Vishuddha, 5th Chakra, Throat Chakra
Vishuddha
- The 5th chakra, Vishuddha, is located in the region of the throat.
- The word means Visha = impurity, poison Shuddhi = purification; Immaculate purity;
- Vishuddha is a blue colored lotus flower with sixteen smoky coloured petals.
- In the center of the lotus is a downward-facing triangle with a circle inside it, representing the element of air. A white circle represents a full moon within is a silver crescent.
- The silver crescent is the lunar symbol of nada, pure cosmic sound.
- Element: Ether, Akasha; the space left between everything, the subtle, spiritual essence which pervades all space. It is the first element created and is the essence of all things. Space is omnipresent, it is present everywhere. Space is the essence of emptiness.
- Its main characteristic is Shadja (sound). Akasha is said to contain in seed the Logos - the first sound. Air and sound are inseparable.
- Its senses are auditory: Governs the ears/sound and throat/voice.
- The bija mantra of ether is ham
- In this chakra we have the beginning of the process of transcendence, becoming freer from worldly desires, bringing the sadhaka (aspirant) closer to total wisdom and knowledge, which can only be achieved by increasing the capacity for concentration.
- When Vishuddha Chakra is pure, negative experience is transformed into wisdom and learning.
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Lalana Chakra
Closely related to Vishuddha is a minor chakra, located in the roof of the mouth, called Lalana. It has 12 red or white petals, that correspond to the vrittis of respect, contentment, offense, self-control, pride, affection, sorrow, depression, purity, dissatisfaction, honor and anxiety. Inside is a red circular moon region. This acts as a reservoir for amrit.
The amrit drips down into the Vishuddha where it splits into poison and nectar. When the throat chakra is open the amrit is purified and becomes the nectar of immortality and the practitioner is set free. This is mindfulness occupied with the body, removal of all dualities and coming to the realization of Supreme Cosmic Spirit.
Bindu Visharga is a psychic point at the back of the head. It is located near the top of the brain, towards the back of the head. There is a slight pit there, in which there is a little liquid. The bindu is a slight elevation in the middle. Nerves radiate from this point, including nerves connected to the optic system. Nectar is secreted from this bindu, and stored in the Lanana chakra. When this nectar has been purified in the vishuddha and spreads throughout the body, one can go without food, water, and air, living directly off the transformed nectar.
When Vishuddha is inactive, this nectar is allowed to run downwards into Manipura, where it is consumed, resulting in physical degeneration, suffering the poisons of birth, aging, disease, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief and despair.
Through practices such as and Jalandhara Bandha the nectar reaching Vishuddha is purified, the poison from the body is cleansed and amrita becomes the nectar of immortality. The nectar and poison symbolism originate from the Hindu episode of the churning of the Ocean of Milk in which gods and demons churn the ocean using the world serpent, Vāsuki, as the rope. The gods held the tail of the snake and the demons held its head. In this way they were able to churn the ocean of the world with their combined power to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortal life.
Our own negative thoughts and qualities are the demons; the Devas (gods) are our good qualities – understanding, compassion, mercy, love, devotion and wisdom. Both qualities exist within us, just as the nectar of divine wisdom and immortality and the poison of ignorance and earthly mortality exist simultaneously in the world. The ocean of the world propels us in two directions – one towards the Devas, therefore towards goodness and light, and the other towards the destructive powers, the Āsuras. The serpent (Kundalinī) represents both the lifetime that is at our disposal and the power (Shakti) that brings the hidden treasure up from the depths of our inner being.
The peacock is the national bird of India. It symbolizes the cycle of time in Hindu scripts. The proud display of the dancing peacock is a symbol of religion in its full, unfolded glory. It is said that peacocks can swallow poison.
The feathers are also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The peacock’s shrill cry warns of approaching danger. Sometimes, the bird’s cry is considered to be a herald of the rainy season.
It is believed that this sacred bird was created from one of the feathers of Garuda. Garuda is a legendary bird in Hindu mythology and a carrier of Lord Vishnu.
