SEVEN CYCLES OF YOGA AND ACTIVATION OF ‘CHAKRAS’FOR SPIRITUAL BLISS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNES

 SEVEN CYCLES  OF YOGA AND ACTIVATION OF ‘CHAKRAS’FOR SPIRITUAL BLISS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS

Dr. Goutam Patra

Principal (WBSES)

Government Training college Hooghly

gtmpatra21@gmail.com

 

Abstract: Yoga is the union of Individual self (through mind restraining process) with the Supreme Self. It is the restraint of mental operation (process) and the disconnection from desire causes sufferings. The practice of yoga is essential to all human beings whose inherent nature is to seek bliss staying free from miseries and suffering. It makes a balance (equanimity) between body, mind and soul. The secret of all round development and manifestation of vital force and cosmic energy lies in the root of Yoga. The important tools of a human being namely body, mind, breath, speech,  are used in the process of yoga to achieve the highest goal of human life namely Self- Realization, resulting in Pure Bliss. Thus, it is evident that yoga is not merely restricted to poses and acrobatic postures with impressive demonstrations, the sole purpose of yoga is the realization of self and the supreme self through the practice of ‘Astanga Yoga’. Yoga transforms one’s life to a transcendent bliss. It is possible when Seven Cycles of human body could be activated. So total development of personality, physical and mental wellness and above all, the manifestation of spirituality could be possible through the practice of Yoga and through receiving yoga education   properly in real life.

 Key Words: Seven Cycles, Muladhar Chakra, Swadhisthan  Chakra , Manipurrr Chakra , Anahata Chakra, Bishuddha Chakra , Agnan Chakra , Sahasrar Chakra,  Pramana, Viparyaya, Nidra ,Smriti, Vyaadhi, Moodha, Vikshipta, Ekaagra ,Niruddha, Vyaadhi, Styana, Samshaya ,Pramaada, Lethargy ,Aalasya, Avirati, Bhranti-darshana, buddhi,  Chittya vritti, Yama. Niyama, Asana,Pranayama,Pratihar

Introduction:

  The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means union  of the ‘self’ to the ‘supreme self’ The word “Yoga” means “yoke” or “unity” translated from Sanskrit, the classical language of India. It also means “discipline” or “effort.”

Yoga requires to make an effort to unify our body and mind.  We do this by concentrating our awareness on our physical body through breathing and postures. It is the aim of yoga to achieve purity and clarity of manas (mind), buddhi (intellect) and chitta (consciousness). ‘Yogaschittyavritti Nirodha’ Yoga is restraining the mid-stuff from taking various  forms (vrittis) This removal of impurities allows the individual to realize and remain in original and normal state of uncontaminated joy and bliss.     

The seven cycles (or stages) of Indian Yoga often refer to stages of spiritual development or practice outlined in yogic traditions, particularly in Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Tantra. While interpretations vary across texts and lineages, one widely accepted framework within traditional Indian yogic philosophy—especially as expounded in texts like the Yoga Vasistha or Hatha Yoga Pradipika—breaks spiritual development into seven bhumikas (planes or stages).

Seven Stages (Cycles) of Yoga:

Here are the Seven Stages (Cycles) of Yoga, often called the Seven Bhumikas:

1. Shubheccha (The Good Desire)

Meaning: The desire for truth and spiritual knowledge arises.

Qualities: Interest in spiritual books, satsang (holy company), and detachment from worldly pleasures.

Stage of the seeker: Intellectual curiosity and initial longing for liberation.

2. Vicharana (Self-Inquiry)

Meaning: Deep, rational inquiry into the nature of the Self and reality.

Qualities: Discrimination (viveka), renunciation (vairagya), and practice of ethical living (yamas and niyamas).

Stage of the seeker: Actively exploring and testing spiritual truths.

3. Tanumanasa (Attenuation of Mind)

Meaning: The mind becomes thin like a thread—less distracted by worldly thoughts.

Qualities: Deep meditative practices; desire for liberation intensifies; fewer mental fluctuations.

Stage of the seeker: Devoted practitioner, strong spiritual focus.

