Difference between revisions of "Chakra: Muladhara"
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+ | [[Muladhara]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[मूलाधार]] or मूलाधारा; IAST: [[Mūlādhāra]], lit. "[[root]] of [[Existence]]." [[Mula]] means [[root]] and [[dhara]] means flux.) or the [[root chakra]] is one of the seven primary [[chakras]] according to [[Hindu]] [[tantrism]]. It is [[symbolized]] by a [[lotus]] with four petals and the {{Wiki|colour}} pink or [[red]]. | ||
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+ | [[Muladhara]] is located near the coccygeal plexus beneath the sacrumit,[1] while its [[kshetram]], or [[superficial activation point]], is located between the perineum and the coccyx or the pelvic bone. Because of its location and [[connection]] with the act of {{Wiki|excretion}}, it is associated with the anus. [[Muladhara]] is said to be the base from which the [[three main psychic channels]] or [[nadis]] emerge: the Ida, [[Pingala]] and [[Sushumna]]. It is also believed that [[Muladhara]] is a {{Wiki|subtle}} abode of the [[Hindu]] [[God]] [[Ganapati]]. In the [[highest]] revered [[prayer]] for [[Ganapati]], the [[Ganapati Atharvashirsha]], it is mentioned that "one who worships Lord [[Ganapati]] would easily [[grasp]] the {{Wiki|concept}} and realise [[Brahman]]". | ||
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+ | It is [[symbolized]] by a [[red]], four-petaled [[lotus]] with a [[yellow]] square at its center. Each petal has one of the [[Sanskrit]] {{Wiki|syllables}} [[वं]] [[vaṃ]], [[शं]] [[śaṃ]], [[षं]] [[ṣaṃ]], and [[सं]] [[saṃ]] written on it in {{Wiki|gold}}, representing the four [[vrittis]]: greatest [[joy]], natural [[pleasure]], [[delight]] in controlling [[passion]], and blissfulness in [[concentration]]. Alternatively, they may represent [[dharma]] ([[psycho-spiritual longing]]), [[artha]] ([[psychic longing]]), [[kama]] ([[physical longing]]) and [[moksha]] ([[longing for spiritual liberation]]). Eight spears point out of the sides and corners of the square. | ||
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+ | The [[deity]] [[Indra]] is associated with [[Muladhara]]. In these depictions, he is [[yellow]], four-armed, and holds a [[vajra]] and a [[blue lotus]] in his hands.[clarification needed] He is mounted upon the [[white elephant]] [[Airavata]], who has seven trunks denoting the seven [[elements]] necessary for supporting [[life]]. Occasionally, [[Ganesha]] is also associated with [[Muladhara]]. In these depictions, he has orange {{Wiki|skin}}, wears a [[yellow]] [[dhoti]], and a [[green]] {{Wiki|silk}} scarf draped around his shoulders. In three hands he holds a [[laddu]], a [[lotus flower]], and a hatchet, and [[the fourth]] is raised in the [[mudra of dispelling fear]]. | ||
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+ | The [[seed mantra]] {{Wiki|syllable}} is [[लं]] [[laṃ]]. Within the [[bindu]], the point that [[forms]] a part of the [[letter]], is [[Brahma]]. He is deep [[red]], with four faces and four arms, holding a [[staff]], a [[sacred]] [[vase]] of [[nectar]], and a [[japa mala]], and making the gesture of dispelling {{Wiki|fear}}. Alternatively, instead of the [[staff]] and [[japa mala]], he may hold a [[lotus flower]] and the [[sacred]] [[scriptures]]. He is seated on a {{Wiki|swan}}. The [[goddess]] [[Dakini]], his [[shakti]], is depicted with him. She is beautiful, with three [[eyes]] and four arms. [[Dakini]] is usually depicted with [[red]] or white {{Wiki|skin}}, holding a [[trident]], a skulled [[staff]], a {{Wiki|swan}}, and a drinking vessel, and is seated on a {{Wiki|swan}}. At times, instead of a {{Wiki|swan}} and drinking vessel, she holds a sword and a shield. | ||
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+ | In the center of the square, below the [[seed syllable]], is a deep [[red]] inverted triangle. The [[kundalini shakti]] is said to [[sleep]] here, waiting to be aroused and brought back up to [[Brahman]], the source from which it originated. It is represented by a {{Wiki|snake}} wrapped three and a half times around a smoky grey [[lingam]]. | ||