The amrit drips down into the Vishuddha where it splits into poison and nectar. When the throat chakra is open the amrit is purified and becomes the nectar of immortality and the practitioner is set free. This is mindfulness occupied with the body, removal of all dualities and coming to the realization of Supreme Cosmic Spirit.
Bindu Visharga is a psychic point at the back of the head. It is located near the top of the brain, towards the back of the head. There is a slight pit there, in which there is a little liquid. The bindu is a slight elevation in the middle. Nerves radiate from this point, including nerves connected to the optic system. Nectar is secreted from this bindu, and stored in the Lanana chakra. When this nectar has been purified in the vishuddha and spreads throughout the body, one can go without food, water, and air, living directly off the transformed nectar.
When Vishuddha is inactive, this nectar is allowed to run downwards into Manipura, where it is consumed, resulting in physical degeneration, suffering the poisons of birth, aging, disease, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief and despair.
Through practices such as and Jalandhara Bandha the nectar reaching Vishuddha is purified, the poison from the body is cleansed and amrita becomes the nectar of immortality. The nectar and poison symbolism originate from the Hindu episode of the churning of the Ocean of Milk in which gods and demons churn the ocean using the world serpent, Vāsuki, as the rope. The gods held the tail of the snake and the demons held its head. In this way they were able to churn the ocean of the world with their combined power to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortal life.
Our own negative thoughts and qualities are the demons; the Devas (gods) are our good qualities – understanding, compassion, mercy, love, devotion and wisdom. Both qualities exist within us, just as the nectar of divine wisdom and immortality and the poison of ignorance and earthly mortality exist simultaneously in the world. The ocean of the world propels us in two directions – one towards the Devas, therefore towards goodness and light, and the other towards the destructive powers, the Āsuras. The serpent (Kundalinī) represents both the lifetime that is at our disposal and the power (Shakti) that brings the hidden treasure up from the depths of our inner being.
The peacock is the national bird of India. It symbolizes the cycle of time in Hindu scripts. The proud display of the dancing peacock is a symbol of religion in its full, unfolded glory. It is said that peacocks can swallow poison.
The feathers are also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The peacock’s shrill cry warns of approaching danger. Sometimes, the bird’s cry is considered to be a herald of the rainy season.
It is believed that this sacred bird was created from one of the feathers of Garuda. Garuda is a legendary bird in Hindu mythology and a carrier of Lord Vishnu.
Kurma Nadi: Churning the Ocean for Nectar | Himalayan Institute
So the gods caught hold of the tail of the snake and the demons caught hold of the mouth of the snake; they wrapped it around the Himalayas and started to churn. But there was another problem: the Himalayas were sinking. Humbly, they approached the cosmic turtle and asked, “Will you please hold the Himalayas on your back and be steady so that we can churn?”
Wonderful things appeared, but the 13th thing to arise was a cosmic poison.
So Shiva drank the poison; the great one knew how to drink it in such a skillful way that it did not go into the stomach but was held at the throat. The terrible poison was turned into a blue necklace, so one of Shiva’s names is now Nilakanta, “the Lord with a Blue Throat.” Shiva is the one who knows the art of drinking poison and converting the bad into good without swallowing—the one who can live skillfully in this world and yet remain unaffected.
In this story, the tortoise is the foundation, kurma nadi. If the tortoise moves, if the Himalayas move, then the serpent (kundalini) cannot help anymore. The inhalation and the exhalation, the gods and the demons, are both pulling the snake, and by pulling one after another—by taking turns—they move the Himalayas (the spine). They churn it constantly. By churning the Himalayas, held tightly on the tortoise, the sadhaka, or student, one day attains the nectar.
So the gods caught hold of the tail of the snake and the demons caught hold of the mouth of the snake; they wrapped it around the Himalayas and started to churn. But there was another problem: the Himalayas were sinking. Humbly, they approached the cosmic turtle and asked, “Will you please hold the Himalayas on your back and be steady so that we can churn?”
Wonderful things appeared, but the 13th thing to arise was a cosmic poison.
