Many of us have ever heard about all sorts of self-improvement techniques, clairvoyance and other extrasensory abilities. And if anyone can practice yoga, then what is the true nature of all these mythical superpowers? Are they given to a person from above, or can everyone develop them on their own? In this article, we will analyze in more detail such a concept as the third eye chakra. Where is this chakra located, what properties does it have, how to open it? Read in this article.

What are chakras

Before proceeding to a detailed examination of the third eye itself, it should be clarified what chakras are. In esotericism, this word refers to certain nodal points of concentration of energy located in the human body, or more precisely, in its aura. It is believed that chakras are an important component of the human body, consciousness, their nature has the most practical value in our life. The quality of the latter and the state of our health directly depend on the state of the energies concentrated in the chakras.

Energy is everywhere. Some of its types interact with others, and those energies and vibrations that have the same wavelength are attracted to each other according to the principle of a magnet. Each of the chakras also corresponds to a specific and specific element. The third eye chakra, for example, corresponds to the Mind Element.

Ajna or third eye

The chakra, which is also called the third eye, is located in a place that is located just above the point between the eyebrows. How is the third eye? Its name is ajna, which means "order, command" in Sanskrit. This chakra is responsible for the functioning of the pineal gland, carotid plexus, and the brain. In general, the ajna chakra is responsible for how the world is perceived by human consciousness, and it also affects a person’s ability to see subtle energies. The third eye is clairvoyance, the ability to see the past and the future, to perceive the thoughts of people. All seven chakras have their own colors, which correspond to the colors of the rainbow - from red to purple. The third eye chakra, which is sky blue, is the sixth in a row and corresponds to higher energies than the chakras below it.

It is believed that all children under the age of three have the ajna chakra "open". Young children have some clairvoyance, they can see or at least feel subtle energies and biofields. However, as they grow older under the influence of traditional upbringing, this ability is drowned out and lost. Development will help to achieve harmony between the physical and spiritual body of a person.

The effect of the ajna chakra on the body

In fact, the state of the third eye chakra is important for any person, even if he does not have it. An individual who knows how to activate this chakra is able to perceive messages on the mental and energy levels, control his subconscious, he has a better developed intuition. At the same time, the third eye chakra oversees mental work, memory and willpower - physical characteristics inherent in a particular personality.

Every person needs to develop the third eye chakra, especially those people whose activities are related to creative or

What can be seen with the third eye?

The gift of clairvoyance is possessed by just those people who have the third eye chakra open. What is this ability? Clairvoyance is not only the ability to receive information from otherworldly sources, it is also the ability to see biofields, including the aura of other people. The one who is able to feel the aura cannot be deceived, because such a person can see feelings, thoughts and desires. In addition, clairvoyance will help to recognize the presence of various diseases, both physical and mental.

However, it should be understood that the gift of clairvoyance can become heavy burden. A person whose third eye is developed and functioning can be very susceptible to all sorts of negativity. Our world is cruel, and the things that happen in it are not always pleasant. Many people simply do not notice all this, but not those who have the ability to see the hidden. However, one can learn to "turn off" subtle vision in order to reduce one's receptivity and sensitivity.

How to open the ajna chakra

There are many methods by which the third eye chakra is developed. How to open and balance it - we'll talk about this. Perhaps the easiest way is the candle exercise. It should be performed every day for a month, preferably after sunset. The essence of this method is as follows: you need to take an ordinary candle, light it and put it in front of you at arm's length. Then, for one minute, you need to look at the fire of the candle, trying not to blink or look away. After that, close your eyes and try to visualize the glare from the candle in the very place where the third eye is located.

With each new day, increase the duration of contemplation of the flame from the candle by one minute. Thus, after a month, the exercise should be at least half an hour. If you do everything right, then every day it will be easier to perform this exercise, you will be able to hold the glare without much effort. Of course, this method cannot guarantee one hundred percent opening of the third eye, but it will help develop your inner vision, which is also important.

Meditation and other exercises

The development of psychic abilities is a long and difficult path, so meditation is indispensable here. Learn to relax, use different breathing techniques, meditate. In addition to the fact that such a practice will help open the chakras, it can also have a positive effect on the state of your body as a whole.

Even an open ajna chakra needs regular training. For example, in free time you can do the following exercise: lie on your back, close your eyes, relax. Mentally visualize the ball blue color, feel the warmth that comes from it. Focus on it and move it to the third eye area. Do not strain and try to hold the ball by force. Feel how your ball pulsates, and the third eye chakra is saturated with its pleasant warmth. What will it give you? Such activities will help accelerate the activation of the sixth chakra.

