If you read An Introduction to the Chakras you’ll know that the chakras are seven energy centers situated at certain points in the body. These centres are like transport hubs for your energy — they receive, restore and direct energy through the 72,000 nadis (energy channels) that run through you.
Here we look in more detail at Ajna, the Third Eye Chakra. It’s actually the sixth of the seven chakras. But it’s useful to study Ajna first, because it allows you to develop the transformative and regulatory ability to observe and process emotions.
This means that when you go deeper into the other chakras you will be ready to manage any deep emotional shifts that may arise.
Ajna and the Body
Ajna is located at the top of the spinal cord and at the brain stem; in the brain directly behind the eyebrow centre, which is why it is often referred to as the third eye chakra. It is silvery white in colour, with two petals.
This chakra is closely associated with the head and the brain. It is said to govern the nervous system’s sensory motor tract and the pineal gland, which regulates all other glands throughout the body.
This contributes to its overseeing capacity, as the hormones it influences have a huge impact on how we feel and what we think.
Ajna and the Mind
Ajna roughly translates from Sanskrit into English as to know and command. This chakra is associated with an almost psychic intuition. It’s the chakra that allows us to know things without being able to explain exactly why.
When this chakra is blocked, you may experience low mood, anxiety, paranoia or depression. An obstructed Ajna chakra is also associated with nightmares and a heightened sense of scepticism — feeling overly critical or cynical. It becomes difficult to receive the world; other people; and yourself with an open mind.
In contrast, when this chakra is in balance it creates a holistic harmony throughout the physical and subtle bodies. An active and flowing ajna chakra means that you are highly sensitive to what’s happening around you and within you. You perceive and understand information clearly and constantly.
How does Ajna Influence Your Spiritual Journey?
Working with ajna can allow us to feel free from our earthly ties. We see more clearly, and so we’re less affected by the attachments that cause us worry and stress. We can concentrate, focus, and release ourselves from negative thought patterns.
This focus, release and clarity means that we see things as they really are. Illusions drop away and we experience true unity and happiness.
Bija Mantra
A bija mantra is also known as a seed mantra. It is a single-syllable sound which can be used to focus and liberate the mind during meditation and yoga practice.
Each chakra has an associated bija mantra. For Ajna, the mantra is AUM.
Intuition, Clarity and Freedom
Connect with the power of your Ajna chakra to nurture your intuition. The deep wisdom of your soul.
This term in our weekly classes at Sydney’s South Narrabeen, we are starting with a focus on Ajna before moving onto Mooladhara, the Root Chakra. This blog post is a useful accompaniment to your chakra exploration!
If you’d like to deepen your understanding of the chakras and expand your yoga and meditation practice, click here to find out how, where and when you can attend these classes.
And don’t forget to bookmark An Introduction to the Chakras — so that you can check back for more fabulous insight into the other six chakras in the weeks to come.
PS: If you enjoyed this blog click the like button below then share it with those you care for who can also enjoy and benefit from it. 😊