Seven Major Chakras (p. 3-22)

Question 1

Second Chakra

Answer 1

Svadisthana Physical: sex organs, hips, sacrum Meaning: “Her Favorite Standing Place” or “sweetness” Color: orange Essence: dreams, emotions, water Governs: intimacy, creativity, adventure, movement, pleasure, connection, emotion, sensuality Bija Mantra (seed sound): VAM

Question 2

What are some postures that awaken/empower the fifth chakra?

Answer 2

Fish pose, Camel, Reverse Warrior (gaze upward), Lion’s breath

Question 3

Sixth Chakra

Answer 3

Ajna Physical: forehead, space between eyebrows, third eye Meaning: command center Color: Indigo violet Essence: beyond pulsation, transcendence of all dualistic realities Governs: intuition, knowledge, humility, clear sight, relationship with the teacher in all things, relationship with time Bija Mantra (seed sound): OM

Question 4

What are some postures that awaken/empower the first chakra?

Answer 4

Tadasana, Warrior I. Draw attention to Mulabandha (Pelvic Floor Lock). Work from the feet upwards when you cue.

Question 5

What are Nadis?

Answer 5

Channels in the subtle body through which prana (life force energy) flows. 72,000 nadis in the body. 3 Nadis–Sushumna, Ida, and Pingala–spiral around spinal column. The points at which these 3 nadis intersect are chakras.

Question 6

Fifth Chakra

Answer 6

Vishudda Physical: cervical spine, neck, throat, thyroid gland, tongue, vocal cords, jaw Meaning: Pure Color: light blue Essence: ether Governs: truth and authentic voice, communication, self-mastery and self-control, integrity, honesty Bija Mantra (seed sound): HAM

Question 7

What are some postures that awaken/empower the seventh chakra?

Answer 7

Headstand, Rabbit pose, Embryo pose

Question 8

Seventh Chakra

Answer 8

Sahasara Physical: Space between the crown and several inches above the head. Pineal gland and skull. Meaning: thousandfold, or thousand-petals Color: violet, white, light Essence: only unconditional love exists–the soul search is over; everything just is. Governs: relationship with the divine, understanding Bija Mantra (seed sound): Silent OM

Question 9

Fourth Chakra

Answer 9

Anahata Physical: heart center, lungs, thoracic spine Meaning: “Unstruck” Color: green Essence: selflessness, working for the welfare of others Governs: compassion, selfless service, attitude towards giving and receiving, understanding others, empathy, unconditional love Bija Mantra (seed sound): YAM

Question 10

First Chakra

Answer 10

Muladhara Physical: base of spine, pelvic floor, feet/legs Meaning: Root Color: Red Essence: earth, waking state Governs: home, food, water, basic needs, parents, family relationships Bija Mantra (seed sound): LAM

Question 11

What are some postures that awaken/empower the third chakra?

Answer 11

Core work, Warrior, Twists, Tree, Crow

Question 12

What are some postures that awaken/empower the fourth chakra?

Answer 12

Heart Openers, Camel, Bridge, Dancer’s

Question 13

What are Chakras?

Answer 13

Chakras are energetic clusters in the subtle body. While there are many of these points in the body, there are seven major chakras located along the spinal column. Each chakra represents a basic level of human consciousness.

Question 14

Third Chakra

Answer 14

Manipura Physical: Abdominals, lumbar spine, detox organs (stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas) Meaning: “Jewel in the City” or “Sparkling Jewel” Color: yellow Essence: ego identity Governs: confidence, self-esteem, personal power, how we are seen by others, our personal role in society Bija Mantra (seed sound): RAM (name of the divine)

Question 15

What are some postures that awaken/empower the second chakra?

Answer 15

Hip Openers, Warrior II, Prasarita, Happy Baby

Question 16

What are some postures that awaken/empower the sixth chakra?

Answer 16

Child’s Pose, forehead to knee poses, Namaste