Muladhara

Definition - What does Muladhara mean?

Muladhara is the Sanskrit name for the chakra located at the base of the spine. It is
usually represented by the color red. This wheel, or vortex, of pranic energy is said
to form the basis of our spiritual development and nourishment. In Kundalini yoga,
spiritual energy (or kundalini shakti) is rooted in the muladhara chakra where it
sleeps until it is awakened and drawn up the spine.
The English name for muladhara is root chakra.

Yogapedia explains Muladhara

The term muladhara comes from the Sanskrit mula, meaning "root,” and adhara,
meaning “support” or “base.” This is fitting because balancing this chakra is said to
form the supportive foundation for higher spiritual development. It is also believed to
be the basis from which the three primary channels of psychic energy in the body
emerge: Ida, Pingala and Sushumna.
The symbol for muladhara is a square yellow lotus surrounded by eight spears with
four red petals around the edge. The mantra associated with this chakra is “Lam,”
and chanting this is one of the ways thought to bring the chakra into balance.
Another way to bring muladhara into balance is to use red gemstones, such as
garnet or bloodstone, or red essential oils, such as sandalwood or ylang ylang.

Svadisthana

Definition - What does Svadisthana mean?

Svadisthana is the second chakra of the body and the center of creativity, pleasure
and enjoyment. It is also known in Western culture as the spleen or sacral chakra
because of its location in the body -- in the lower abdomen, about two inches
beneath the navel.
The term comes from the Sanskrit sva, meaning “one’s own,"
and adisthana, meaning “home” or “dwelling place." The root, svad, also translates
as “to taste with pleasure” or “enjoy." This chakra is connected to emotions, desire
and sexuality.
In yoga, asanas that involve movement in the hips and lower abdomen stimulate this
chakra.
Yogapedia explains Svadisthana
This energy center of svadisthana is responsible for personal creativity – what the
individual offers to the world through the arts, work and procreation. It is also the
human connection to inner Truth and knowing one's Self.
The subconscious mind governs svadisthana, which is associated with emotions that
impact relationships – sensuality, self-acceptance and intimacy. This chakra governs
how the individual relates to others and what such relationships mean to them.
The color associated with svadisthana is orange, which is a combination of yellow
(happiness) and red (energy). The symbol of this chakra is a lotus flower with six
orange petals and a crescent moon.
Yoga asanas that stimulate svadisthana include bhujangasana (cobra
pose), natarajasana (dancer’s pose), parivrtta trikonasana (revolved triangle pose)
and utthita parsvakonasana (extended side angle pose).

Manipura

Definition - What does Manipura mean?

Manipura is the Sanskrit name for the chakra located in the area of the solar plexus,
above the navel. The name manipura comes from the Sanskrit mani meaning “gem,”
and pura or puri meaning “city.” So, it is often translated literally as the “city of
jewels,” which helps us to metaphorically think of this chakra as our own personal
treasure center of power and well-being. It is also believed to have a magnetic effect,
attracting prana from the universe to ourselves. Yogic teachings say that this chakra
gives us a clear sense of who we are and what our purpose is.
The English name for manipura is solar plexus or navel chakra.

Yogapedia explains Manipura

Manipura is usually represented by the color yellow. This wheel, or vortex, of pranic
energy is said to form the basis of our sense of self and personal power. It governs
transformation and gives a sense of fearlessness and courage when making
changes.
The symbol for manipura is a red triangle inside a yellow circle. It is also associated
with the symbol Ram, which corresponds to the fire element. This links the chakra
with the view as being the center of digestive fire.
The mantra associated with manipura is “Ram,” and chanting this is one of the ways
thought to bring the chakra into balance. Another way thought to bring
the manipura chakra into balance is to use yellow gemstones or wear yellow clothes.
Being in the sunshine is also believed to have a positive effect on this chakra.
Anahata
Definition - What does Anahata mean?
Anahata, the fourth of the seven main chakras, is located at the heart. The word is
Sanskrit meaning "unstruck," "unhurt" or "unbeaten." Associated with air, the
anahata chakra governs love, compassion and acceptance.
Practicing certain yoga poses, such as ustrasana (camel
pose), anahatasana (melting heart pose) and chakrasana (wheel pose), is one of the
best ways to keep the anahata chakra balanced. In addition, meditating on the
anahata chakra calms the mind, promotes emotional stability, and the capacity to
love selflessly, which is one of the greatest of all traits.

Yogapedia explains Anahata

Anahata chakra is where the Atman, or true Self, resides. Realizing this Self is only
possible if one is unconditional in love, which can be achieved when the anahata
chakra is balanced. A balanced anahata chakra promotes love, compassion,
forgiveness and Self-realization. If this chakra is unbalanced, it can cause
possessiveness, emotional instability and health conditions such as heart disorders
and lower immunity levels.
Anahata chakra is also the seat of anahata nada, which yogis hear during deep
meditation. Anahata nada is the sound that is not made and cannot be heard unless
one achieves the highest level of meditation.

