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The Chakras are energy vortices of the energy body that comprise part of the energy system. When perfectly open and balanced, one is lead to the experience of a harmonious reality, connection to the Oneness in everything, and ultimately to union with the Divine Consciousness.
Anahata (The Heart Chakra)
The Heart chakra, or Anahata, is also known as anahata-puri, padmasundara, dwadasha, dwadashadala, suryasangkhyadala, hrit padma, hridaya chakra, dwadashara chakra and various other names.
In the Indian Tantric tradition, Manipura (meaning ‘unstruck note’) has twelve red or white petals, while the central part is a smoky-blue/black colour symbolising the element of Air. Anahata is positioned in the centre of the chest and is associated with the Thymus gland.
The Functions of Anahata
The 12 petals of Anahata represent: lustfulness; fraudulence; indecision; repentance; hope; anxiety; longing; impartiality; arrogance; incompetence; discrimination; an attitude of defiance. It is associated with the element (or tattwa) of Air, and is the seat of the Divine Soul or Higher Self, the Jivatman, represented by the image of a motionless golden lamp flame. It is linked to the ages of 22 to 28, when we are often forming deep relationships, hopefully based on reciprocal love. But the Heart Chakra is not primarily about falling in love; it is not a sentimental kind of love. Instead its fire is fuelled by the love of creation - the same love that causes us to delight in the feel of soft rain or the scent of a flower.
Anahata is at the center of our luminous auric body. The colour of light to balance it is a bright grass-green, and quite commonly the 12 petals are shown in this colour. Anahata, midpoint in the seven chakras and midpoint in the body, is considered a gateway to higher consciousness.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Heart Chakra is depicted as a white, eight-petaled heart centre, the meeting place of the ‘Red and White Drops’, seat of the ‘Very Subtle Mind’ and ‘Very Subtle Wind’, which are immortal and pass from lifetime to lifetime. In Taoism, this chakra is the House of Fire. It is located at the top of the ‘Thrusting Channel’, and this is the counterbalance to the Lower Tan Tien, or House of Water.
Source: The Chakra Bible by Patricia Mercier
Main Characteristics at a Glance
Colour: Green and/or pink/white/red
Key Issues: Passion, tenderness, inner-child issues and rejection
Physical Location: At the centre of the chest on the sternum
Associated Spinal area: Fourth thoracic vertebra
Physiological System: Circulatory, lymphatic, immune
Endocrine Gland: Thymus
Nerve Plexus: Heart
Inner Aspect: Unconditional love and compassion
Physical Action: Circulation
Mental Action: Passion
Spiritual Action: Devotion