wick which is still and doesn’t waver in a drought. Avoid looking at the top of the flame as the flame may flicker and you will lose concentration. Look either at the bright red spot just above the wick or the red dot at the top of the wick itself. That is more likely to be steady than the rest of the flame.
Gaze for as long as possible without blinking and without straining the eyes, when they begin to water or tire close your eyes, focus on the after image in your “Mind’s eye” it will still be bright and alter in colour. When the image fades, open the eyes to gaze into the flame again. Continue for 5 to 10 minutes.
As you practice, you will see that you will be aware of only the flame, everything else, including the body will go into oblivion. You will lose body consciousness and will feel that you are one with the flame.
This is a wonderful practice to begin the day with, it ‘washes the eyes’ so you will see clearly all day. It is done with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed to train both the concentration and visualization powers of the mind.
Practitioners use many different objects for doing steady gazing. Flame of a candle, a black dot on the wall, the crystal ball, the Shiva Linga, the early morning sun, the full moon, picture of a deity, etc. can be used depending on one’s choice. The most commonly followed technique is gazing on a candle flame.
Place a candle at arms length and eye height and close your eyes to quieten the mind, relax the body. Open the eyes and gaze into the middle of the flame of a candle, ideally at the red wick which is still and doesn’t waver in a drought. Avoid looking at the top of the flame as the flame may flicker and you will lose concentration. Look either at the bright red spot just above the wick or the red dot at the top of the wick itself. That is more likely to be steady than the rest of the flame.
Gaze for as long as possible without blinking and without straining the eyes, when they begin to water or tire close your eyes, focus on the after image in your “Mind’s eye” it will still be bright and alter in colour. When the image fades, open the eyes to gaze into the flame again. Continue for 5 to 10 minutes.
As you practice, you will see that you will be aware of only the flame, everything else, including the body will go into oblivion. You will lose body consciousness and will feel that you are one with the flame.
This is a wonderful practice to begin the day with, it ‘washes the eyes’ so you will see clearly all day. It is done with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed to train both the concentration and visualization powers of the mind.
Shambhavi mudra
Shambhavi mudra can also be done with eyes closed. Once you have mastered the eye brow gazing with eyes open can do the same with eyes closed.
Benefits of Shambhavi mudra
- Siting in a meditation posture roll both eyes upwards to gaze at the point between the eyebrows.
- Focus on the vision between the eyebrows.
- When you do this, you will be able to see the two eyebrows as two curved lines meeting at the center. It forms a kind of V-shaped line with a dip at the center.
- Concentrate the eyes on this dip in the lower center region of the V-shaped line.
- Maintain this position for as long as you can. Initially, the eye muscles will start to pain after few seconds or within minutes. Relax the eyes and bring it back to the normal position. Rest for some time and try again. With practice one can maintain this gaze for longer period of time.
- Breathe normally during the practice. As you proceed with the meditation technique, your breath will slow down and become more subtle.
- Shambhavi mudra can take one into deep states of meditation.
Shambhavi mudra can also be done with eyes closed. Once you have mastered the eye brow gazing with eyes open can do the same with eyes closed.
Benefits of Shambhavi mudra
- Shambhavi mudra is considered one of the most important mudras for meditation. It helps to transcend the mind and reach higher states of consciousness. It can help one reach the state of Samadhi. The eyes have a direct connection with our mind. When the eyes are moving, the mind is more active. When you fix the eyes at one point, the mind also settles down and thoughts are reduced.
- It helps to strengthen the eye muscles. By constant practice, the muscles can sustain the position for a long period of time for prolonged meditation.
- Shambhavi mudra activates the Ajna chakra.
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https://www.tantra-kundalini.com/ajna/
https://www.dollsofindia.com/library/ardhanarishvara-symbolism/
https://www.dollsofindia.com/library/ardhanarishvara-symbolism/
New Age Ideas
The Third or Inner Eye is considered as The Gateway to Enlightenment or The Realm of Higher Consciousness, the center of inner perception and intuition. Our ideas, dreams, ambitions, goals, inner strength and self image all develop from this Chakra. This chakra is associated with the colour Indigo and is connected to the Pineal or pituitary gland. Those with a well balanced brow chakra can have telepathic abilities, charismatic personality and they often do not have any fear of death. It is associated with thought. Our intuition is our guide and teacher through life. When the third Eye Chakra is weak, the Intuition becomes weak, leading to misery, disappointments, wrong decisions etc. With a balanced Sixth Chakra, one can start to experience success by taking the right decisions and manifesting the innermost desires.
Healing Foods: Purple coloured fruits like grapes and blueberries, Chocolate, Lavender flavored spices or tea.
Healing Foods: Purple coloured fruits like grapes and blueberries, Chocolate, Lavender flavored spices or tea.
Here is a good site if you want to explore new age ideas of spiritual energy healing:
http://www.kea0.com/chakra-balancing/
http://www.kea0.com/chakra-balancing/
https://www.artzolo.com