Sahaja Yoga Anahata Chakra
Faustina Trafton
Laya means "absorption" or "dissolution". Also known as the yoga of dissolution, this system deals with the psycho-energetic centers (chakras) of the subtle body that run parallel to the spinal cord. Although there is no mention of the chakras in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, they are frequently mentioned in Hatha, Tantra, and Kundalini yoga. Not surprisingly, therefore, when the well-read seekers initially come to Sahaj Marg they often want to know more about them.
In Sahaj Marg, we meditate on the heart-center at the point where one can feel the beat of the physical heart, and not directly on the anahata chakra. Nor do we deal with any of the other chakras individually; rather, they are purified and developed automatically. Finally, unlike in Laya Yoga and other forms, in Sahaj Marg we are not concerned with the importance of the awakening of the kundalini.
In Efficacy of Raja Yoga, Babuji writes that all the chakras (figuratively called "lotuses") are set within the limits of the heart region, which extends almost from the top of the head to the foot. By meditation on the heart, the surroundings of the heart region begin to expand, extending to all the chakras (lotuses) within the body; all chakras begin to glow automatically as a result. As we proceed above these to the mind region, the chakras are all gone and the condition is different.
Mantra Yoga aims to achieve divine communion through devotional, concentrated repetition (japa) of root-word sounds (e.g., Aum) that have a spiritually beneficial vibratory potency. It is also known as the Path of Sacred Sound. A prime example of Mantra Yoga is transcendental meditation, introduced to the West in the late 1960s by Mahesh Yogi.
When a child is born, the first thing that it responds to is the Spirit of its mother. At the moment of his birth he is not aware of his body, but he is aware of the Spirit. The moment he comes out of the womb he suffers a shock, and his first reaction is to get back to the womb. At this stage his mind, conditionings and ego aspects are non-existent. He is pure spirit, and it is this pure spirit that finds comfort in the spirit of his mother and through that comfort, sustenance in the new alien environment. This response is true or unconditional love. It is not a conditioned response, but the sheer joy of the fusion of two spirits.
TRADITION
The seat of the Heart Chakra (Anahat) is located in the Brahmarandhra at the crown of the head (in the Sahasrara). This is where Shri Gauri (Kundalini) in Her form of Shri Parvati is united with Shri Shiva. Shri Shiva presides as the Witness in the left Heart Chakra, controlling our very existence. This centre, therefore, has to be treated with the greatest respect and understanding. In the centre Heart Chakra resides Shri Jagdamba, The Mother of the Universe. Here, in our faith in The Mother aspect, rests our sense of security and protection. Lord Rama inhabits the right Heart Chakra. He exhibited the ideals of behavior as a husband, son, brother and ruler. He re-established the status of women in the household, and clarified the principles of Dharma. He also exemplified the boundaries of conduct within which we should operate in order to deepen our spiritual growth. These guidelines show us the power of discrimination and help us protect the protocol of the Spirit.
GROSS PHYSICAL ASPECT
Using the body as an instrument of athletic display fatigues the Heart centre. Excessive athletic competition simply develops into an ego-oriented thing, with no real gain at the end of it. In a similar way modern Hatha yoga is a form of athleticism which has no correlation with the Spirit, and this too can harm the centre. Unfortunately today Hatha yoga is mistaken for spirituality and people spend hours doing all kinds of asanas (positions). By standing on our heads (or wearing white/saffron robes or being vegetarian or whatever) we are not going to know the Almighty Creator.
The most effective way to clear or heal chakra problems ("catch" or obstruction) is to put attention on the affected chakra during meditation and allow The Mother Kundalini to heal. Remain in the thoughtless state while you work on the affected chakra. Always remember this quote of Shri Mataji:
Indian classical music therapy is a complementary therapy that promotes the inbuilt natural healing process. This music produces beneficial effects and is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually uplifting. It can be effective by itself and also can be applied as an adjuvant therapy from our ancestors who were spiritually evolved and had realized essential harmony between the human being and nature. Original knowledge of these things is found in Vedas. Gandharva Veda, which is a constituent of Sama Veda, is regarded as the Veda of Music. The science of medication is one of the most enlightened ways of Sama Veda.