So Shiva drank the poison; the great one knew how to drink it in such a skillful way that it did not go into the stomach but was held at the throat. The terrible poison was turned into a blue necklace, so one of Shiva’s names is now Nilakanta, “the Lord with a Blue Throat.” Shiva is the one who knows the art of drinking poison and converting the bad into good without swallowing—the one who can live skillfully in this world and yet remain unaffected.
In this story, the tortoise is the foundation, kurma nadi. If the tortoise moves, if the Himalayas move, then the serpent (kundalini) cannot help anymore. The inhalation and the exhalation, the gods and the demons, are both pulling the snake, and by pulling one after another—by taking turns—they move the Himalayas (the spine). They churn it constantly. By churning the Himalayas, held tightly on the tortoise, the sadhaka, or student, one day attains the nectar.
Deities of Vishuddha
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Sadashiva
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Shakini
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Ambara
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Udana Vayu
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Udana vayu raises the energy from the navel up to the head, it works through the throat center. It affects the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which regulate metabolism, the intake of air and food, communication, and confidence in expressing ourselves. It governs the growth of the body, the ability to stand and speak; our effort, enthusiasm, and will. It is our positive energy and helps us to evolve in consciousness. It brings prana to the energy centers deep in our brain and the central axis of the subtle body.
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The Vrittis of Vishuddha
- Each of the 16 petals has a vermilion colored Sanskrit letter.
- अ am, आ aam, इ im, ई eem, उ um, ऊ oom, ऋ rim, ॠ reem, ऌ lrim, ॡ lreem, ए em, ऐ aim, ओ om, औ aum, अः aam, अं ahm
- The 16 petals represent the vrttis, propensities, of the mind that are controlled by the chakra.
- The Vrittis on this chakra govern speech and expression thus holds various mantras and musical notes. The first nine Vrittis are the mantras: Pranava (mantra om), udgitha (the Sama-mantras), and mantras hung, phat, vashat, svadha, svaha, namah, and the nectar of immortality (amrita). The remaining vrittis are seven musical notes: nishada, rishabha, gandhara, shadja, madhyama, dhaivata and panchama.
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अ am, a - shadaja
1st Acoustic root; sound of a peacock
A: first letter of the Sanskrit and Hindi alphabet. It is pronounced with the throat. It is considered to be the best among special characters. Its great glory is written in the Upanishads. The acoustic root of creation.
आ aam, a - rishabha
2nd Acoustic root; sound of bull or ox
इ im, i - gandharva
3rd Acoustic root; sound of the goat
ई eem, ii - madhyama
4th Acoustic root; sound of the deer
उ um, u - Paincama
5th Acoustic root; sound of the cuckoo
ऊ oom, u Dhaevata
6th Acoustic root; sound of the donkey
ऋ rim, r - Nishada
7th Acoustic root; elephant sound
ॠ reem, rr: Aum, Om
Acoustic root of creation; preservation and dissolution.
It rules the desire both in the cosmic mind and human mind to create, peserve, and dissolve something no longer useful.
ऌ lrim, Ir: Hummm
Kundalini wake-up sound
The acoustic root of struggle; sometimes this sound is released during meditation.
ॡ lreem, Irr: Phat
Putting a theory into practice
Acoustic root of the removal of lethargy, like the sprouting of a seed, a sudden awakening from sleep.
ए em, e: Vashat
Expression of worldly knowledge.
The emerging of worldly knowledge and worldly welfare.
ऐ aim, ae: Vasat
Well-being in the subtle sphere
The thought and materialization of welfare in the subtler spheres. It is also the acoustic root of the guru.
ओ om, o: Svadha
Performing noble actions, good deeds.
Moral resolve and psychic desire for universal welfare.
औ aum, ao: Namah
Surrender to the Supreme
Complete surrender to god.
अः aam, am: Visa
Expression of disgust
Whenever you speak to someone, say a poem, sing a song, you should understand the underlying meaning of what you are expressing. Only then will you be able to touch the listeners heart and influence them.
अं ahm, ah: Amrita
Expression of sweetness
When speaking, singing, reciting a poem or acting in a play, you should have full control over on's expression, either pleasant or unpleasant.