4. Sattvapatti (Attainment of Purity)

Meaning: One attains a purified state of mind, dominated by sattva (purity, balance).

Qualities: Constant awareness of the Self; worldly desires vanish.

Stage of the seeker: Beginning of stable realization; glimpses of true knowledge.

5. Asamsakti (Non-Attachment)

Meaning: Complete detachment from the world, even while functioning in it.

Qualities: No reaction to pleasure or pain; deep peace; spiritual freedom.

Stage of the seeker: Lives in the world but is unaffected by it

6. Padartha Bhavana (Perception of Truth)

Meaning: Sees all beings and objects as Brahman (universal consciousness).

Qualities: Duality dissolves; perception is non-dual (advaita).

Stage of the seeker: Established in cosmic consciousness

7. Turiya (The Transcendental State)

Meaning: Beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—a state of pure consciousness.

Qualities: Permanent liberation (moksha); unity with Brahman.

Stage of the seeker: Fully enlightened sage (jivanmukta).

Summary Table:

Stage	Name	Meaning	Key Traits
1	Shubheccha	Auspicious desire	Longing for truth, detachment
2	Vicharana	Inquiry	Discernment, exploration
3	Tanumanasa	Subtle mind
4	Sattvapatti	Purity of mind	Self-awareness, clarity
5	Asamsakti	Non-attachment	Inner detachment, stillness
6	Padartha Bhavana	Knowledge of Reality	Non-dual perception
7	Turiya	Transcendental Consciousness	Final liberation, pure Self

 

Seven Main Energy Centersor Chakras:

There are seven main energy centers in the subtle body (sukshma sharira) according to Indian yogic and tantric traditions. These chakras are considered key to spiritual awakening, physical health, and emotional balance.

 

                 

 

 

Here’s a detailed explanation of the 7 Chakras:

🌈 1. Mūlādhāra Chakra (Root Chakra)

Location: Base of the spine (perineum)

Element: Earth (Prithvi)

Color: Red

Beeja Mantra: Lam

Symbol: 4-petaled lotus

Associated Gland: Adrenal glands

Qualities: Survival, stability, grounding, basic trust

When Balanced: Feel secure, grounded, and stable

When Imbalanced: Fear, anxiety, insecurity

 

🌊 2. Svādhiṣṭhāna Chakra (Sacral Chakra)

Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel

Element: Water (Apas)

Color: Orange

Beeja Mantra: Vam

Symbol: 6-petaled lotus

Associated Gland: Reproductive glands

Qualities: Creativity, pleasure, sexuality, emotions

When Balanced: Emotional balance, creative expression

When Imbalanced: Guilt, sexual issues, emotional instability

🔥 3. Maṇipūra Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)

Location: Navel area

Element: Fire (Agni)

Color: Yellow

Beeja Mantra: Ram

Symbol: 10-petaled lotus

Associated Gland: Pancreas

Qualities: Power, will, confidence, digestion

When Balanced: Confidence, motivation, good digestion

When Imbalanced: Shame, lack of willpower, digestive issues

💚 4. Anāhata Chakra (Heart Chakra)

 

Location: Center of chest

Element: Air (Vayu)

Color: Green

Beeja Mantra: Yam

Symbol: 12-petaled lotus

Associated Gland: Thymus

Qualities: Love, compassion, connection, forgiveness

When Balanced: Love for self and others, empathy

When Imbalanced: Grief, loneliness, jealousy

🔮 5. Viśuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)

Location: Throat

Element: Ether (Akasha)

Color: Blue

Beeja Mantra: Ham

Symbol: 16-petaled lotus

Associated Gland: Thyroid

Qualities: Communication, truth, self-expression

When Balanced: Clear speech, truthful expression

When Imbalanced: Fear of speaking, lying, sore throat

👁️ 6. Ājñā Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)

Location: Between the eyebrows (brow center)

Element: Mind/light

Color: Indigo

Beeja Mantra: Om

Symbol: 2-petaled lotus

Associated Gland: Pituitary

Qualities: Intuition, insight, wisdom

When Balanced: Strong intuition, clarity of vision

When Imbalanced: Confusion, headaches, lack of foresight

👑 7. Sahasrāra Chakra (Crown Chakra)

