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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.
Sahasrara (The Crown Chakra)
The Crown Chakra or Sahasrara is also known as the Thousand-petalled Lotus, akasha chakra, sahasrara padma, sahasrara mahapadma, sahasrara saroruha, sahasradala, sahasradala padma, pankaja, kamala, adhomukha mahapadma, wyomamboja, shiras padma, amlana padma, dashashatadala padma, shuddha padma, and shantyatita pada.
Sahasrara, which means ‘a thousand petals’, is described in Indian tradition as being placed above the head, while more modern theosophical thinking locates it at the top of the head. Mystics describe its 1000 white petals being arrange in 20 layers, each containing 50 petals with letters of the Sanskrit (an ancient holy language) alphabet written on them. The colours of these petals change as a shimmering rainbow of colours passes through them, although in the seven-chakra system the Crown Chakra is assigned the colour of violet.
The Functions of Sahasrara
Sahasrara is the place of pure consciousness. From subtle anatomy we know that it is at the end of the main sushumna nadi, where it combines with the energies of the pingala nadi (solar and masculine energy) that have conjoined at Ajna during the rising of kundalini. The crown chakra symbolises the balance of duality within us and our ability to experience super-consciousness, and then the bliss of transcendental consciousness. Because this state is impossible to describe, it is sometimes called ‘the Void’. Perhaps the best way to begin to understand it is to enter regularly into deep meditation, where you let go of everything and find that all is peace.
Additional Chakras Associated with Ajna
- The Forehead Chakra - also called Indu or Chandra (Moon) - has 16 petals, is white and ‘blossoms’ when we achieve exemplary spiritual consciousness.
- The Tantric Lower Forehead Centre is also known as the Manas (Mind) Chakra. It has six petals that are normally white but assume other colours associated with the five senses, plus mind.
These chakras are located between Ajna and Sahasrara.
Source: The Chakra Bible by Patricia Mercier
Main Characteristics at a Glance
Colour: Violet
Key Issues: Inner wisdom and death of the body
Physical Location: Top of the head
Associated Spinal area: None
Physiological System: Central nervous system and brain
Endocrine Gland: Pineal and pituitary
Nerve Plexus: Cerebral cortex
Inner Aspect: Release of karma
Physical Action: Meditation
Mental Action: Universal consciousness
Emotional Action: Beingness
Spiritual Action: Unity through transcendental consciousness