1st Acoustic root; sound of a peacock
A: first letter of the Sanskrit and Hindi alphabet. It is pronounced with the throat. It is considered to be the best among special characters. Its great glory is written in the Upanishads. The acoustic root of creation.
आ aam, a - rishabha
2nd Acoustic root; sound of bull or ox
इ im, i - gandharva
3rd Acoustic root; sound of the goat
ई eem, ii - madhyama
4th Acoustic root; sound of the deer
उ um, u - Paincama
5th Acoustic root; sound of the cuckoo
ऊ oom, u Dhaevata
6th Acoustic root; sound of the donkey
ऋ rim, r - Nishada
7th Acoustic root; elephant sound
ॠ reem, rr: Aum, Om
Acoustic root of creation; preservation and dissolution.
It rules the desire both in the cosmic mind and human mind to create, peserve, and dissolve something no longer useful.
ऌ lrim, Ir: Hummm
Kundalini wake-up sound
The acoustic root of struggle; sometimes this sound is released during meditation.
ॡ lreem, Irr: Phat
Putting a theory into practice
Acoustic root of the removal of lethargy, like the sprouting of a seed, a sudden awakening from sleep.
ए em, e: Vashat
Expression of worldly knowledge.
The emerging of worldly knowledge and worldly welfare.
ऐ aim, ae: Vasat
Well-being in the subtle sphere
The thought and materialization of welfare in the subtler spheres. It is also the acoustic root of the guru.
ओ om, o: Svadha
Performing noble actions, good deeds.
Moral resolve and psychic desire for universal welfare.
औ aum, ao: Namah
Surrender to the Supreme
Complete surrender to god.
अः aam, am: Visa
Expression of disgust
Whenever you speak to someone, say a poem, sing a song, you should understand the underlying meaning of what you are expressing. Only then will you be able to touch the listeners heart and influence them.
अं ahm, ah: Amrita
Expression of sweetness
When speaking, singing, reciting a poem or acting in a play, you should have full control over on's expression, either pleasant or unpleasant.
Meditation
look continuously at a clear sky, without moving oneself. From that moment O goddess, one will obtain the form of God
Meditation
One should meditate that the entire space or sky is absorbed in one's head. By absorbing the qualities of God, one will acquire the brilliant form of God
Meditation
KURMA NADI MEDITATION
This is a practice to develop steadiness and stillness.
Take 10 deep breaths before beginning.
The subtle nerve plexus called Kurma Nadi is located just below the notch of the collar bone. Visualize it as a small, sky blue oval. Simply focus the mind there, or you can press your finger onto the spot.
Mentally chant the Sanskrit words So’ ham as you watch the breath.
“ So” with the in-breath, “ “Ham” (pronounced = Hum) with the out-breath.
Simply repeat these words as you follow the breath.
Don’t control the breath.
Sah: that – the macrocosm + Aham: I am – the microcosm = So ‘ham (hum)
The microcosm is the same as the macrocosm.
The individual self is the same as the Infinite Self.
These words will help you still the restless mind.
These words will help you dive deep within yourself.
Mantra: Namo Namo Sat Nam
In the ancient Sikh language called Gurmukhi, Sat means truth. Nam means name. Together, Sat Nam essentially translates into something deeper: “I am truth,” or “Truth is my essence.” ... Sat Nam is about expressing your true identity, not only for the benefit of yourself but also for others. Namo translates as "I honor the wisdom of Life."
recommended music: Namo Namo by Ram Dass and Nirinjan Kaur
look continuously at a clear sky, without moving oneself. From that moment O goddess, one will obtain the form of God
Meditation
One should meditate that the entire space or sky is absorbed in one's head. By absorbing the qualities of God, one will acquire the brilliant form of God
Meditation
KURMA NADI MEDITATION
This is a practice to develop steadiness and stillness.
Take 10 deep breaths before beginning.
The subtle nerve plexus called Kurma Nadi is located just below the notch of the collar bone. Visualize it as a small, sky blue oval. Simply focus the mind there, or you can press your finger onto the spot.
Mentally chant the Sanskrit words So’ ham as you watch the breath.