Location: Top of the head (crown)

Element: Beyond elements (Consciousness)

Color: Violet or White

Beeja Mantra: Silent Om or just silence

Symbol: 1000-petaled lotus

Associated Gland: Pineal gland

Qualities: Enlightenment, union with the Divine, cosmic consciousness

When Balanced: Bliss, spiritual connection

When Imbalanced: Spiritual disconnection, depression

🧘‍♂️ Summary Table:

Chakra	Location	Element	Mantra
Mūlādhāra	Base of spine	Earth	Lam
Svādhiṣṭhāna	Below navel	Water	Vam
Maṇipūra	Navel	Fire	Ram
Anāhata	Heart	Air	Yam
Viśuddha	Throat	Ether	Ham
Ājñā	Between eyebrows	Mind	Om
Sahasrāra	Crown Beyond	Silence	Silent Om

 

Functions of Chakras:

1.      The Muladhara chakra, also known as the root chakra, is the foundation of the body's energy system, impacting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is associated with stability, security, grounding, and a sense of belonging, while also influencing our survival instincts and connection to the physical world. Balancing this chakra can improve physical strength, emotional stability, and a deeper sense of connection to oneself and the Earth.

Here's a more detailed look at the Muladhara chakra's functions:

1. Foundation for Spiritual Growth:

The Muladhara chakra is considered the base for all other chakras, creating a solid foundation for spiritual development.

It serves as the starting point for personal growth, enabling the activation of higher chakras and a deeper connection with one's purpose.

2. Physical and Mental Well-being:

It influences physical health, including digestive function and overall energy levels.

A balanced Muladhara chakra contributes to a sense of security and stability, promoting emotional well-being and mental clarity.

It can improve focus, concentration, and the ability to persevere towards goals.

3. Connection to the Physical World:

It enhances the connection to the physical world, including nature and the Earth.

It fosters a sense of belonging and grounding, making individuals feel connected to their surroundings and their bodies.

It strengthens survival instincts and the ability to meet fundamental needs.

4. Emotional and Spiritual Stability:

It plays a crucial role in emotional stability, fostering a sense of calmness and inner peace.

It promotes a positive outlook and a deeper understanding of one's place in the universe.

It helps individuals connect with their life's purpose and lead a more meaningful existence.

5. Impact on Daily Life:

A balanced Muladhara chakra can lead to improved stability, physical health, and financial well-being.

It enhances confidence and a sense of self-worth, enabling individuals to pursue their goals and dreams with greater assurance.

In essence, the Muladhara chakra is the foundation upon which our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives are built. Balancing this chakra promotes a sense of grounding, stability, and security, which are essential for overall well-being and spiritual growth.                                               

2.      The Swadhisthana chakra, also known as the sacral chakra, is primarily associated with creativity, pleasure, emotions, and sexuality. It is located in the lower abdomen, between the hips and belly button. A balanced Swadhisthana chakra promotes feelings of joy, sensuality, and a connection to one's emotions. It also governs the ability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. 

Here's a more detailed look at its functions:

·         Emotional Regulation:

The Swadhisthana chakra is linked to emotional stability and the ability to experience and express emotions authentically. 

·         Creativity and Inspiration:

It is a center for creative energy and inspiration, enabling individuals to express their unique ideas and talents. 

·         Sexuality and Intimacy:

The sacral chakra is associated with sexual energy and the ability to experience intimacy and pleasure. 

·         Desire and Enjoyment:

It governs the ability to experience and express desires, and to find satisfaction in life's pleasures. 

·         Bodily Fluids:

The Swadhisthana chakra is connected to the water element and governs bodily fluids. 

·         Intuition:

A healthy Swadhisthana chakra can enhance intuition and a sense of knowing. 

·         Self-Worth:

A balanced sacral chakra contributes to a healthy sense of self-worth and acceptance. 

·         Fluidity and Flexibility:

It promotes flexibility in dealing with change and adapting to new situations. 

·         Relationship Dynamics:

A balanced sacral chakra helps in navigating relationships and creating healthy, fulfilling connections. 