Visuddha
Definition - What does Visuddha mean?
Visuddha (or vishuddhi) is the Sanskrit name for the chakra located in the throat
area, close to the cervical spine. The name comes from the Sanskrit, shuddhi, which
means “pure,” and the root, vi, which intensifies the word; therefore, vishuddhi
means “especially pure.” It is usually represented by the color of sky blue. This
wheel, or vortex, of pranic energy is said to be the center of our creativity and self
expression. Yogic teachings say that the visuddha chakra gives us the ability to
connect with and share our own truth.
The English name for visuddha is the throat chakra.

Yogapedia explains Visuddha

The name, visuddha, means “purification” or “purified.” This is because, according to
yogic teaching, the body is required to have reached a purified state in order for this
chakra to be balanced and open. It is also linked to the idea that when this chakra is
activated or balanced, we are able to express our truths with purity and honesty.
Some yogic teachers describe it as the purification center because they believe it is
where the nectar of immortality is divided into both pure and impure forms. Thus, it is
also associated with higher consciousness and discrimination.
In Kundalini yoga, it is taught that one of the most likely reasons for this chakra being
blocked and preventing energy from moving to the higher chakras is feelings of guilt.
When it is open, we have the power to learn from any negative experiences and gain
wisdom.
The symbol for visuddha is a blue triangle surrounded by 16 purple petals. It is also
associated with the element of akashi or “ether.” The mantra associated with
visuddha is “ham," and chanting it is one of the ways thought to bring the chakra into
balance. Other ways are to use blue gemstones, to sing or to have meaningful
conversations.

Ajna
Definition - What does Ajna mean?
Ajna, which means “perceive,” “command” or "beyond wisdom" in Sanskrit, is the
name for the chakra located between the eyes. It is the chakra of intuition, insight,
self-realization, inspiration and imagination. The energy of the ajna chakra allows us
to not only see but to understand the inner and outer worlds. When stimulated, both
hemispheres of the brain work together and help us transcend dualistic thinking. The
ajna chakra is associated with the element of light, the color indigo, and the energy
of Hakini Shakti.
Ajna is also referred to as the sixth, third eye or brow chakra in English.

Yogapedia explains Ajna

An underactive ajna can lead to confusion, lack of focus and purpose, and
depression. An overactive ajna, on the other hand, can lead to hallucinations and
disassociation from the physical world.
Practicing yoga and meditation can help balance the ajna. This chakra is particularly
important in Kundalini yoga and most of its techniques,
including pranayama exercises, aim to nourish the ajna’s energies and cultivate
one's intuition. Ajna’s seed syllable, om (or aum), is a mantra that can also help
access the powers of intuition and insight.
Spiritually, this chakra can lead to a higher level of consciousness and a realization
that the self and universe are one. Some believe it can access clairvoyant abilities,
and destroy the negative feelings and effects of one’s current and past lives. This is
because each physical eye is seen to represent the past and present, while the ajna,
or third eye, sees the future. The deity associated with the ajna, Ardhanarishvara,
symbolizes this unity and foresight as a combination of both Shakti and Shiva.
In addition to yoga and meditation, other strategies that can help unblock the ajna
chakra are stargazing; listening to classical music; wearing indigo; smelling
patchouli, myrrh and frankincense essential oils; and carrying or wearing amethyst,
tourmaline and tanzanite gemstones.

Sahasrara
Definition - What does Sahasrara mean?
Sahasrara is the Sanskrit name for the chakra located in the crown area of the skull.
It is the seventh and highest of the seven primary chakras. It is usually represented
by the color violet. This wheel, or vortex, of pranic energy is said to be the center of
one's spiritual connection to the divine and yogic teachings assert that it gives us the
ability to experience a connection with God, or the universal Consciousness.
Sahasrara may also be referred to as the crown chakra in English.

Yogapedia explains Sahasrara

Meaning "thousand petaled," sahasrara is so termed because this chakra is said to
be in the form of a lotus with 1,000 petals arranged in 20 layers.
In some yogic teachings, sahasrara is said to be located precisely four finger widths
above the crown of the head, residing in the "plane of truth and reality." Believed to
be the terminal point for Sushumna nadi, or the central energy channel, it is also
described as being located within the crown of the head, specifically the fontanel
area of the scalp.
When this chakra is balanced, it enables spiritual growth and one experiences
connection with the higher or universal Consciousness. Also, one can feel deep
serenity and joy because one is able to trust in the universe and live with gratitude
and peace.
In Kundalini yoga, sahasrara is seen as the place where the Kundalini Shakti merges
with Shiva, or where the individual consciousness meets the divine. It is said that this
chakra is the point where immortality can be found. This is because when the
Kundalini reaches the level of this chakra, illusions of one's self as an individual
dissolves and one experiences samadhi, or pure bliss.
The mantra associated with sahasrara is “om,” and chanting it is thought to be one of
the ways to bring this chakra into balance. Another way is to use violet gemstones or
violet essential oils such as lavender. Visualizing a blooming lotus during meditation
is also thought to help us connect with the sahasrara chakra.