The document discusses the concepts of nadis, ida, pingala, and sushumna channels which carry prana and consciousness through the body. It describes the 7 major chakras located along the spinal cord, from muladhara at the base to sahasrara at the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with specific physical, mental, emotional and spiritual qualities. Kundalini is described as a dormant potential force located in muladhara chakra. The document outlines practices like yoga, pranayama and meditation that can be used to awaken kundalini energy and ascend it up the sushumna nadi to higher chakras.

1. Chakras
&
Kundalini
Rajalekshmy.p.r
Dept of Swathavritta
Amrita School of Ayurveda

2. NADI
• Channels for the flow of consciousness.
• Pranashakti flows through every part of
our body via nadis.
• 72,000 nadis cover the whole body.
• 10 main channels- out of 10, 3 nadis are
most important, controls flow of prana
and consciousness within all other nadis.
• Ida, Pingala & Sushumna

3. Ida
• Lunar energy
• Means comfort
• moonlike nature
• female energy
• Cooling effect
• Courses from left testicle to
left nostril
• Corresponds to Ganges river
• Refers to right hemisphere of
brain
• Controls all mental process
Pingala
• Solar energy
• Means tawny
• Sun like nature
• Male energy
• Temp is heating
• Courses from right testicle to
right nostril
• Corresponds to river Yamuna
• Refers to left hemisphere
• Controls all vital process
Sushumna
• Connects muladhara chakra to
sahasrara chakra
• Channel for awakening of
spiritual consciousness
• Corresponds to kundalini
• Refers to spinal cord
• Controls spiritual force
Crosses over at each
chakra

4. Kundalini
• Sleeping dormant
potential force in the
human organism.
• Situated at root of
spinal coloumn.
• Musculine body- in
perineum, between
urinary and excretory
organs.
• Female body- at root
of uterus, in the cervix.
सशैलवनधात्रीणाां यथाधारोऽहिनायः।
सवेषाां योगतन्त्त्राणाां तथाधारो हि
ःु ण्डली॥
(H.Y.P 3/1)

5. • From kundal(coiled).
• Shakti after creating 36 tatwas, rest dormant at
the lowest element, earth (muladhara chakra).
• Coiled 3.5 times like a snake.
• 3 coils: 3 gunas(satva, rajas, tamas) or three
states(waking, dreaming, deep sleep).
• Half coil- state of transcendence
Kudalini & Yoga
• Kundalini has origins in tantric
philosophy.
• No mention in PYS.
• kundalini yoga- process of bringing
together two opposite poles of energy in
body so that they meet in muladhara and
release the inner kundalini shakti.

6. Kundalini awakening
• Active
• Passive
Active
Systematic physical
exercises and techniques
of concentration,
visualization,
pranayama and meditation
under the guidance of a
competent teacher.
सुप्ता गुरुप्रसादेन यदा जागार्ति ःु ण्डली
तदा सवािणण पद्मार्न भिद्यते ग्रन्त्थयोऽिप ​॥॥
(H.Y.P 3/2)
• Guru’s guidance is needed to raise the
consciousness otherwise psychological blocks
manifest.
• Guru guides the sadhaka through all stages of
physical, mental , emotional and psychic
preparation.
• The sadhaka has to purify physical and pranic
bodies, strengthen nervous system, harmonize
mind and emotions and develop strong link with
Guru.
• All chakras can then be activated and sushumna
will awaken.

7. Passive
• Path of surrender where one lets go of all
the impediments to the awakening rather
than trying to actively awaken Kundalini.
• A chief part of the passive approach
is shaktipat where one individual's
Kundalini is awakened by another who
already has the experience.
• Shaktipat only raises Kundalini
temporarily but gives the student an
experience to use as a basis.

8. • If kundalini ascends through ida- may have fantastic experiences,
become introverted and withdrawn and cannot function in external
world.
• If kundalini ascends through pingala- they may become lost in pranic
phenomena and experiences of external world.
Ajna chakra
Muladhara
chakra

9. Practices for awakening kundalini
• Certain hatha yoga practices including mula bandha, uddiyana
bandha, jalandhara bandha and kumbhaka can awaken Kundalini.
• Kechari mudra also enables one to raise Kundalini and access various
stores of amrita in the head, which subsequently flood the body.

11. ​तुदिलां स्यादाधारां स्वाधधष्ठानां ​ ष्दलां
नािौ दशदलां पद्मां सूयिसांख्यादलां हृहद
ःण्ठे स्यात् षोडशदलां भ्रूमध्ये द्िवदलां तथा
सिस्रदलमाख्यातां ब्रह्मरन्त्रे मिापथे॥
(goraksha samhita)

12. Muladhara chakra
• Mula + adhara = muladhara
(root) (support)
“Supporting root of a tree”
• Location- at the base of spine
आधाराख्य गुदसांस्थानां ”
(योगध​न्त्तामणण)
“गुदमेढ्रात ् नरलस्य मूलाधारां त्रत्रःोणःम ् ”
(योगभशखोपर्नषद् १ ६८)
KUNDALINI

13. Symbol
Deep red lotus with four
petals
Centre- yellow
square(prithwi tatwa)
In centre of square, inverted
triangle with apex
downwards.
Within triangle, smoky
coloured swayambhu
linga(astral body)
Kundalini coils around
swayambu linga
red triangle is supported by
elephant with seven trunks
Beeja mantra
Mulam-Lam
Tatwa- Va, Sa,Sha,Shha
Element- earth
sense- smell
Meditation symbol
Visualize the red inverted
triangle or yellow square to
enhance inner stability and
balance.

