Manipura Chakra: Cosmic Door, Psyche, Digestive Fire

 

The Manipūra Chakra is closely connected to the psyche. Psychic problems frequently give rise to digestive problems. For example, many people react to fear or stressful situations with abdominal pain or diarrhoea.

 

The Tattva (element) of the Manipūra Chakra is TEJAS (fire), and therefore this Chakra is also known as the Fire or Sun Centre. The Fire Element manifests within the body as body heat.

 

The Manipūra Chakra controls our energy balance and supplies the digestive organs with energy. When it fans and regulates the “digestive fire” it also makes an important contribution to a stable and healthy constitution.

 

The Manipūra Chakra is also described as the “Cosmic Door” because it provides an entry for numerous astral powers. It is the centre of the HARA , a power centre or “Lion’s Centre” that bestows upon us balance, stability, strength and activity. It works as an energy transformer that converts and supplies the body with the cosmic energy (Prāna) that is absorbed with our food.

 

On the physical level the function of this Chakra is similar to that of a fireplace. When we put wood into the grate the flames are fed; but when the wood is almost gone the fire will gradually die. The “firewood” for our digestive fire (Jatharāgni) is the food that we eat. Foods that have a strong, positive vibration are grains, nuts, fruit and vegetables. So just as bad wood does not burn well, food of a lesser quality also generates less power and poorer health; and “heated” reactions such as rage, anger and aggression also draw energy from the Manipūra Chakra and as a result weaken it.

 

A good fireplace will provide heat for a long time without constantly having to put on more wood; but a badly functioning fireplace does not heat as well and will cool down as soon as the fuel begins to run low. When the energy of our food is not properly absorbed, utilised and distributed in the Manipūra Chakra we feel tired, weak and ill, but with an active Manipūra Chakra the body is provided with sufficient energy, even if we have only eaten or slept a little. This is why the Manipūra Chakra is the most important energy centre for our physical well-being.

 

An imbalance or blockage in the Manipūra Chakra paralyses and destroys our energy and triggers diverse physical and psychic problems. If we are unable to think clearly, to express our thoughts and feelings, or if our mind is foggy there is often a disturbance in the Manipūra Chakra. Numerous complaints such as Diabetes, skin diseases, cardio-vascular diseases, Gout, Arthritis, rheumatic diseases, many types of migraines, allergies and many more can trace their origin back to a lack of energy within the Manipūra Chakra and a badly functioning digestive system.

 

It is tremendously important for both our physical and mental health that we consume healthy, energy giving food that has a pure, positive vibration. Before we eat we should find out where the food has come from and what qualities it contains. It is not only the nutrients that are important but also the subtle vibrations of the food, which have a marked effect on the body, mind and our spiritual energy. These vibrations can considerably alter our physical wellbeing, our thoughts, feelings and vitality. A basic question we should put to ourselves is: “Is the food we are eating connected with the pain, suffering or death of any living being?”

 

There are two basic functions within the body – reception of energy (Prāna) and elimination of waste (Apāna). The energies of Prāna and Apāna meet at the Manipūra Chakra. They represent the two basic functions of giving and taking, expansion and contraction, assimilation and elimination. Both forces should be able to function freely; disturbances or blockages lead to illness and, in extreme cases, even to death.

 

Prāna is the “receiving power” that enables and controls the supply of energy to the body. Its seat is in the upper body. Through this Prāna we receive oxygen, which is essential for life, and the life force that exists within the air we breathe.

 

Apāna is the “eliminating power” that brings about detoxification through excretion, secretion and exhalation. Its seat is in the lower abdomen. If Apāna Vāyu cannot flow freely then it results in toxicity within the body. Illnesses or diseases that affect the lower abdomen, intestines, kidneys, urinary tract, legs, etc., result from a disturbance of Apāna Vāyu.

 

Prāna and Apāna not only have a physical but also a very important spiritual function. Through certain advanced Yoga techniques (Kriyās) the energy currents of Prāna and Apāna can be united in the Manipūra Chakra and guided into the Sushumnā Nādī (Central Nervous System). When this occurs the Kundalinī energy rises to the Sahasrāra Chakra and the meditator experiences the state of Samādhi, supreme consciousness.

 

 

 

Featured Image Art: Baruska A Michalcikova