MEDITATION & CHAKRAS—NATURES FLOW OF ENERGY (PART-1)
Mediation is a tool that enables us to go beyond limitations. Like anything worthwhile, it requires effort and discipline to succeed. The many benefits of personal and spiritual unfoldment that can be attained through this inner work are so rewarding that it becomes a joy, not a duty or an exercise. Whatever effort you put into it comes back to you many times over so that your life expands in ways you had never imagined. Meditation unfolds this process of self-fulfillment.
From a neurophysiological perspective, the chakras are represented as nerve plexuses from the spinal column and endocrine glands that connect with the internal organs. At the base of the spine is the first chakra, which is connected to the sacral plexus, the rectum, the prostate gland and the male reproductive organs. The second chakra below the navel is related to the prostatic network, the adrenal glands, the female reproductive organs and the kidneys. The third chakra is associated with the solar plexus, the spleen, the pancreas, the liver and the gall bladder. The fourth is called the heart chakra. It is connected to the cardiac network, the thymus gland and the pericardium. The fifth chakra relates to the thyroid gland at the throat level, which regulates basal metabolism—the body’s energy at rest. The vagus nerve and the cervical ganglion connect the fifth chakra. The sixth chakra is associated with the pituitary gland, and the seventh chakra relates to the pineal gland.
MEDITATION
The stage achieved during meditation slows down the metabolism of the body. This provides a deep state of rest with excellent therapeutic benefits; it rejuvenates the entire body, especially the nervous system. During meditation, some concentrate on the breath, some on a sound (known as a “mantra”), and some focus the mind on the circulation of energy (Chi) or light throughout the body. Meditative exercises that use sound, such as singing or chanting a word or phrase, vibrate the thyroid and parathyroid glands, stimulating them to secrete. They also activate the pituitary gland, which balances the endocrine system.
Concentration is meant to be effortless. Instead of struggling and fighting with the stream of thoughts, focus on meditation. As thoughts float to the surface, let them come and go without trying to control them. Observe the flow of your ideas, watching them come into your mind and then letting go of them. When you notice that your attention has wandered, gently let go of your thoughts and bring your awareness back to the meditation. It’s this continual process of letting go that benefits the brain.
THE THREE LOCKS
In Yoga meditation and exercises, three contracted positions, knownw as “locks,” are used. They are the Root Lock, the Diaphragm Lock, and the Neck Lock; When you apply all three simultaneously, it is known as the Master Lock. These locks channel energy, preventing it from dispersing by concentrating it on the various chakras (vital centres). The Root and Diaphragm Locks reach the Acupressure points that lie internally in the abdominal region. The Neck Lock stimulates essential acupressure points in the throat and neck areas.
According to yogic tradition, applying these increases blood circulation and helps regulate the endocrine glands and rebalance the reproductive system. Regular practice strengthens the urogenital organs so that the occurrence of menstrual cramps in women and wet dreams in men can be reduced. Each of these locks is used in meditation to channel energy through the meridians, stimulating a natural self-healing process.
ROOT LOCK (MOOLA BANDHA)
This lock stimulates energy in the first and second chakras by contracting the return, sex organs and navel. To perform Root Lock, take a deep breath and, as you exhale, do the following : (1) draw the anal sphincter muscle in as it is holding back a bowel movement; (2) contract the urethral tract as if holding back urination; and (3) pull the abdomen in towards the back.
Kundalini Yoga commonly uses Root Lock to rechannel dormant energy at the base of the spine up to the higher chakras for conscious, creative use. From an Acu-Yoga perspective, this powerful contraction unites the Yin and Yang meridians.
DIAPHRAGM LOCK (UDDIYANA BANDHA)
This lock releases physical constrictions in the third chakra by pulling the diaphragm up and in. To do Diaphragm Lock, take a deep breath and, after the exhalation, pull the upper abdominal area up and in by strongly contracting it.
