Creation-1: The Chakras

Overview

Creation is an act of God and is a manifestation of His divine powers. This power to procreate is one that led to the worship of the Shiva Linga. To understand the astrological principles involved, we...

Creation-1: The Chakras

Creation is an act of God and is a manifestation of His divine powers. This power to procreate is one that led to the worship of the Shiva Linga. To understand the astrological principles involved, we need to understand the Chakras[1] in the Human body.

The spectrum

It is scientifically established that the rays of the Sun are composed of a visible spectrum comprising of SEVEN COLORS in the acronym ROYGBIV [from the words Red (Mars), Orange (Sun), Yellow (Jupiter), Green (Mercury), Blue (Saturn), Indigo (Moon), Violet (Venus)]. The two extremities of the spectrum that are not visible to the naked eye (like the nodes that do not have bodies and are invisible) are Infrared the color of

Ketu that creates the Physical body and Ultra-violet the color of Rahu that destroys the body.

The Tripod of Life

The tripod of creation is the physical body (Lagna), the Mana (Moon/ Chandra Lagna) and the Atma or Soul (Sun/ Surya Lagna). This Physical body is visible to the human eye, but the subtle body influenced by the Mana is composed of ectoplasm[2] and is invisible.

The physical body is controlled by a powerful electric impulse communication system called the Nervous system that carries ‘color coded[3]’ messages within the body and controls the activities of the Physical body. The protection of the Physical body using physical means like gemstones or amulets etc is called Tantra[4]. Of these nine Naisargika karaka, the one planet that has caused our physical birth is the lord of the Janma Vighati[5].

At another level, the Mana comprising the subtle body is controlled by a subtle system of channels called Nadi’s[6] having SEVEN centers of energy called chakra’S. These Chakras control the energy flow in the subtle body and hence, indirectly control the physical body as well. Thus, the Physical and Subtle bodies are mutually dependant on each other for succor and survival. The Subtle body has a direct influence over our consciousness and emotions. The protection of the subtle body using energy means like phonemes or sound energy is called Mantra[7]. It maybe noted that unlike the physical body which is influenced by all forms of light including infrared and ultra-violet (i.e. Ketu & Rahu Graha), the subtle body is influenced only by the seven colors (ROYGBIV) of the visible spectrum forming centers (Chakras) at seven points in the vertical axis of the spinal column. These seven colors represent the seven planets from Sun to Saturn and exclude the invisible spectrum; these are the seven Sthira (fixed) Karaka.

Coming to the Atma, the fact that the soul has taken rebirth proves that it has not got Moksha (emancipation from the cycle of rebirth). Thus, in any scheme of planets trying to define the state of the Atma, the Moksha karaka Ketu will have to be excluded. This leaves us with the EIGHT CHARA KARAKA from Sun to Rahu. This is the real Spirit body.

The spiritual qualities of the soul are intact within us, but in a dormant state. Like the Atma, they can never be destroyed.

The Chakra

Being the repository of pure forms of energy, these seven Chakra’s form the subtle link between the other parts of the human being and the real self i.e. the Atma residing near the heart.

Kundalini Yoga refers to the method of rising of the energy from the base level of the Mooladhara to the Sahasrara Chakra. This movement of the energy has a powerful impact on the spiritual body where the consciousness of the Mana gets fixed on the Atma and the Mana realizes the nature of the true self.

When the Kundalini is awakened, the spiritual attributes start manifesting in the subtle (mental) and physical planes. This is achieved through a process of meditation comprising Dhyana, Dharana and Samadhi.

In the physical plane the person exhibits dynamism in all work without attachment for the results of his actions; a rare creativity is seen which is much beyond normal and if often attributed as God’s gift in various fields of human activity; it imbibes a high level of self confidence and esteem. The personal disposition is one of humility, caring and loving with compassion for one and all. The subtle body exhibits an Aura that can be photographed these days.

<strong>Note</strong><em>All planets rule all chakras and the level of planetary rulership assigned here is based on tattva manifestation as well as lokas. The correct order of planetary rulership is the same as the seven lokas.</em>

Mooladhara: Bhu Loka - Mars Lord

The first or lowest Chakra is situated at a level below the sacrum bone and is called the Mooladhara. This is the repository of the entire Kundalini Shakti. Manifested by Mercury (prithvi tattva), this is the child-like disposition in every person and its main aspect is innocence. It gives purity in thoughts and relationships. Rules by Prithvi Tatwa, it controls the feet and movement thereby giving clear directions. Smell is associated with this Chakra. It is also the root cause of speech as Mercury rules it.