“ So” with the in-breath, “ “Ham” (pronounced = Hum) with the out-breath.
Simply repeat these words as you follow the breath.
Don’t control the breath.
Sah: that – the macrocosm + Aham: I am – the microcosm = So ‘ham (hum)
The microcosm is the same as the macrocosm.
The individual self is the same as the Infinite Self.
These words will help you still the restless mind.
These words will help you dive deep within yourself.
Mantra: Namo Namo Sat Nam
In the ancient Sikh language called Gurmukhi, Sat means truth. Nam means name. Together, Sat Nam essentially translates into something deeper: “I am truth,” or “Truth is my essence.” ... Sat Nam is about expressing your true identity, not only for the benefit of yourself but also for others. Namo translates as "I honor the wisdom of Life."
recommended music: Namo Namo by Ram Dass and Nirinjan Kaur
http://www.energyenhancement.org/chakras/Chakra_5-Vishuddhi-Throat/shakta%20chakra%205.htm
https://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/vishuddhi/about-the-vishuddhi-chakra
https://www.tantra-kundalini.com/vishuddha/
http://www.wholebeingexplorations.com/matrix/SpSt/chakras.htm
https://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/vishuddhi/about-the-vishuddhi-chakra
https://www.tantra-kundalini.com/vishuddha/
http://www.wholebeingexplorations.com/matrix/SpSt/chakras.htm
New Age meaning and symbolism
"this is Western chakra system, originally appropriated from India but now almost totally divorced from its Indian prototype and revised and elaborated primarily on the basis of the New Age religion."
- The chakra’s color is light blue representing trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.
- It is all about sound - the sense of hearing, communication, speech, truth and it is associated with creativity and self-expression.
- The sense organs are the ear and the mouth
- This Chakra is about speaking your truth. It is not about whom you are; it is about how you communicate who you are to others.
- It is also about how you speak to yourself, positive self talk rather than negative will increase your confidence and help
- lift depression
- Another important aspect of Vishuddha is learning how to be a good listener.
- Speak truth not lies
- Learn to say no when you need to.
- the fifth chakra is associated with the exalted white elephant. In Hindu tradition, the white elephant, Airavata, carries Indra, the god of thunder and rain. The white elephant is symbolic of strength, prosperity and luck
- Also in the throat are the Thyroid and Parathyroid and salivary glands so they are governed by Vishuddha chakra. These glands secrete hormones those are essential for every organ, tissue, and cell in the body. Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and organ function, affecting heart rate, cholesterol level, body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin condition, menstrual regularity, memory, and many more.
- Plexus: Cervical
A blocked throat chakra
Fear, self judgement, shame, and shyness all serve to decrease the flow of energy in this energy center. Experiencing a creative block, harsh communication, verbal abuse, dishonesty, and manipulative tactics are all indicators of blocked energy or an imbalance in this chakra. Difficulty listening can be a further sign of imbalance.
Physical symptoms of a blocked throat chakra may be thyroid imbalances, hearing problems, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers, tinnitus, bronchitis, asthma and ear infections.
Open and flowing Throat chakra
When the fifth chakra is healthy and balanced, we can express ourselves with honesty and integrity guided by the wisdom of love from the heart below and intuitive knowing from the third eye above.
As the center for the energetic flow of our creative abilities the throat chakra is the gateway for singing, making music, writing, dancing, and all forms of creative expression. When it is open, all areas of creative expression are more fluid, easy, and harmonious. It gives us a greater sense of confidence in our ability to express how we feel.
Asana
- Neck exercises
- Upavistha marjaryasana - bitilasana (Seated cat cow with hands behind the head to stretch the neck) forward and back while rounding the spine
- Simha Pranayama (Lion's breath)
- Uttana Shishosana (Puppy pose, chin on the floor)
- Down face warrior
- Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)
- Purvottanasana (Reverse plank)
- Ustrasana (Camel pose)
- Balasana (Child pose)
- Back bends, particularly belly back bends, can activate udana vayu
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
- Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
- Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
- Halasana (Plow Pose)
- Sirsasana (Headstand)
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