Nourishing and cleansing

Chakras need constant energy replenishment and cleansing. That is what meditation sessions are for. Here is another useful exercise.

Concentrate on the center of your head, at the level between the eyebrows, approximately between the hemispheres of the brain - where the very chakra of the third eye, whose name is ajna, is located. Imagine that there is an energy vortex of bright blue color. It is shaped like a ball and rotates clockwise (when viewed from above), while it accumulates the same bright blue energy of your thought. The chakra absorbs this mind energy and illuminates your head with a cold blue light. Your brain cells are filled with strength, nourished and cleansed, you feel how tension is leaving your blood vessels and capillaries. It improves the speed of thinking, memory and other functions of your brain.

By doing this exercise for 10-15 minutes, you can fill your chakra with energy, as well as improve brain performance.

What is dangerous closed ajna

The presence of a large number of negative emotions and bad thoughts, unwillingness or inability to accept oneself - all these factors lead to the closure of the sixth chakra. Opening the third eye will only work when you can clear your mind of all this negativity.

A person whose third eye chakra is blocked or clogged becomes vulnerable in many ways. It is difficult for him to distinguish lies from the truth, it is difficult for him to understand himself, in his dreams and aspirations. Ultimately, in the lives of people whose chakras are closed, a lot of contradictions and conflicts, both internal and external, appear, which regularly lead to nervous tension and overwork. Disappointment in yourself, in your strengths and in the meaning of life - that's the end result.

Is it easy to open the ajna chakra

Actually opening the third eye chakra is not so easy. To do this, it may not be enough to complete a course of simple exercises, like exercises with candles. Self-improvement is a difficult path and, choosing it, you need to go to the end. You should not stop halfway or limit yourself to some kind of framework - having achieved a result, set new goals for yourself and continue working on yourself.

In order for the third eye chakra to open, you need to change, learn to look at the world in a new way. Get rid of all the negativity that is present in your life, say goodbye to bad habits, you may even have to reconsider your diet. Self-discipline and more self-discipline. In the end, get ready for the fact that it will be possible to open the third eye only after you can activate all the previous five chakras.

Conclusion

It is quite obvious that most people would like to have a clear and pure mind, and would not mind being able to use all the possibilities of their body - mental, emotional, metaphysical. In order to achieve this, it is worth starting work on clearing and opening the sixth chakra. Everyone wants to achieve some kind of success in life, and for this you need to make the most of all your mental and Ajna clean open third eye chakra will allow you to take full advantage of your intuition, provide clarity of mind and stability of the emotional state.

The sixth chakra, Ajna is essential for a fulfilling human life. It helps him realize the essence of his existence and rise to one of the highest levels of consciousness. It is this chakra that corresponds to intuition and the possibility of extrasensory knowledge of the world.

Where is the Ajna chakra located and what is it responsible for

The chakra is located in the center of the forehead, where, according to philosophers and mystics of all times and peoples, the third eye should be located. Ajna in ancient Sanskrit means "control center", and this is true. Under the jurisdiction of the chakra are such complex philosophical concepts like perfection, spirituality, awareness, inspiration and possession.

Ajna corresponds to bright and saturated colors - indigo and purple. The symbol of the chakra is a sky-blue circle with two lotus petals and the image of human feet in the center.

Under the influence of the sixth chakra is nervous system, brain, pituitary gland, pineal gland, as well as the entire face. Thus, it is responsible for those organs that determine the personal development of a person, his unique individuality. It is with the work of Ajna that our self-awareness, willpower, interest in knowing the world and memory are connected. With a good development of the chakra, a person opens up opportunities to work with his subconscious and intuition. This is the chakra of harmony, in the power of which is the balance between the mind and emotions.

When the work of Ajna is disturbed, a person begins to suffer from a variety of diseases, mainly ears, eyes, nose and respiratory tract, and he is also often tormented by nightmares and headaches. When Ajna is blocked, even such a rare disease as inflammation of the facial nerves occurs.

If the chakra is well developed and works with full dedication, a desire for harmony in everything wakes up in a person, he becomes less aggressive and irritable, perceiving and accepting the world in all its unique diversity. Revealed Creative skills, the sense of beauty is aggravated, and the craving for material wealth and empty hoarding fades into the background.

How to awaken the Ajna chakra

There is an easy way to check how developed your Ajna Chakra is. This will require the help of a second person. Ask your friend to put his hands on your head so that his thumbs are above your eyebrows and his little fingers are behind your ear holes. The forehead should be stroked along the eyebrows, starting from the center to the temples. If during this procedure you were visited by visions, you are ready to activate the chakra, and if not, you will have to work on opening it for some time.