Swadishthan Chakra: Bhuva Loka - Sun Lord

The second Chakra manifested by Venus gives creativity, attentiveness (i.e. a keen eye for details) and Apara Vidya (practical knowledge as Venus is the Asura Guru). We learn to differentiate and admire beauty. It indicates the power to concentrate and is also the source of renewed life and vigor. This region of the Chakra contains the private parts and the procreative abilities of Venus manifest. The worship of the Shiva Linga for the fulfillment of all desires as well as the Mritunjaya mantra for renewed life and vigor are, consequently indicated by Venus. Jala Tatwa extends from this Chakra to the next and rules ‘taste’.

Nabhi Chakra/Manipura: Svarga Loka - Venus Lord

The third Chakra manifested by Mars is the one that gives us physical strength. Before birth this feeds the body through the umbilical chord attached to the navel and hence, Mars the co- significator (Sthira karaka) for Mother. A strong Nabhi Chakra gives generosity and contentment besides relieving stress and tensions. Liver related diseases (Liver is in this region) can be cured by practising Mantra related to Mars.

It gives energies for spiritual quest unless these energies have been drained out by excessive sexuality in the previous Chakra. A sense of righteousness and fair play, morality and control over anger are indicated by this Chakra in its positive aspect. Agni Tatwa gives the power of sight. Thus, cleaning the navel with oils could cure sight related diseases.

The Void: Lower Nodes

Surrounding the second and the third Chakra is the Void, which is Maya or the “ocean of illusions” that can be traversed with the blessings of one’s Diksha[8] Guru. Agni Tatwa that permeates into this void from the Nabhi Chakra helps us to overcome Shadripu[9] and become Swatantra[10].

Anahata Chakra: Mahar Loka - Mercury Lord

The fourth Chakra in the region of the heart, is the place where the Atma resides with the Paramatma (like two parrots – the teacher and the pupil). This is the true Self that is a mute witness to all that is happening and learns from every episode or experience. It is unattached and beyond happiness and sorrow. Self Realization refers to the conscious knowledge of the existence of this Atma and its gradual dominance over the Mana and Body. The Moon ruling over the self-consciousness manifests this Chakra and, in the physical level, this covers the heart and lungs.

It causes compassion and love and is the seat of Bhakti Marga or the path of devotional love for God. It provides security and confidence and destroys worries, doubts and fears.

Vishuddhi Chakra: Janar Loka - Moon Lord

The fifth Chakra manifested by Saturn is in the region of the throat. This region of speech causes great loss of energy. Mauna Vrata[11] is practiced by saints to end enmity and recoup their energies.

Agya Chakra: Tapar Loka - Saturn Lord

The sixth Chakra manifested by Jupiter is in the region between the eyebrows and is popularly called the third eye. It gives compassion for all beings and saintly qualities and wisdom besides sixth sense. To forgive and forget leads to overcoming anger, hatred and resentment. This makes the person noble, humble and destroys the individual ego, eccentricities, bad habits, mean thoughts about people, places and customs and makes a person fair and equality minded.

Sahasrara Chakra: Satya Loka - Jupiter Lord

The thousand petals Lotus or Sahasrara Chakra is best understood from the following stanza of Hora Makarandh.

“(Obeisance) to the Victorious Bharati[12] riding a swan[13] in the lake (like mind[14] / intellect) which is akin to an agglomeration of learned Pandits. Her body is composed of Vedic speech[15] and a white garland[16] adorns her neck. She (guides us) to success like the Sun the king of the Grahas through the lotus-feet of the Guru.”

The Sun manifests this Chakra and is the cause of brilliance and great intelligence. It is the ultimate victor as it is the crown portion of the head.

Illustration

<strong>Case-1: Bhagavan Sri Ram</strong>

In the chart of Bhagavan Sri Ram, Mars is placed in the seventh house. It is well known that planets in the seventh house will destroy enemies or servants (both ruled by sixth house) depending on whether they are beneficial or malefic for the Lagna. In this chart, Mars is a Yogakaraka and very beneficial as it is involved in the highest Rajyoga (Dharma-Karmadhipati yoga) and shall be very beneficial for the Lagna. This is also confirmed by the fact that a great warrior like Sri Hanuman (Mars) considered himself as a servant of Sri Ram. As per the Pachakadi Sambandha[17] Mars shall be very inimical to the house in the 12th from its position. Thus, Mars destroys the sixth house of enemies and Rahu in it indicating the Asura King

Ravana.

