Welcome back to the Chakra Series.
Before we understand what actually is Third Chakra or the Manipura Chakra, let’s recall.
What are Chakras ?
Chakra is a Sanskrit word which means wheel or a disk.
There are seven spinning wheels, inside all of us. They are aligned parallel to the spine, starting from the base of the spine to the crown of our head. Each chakra has certain qualities and associations.
Basics about Third Chakra: Manipura Chakra
Third Chakra : Manipura Chakra
Source :User:AndyKali, modified by User:Iṣṭa Devatā, License
English meaning of the Third Chakra : Manipura Chakra
Manipura translates from Sanskrit as the “City of Jewels” (Mani – gem, Pura or Puri – city).
Location
The Solar Plexus (branching network of vessels or nerves) Chakra is located slightly above the navel.
Symbol /Element /Color
Manipura is represented by downward of a red triangle signifying the element fire within a bright yellow circle enclosed by ten rain clouds. Fire is the element associated with this Chakra.
Yellow is the color associated with this Chakra.
Seed Mantra
RAM is the seed mantra of this Chakra.
Function
Manipura Chakra influences our self-esteem, personal power, will power,energy.
“Manipura is considered the center of dynamism, energy, will power, and achievement (Itcha shakti), which radiates prana throughout the entire human body. It is associated with the power of fire and digestion, as well as with the sense of sight and the action of movement. Through meditating on Manipura, one is said to attain the power to create (save) or destroy the world.” Source
People who have a strong third chakra have great inner strength.They have a purpose in life, a career and are self-confidence.
When the energy doesn’t flow from this Chakra, then we lack confidence and self esteem.
“It is the power center of the body. Will power, being perfectionistic and self critical is a problem with a third chakra imbalance. You may feel weighed down emotionally and physically (weight problems). You may have diseases associated with the stomach (eating disorders), upper bowel (Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis, malabsorption/ maldigestion), kidneys, gall bladder, liver (all three organs can have stones), addictions, pancreas (diabetes) and adrenal glands. Excessive yang can lead to aggressiveness or greed. Balance of this chakra will give self-motivation.” Source
Yoga poses for balancing Third Chakra: Manipura Chakra
NAVASANA or the Boat Pose
Naukasana – The Boat Pose
Source "Paripurna-Navasana Yoga-Asana Nina-Mel" by Kennguru. License
BOW POSE
Bow pose
Warrior Poses
- Includes all three Warrior Poses
Warrior Pose 3 or Virabhadrasana 3
There are still 4 more Chakras to go, till then Happy Practicing.
