Psychology Behind Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra )
If you go back to the scriptures, you will often come across the mention of the Third Eye. It assumes a lot of importance here, as the Ajna chakra is located at the same position. Maharishi Valmiki had probably written the entire Mahabharata, with the help of glimpses of the past through his Third Eye. Then again, in Mahabharata itself, Ved Vyasa awakens the Third Eye of Sanjay. He practically hypnotizes him, into revealing the secrets of the Kurukshetra warriors. In the same epic, Shri Krishna gifts the Third Eye vision to his dearest follower, Arjun.
Lord Shiva has gifted the power of the Third Eye to many of the mortals. You will often hear the term, ‘Trinetra’ associated with the same. You can awaken the secret powers of the Third Eye or the Ajna chakra, through the yoga teacher training.
The Third Eye Chakra Or Ajna Chakra
You will study about the chakras as a part of the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, in complete detail. The Ajna chakra is the sixth chakra, to be exact. After it, arrives the Sahasara chakra or Crown chakra. It is the Command centre of the whole body. It is said that, if you cannot look inside your own heart, then you do not have the best vision yet. This is the gate that opens up, and allows your higher consciousness to be born. You can also awaken your spiritual energy through this chakra, and also regulate it. You will be able to develop perception beyond the ordinary.
The Third Eye chakra is located in the forehead, between the eyebrows. You should know about the characteristics of the Ajna chakra, before treading further.
Characteristics of Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra):
- The first thing that you should notice is the colour. It mainly denotes freedom from unnecessary thoughts. It also allows freedom of expression. Indigo is the associated colour here. You can also connect royal blue, or other dark blue hues with this chakra. It has the power to open the doors to the divine. It is also the colour of inner wisdom and knowledge. You can actually transform the energies associated with the lower chakras to match those of the universe, with the help of the Ajna chakra. If you happen to head to the best yoga school in Rishikesh, then you can learn about such facets in more detail. But for now, we have covered enough details to give you a head start in this field.
- Next comes the symbol, by which you can identify the Ajna chakra. The symbol is an Om, which is positioned over an inverted triangle, which is seated within a circle between two lotus petals. The upside down triangle and lotus are the most distinguishable aspects of the symbol. It mainly point towards the supreme power. Additionally, you also get the vibes of enlightenment. You can walk on your path towards the higher consciousness, by passing through this point.
- You also need to have an idea of the seed mantra and frequency of the chakra, to be more informed. The seed mantra happens to be Om, and the frequency is 426.7Hz.The energy of this chakra is mainly connected to the eyes, nose and the throat. It facilitates your intuitive side, apart from curing headaches and migraines.
- The element that is associated with the Ajna chakra is light. This is the point where the three nadis congregate. The three nadis being Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. The nadis become one from the Ajna chakra onwards and then move up towards the Crown chakra. Some of the characteristics related to this chakra are improved vision, beyond the ordinary. Then, it also affects your intuition. Your psychic abilities are also enhanced manifold.
Now, that you know about the various characteristics of the chakra, it is time to unveil, what lay beyond. In order to understand, how the Ajna Chakra behaves and reacts, you ought to know, how it looks like, or behaves, or rather make you feel, when it is balanced or the other way round. You will also read about the same in the yoga teacher training.
A Balanced Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)
If your Ajna chakra is perfectly balanced, you will have prediction power. Moreover, your sixth sense is quite active. You will have a high level of intuition. Furthermore, you will perceive things in a different way, than the others do. If you have a highly active Ajna chakra, you will be able to see beyond the physical. You develop the powers of clairvoyance. Additionally, you may be a day dreamer, or a creative person.
- Most of the prophets and visionaries have a powerful Ajna chakra. They have heightened powers of intuition, as well.
- You may be also very sensitive to the energies around you. You may be able to perceive things that others cannot.
- You may be a wise person.
- Most situations will have a deeper meaning for you. What appears mundane to others, will seem significant for you. The reason being, that you will be delving deep into the connotations.
- You will have an open soul, and will be receptive as well.
- You will always be self-motivated.
Now, it is time to know about the Ajna chakra imbalances. When the Ajna chakra is not in a proper state, these are the things, which you will experience.
Imbalances of the Ajna Chakra
If there is imbalance in your Ajna chakra, you will experience things differently. You will experience both physical as well as emotional symptoms.
- Firstly, you may lack intuition. That means, you will often judge people and situations in the wrong manner. Your inner voice or guidance may be missing as well.