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+ | [[Muladhara]] is considered the foundation of the "[[energy body]]". [[Yogic]] systems [[stress]] the importance of stabilizing this [[chakra]] [[Kundalini]] [[awakening]] begins here. It is also known as the seat of the "[[red bindu]]," or [[subtle drop]], which rises up to the "[[white bindu]]" in the head to unite the {{Wiki|feminine}} and {{Wiki|masculine}} energies, the [[Shakti]] and [[Shiva]]. | ||
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+ | It is associated with the [[element of earth]], the [[sense of smell]] and the [[action]] of {{Wiki|excretion}}. | ||
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+ | "By [[meditating]] thus on Her who shines within the [[Muladhara Chakra]], with the luster of ten million [[Suns]], a man becomes Lord of {{Wiki|speech}} and [[King]] among men, and an {{Wiki|Adept}} in all kinds of {{Wiki|learning}}. He becomes ever free from all {{Wiki|diseases}}, and his inmost [[Spirit]] becomes full of great gladness. [[Pure]] of disposition by his deep and musical words, he serves the foremost of the [[Devas]] | ||
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+ | In [[kundalini yoga]] there are various [[yogic practices]] held to incite the [[energy]] in [[Muladhara]]: [[asanas]] (such as Garudasana, Shashankasana and [[Siddhasana]]); nosetip gazing, or Nasikagra [[Drishti]]; specific [[pranayamas]]; and most importantly the practice of [[Mula Bandha]], involving the contraction of the perineum, which awakens [[kundalini]], and is important for the {{Wiki|retention}} of semen. | ||
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+ | This [[chakra]] can also be activated by [[chanting]] the Seed-Mantra. It is said that one who [[chants]] the Seed [[Mantra]] of [[Muladhara Chakra]] for more than 100,000,000 times can attain all the [[Siddhis]] of the [[Muladhara Chakra]].[citation needed] | ||
+ | There are also special [[meditation practices]] for [[awakening]] the [[Mūlādhāra Chakra]] | ||
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+ | [[Siddhis]] | ||
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+ | He or she [[experiences]] Darduri [[Siddhi]] ([[Frog]] jump in [[air]] at various degrees). | ||
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+ | He or she gains [[knowledge]] of the Present, Past and Future. | ||
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+ | He or she has control over the [[Elements]] of the [[Earth]]. | ||
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+ | Comparisons with other systems | ||
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+ | When compared to the other important [[Tantric]] system of [[Vajrayana]] [[in Tibet]] the [[Muladhara chakra]] finds no parallel in the same place, unlike the other [[six chakras]]. Instead, the [[Tibetan]] system positions two [[chakras]] on the {{Wiki|sexual}} {{Wiki|organ}}: the [[jewel wheel]] in the middle, near the tip, and the tip of the {{Wiki|sexual}} {{Wiki|organ}} itself. These [[chakras]] are extremely important for the generation of great [[bliss]], and play an important role in the [[highest]] [[tantric]] {{Wiki|sexual}} practices. A unique feature, the [[red drop]], called the [[red]] [[bodhicitta]], is not located here, but instead at the {{Wiki|navel}} [[wheel]]. | ||
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+ | In the [[Wikipedia:Sufism|Sufi]] system of [[Lataif]] there are two "lower" [[Lataif]]. One is the [[nafs]], which is just below the {{Wiki|navel}}. The [[nafs]] incorporates all the [[elements]] of a person's "lower [[self]]". The other similar [[lataif]] is called the qalab, or mould, which appears in seven [[lataif]] systems and corresponds to the [[physical body]], but this is sometimes located at the top of the head Qalab is usually further divided into the [[four elements]]. | ||