The properties of Ajna are such that one should work on it in the evening or at night, morning and afternoon exercises will not bring the desired result. Every day, classes should be given about 20 minutes.

Stimulation of the Ajna chakra, third eye area:

• Take the most comfortable position, it is best if it is the lotus position. The face during the exercise should be facing east or north. The bone of the thumb should massage the area of ​​the third eye. The movements must be strictly up and down.

Breathing exercise:

• Throughout the entire 20 minutes of training, you should carefully monitor your breathing. It is this technique that must be studied from the very beginning, and only then proceed to the rest of the exercises. Make sure that your breathing is even, the inhalation is equal to the exhalation. In this case, the breath should be deep enough and comfortable for you. To quickly master the technique, you can visually imagine a uniformly swinging pendulum.
• When this breathing becomes familiar to you, you can proceed to a more difficult task. It should be ensured that breathing ceases to be intermittent, it should be continuous, and the transition from inhalation to exhalation should be as imperceptible as possible. In order to do this, you need to be extremely focused.

Relaxation

• Being aware of the process, first begin to relax the muscles around the eyes, then the face, and then successively all parts of the body. If performed correctly, this exercise will cause a strong rush of blood to the head, and you will begin to feel a weak pulsation in the third eye area.

Eye exercise:

• Close your eyes and lift them up. You should get the feeling that you are looking from the inside at the massaged point in the middle of the forehead. Soon you will be visited by visions, but you should not look for any hidden meaning in them, just watch and follow the correct breathing. When you feel like you want to get out of this state, just change your position.

In conclusion, one small piece of advice. In the pursuit of self-improvement, one should not forget that opening the third eye is a thing that requires a certain amount of courage. Clairvoyance and clairaudience give not only the joy of knowing the essence of things, this gift also entails a lot of suffering. You will gain the ability to clearly realize not only all the harmony, but also all the injustice that is happening every second in this world, and not every person can bear such knowledge.

Ajna chakra is located in the area between the eyebrows and is responsible for clairvoyance, magical abilities and human spirituality. Each person can open, pump and clean this chakra, and the result will be extraordinary abilities that most people only dream of.

In the article:

Ajna chakra - general information

Ajna is the 6th chakra, and there are 7 of them in total. Mint and all refreshing aromas correspond to it, and regarding stones and minerals, all transparent or blue ones are suitable for working with this chakra. Almost every person who is interested in spiritual and esoteric self-development knows where the ajna chakra is located. It is located in the middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows.

Working with this chakra helps develop a conscious perception of the world. Intelligence and memory are among the things ajna is responsible for. It helps to find the entrance to the subconscious and get the right answers, based on the information coming from it. The energy of the universe sends hints to people every day in difficult situations, and a person with a harmoniously developed ajna is able to recognize and understand them.

It is believed that the left hemisphere and the ajna chakra are closely related. It ensures the harmonious functioning of the right hemisphere, while the throat chakra is responsible for the left. However, if there is an overworking in the practice of magic, in particular in the opening of the ajna, turning to the left hemisphere will help. It is responsible for logical thinking, when the right is responsible for the subconscious. Ajna is also responsible for harmony between the hemispheres, a healthy balance between logic and emotions.

The state in which this chakra is located also determines the ability to learn and perform intellectual work. A healthy energy point bestows the ability to concentrate and develop intelligence. An open ajna pushes a person to achieve harmony, a person with closed chakra may not suspect that this is possible. Such people perceive the reality around them as the only existing one, put their own interests below the interests of those around them.

A person with developed ajna is able to generate new ideas without any platform. The information flows of other worlds, as well as the past and future, find it themselves. That's what they call psychic abilities which are actually the result of a properly functioning, healthy and well-developed sixth chakra.

What is the ajna chakra responsible for

Ajna chakra is responsible for creative inspiration, development of spirituality and awareness of a person's life mission. In addition, she is in charge of intuition, the ability to magic, as well as what is considered to be psychic abilities. She is responsible for all the subtle sensations, which include both, and access to the astral plane, and even, in a sense, the productivity of yoga classes.

Like all other chakras, ajna corresponds to human organs. These are the eyes, ears, brain and organs of smell. Improper functioning or pollution of this chakra can lead to visual disturbances and diseases of the eyes, as well as the ears, lungs and nose. Exhausting headaches and the appearance of nightmarish plots in dreams are possible. Constant nightmares can be safely attributed to problems with ajna.