It is noteworthy that during the battle Ram defeated Ravana and started cutting off his heads, one after another as they grew from the body. Jyotish teaches that the head of Rahu cannot be destroyed as he had consumed amrita during the Samudra Manthana. Thus, to try to kill Ravana by cutting off his head(s) would not be possible. Here Vibheeshana advises rama to aim at the Navel of Ravana. Why Navel? The Nabhi Chakra is ruled by Mars and in this area, the weapons of Mars will succeed. The Ram Ban aimed at the navel killed Ravana.

Upadesa#1: Good astrologers will study the Ramayana with the chart of Bhagavan Sri Ram and try to understand the Divine Incarnation.

Upadesa#2: Sri Achyuta Das teaches that Sri Ram adopted the Satya Narayana Vesha (dress/form) to establish Satya Sanatana. This Vesha of Bhagavan as a Sadhu/sage is rare and by meditating and constantly reciting His name, the blessing of Brihaspati comes.

In another instance in the Mahabharat, Aswatthama uses the Brahmastra (Bagalamukhi Vidya) and aims at the navel of Arjuna’s wife, but Bhagavan Sri Krishna absorbs the entire power of this powerful weapon into His body.

Upadesa#3: In this Kali Yuga, there is a lot of strife and we are unaware of the times when someone has knowingly or unknowingly used this powerful weapon of anger (Mars). Let us protect ourselves by reciting the Yuga mantra[18] as advised by Sri Achyuta Das.

OM TAT SAT

Footnotes

1. Concentrations of energy symbolized by different Lotus drawings in Hindu and Buddhist works.

1. Refer: Life beyond death by Swami Abhedananda

1. Color codes are defined as the qualitative influence of the Navagraha or the nine planets from Sun to Ketu to control the physical body. NOTE that NINE PLANETS ARE INVOLVED AT THE PHYSICAL LEVEL. These are the nine Naisargika (Natural) Karaka.

1. Tan means body and Trai means to protect.

1. Refer: Upadesa Sutra of Maharishi Jaimini.

1. Literally, channel (of energy).

1. Mana + Trai = Mantra i.e. Protection of Mana

1. Guru who initiates a disciple into a spiritual path.

1. Shad means Six and Ripu refers to the weaknesses indicated by the six M’s – Mada, Moha, Matsarya,

1. Literally independent or Free from bondage of any kind.

1. Mauna means silence and Vrata means Vow. Hence ‘Vow of silence’.

1. Bharati: Bharat is India and Bharati (Bharati+Devi) refers to Saraswati as Mother India or the Ista Devta of Bharata Varsha.

1. Hamsa – refers to the Swan which symbolizes the individual Atma / soul and as “Hamsi” (i.e. Hamsa+Devi) she is the guide to the soul or the “Guru” of the Atma. This word creates a mental picture of the Devi (Goddess) riding a Swan in a lake.

1. The mind in described in various Yoga texts as the “Sahasradala Padma” or the thousand- petal lotus. This is akin to a Sabha (conference) of Pandits (learned people). Thus, the mind is like a lake full of various forms and types of intelligence, thought inputs etc, on which the individual soul (Hamsa) swims around. The planets (forced definition of Graha) symbolize the various inputs on the mind i.e. the various “Pundits in the lake of the mind”. Like the Sun becoming the king (Indra / successful one / victorious ruler) of the Grahas, She is the Shakti of the Guru by whose grace the Hamsa (Individual soul) has (spiritual / material) success.

1. Vedic speech – Saraswati /Bharati is the Shakti (Yoga-Maya) of Brihaspati (also called Vachaspati) giver of Vedic speech. These sound syllables / phonemes (of the Sanskrit alphabet) define Her body. Just like the Sun becoming the king of the Graha’s, the word “Om” is the king of all phonemes and defines God.

1. Garland of white flowers: White symbolizes purity and represents the color of Brahman or the Pure light; flowers represent ‘Akash Tatwa’ that permeates all bodies and represents Vishnu; the Garland is like an amulet and is our offering that brings Her ‘guidance and protection’. Vishnu: defined by the phrase “Sarva Vyapakeshwara Devta” or Omnipresent aspect of God.

1. Sarvartha Chintamani by Vyankatesh Sarma

1. Yuga Mantra: HARE KRISHNA

Creation is an act of God and is a manifestation of His divine powers. This power to procreate is one that led to the worship of the Shiva Linga. To understand the astrological principles involved, we need to understand the Chakras[1] in the Human body.