 

3.                  The Manipura Chakra, or Solar Plexus Chakra, is the third chakra and is considered the "power chakra," responsible for personal power, ambition, and self-discipline. It governs self-esteem, confidence, willpower, and digestive health. 

Here's a more detailed look at its functions:

Psychological and Emotional:

·         Self-Esteem and Confidence:

A balanced Manipura Chakra fosters a positive self-image and helps overcome fear and self-doubt. 

·         Personal Power:

It influences the ability to take action, make decisions, and assert oneself. 

·         Willpower:

It supports perseverance, ambition, and the ability to follow through on goals. 

·         Emotional Stability:

A healthy Manipura Chakra promotes emotional resilience and a sense of inner harmony. 

·         Purpose and Motivation:

It fuels a sense of purpose and helps individuals find meaning and direction in life. 

·         Transformation:

It is associated with the ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. 

Physical:

• Metabolism and Digestion: The Manipura Chakra is linked to the digestive system and overall metabolic health. 
• Physical Vitality: It contributes to physical strength and vitality. 
• Energy: It helps in managing and transforming energy. 

Other Functions:

·         Transitional State:

It is considered a transitional state between the conscious and subconscious mind, influencing the thoughts and emotions that arise in the subconscious.

·         Center of Fear:

Some traditions associate it with the center of fear, highlighting the importance of overcoming fear for personal growth. 

 

In essence, the Manipura Chakra is the center of power, confidence, and personal transformation. A balanced Manipura Chakra enables individuals to live with purpose, take action, and overcome challenges with resilience and self-assurance. 

                       

4.      The Heart Chakra, also known as Anahata in Sanskrit, is primarily responsible for love, compassion, empathy, and emotional balance. It's considered the center of love, forgiveness, and kindness, both for oneself and others. A balanced Heart Chakra fosters the ability to give and receive affection, build healthy relationships, and experience self-love. 

Here's a more detailed look at its functions:

·         Love and Compassion:

The Heart Chakra is the seat of unconditional love, both for oneself and others. 

·         Empathy and Forgiveness:

It facilitates the ability to understand and connect with others' emotions, as well as to forgive oneself and others. 

·         Emotional Balance:

A balanced Heart Chakra helps to regulate emotions and find a sense of harmony. 

·         Healthy Relationships:

It promotes the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships based on love and understanding. 

·         Spiritual Connection:

The Heart Chakra bridges the gap between the lower, physical chakras and the higher, spiritual chakras, facilitating a connection between the physical and spiritual realms. 

·         Self-Love:

It encourages self-acceptance, self-worth, and a sense of belonging. 

 

1.The Function of the Anahata ChakraThe Anahata Chakra is the heart of emotional intelligence, enabling us to feel deeply, love unconditionally, and maintain inner harmony. It governs the way we connect with others and ourselves, offering the emotional balance necessary for personal growth and spiritual development

 

5. The throat chakra, also known as Vishuddha, is the fifth of the seven main chakras in the chakra system. It governs communication, self-expression, and creativity, helping individuals to express their authentic thoughts and feelings. When balanced, it enables clear and confident communication, creativity, and the ability to speak one's truth. 

Here's a more detailed look at what the throat chakra does:

Key Functions:

·         Communication:

Facilitates clear, honest, and assertive communication, both verbally and nonverbally. 

·         Self-Expression:

Enables individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions authentically. 

·         Creativity:

Supports creative thinking, artistic expression, and the ability to generate new ideas. 

·         Hearing and Listening:

Promotes active listening and the ability to hear and understand others. 

·         Connecting with Truth:

Helps individuals connect with their inner truth and speak their personal truth. 

Imbalances:

·         Difficulty Communicating:

May experience challenges in expressing themselves clearly or feeling hesitant to speak their truth. 

·         Suppressed Emotions:

May struggle to articulate their feelings or hold back from expressing them fully. 

·         Creative Blockages:

May experience difficulties in generating creative ideas or expressing them. 

·         Inability to Listen:

May struggle to actively listen to others or understand their perspectives. 