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+ | In the {{Wiki|Kabbalah}} the lowest Sephiroth is known as Malkuth, and performs the same [[transcendental]] role as the basis of [[physical]] [[nature]]. It is associated with the {{Wiki|sexual}} {{Wiki|organ}}, in close [[contact]] with Yesod. | ||
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+ | In [[astrology]] {{Wiki|Mars}} is often correlated as being son of [[Earth]], and having to do with the [[earthly]] [[nature]] of the [[Muladhara]], and it is often referred to as being the ruling {{Wiki|planet}} of the [[Muladhara]] by many {{Wiki|modern}} [[astrologers]]. | ||
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+ | In Earth-based spiritualities the [[Eight Directions]] are often used to represent the [[Wheel]] of the Year. The [[Eight Directions]] represent the four seasons ([[North]] – Winter, [[South]] – Summer, [[East]] – Spring, and [[West]] – Autumn) and the Winter and Summer {{Wiki|Solstices}}, as well as the Spring and Fall {{Wiki|Equinoxes}}. The midpoints between those four times of year are the four lesser [[directions]]. This Eight [[Direction]] model maps perfectly onto the eight arrows of the [[root chakra]]. The four petals of the [[chakra]] also map onto the [[four elements]] of [[Earth]] ([[North]]), [[Air]] ([[East]]), [[Fire]] ([[South]]) and [[Water]] ([[West]]). This [[chakra]], being so closely related to the [[element]] of [[Earth]], also reflects the [[earth elements]]. | ||
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+ | {{R}} | ||
+ | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Buddhism]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Tibetan Buddhism]] | ||
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+ | [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muladhara]] | ||
[[Category:Chakra]] | [[Category:Chakra]] |
Revision as of 23:01, 14 December 2021
Muladhara (Sanskrit: मूलाधार or मूलाधारा; IAST: Mūlādhāra, lit. "root of Existence." Mula means root and dhara means flux.) or the root chakra is one of the seven primary chakras according to Hindu tantrism. It is symbolized by a lotus with four petals and the colour pink or red.
Muladhara is located near the coccygeal plexus beneath the sacrumit,[1] while its kshetram, or superficial activation point, is located between the perineum and the coccyx or the pelvic bone. Because of its location and connection with the act of excretion, it is associated with the anus. Muladhara is said to be the base from which the three main psychic channels or nadis emerge: the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. It is also believed that Muladhara is a subtle abode of the Hindu God Ganapati. In the highest revered prayer for Ganapati, the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, it is mentioned that "one who worships Lord Ganapati would easily grasp the concept and realise Brahman".
It is symbolized by a red, four-petaled lotus with a yellow square at its center. Each petal has one of the Sanskrit syllables वं vaṃ, शं śaṃ, षं ṣaṃ, and सं saṃ written on it in gold, representing the four vrittis: greatest joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passion, and blissfulness in concentration. Alternatively, they may represent dharma (psycho-spiritual longing), artha (psychic longing), kama (physical longing) and moksha (longing for spiritual liberation). Eight spears point out of the sides and corners of the square.
The deity Indra is associated with Muladhara. In these depictions, he is yellow, four-armed, and holds a vajra and a blue lotus in his hands.[clarification needed] He is mounted upon the white elephant Airavata, who has seven trunks denoting the seven elements necessary for supporting life. Occasionally, Ganesha is also associated with Muladhara. In these depictions, he has orange skin, wears a yellow dhoti, and a green silk scarf draped around his shoulders. In three hands he holds a laddu, a lotus flower, and a hatchet, and the fourth is raised in the mudra of dispelling fear.