What else is ajna responsible for? It is often referred to as the control center. The flows emanating from it and their character form what appears in a person's life. One who has developed this chakra receives life as he sees or expects it. It is believed that only strong magicians have such a powerful intention. This is partly true, because an open ajna bestows magical abilities - clairvoyance, prophetic dreams, clairaudience, mind reading, and many others.

How to pump ajna - energy pumping

How to pump the ajna chakra and why is it needed? There are techniques that allow you to pump energy through the chakras, and mastering them is not difficult at all. These exercises take only a few minutes a day. Pumping energy through ajna makes it work and develop. These exercises can help in its opening. Conscious energy exchange will help to master the basics of energy flow management.

You need to start pumping with the idea of ​​a pure energy flow that enters the brow chakra. Breathing should be kept even and calm. Take a few breaths and exits, imagine how the energy accumulates in ajna.

Now mentally guide the flow of energy to the lower abdomen, where it should split into two equal streams and flow down the front of the thighs to the feet. Through the toes, the streams should pass along the back of the legs and reach the sacrum, where they will again merge into a single stream. He must get to the seventh cervical vertebra.

From this moment on, the stream again divides into two streams, which flow down the back of the arms, go around the fingers and palms, and then along the front side of the arms through the ears and shoulder girdle return to the seventh vertebra. After that, direct the flow along the back of the neck and the back of the head to the ajna, where the circle of energy pumping can be considered complete.

Now again you need to take a few calm breaths and exhalations, and then repeat the exercise nine more times. Then the pumping cycle will be considered complete. You can do this twice a day, morning and evening. This technique applies not only to those who develop the ajna chakra, but also to those that clean the human energy channels. It allows you to prevent diseases and alleviate the condition in case of illness.

Ways to open ajna

If you are interested in the ajna chakra and how to open it, you should be prepared for the fact that the path to gaining psychic abilities can be long. Only people with innate abilities spend little time on this, but its exact amount is strictly individual.

The better developed ajna, the more a person perceives what cannot be seen with ordinary vision.

The easiest way to open the ajna chakra is to focus on it during meditation. Mantras will be useful in this matter. Some of them are recommended when working with certain energy points. For example, it is considered most effective for opening the third eye chakra.

There is another simple technique - chakra breathing (this is exactly the kind of breathing I used). You should concentrate on breathing, and then in turn fill each chakra with its corresponding color, moving from bottom to top. You can work in this way with one of the energy points, concentrating and filling only it with color. ajna color - blue, they should fill the area between the eyebrows.

Ajna chakra - physical sensations when opened

Physical sensations when opening the ajna chakra are practically not observed. Most chakra practitioners experience mild pain or a feeling of pressure in the corresponding area of ​​the body. They pass with time, you do not need to be afraid of this. This is observed only during the performance of the corresponding exercises.

Otherwise, the process of developing ajna will not go unnoticed. If it happens, the person has questions about its purpose, the correctness life path. He realizes that he is a very small part of the universe. A person's aspirations also change in the process of working with the chakras. He begins to think more about the spiritual, and worldly fuss excites him less and less. Income level, social status, career - all this loses its significance.

Ancient tantric techniques of yoga and kriya. Advanced Course Satyananda Saraswati

Theme 2 Ajna Chakra

Ajna chakra

Ajna Chakra is the sixth and last of the chakras that we will be discussing. It represents the highest of the psychic centers of man. Above this level are the bindu and sahasrara, which do not belong to the ranks of the chakras or psychic centers - in fact, they belong to the realm of the inexpressible (1).

It is said that man has ten doors of perception. The first nine are two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, a mouth, an anus and a sexual organ. This is the gate through which a person communicates with the outside world. The tenth door is the ajna chakra, leading up. This is the tenth sense, which leads directly to the sahasrara, the source of all existence. The first nine doors lead to the material realms of being; tenth door, ajna chakra, leads to subtler realms. It is the gateway to the source of life.

Definition

Word ajna in Sanskrit means "management". This chakra is so named because it represents the level of awareness and harmony where direct communication between the minds of two people is possible. This is the stage of sensitivity where individual minds can meet. This is the center through which the guru communicates with his disciples and gives them instructions. This is the link between the guru and the disciple, and therefore this chakra is often called guru chakra. This is the gate to the inner temple of subtle initiation.

The ajna chakra has many other names. They call her eye of intuition, with which the awakened spiritual seeker can perceive events both in the external and in the psychic world. The most common name for the ajna chakra is third Eye, the psychic eye, located in the middle between the two physical eyes. It is an eye that looks not outward, but inward. Everyone has this eye, but few people know about it and even fewer actually open and use it. In a sense, most people are blind because they never use their third eye to see deeper aspects of being. He is in a dormant state. In Sikhism it is also called tisra til(third Eye).