Balancing the Throat Chakra:

• Self-expression exercises: Practice singing, writing, journaling, or engaging in creative activities. 
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Use techniques like chanting (mantra) or focused meditation to quiet the mind and cultivate self-awareness. 
• Positive Affirmations: Repeat affirmations that support clear communication and self-expression. 
• Yoga Poses: Incorporate poses that open the throat and encourage healthy communication, such as the fish pose or the cobra pose. 

 

6.  The Ajna chakra, also known as the Third Eye, is a key energy center in the chakra system that governs intuition, perception, and mental clarity. It's located between the eyebrows and is associated with inner wisdom, spiritual understanding, and the ability to see beyond the physical world. When balanced, it enhances intuition, improves decision-making, and fosters a stronger connection to the higher self. 

Here's a more detailed look at its functions: 

• Intuition and Perception: The Ajna chakra allows for accessing intuitive insights and understanding beyond logical reasoning.
• Mental Clarity and Focus: It supports clear thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Spiritual Awareness and Connection: It helps individuals connect to higher consciousness and spiritual knowledge, fostering a sense of purpose.
• Imagination and Creativity: The Ajna chakra can enhance imagination and the ability to visualize, leading to increased creativity.
• Insight and Wisdom: It encourages inner wisdom, allowing individuals to recognize deeper truths and patterns in life.
• Emotional Balance: By balancing the mind and emotions, it promotes a sense of inner peace and stability.
• Perception Beyond the Physical: It enables connection to energies and realities beyond the five senses.

 

7. The Sahasrara chakra, or Crown Chakra, is the highest of the seven chakras and is associated with spiritual awakening, connection to the divine, and self-realization. It facilitates a sense of oneness with the universe and guides individuals towards inner peace and wisdom. When balanced, the Sahasrara chakra can lead to profound spiritual awareness, a deep connection to the divine, and a sense of interconnectedness with all beings. 

Located at the crown of the head, the Crown Chakra, or Sahasrara Chakra in Sanskrit, is the seventh energy center in the chakra system. It is the highest point in the body and acts as a bridge between our physical selves and the spiritual world.

To activate the sahasrara chakra, also known as the crown chakra, focus on practices that promote mindfulness, spiritual connection, and a sense of higher awareness. This can be achieved through meditation, yoga, affirmations, and the use of specific crystals

Conclusion: Chakra balancing practices help to clear blockages and release stagnant energy, allowing for improved mental clarity and focus. A balanced crown chakra, promotes spiritual connection and higher consciousness, leading to a greater sense of purpose and clarity in life. By balancing the seven main chakras, which are energy centers in the body, individuals can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve their overall health. 

 

Balanced chakras facilitate the free flow of energy throughout the body, as described in Yoga and other practices. This can lead to a greater sense of vitality and overall well-being. Chakra meditation can help to release stagnant energy and reduce stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Balanced chakras support emotional stability and resilience, helping individuals cope with challenges more effectively. By clearing blockages in the chakras, meditation can enhance mental clarity, focus, and concentration. Chakra meditation can foster deeper insights into one's physical, emotional, and spiritual states, promoting self-awareness. A balanced crown chakra, located at the top of the head, is believed to promote a greater sense of spiritual connection and higher consciousness. Meditation helps to Visualize each chakra as a spinning wheel, a lotus flower, a bright light, or anything else that works for us. It helps to move from the bottom of your spine upwards to the top of your head.

Chakras refer to the focal points in the body where the universal life force (Vishwaprana) flows. It is traditionally believed that bodies would go dormant and eventually dissolve if they didn't receive that steady supply of positivity and energy. Chakras are not only portals through which cosmic life power can enter and leave the body but they also act as stores for it and function as focal points from which this energy can be intelligently channeled. The goal of many traditional yoga practices is to alter the way that energy flows through the chakras. They include asanas, poses, breathing techniques, imagery exercises, and mantras.

Chakras are imagined as energy centers throughout the body that resemble spinning discs or multicolored Lotus flowers. There are hundreds of these energy centers in the human body, but seven are essential for self-healing and spiritual development. Each chakra center is connected to different aspects of our being (emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental) and thus must be learned or understood to heal and grow.

 

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