- Physical symptoms manifest themselves as headaches and pain. It will basically affect the centre of the forehead.
- You may have problems associated with your Circadian rhythms. Sleep is likely going to be affected.
- You may end up with multiple eye problems as well. Blurred vision and light sensitivity are two of the symptoms that you may experience.
- You will likely also lack focus in life.
- You may also suffer from mood disorders.
- Lack of spiritual awareness will likely also show up.
- Moreover, you may be inclined to think negatively, most of the time.
If you are stressed all the time, then it may impact your awareness and intuition. This leads to the blocks. When one chakra is affected, chain reactions occur and all other chakras will likely get affected as well. You will be disillusioned and will have feelings of negativity. Now, you also need to understand, that an imbalanced Ajna chakra may be due to an under-performing chakra or an over-performing one. Either way can be harmful.
If you have an under-performing Ajna chakra, then you will have difficulty in understanding spiritual connections. You will be unable to relate to such things. Your body and mind may not be balanced. One may be disconnected and illusioned, as well. You will always be stuck, and unable to look beyond problems. You will miss out on the brighter side of things. You will not be able to clarify situations, due to lack of clarity.
Now, if it is the other way around, the also you will face certain issues. You will over think most of the time. Being over-judgmental will come naturally, and can affect your relations. You may fantasize a lot, as well.
How To Unblock The Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)?
You can take the assistance of asanas that you will learn in the 300 hour yoga teacher training. Let us find out which asanas will benefit you.
- Padmasana – It goes without saying, that it is the first asana which comes to mind, when you think about meditative practices. You have to sit in the cross-legged position for some time. Before, you start your meditation in this pose, it is also important, that you develop intuition. You can join the palms of both your hands, in the Anjali mudra. Continue to sit in this position and move towards your goals intuitively. Only when you can be sure of your path, can you put it to effect in the real world.
- Makarasana – This is another pose, which you can practice for the activation of your Ajna chakra. If you connect the Third eye with this pose, it will create good repercussions. If you can visualize a lot of light, during this practice, you can enlighten your mind. You can begin on all fours, to start with this asana. Slowly, you have to lift the buttocks up in the air. This is a variation of the Adho Mukha Svanasana. In this asana, you have to fold the hands at the elbows, and rest the forearms on the ground. It is a great alternative for people, who find the latter difficult.
- Janu Sirsasana – It is another pose, which is often referred to as the Head-to-knee pose. When you bend forward, and bring the torso and the head forward, it helps in increasing the flow of blood to the face and forehead. It also relaxes the facial muscles and activates the Third Eye. You have to do this on both sides. It is a seated asana. You must sit with both the legs stretched away from one another. Slowly, pull up both the hands on top of the head and slowly bring them down along with your torso and head, towards the knees. Try to bring the hands in contact with the toes. Ideally, the forehead should touch the knees. Inhale when you lift the hands up and exhale, when you fold forward. Relax, and move back to the original position, in the same way, you entered the pose. Repeat on the other side.
- Balasana – Also called the Child’s pose, this is the pose, when you bring the forehead in contact with the floor. You will be able to ground all the negativity within you, if you do this pose properly. No yoga session, will actually be considered complete, without the practice of Balasana. Your mind-body connection will be ignited, after you enter the pose. You can also massage the Third eye gently, when you are in this position. This will release any built-up tension, which is blocking your awareness.
Pranayama for Third Eye Activation (Ajna Chakra)
You can also engage in alternate Nostril breathing to activate the Third Eye. Anulom Vilom Pranayama is particularly useful for you, in such cases. This breathing technique mainly balances the energy flowing through the three nadis. You can do this, by sitting in any meditative pose. You can start with exhalation first, and close the right nostril. Then inhale from the left nostril and close it. Close the nostril with the middle and the ring finger. Exhale from the right nostril thereafter, and then then inhale again. Repeat this a number of times. This is called Alternate Nostril Breathing. You can also add Kumbhaka to this practice. It mainly involves breath retention.
Shatkarma Kriyas
You can also try the Trataka, for the opening and balancing of the Third eye chakra. It is a powerful process of cleansing as well. You can easily do it with the eyes closed or open. Suit yourself. You can also try a candle flame, as it is considered to be very powerful. It also induces the fire element within your being. 20 minutes practice a day can do wonders, and you can develop intuitiveness by removing blockages.
So, if you practice these kriyas, asanas, and breathing techniques, you will definitely benefit. Learn about all of the above in detail at the Hrishikesh Yoga School today.