In India, the ajna chakra is called divya chakshu(divine eye); jnana chakshu or jnana netra(eye of knowledge), for this is the channel through which the spiritual seeker receives revelation and comprehension of the fundamental nature of being. He is also called Shiva's eye. There are various reasons for such a name; one is that the ajna chakra is the vehicle through which consciousness (Shiva) seeps into the individual. In addition, Shiva personifies meditation, and it is directly related to the awakening of the ajna chakra.

The ajna chakra was indirectly mentioned by various Indian poets, for example, Kabir. They gave her names like bankunal (winding path), pointing to the perilous path to wisdom; and bhramariguha(bee hole), alluding to the fact that the path from the ajna chakra of an individual being to the sahasrara indicates a subtle sound (nada).

The activation point of the ajna chakra is located in the middle of the brain at the top of the spine. However, this area is difficult to find for the purposes of yoga practices. Therefore, to awaken the ajna chakra, they use the activation point associated with it, which is called bhrumadhya.

Bhrumadhya

Word bhru in Sanskrit means "eyebrow", and madhya means center. That's why bhrumadhya means "eyebrow center". This name accurately characterizes the location of this point. She is also called tricuti -"residence at the eyebrows."

In fact, ajna chakra and bhrumadhya are parts of the same center. Ajna chakra, located at the top of the spine, is directly connected with the bhrumadhya point between the eyebrows by a psychic channel called maha nadi. Therefore, stimulation of the bhrumadhya point also leads to stimulation of the ajna chakra. Since the bhrumadhya point is much easier to find, it is widely used in yoga practices to awaken the ajna chakra. These two centers are so closely related that they are often considered to be one psychic center, and for practical purposes this is quite acceptable. Taken together, they can be considered the third eye.

Bhrumadhya (and ajna) is the center where ida and pingala end; here they merge with the sushumna (2). These three nadis (psychic pathways) merge into one, becoming one - sushumna. For this reason, bhrumadhya is often called triveni(three strands) mukta triveni(the place where one of the three threads comes out) and knitwear(place of dwelling or meeting of the three nadis). In addition, the bhrumadhya point is called prayaga after the name of the city, which stands at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna, as well as the mythical underground river Saraswati connecting them. These three rivers represent respectively the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna.

Bhrumadhya is directly in front of the ajna chakra. In many yoga practices, bhrumadhya is used to awaken the ajna. However, in kriya yoga one must try to find the ajna chakra directly. We will shortly describe techniques for developing sensitivity.

All other chakras that we have described, with the exception of Muladhara, are associated with the corresponding chakra kshetram point on the front side of the body. In a sense, bhrumadhya can be considered the kshetram point of the ajna chakra, although in reality they are much more directly related.

Ajna chakra in various traditions

The awakening of the ajna chakra is at the core of all religious and mystical traditions, as well as all systems of consciousness expansion. Sometimes it is described and symbolized in detail, as it was in India; in other cases it is barely mentioned. But in mystical circles it has always been known of its existence and significance; without awakening the ajna chakra, it is impossible to gain wisdom and reveal the deeper layers of one's being.

Because of its importance, the ajna chakra is widely mentioned in texts and teachings all over the world. Here are just a few obvious examples.

The ajna chakra is clearly mentioned in Bibles:

“The lamp for the body is the eye (ajna). So if your eye is clear, then your whole body will be bright.”

There is a lot of information in this short verse. First of all, he explains that the ajna chakra is the psychic center that connects the individual to the source, the sahasrara. If the mind is concentrated (if your eye is clear), then a person can perceive more subtle aspects of being through the ajna chakra. The result will be enlightenment and wisdom.

Similarly, the medieval mystic Meister Eckhart argued:

"The eye with which I see the highest is the same eye with which it sees me."

This statement also has multiple meanings. The Ajna Chakra is the bridge between the microcosm and the macrocosm, between the finite and the infinite, and between man and pure consciousness. Like the bridge over the river, it can be crossed in both directions. Thus, the ajna chakra is the means by which consciousness manifests itself in the individual person and directs his thoughts and actions (the path of pavritti). Conversely, ajna serves as a means for a person to return (the path of nivritti) and connect with the source. Ajna is the door of subtle perception and what William Blake alluded to when he said:

"If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is ... infinite."

These lines imply that when the mind becomes a harmonious, focused and perfect instrument, one can look into the infinite through the window of the ajna chakra.