The seed mantra syllable is लं laṃ. Within the bindu, the point that forms a part of the letter, is Brahma. He is deep red, with four faces and four arms, holding a staff, a sacred vase of nectar, and a japa mala, and making the gesture of dispelling fear. Alternatively, instead of the staff and japa mala, he may hold a lotus flower and the sacred scriptures. He is seated on a swan. The goddess Dakini, his shakti, is depicted with him. She is beautiful, with three eyes and four arms. Dakini is usually depicted with red or white skin, holding a trident, a skulled staff, a swan, and a drinking vessel, and is seated on a swan. At times, instead of a swan and drinking vessel, she holds a sword and a shield.
In the center of the square, below the seed syllable, is a deep red inverted triangle. The kundalini shakti is said to sleep here, waiting to be aroused and brought back up to Brahman, the source from which it originated. It is represented by a snake wrapped three and a half times around a smoky grey lingam.
Muladhara is considered the foundation of the "energy body". Yogic systems stress the importance of stabilizing this chakra Kundalini awakening begins here. It is also known as the seat of the "red bindu," or subtle drop, which rises up to the "white bindu" in the head to unite the feminine and masculine energies, the Shakti and Shiva.
It is associated with the element of earth, the sense of smell and the action of excretion.
"By meditating thus on Her who shines within the Muladhara Chakra, with the luster of ten million Suns, a man becomes Lord of speech and King among men, and an Adept in all kinds of learning. He becomes ever free from all diseases, and his inmost Spirit becomes full of great gladness. Pure of disposition by his deep and musical words, he serves the foremost of the Devas
In kundalini yoga there are various yogic practices held to incite the energy in Muladhara: asanas (such as Garudasana, Shashankasana and Siddhasana); nosetip gazing, or Nasikagra Drishti; specific pranayamas; and most importantly the practice of Mula Bandha, involving the contraction of the perineum, which awakens kundalini, and is important for the retention of semen.
This chakra can also be activated by chanting the Seed-Mantra. It is said that one who chants the Seed Mantra of Muladhara Chakra for more than 100,000,000 times can attain all the Siddhis of the Muladhara Chakra.[citation needed] There are also special meditation practices for awakening the Mūlādhāra Chakra
He or she experiences Darduri Siddhi (Frog jump in air at various degrees).
He or she gains knowledge of the Present, Past and Future.
He or she has control over the Elements of the Earth.
Comparisons with other systems
When compared to the other important Tantric system of Vajrayana in Tibet the Muladhara chakra finds no parallel in the same place, unlike the other six chakras. Instead, the Tibetan system positions two chakras on the sexual organ: the jewel wheel in the middle, near the tip, and the tip of the sexual organ itself. These chakras are extremely important for the generation of great bliss, and play an important role in the highest tantric sexual practices. A unique feature, the red drop, called the red bodhicitta, is not located here, but instead at the navel wheel.
In the Sufi system of Lataif there are two "lower" Lataif. One is the nafs, which is just below the navel. The nafs incorporates all the elements of a person's "lower self". The other similar lataif is called the qalab, or mould, which appears in seven lataif systems and corresponds to the physical body, but this is sometimes located at the top of the head Qalab is usually further divided into the four elements.
In the Kabbalah the lowest Sephiroth is known as Malkuth, and performs the same transcendental role as the basis of physical nature. It is associated with the sexual organ, in close contact with Yesod.
In astrology Mars is often correlated as being son of Earth, and having to do with the earthly nature of the Muladhara, and it is often referred to as being the ruling planet of the Muladhara by many modern astrologers.
In Earth-based spiritualities the Eight Directions are often used to represent the Wheel of the Year. The Eight Directions represent the four seasons (North – Winter, South – Summer, East – Spring, and West – Autumn) and the Winter and Summer Solstices, as well as the Spring and Fall Equinoxes. The midpoints between those four times of year are the four lesser directions. This Eight Direction model maps perfectly onto the eight arrows of the root chakra. The four petals of the chakra also map onto the four elements of Earth (North), Air (East), Fire (South) and Water (West). This chakra, being so closely related to the element of Earth, also reflects the earth elements.
Source
[[1]]