14. • On the physical level, this chakra is related to the adrenal glands, the
kidneys and the spinal column.
• Physically, muladhara governs sexuality, mentally it governs stability,
emotionally it governs sensuality, and spiritually it governs a sense of
security.
• When this chakra is underactive we get diseases like constipation,
piles, varicose veins problem,etc.
• If this chakra is over-active, we become materialistic, greedy, obsessed
with being secure and resist change.
• The concentration and meditation on Muladhara chakra helps rectify
disorders of these functions & enhance inner stability and balance.

15. Swadhishtana chakra
• Sva- "that which is its self; which belongs to itself"
• Adhisthana - "its actual place.”
• One’s own abode
• Location-approximately 2 fingers width above muladhara
at the level of penis in men and at the level of upper end of
vagina in women.

16. Symbol
Crimson lotus with six petals
In the centre, white crescent
moon(yantra of apas tatwa)
Crescent moon yantra and
bija mantra vam are riding
on a crocodile
Beeja mantra
Mulam-vam
Tatwa- Ba,Bha,Ma,Ya,Ra,La)
Element- water
sense- tongue
Meditation symbol
Visualize a vast deep ocean
with dark waves beneath a
night sky.

17. • On the physical level, swadhisthana chakra is related to the female
ovaries and male testes.
• It looks after our liver, kidneys, and the lower abdomen.
• It is responsible for assimilation, procreation, lymphatic system, and
menstrual secretions.
• Physically, Swadisthana governs reproduction, mentally it governs
creativity, emotionally it governs joy, and spiritually it governs
enthusiasm.
• When this chakra is underactive, we get diseases like diabetes, blood
cancer & many other diseases related to this gland can occur.
• If this chakra is over-active, we tend to be emotional all the time.
• Storehouse of all samskaras and past mental impressions.

18. Manipura chakra
• Mani- gems
• Pura- city
• “city of jewels”
• It is lustruous like a jewel and radiant with vitality & energy.
• Location-in the spine behind the navel

19. Symbol
Bright yellow lotus with 10
petals.
Within lotus, is a fiery red
triangle(yantra of agni
tatwa), beejamantra Ram
Beeja mantra
Mulam-Ram
Tatwa-
Ta,Tha,Da,Dha,Na,Pa,Fa,Dda,
Dhha,Nna
Element- fire
sense- eyes
Meditation symbol
Visualize the blazing sun or
ball of fire.

20. • On the physical level, this chakra is related to the digestive system, the spleen, the
liver, the pancreas and the gall bladder which produces and secretes enzymes,
acids and juices necessary for the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• The adrenal glands located above the kidneys are also related with manipura.
• They secrete adrenaline into the blood during an emergency situation.
• This has the effect of speeding up all the physiological processes, making the
mind sharp and alert, the heart beat faster, the respiration rate more rapid and so
on.
• The body is then prepared for a more intense level of activity than normal in what
is commonly called the 'fight or flight' reaction.
• Physically, manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power,
emotionally it governs expansiveness, and spiritually all matters of growth.
• If this chakra is under-active, people suffer from sluggishness or malfunctions of
the digestive system; can have weakness in the body, indigestion, stomach,
intestinal, and colon problems.
• If this chakra is over-active, we are domineering and probably even aggressive.

21. Anahata chakra
• Anahata-unstruck
• All sounds in the manifested universe is produced by striking
of two objects which sets up sound waves.
• The primordial sound that issues from beyond this
material world is the source of all sound-
“anahata nada(unstruck sound)”
• Location-in the spine, behind the sternum, level with heart

22. Symbol
blue lotus with 12 petals.
In centre of lotus, is a
hexagon formed by two
interlacing triangles(yantra
of vayu tatwa)
Vehicle is swift black
antelope, the symbol of
alertness.
Beeja mantra
Mulam-yam
Tatwa-
Ka,Kha,Ga,Gha,Naa,Cha,Chha,
Ja,
Zaa,aaTa,Tha
Element- air
sense- touch
Meditation symbol
Visualize a blue lotus or a blue
hexagon formed by 2
interlacing triangles with a
bright flame at centre.

23. • On the physical level, this chakra is related to the heart, blood, lungs
and the circulatory system in general, along with the immune and
endocrine systems.
• Physically Anahata governs circulation, emotionally it governs
unconditional love for the self and others, mentally it governs passion
and spiritually it governs devotion.
• If this chakra is under-active, it can cause asthma or various heart
conditions.
• Visualization of this centre can help rectify disorders of these
functions.