Ajna chakra was known to ancient Greek mystics. Plato wrote:

“All people have an eye of the soul that can be reawakened by the right means. It is far more precious than ten thousand physical eyes."

There are many methods to help open the ajna chakra. Plato was an initiate of the mystical school and a student of Socrates; so he used the appropriate methods he was taught.

Many directions and traditions symbolically depict the ajna chakra in the form open eye- alone or on the forehead of a deity, yoga, etc. Keep this in mind when studying ancient texts and traditions and seeing images of one-eyed people. They show exactly the ajna chakra. By the way, in Kabbalah Ain Sof (sahasrara) often symbolizes a closed eye. This means that a person tunes in to the sahasrara by directing his perception along the sushumna through the ajna chakra. Enlightenment occurs when the eye of subtle perception - the ajna chakra - is directed away from both external and psychic phenomena; hence the closed eye.

On many Buddha statues, the ajna chakra is indicated gem, placed at the brow center. This is the divine eye of perception that the Buddha awakened when he attained enlightenment while sitting under the bodhi tree. This leads to the sahasrara, which is symbolized by the many petals around the head.

The symbolism of the ajna chakra is widespread in Hinduism and Tantra. Many deities such as Shiva and Dakshina Kali often have a clear mark on their foreheads. In addition, one of the most common Indian rituals is associated with the application of tilaka(spots of colored powder) on the forehead of all people during religious or festive ceremonies. In addition, all married Indian women constantly wear tilak on their foreheads. This sign symbolizes bhrumadhya and ajna chakra.

The awakening of the ajna chakra is described in many mystical stories. For example, one well-known story concerns Shiva. Devas (celestial and divine beings) were attacked by asuras (demons). The devas represent the positive, harmonious aspects of the mind, while the asuras represent the negative forces. The devas help a person on the path to wisdom, while the asuras hinder his progress. Therefore, the confrontation between devas and asuras means the difficulty of a person's advancement on the spiritual path. When the Asuras take over, the progress stops. When the devas become predominant, the man steps forward.

Let's get back to our story. The devas learned that only a child born of Shiva could defeat the asuras, but Shiva lived in the Himalayas and was constantly in meditation. How could he produce a child? The devas went to the trick. They sent Kama Deva, or Kandarpa (equivalent to Cupid or Cupid in European mythology), to disturb Shiva's meditative bliss and arouse passion in him so that Shiva would conceive a child with his wife Parvati. Kama Deva fired his arrow of passion at Shiva, but Shiva remained motionless. He just sat on his tiger skin with his eyes tightly closed. However, keeping his carnal eyes closed, he opened the third eye. He saw Kama Dev and understood his motives. He immediately released a bolt of psychic power that instantly killed Kama Dev. There were many other intrigues and tricks in this story. Eventually Shiva was persuaded to conceive a child with Parvati and their son Subramaniyan was born. He is known as the lord of the heavenly realms and he defeats demons.

This story can be interpreted by many different ways. For example, the ajna chakra destroys attachment to passion and other worldly interests (which are symbolized by Kama Deva). A person can still act in the world with passion or otherwise (as in the case of Shiva), but with an attitude of inner detachment. However, we have told this story more because it is simply interesting than for any other reason. We leave it to the reader to interpret the meaning of the story for himself.

The symbolism of the ajna chakra exists in large numbers tradition and will continue to do so in the future. In fact, the Bihar School of Yoga will continue this tradition, as we have chosen the symbol of the ajna chakra as our emblem.

Ajna chakra and pineal gland

The ajna chakra is often directly related to the pineal gland, a pea-sized endocrine gland located in the middle of the head. In fact, they are often considered one and the same. This is certainly an oversimplification. The difference between them should be clearly understood. The pineal gland refers to the physical body; ajna chakra is located on the border between the physical and the most subtle mental spheres. In fact, the ajna chakra leads through the sushumna beyond the psychic realms. It seems likely that the pineal gland is part of the ajna chakra; it is that part of it which operates in the physical body. But the ajna chakra as a whole goes much deeper. Ajna can be compared to a mountain in the ocean; its apex, an island that can be seen above the surface of the water, is the pineal gland. The rest of the ajna chakra, the base of the mountain, goes much, much deeper than can be seen through normal perception.