It was discovered in ancient India that there are 7 basic musical notes, which were derived from sounds of nature or songs of various animals. Through meditation, we can feel that each note corresponds to a certain chakra, or energy wheel, within us. The chakra becomes activated when the frequency of the note matches that of the corresponding chakra and can be strengthened by it. By using the notes in certain combinations, the connection between the chakras is also activated.
Dr Arun Apte is a registered medical practitioner in music therapy by Indian Board of Alternative Medicines registered by the government of West Bengal with the open International University of Complimentary Medicines. He is internationally as expert in the field of music therapy through spiritual yoga method.
In our day-to-day life, we find that all the seven chakras are not active all the time. Some do not work properly, as there are some hindrances, due to lack of required energy power. Since these chakras are connected with different organs, any hindrance in their functioning creates physical imbalance in the person. Emotional and mental imbalance are also seen depending upon the state of the chakras. Indian classical music produces different effects such as heating, cooling, soothing and emotional psyche of the listener. When the energy, vibrations and frequency of Indian classical music match with the energy, vibrations and frequency of the chakras, they get activated. This inner integration makes a natural path for the Kundalini to rise upward. When rising, the Kundalini nourishes the chakras and provides proper energy to them. Since organs are connected with the chakras, they also get the proper and adequate energy required and thus the balance is restored. Once the Kundalini finds its path to rise, it rises and pierces through the fontanel bone area and forms connection with the cosmic energy (power of divine love): it enlightens the brain and activates all the nerves in the brain, which in return, enlighten the heart.
Raaga Gurjari Todi has a capacity to cool down the liver and Raga Gurjari Todi and Yaman has a power of sustenance. Both raagas help to activate Swadisthan chakra. Both raagas have a power to stabilize the wandering attention which is very important for the meditation.
Raaga Bhup is found effective to purify and open the Agnya chakra by deflating the baloon-like structures, of subconscious and ego. It is also useful to release tension, anger and mental fatigue. Mood created by this raaga greatly assist the Kundalini to pass through the Agnya chakra and enter the apex chakra Sahasrara in the limbic area. The person is now in the state of thoughtless awareness.
Raaga Darbari and Bhairavi are extremely helpful to settle and prolong the thoughtless awareness state. Notes of this raagas relax the limbic area. The Kundalini then soothens and nourishes the chakra and the brain. One feels joyous, energetic, peaceful and relieved of tension and depression. The person also enjoys the sensation of cool breeze on his fingertips. This is the state of yoga. Regular practice in this way can open a new dimension of self knowledge and collective consciousness. Through Sahaja Yoga Meditation, the person can effortlessly achieve his complete well-being.
Meditation can be an effective form of stress reduction and has the potential to improve quality of life and decrease health care costs. Meditation involves achieving a state of 'thoughtless awareness' in which the excessive stress producing activity of the mind is neutralized without reducing alertness and effectiveness.
The method was inspired by this quote from Yogananda Paramahansa: "It is slow but sure suicide to walk, sit, rest, talk, or lie down with a caved-in chest. The cells of the lungs become starved thereby, and maladjustments of the vertebrae often occur."
The focus of Anahata yoga is the opening of the anahata chakra, or heart center: simultaneously correcting bad posture, opening the chest, shoulders, and lungs, and allowing the life force to flow into the body.
Anahata prescribes a flow of exercises, postures and short meditations. As a rule, the flow is not designed to be physically taxing, but rather to encourage full breathing, heart awakening, and calmness.
An Anahata flow usually takes the form of a class, which typically involves a small group of participants led by an instructor, and lasts about an hour. The class is held in a gently lit environment with plenty of fresh air. Typically meditative or devotional music is played during the class.
The instructor leads the class with short descriptions of each step of the flow, spoken quietly (although in some cases, classes may be silent). During the flow, the instructor may adjust and correct individual's postures with gentle touch guidance. Breathing in unison with movement is emphasized.
Next come a set of gentle spine-awakening movements, both seated and on all fours. These are followed by extended downward-facing dog posture, followed by a forward bend (Uttanasana). Students then stand and meditate for a short time.
Finally come a number of reclining postures. These are followed by reclining pranyama, and an extended reclining meditation, during which the instructor adjusts each student with gentle touch designed to encourage deeper relaxation and meditation.