This enables pent-up energy to connect with the Governing Vessel, the Great Central Channel of the spine. It also internally massages the diaphragm and heart muscles, works on the “middle warmer” of the Triple Warmer Meridian, and stimulates the third and fourth chakras, which govern the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
NECK LOCK (JALANDHARA BANDHA)
This lock opens the energy to the upper chakras and is an important position for all meditation. It elongates the cervical vertebrae, promoting cerebrospinal fluid flow to the brain. It also allows the nerves and meridians to transmit the Chi, vital energy, in the healthy and balanced way characteristic of meditation. It significantly stimulates the throat chakra and the glands associated with it.
To do a Neck Lock, sit with ryour head straight, and imagine a wire connecting your chin and the hollow at the base of your throat between the collar bones. Now lift your chest and slowly move your chin along this imaginary wire so it is pointed towards that hollow at the base of the throat. This stretches the cervical vertebrae into a straight line. Don’t let your head fall forward or move your Neck. Let the head tilt downward so the Neck becomes stretched and locks in this position.
MASTER LOCK (MAHABANDHA)
This consists of simultaneously applying the Root, Diaphragm and Neck Locks. Circulation through the Central Nervous system increases significantly during the practice of these locks; that is, they channel Kundalini energy up the spine. Activity in the Sushumana, the central spinal nerve cord and the Governing vessel (the central spinal meridian) is balanced.
MEDITATIVE EXERCISES
For the first exercise, sit comfortably with your spine straight, either on a chair that supports your back or in Lotus Pose, as described below.
LOTUS POSE
Lotus Pose is the classic traditional posture for deep meditation. The legs cross at key Acupressure points, stimulating the bottomless internal Chi to circulate throughout the brain, enhancing the meditation process.
• Sit with your legs straight in front, extended forward.
• Spread your legs apart into a “V” shape.
• Bend your right leg and place the top of the right foot on the upper left thigh.
• Now bend the left leg and place the top of the left foot on the upper right thigh.
MEDITATION FOR INTERNAL NOURISHMENT
• Sit comfortably with the spine straight, and close your eyes.
• Apply the Neck Lock by lifting the chest and pressing the chin lightly into the hollow of the throat.
• Connect the tips of each hand’s thumb and index finger and rest the back of the hands on your knees.
• Inhale deeply. Exhale, and at the end of the exhalation, apply the Root and Diaphragm Locks for a few seconds by contracting your rectum, sex organs, abdomen and diaphragm.
• After a minute, discontinue the Root and Diaphragm Locks at the end of each exhalation. Simply meditate on breathing into the Hara (lower abdomen).
• Continue for two more minutes and keep your spine straight.
Focus on your breath. Control your respiratory system, making each breath grow longer and more profound. Breathe out any tension restricting your lungs from moving fully and naturally. Feel your mind clear with each breath.
Notice the resistance your mind creates: the barriers of judgment and analyzing that it comes up against. Take several deep breaths and let go of the obstacles. Breathe deeply and gently as if you are breathing in love. Hold your breath at the top of the exhalation, feeling its fullness. Exhale smoothly, feeling the goodness of the breath energy circulating throughout your body.
Meditating on the breath in this way as much as possible will increase your effectiveness in life. You can do it any time, even when you’re occupied with your activities. Focus on your breath for a few moments and feel the benefits it provides.
TRADITIONAL HEALING MEDITATION
• Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Place the palms of your hands together in Prayer Pose, with the back of your thumbs pressing up against the centre of the chest at the level of the heart. Close your eyes and let your breath glow long and deep for one minute.
• Next, as you inhale, slowly raise and open your arms over your head as you let your head slightly drop back. Open yourself to the universe.
• As you exhale, chant the sound of “SU,” and let your arms slowly float back to the centre, Prayer Pose, and your head return to a straight position.
• With your hands in your lap, eyes closed, sit quietly with your spine straight and imagine you can still hear the sound vibrating. Discover the benefits of the exercise as you sit for a few minutes in a relaxed way.