The physiological functions of the pineal gland have puzzled scientists for centuries. They are not well understood even today, although this body is gradually revealing its secrets. Apparently, the pineal gland acts as a biological clock that regulates the work human body according to external conditions. It has been found that the pineal gland is connected to the eyes via the sympathetic nervous system and that light entering the eyes affects some of the functions of the gland. In turn, the pineal gland regulates the entire sympathetic nervous system, which largely controls human behavior. Thus, cosmic rhythms - such as the change of day and night, lunar and solar cycles, etc. - through the pineal gland affect human behavior. In response to external stimuli, the gland produces melatonin and other substances, which, in turn, cause changes in sexual behavior, menstrual cycle, nervous energy and other human biological rhythms. Thus, the pineal gland appears to act like a radio antenna, picking up external signals and altering a person's behavior accordingly.

It is interesting to note that the pineal gland is not directly connected to the brain - at least as far as it is known from modern scientific research. Therefore, one can think that two systems influence human behavior - the pineal gland and the mind, acting through the brain.

It seems that in addition to its function as a link between the material environment and man, the pineal gland also acts as a gateway to the finer realms of the psyche. The pineal gland is the physical converter between the physical and psychic planes. Thus, mental changes through the medium of the pineal gland can cause corresponding physical changes. Conversely, physical, chemical, or some other stimulation of the pineal gland can produce psychic effects. This is shown by the practice of trataka (unblinking gaze), by which it is possible to awaken the ajna chakra through the medium of the eyes and the pineal gland; the practice of sirshasana can also cause mental changes, although to a lesser extent, by increasing the blood supply to the pineal gland. A variety of drugs also cause changes in the psyche; it is possible that they directly affect the chemistry of the pineal gland. Thus, the pineal gland appears to be a kind of relay or gateway that enhances or limits psychic awareness. Direct stimulation of the pineal gland through various yoga practices can help awaken the ajna chakra.

To summarize, the pineal gland is the material body, which appears to be the physical manifestation of the ajna chakra. They are not identical, because the ajna chakra, including the pineal gland, goes much deeper into the subtler levels of being. Ajna plays the role of a link between the physical level of being and sahasrara.

Attributes of the ajna chakra

Ajna chakra is the center of the mind, purified buddhi(subtle mind). When this chakra awakens, the impermanence of the individual mind comes to naught. Attachment, the cause of ignorance and lack of discernment, is gradually fading away. The mind becomes a perfect instrument.

Ajna chakra is the center of wisdom. It represents the level of awareness at which a person begins to see and understand the essence hidden behind all observed phenomena. This is the center of intuition, where a person tunes in to the fundamental essence, and not to the manifested forms. When ajna awakens, the meaning and meaning of the symbols are revealed in conscious perception. Ajna chakra represents the level of knowledge through revelation.

Ajna chakra is the center of extrasensory perception. At this level, in accordance with the samskaras (mental tendencies) of a person, siddhis (psychic powers) arise. A person can experience clairvoyance - the perception of distant events or understand the actual meaning of what the other person is saying and his thoughts, regardless of what is being said. Through the ajna chakra, people can communicate without words; it is the center of direct transmission of thoughts from mind to mind. Depending on the inclinations of a person, various siddhis may arise, but he should not become attached to them; they should be treated as dangerous disease- with great care. Attachment to siddhis can be a great obstacle on the spiritual path; this obstacle is called rudra granthi (Shiva's knot) and is especially relevant at the level of the ajna chakra. This barrier of attachment must be overcome; a person must cut this mental block with an ax of inner detachment.

Upon awakening, the ajna chakra increases significantly sankalpa shakti(strength of will). Mental intentions produce results almost automatically, provided they are in accordance with individual dharma. In addition, this chakra is the center where a person begins to gain more control over prana. In fact, this chakra has great importance in yoga technique prana vidya(mental management and healing). Ajna plays the role of a distribution center from where prana is transferred to certain areas of the body.

In the ajna chakra, ida and pingala meet and merge into one. That is, the external environment and the internal environment become one reality. Opposites unite into a coherent whole. Man acts in the sushumna channel.

Ajna chakra is the center of witnessing. A person becomes an indifferent witness to all events, including the events of his own mind and body. Although passively or actively involved in the play of life (lila), he simply observes. He becomes a point of balance, where both internal communication with the depths of his own being and interaction with the external world take place. When the ajna chakra awakens, a person begins to perform real karma yoga - without expectations, selflessly and completely. Actions of the mind and body become the optimal response to the current situation. The vicissitudes of the mind-body affect the being of a person less and less. They gradually begin to be perceived as something external to the inner core of his nature. Life goes on as usual, but more harmoniously and with more wisdom. The body and mind follow their own inclinations as they are meant to.

The Ajna Chakra represents an elevated level of awareness. In Sanskrit it is called tapas bye- the level at which the remains of human imperfections are destroyed.

