How to Activate Your Chakra

The concept of "Chakras" plays a large part in Buddhism, tying together theological knowledge of the spiritual, mental (intellectual) and physical (corporeal) self. Chakras are areas within your body through which energy passes. There are dozens of minor chakras, but only seven major chakras: Sahasrara, the crown; Ajna, the brow; Vishuddha, the throat; Anahata, the heart; Manipura, the navel; Svadhisthana, the sacral and Muladhara, the root. Activating or opening these chakras enables energy to flow smoothly throughout your body promoting spiritual, mental and physical well-being.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Study the teaching of Siddharta, Buddha, and work to comprehend how your body/mind function and interact, both internally and externally. This builds a foundation for the study of chakras.

2. Research the concepts of chakras and prana. Chakra is a sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "flower." Prana refers to the energy that passes through the chakras.

3. Examine charts that explain the relationship between the chakras and physical organs. (e.g. The crown chakra is associated with the pineal gland. The heart chakra is associated with the thymus.) This exercise will deepen your understanding of the relation between spiritual and corporeal.

Activate Chakras

1. Clear a space to meditate. Set-up an entire room or a small area. Cover the bare floor with a mat to protect your skin. Eliminate strong drafts. Dim lights if possible.

2. Choose a chakra to open. While you may attempt to activate all chakras simultaneously, it is not recommended. Work to strengthen each chakra individually beginning with the root/base and working up towards the crown.

3. Sit in the lotus position. Rest your right foot on your left thigh. Repeat by placing the left foot on the right thigh. Sit cross-legged if the lotus position is uncomfortable.

4. Form the Dharmacakra mudra. (i.e. The Gesture of Teaching). Hold arms in front of the body resting your forearms on your legs. Touch your left index finger to your left thumb. Leave the remaining fingers loose and comfortably open. Repeat with the right hand.

5. Meditate on the root chakra. Concentrate on the flow of energy near your coccyx.

6. Think about problems or physical ailments that may be blocking your root chakra. Focus on your recent deviations from the Eightfold path; concentrate on Right View and Right Action. (e.g. Have you been glutonous? Have you denied yourself physical needs?)

7. Chant the phrase "Ooh lahmng" to resonate with your base and make it easier to focus on the root chakra.

8. Tense and release the muscle in this area to enhance your awareness of the chakra and flow of prana.

9. Use chakra activation tools as desired. Hold a ruby, the focal stone of the root chakra. Play music designed for root chakra meditation.

10. Conclude your first meditation session after 15-20 minutes. Repeat, gradually increasing the duration of meditation.

Tips & Warnings

• Buddhism is a complex and detailed philosophy. Although you may find enlightenment through individual meditation, seek support from your local temple or by joining an online community of believers.

• After opening and strengthening the flow of prana through the root chakra, move to the sacral chakra. Hold hands in the Samadhi mudra (the gesture of mediation) by cupping hands in your lap as if holding a bowl. Palms should face upward. Focus on the lower abdomen and chant "Vahmng" to resonate with this area.

References

• About Buddha: About Buddha
• Self Transform: Chakras
• Eclectic Energies: Chakra Test
• Learning Meditation: Chakra Meditation

Resources

• Eclectic Energies: Opening The Chakras
• Buddha Net: Hand Mudras