24. Vishuddhi chakra
• Shuddhi-purification
• Prefix vi enhances this quality
• Location-at the back of neck, behind throat pit
ःण्ठःू पे िवशुद्धाख्यां यत ् ​क्रां षोडशारःम ्
पीठां जलन्त्धरां नां र्तष्ठर्तऽत्र सुरेश्वर।॥
(योगभशखोपर्नषद् १ १७४)
• Situated in throat, 16 branches, the jalandhara peetha where in
the God of seven melodies dwells.

25. Symbol
Violet lotus with 16 petals.
In centre of lotus, is a white
circle(yantra of akasha
tatwa)
Animal is white elephant.
Beeja mantra
Mulam-ham
Tatwa- A, Aa, I, Ii, U, Uu, Ru,
Ruu,
Rlu,Rluu,Ae,Ai,O,Au,Amm,Aha
ha
Element- ether
sense- ears and vocal cords
Meditation symbol
Visualize a large white drop of
nectar.
Try to experience icy cold
drops of sweet nectar falling
down to vishuddhi,giving a
feeling of blissful intoxication.

26. • On the physical level, vishuddhi chakra is related to the thyroids, the
rate of metabolism, and the lungs in the physical body.
• It controls the activity of the vocal cords, of the hearing, of the
pharynx and oesophagus.
• Physically, vishuddha governs communication, emotionally it governs
independence, mentally it governs fluent thought, and spiritually, it
governs a sense of security.
• If this chakra is under-active, people will get cold, cough, thyroid
problem & lack of communication skill.
• If this chakra is over-active, we tend to speak too much, usually to
domineer and keep people at a distance.
• Visualization of this centre can help rectify disorders of these
functions such as the feelings of superiority or inferiority, all
jealousies & it activates ability to telepathy, clairaudience. (Extra-
sensory hearing) enhances.

27. • Vishuddhi chakra is the place where divine nectar , Amrita is tasted.
• It’s a kind of sweet secretion produced at the bindu chakra and then
falls down to vishuddhi where it is purified and processed for further
use throughout the body.

28. Ajna chakra
• Ajna- command
• Other names- third eye, jnana chakshu,triveni
• In deeper states of meditation, disciple receives commands from
Guru through this chakra.
• Location-in the midbrain, behind the eyebrow centre at top of
spine
आञनता भ्रुवो मध्ये द्िवदलां ​क्रम ्
(योगभशखोपर्नषद् १ १७५)
• Union of 3 important nerves called ida, pingala and sushumna
occurs in ajna chakra.
• Indian yoga science advocates the practice of touching the inner
soft palate with tongue and concentrating on the ajna chakra
with kechari mudra for achieving self realization.

29. Symbol
Silver lotus with 2 petals
which represent sun and
moon(pingala/positive force
and ida/negative force)
Beeja mantra
Mulam-aum
Tatwa-Ha, Ksha
Element- mind
Meditation symbol
The point of bhrumadhya at
the eyebrow centre.
Visualize a tiny point of light
or an Aum symbol at this
centre and let thoughts dwell
on the inner Guru.

30. • On physical level, ajna is related to the pituitary gland which secretes
hormones to communicate to the rest of the endocrine system and also
connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus.
• This is the centre where wisdom and intuition develop.
• If this chakra is under-active, one will have negative thoughts, lack of
energy, making more bad karmas.
• If this chakra is over-active, one may live in a world of fantasy too
much; in excessive cases hallucinations are possible.
• He who concentrates at this centre destroys all the karmas of the past
lives.
• The benefits that are derived by meditation on this chakra cannot be
described in words.

31. Bindu
• At top back of head
• Means point or drop
• Symbol- tiny crescent moon on a dark night
• Centre of nada, psychic sound.
• Bindu is the centre for concentration on psychic sounds that may
manifest in bhramari and shanmukhi mudra.

32. Sahasrara chakra
• Sahasrara – one thousand
• “Abode of highest consciousness”
• Location-at the crown of head
शस्त्रदलसांख्यातां ब्रह्मरन्त्रे मिापर्त
(अष्टाङ्ग योग भसद्धध)

33. Symbol
Shining lotus of thousand
letters containing 50 letters
of Sanskrit 20 times over.
In centre of a lotus, a shining
jyothirlinga,lingam of light,
symbol of pure
consciousness.
Beeja mantra
Mulam-omkara
Tatwa-A, Ka, Ttha,
Ha,La,Ksha
In sahasrara, the mystic union
of shiva and shakti takes
place, the fusion of
consciousness with matter
and energy,individual soul
with supreme soul.
When kundalini awakens, it
ascends through chakras to
sahasrara and merges into
source from where it is
originated.

34. • On physical level, sahasrara charka is related to the pineal gland.
• The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone
melatonin which regulates sleep and awakening.
• Its proper functioning helps to improve thinking power and
intelligence.
• This chakra gives us the direct, absolute perception of reality on our
central nervous system.
• Sahasrara chakra integrates all the chakras with their respective
qualities.

35. THANK YOU