Symbolism

Before this topic, you will find a symbolic image of the ajna chakra. In its center is the symbol of AUM - bija(seed) mantra of that chakra.

In the middle of the picture is a black Itara Lingam. Word itara in Sanskrit means "another, different, different from". And this is an accurate description because it shows that this lingam is the entrance to pair sahasrara lingam. Itara lingam of the ajna chakra is different from the higher lingam, but leads directly to it.

The Ajna Chakra has two lotus petals, one of which depicts the sun and the other the moon. These two petals and the sun and moon represent respectively the pingala and ida nadi. In addition, two mantras are inscribed on the petals -

These are two mantras for Shiva and Shakti, which are combined in ajna.

Ajna has the same meaning as the cross: the erasure of the ego and the union of opposites. It was in the middle of the cross that Christ was crucified, having surpassed his ego and the level of the ajna chakra.

Ajna is widely associated with the planet Jupiter, as this planet symbolizes the guru. In the Vedas, ajna symbolizes Brihaspati, the guru of the devas. It is also interesting that in alchemy, Jupiter, guru and wisdom corresponds to tin. Copper symbolizes the planet Venus and deep affection; it is the attachment of the disciple. The combination of these two metals - tin (guru and wisdom) with copper (disciple's devotion) - gives a well-known alloy called bronze. Bronze is the metal of initiation and the link between guru and disciple. This connection most directly arises in the ajna chakra.

Location

The activation point of the ajna chakra is at the top of the spine in the middle of the head. This is the region of the medulla oblongata and the pineal gland. If you look in a textbook of physiology, you will get a clear idea of ​​​​its physical location.

bhrumadhya, the immediate activator or trigger, the ajna chakra, is located on the forehead in the middle between the eyebrows. Ajna is located exactly behind this point in the same horizontal plane. To enhance the perception of the exact position of the bhrumadhya point, between the eyebrows, you can apply a drop of tiger balm, camphor, etc.

Practice

Almost all yoga practices are directly or indirectly aimed at awakening the ajna chakra. Listed below are several techniques that simultaneously develop sensitivity to the position of the ajna chakra and the bhrumadhya point in preparation for kriya yoga. We don't expect you to do them all - choose one or two and practice them regularly.

This is a very powerful technique(3). In relation to the development of sensitivity to the position of the ajna chakra and bhrumadhya, the candle will certainly be the best object. Try to feel as if you are looking at the candle, or whatever object you choose, not with your eyes, but with your brow center.

A particularly powerful method for developing sensitivity to both ajna chakra and bhrumadhya at the same time is to combine trataka with the flow of breath, as described in step 3. One should try to feel how the breath passes through ajna chakra and bhrumadhya, moving back and forth along the maha nadi . That is, as you inhale, feel that the breath is drawn in through the brow center and eventually passes through the ajna chakra; as you exhale, feel the breath being pushed forward from the ajna chakra and eventually passing through the brow center. Continue to act in this way, fixing the flame of the candle with a concentrated gaze.

trikuti sandhanam

Word sandhanam means "search". Therefore, this practice can be called "search for the position of bhrumadhya." It is performed as follows:

Sit in a comfortable asana (you can practice lying prone on the floor, but try not to fall asleep). Try to feel the position of the brow center. Feel the rhythmic beating of the pulse at this point; at first the pulsation may be indistinguishable, but with time and practice you will clearly feel it.

Focus on this pulsation for at least 5 minutes.

Then mentally connect the sound of AUM with each pulse in the brow center... AUM AUM AUM AUM AUM... Be fully aware of this continuous vibration of AUM. Continue in this manner for the time you have.

Note: this practice can be done at any time of the day, whether you are working or relaxing, eating or walking. The use of this technique allows one to develop a high sensitivity to bhrumadhya.

Shambhavi mudra

Shambhavi mudra, also called bhrumadhya drishti (eyebrow gaze), is an excellent method for developing sensitivity to bhrumadhya and should be mastered in this sadhana course(4). It is an integral part of kriya yoga.

Kriya Yoga - Finding Ajna

Kriya yoga is one of the most powerful methods for awakening the ajna chakra. In a variety of individual techniques, attention is directed to the ajna chakra in the middle of the head. Finding it can be difficult at first, although it becomes easier with time and practice. As a preparation for kriya yoga, we recommend that you try to find the position of the ajna chakra for a few minutes daily. Sit quietly and focus your attention on the center of your head. Over time, you will develop sensitivity to the exact position of the chakra. It is best to do this immediately after doing trataka, trikuti sandhanam, shambhavi mudra, and basically any other meditation technique. This will prepare you for the upcoming kriya yoga techniques.