The Cakra are points of concentration for the mind.
- T K V Desikachar
The first 3 cakras are like the roots of a tree, the foundation of a building, a flame that when steady burns brightly. They are the very base of our physical as well as energetic form. No single cakra is more valuable than the others.
Pranayama is more powerful than asana – we strengthen our system not in our muscles but in our breathing. Proper breathing helps us to eliminate and remove the accumulated debris from the system. The exhalation is more important than the inhalation; only when we are empty can we properly fill. Exhalation should happen from apana/lower abdomen. Exhale needs to be active and intentional. Chanting is nothing but a form of pranayama.
All the physiological functions happen from the cakras. Pranayama enhances and balances all physiological functions. Even if you want a result elsewhere you still chant or exhale from the lower abdomen/muladhara/apana. We need to work on ALL the cakras to bring balance and the way to do this is proper conscious breathing.
Don’t suck in your stomach!
Importance of relaxation in this area. The breath is everything – commit to your breath and you can commit to anything because the breath teaches us to be right here and now, in this moment without distraction or judgement, dullness or restlessness.
Your mind is a product of your food, memory is linked to food.
My stability, my confidence is linked to food.
All these facts are mentioned in the texts.
For these reasons … food is very important and becomes me.
Not just the muscles, but the whole me, the whole personality.
- T K V Desikachar
When we practise pranayama or conscious breathing regularly, it burns up our rubbish (impurities which sit in the system partially digested) and our real nature shines forth/is revealed.
‘Full of gems’
The seat of AGNI (fire) – different kinds. Jathara agni governs digestion of our food; the fire that digests experience is called jnanagni. With good strong fire we are able to digest not only food but sensations and experiences. This is also the centre of transformation and our capacity to digest our experiences through life and be open to change. If we can handle and absorb life well, we can change and grow and adapt. The flame within in ancient times was considered one of the most important in order for our entire system to function with clarity to see (yoga is all about ways of seeing).
Agni purifies and burns away food and also old patterns and habits – ama/ disease/toxicities incompletely digested food, thoughts, emotions.
Dull agni translates to gut issues, higher toxic load, inflammation, autoimmune issues, mood imbalances, low energy and a compromised immune system.
If someone is suffering from low self-esteem, depression, difficulty accepting change, low energy levels, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, procrastination tendencies, victim mentality and inability to adapt they might be experiencing a defect or deficiency in this cakra. When the fire is weak, impurities accumulate in the system. ‘Can’t swallow’ something. Excess or hyperactivity of this cakra may lead a person to be aggressive, controlling, stubborn, arrogant and have a whole range of digestive problems such as ulcers or eating disorders.
Power of the navel as the first source nourishment and life in utero. When activated and strong/ balanced, this area can make us feel very vital and alive. ‘Fire in the belly’.
One of the key teachings of Yoga is to recognise the beauty in the doing, the process, and not only for the results. This is known as isvara pranidhana; learning that we can only own our actions, never the result. With this comes true understanding and joy. Lotus flower image – we all want the blossom/ joyful parts of life but the beautiful flower cannot blossom or exist without the muck. When agni is strong, we become powerful at turning our suffering into something that nourishes ourselves and others. We have thoughts of taking our life back and directing our actions towards positive goals.