The harmonious functioning of the ajna chakra helps to look at situations objectively and without bias
The energy we need for self-development accumulates in six energy centers called "chakras," which translates as 'circular motions' or 'wheels.' There are many known chakras but only seven, those located along the Sushumna-nadi (the central energy channel), are considered primary. Among them is the Ajna-chakra, or the third eye chakra, the sixth in the human body. This chakra symbolizes the unconscious mind and characterizes one's connection with the higher reality, Brahman. Ajna connects people with their intuition, enabling mindful interaction with the world. It is believed that this chakra helps in healing diseases related to perception. Maintaining its balance helps to see things without the shadow of the ego — as they truly are.
"Ajna" translates from Sanskrit as 'to perceive' and 'to command.' It is considered the third, invisible eye — the energy center between the eyebrows — and is part of the subtle body, influencing the flow of energy and helping to see what is inaccessible to physical perception.
The Ajna-chakra is located in the center of the forehead, right between the eyebrows. Its color is indigo (deep blue) and it governs a free creative mentality, imagination, and confidence in one's creative abilities. The element of the sixth chakra is light, sometimes referred to as "ether" or "akasha."
The Ajna-chakra is responsible for intuition, wisdom, clairvoyance, imagination, concentration, mental clarity, spiritual perception, connection with the Higher Self, awareness, the ability to visualize, and decision-making.
There are a number of signs by which one can timely recognize that a blockage has occurred in the inter-brow center:
- Physical: headaches, vision problems, sinusitis.
- Emotional and mental: lack of intuition, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion in thoughts, dogmatism, narrow worldview, fear of the future, inability to make decisions, lack of imagination, excessive rationality, denial of the spiritual aspect of life, insomnia, nightmares.
Why is it necessary to promptly eradicate any imbalances in the functioning of the Ajna-chakra? Such imbalances impact people's entire lives, manifesting as difficulties in decision-making, a lack of goals, a loss of life direction, susceptibility to manipulation, a feeling of detachment from reality, or difficulties in communicating with oneself and the world. All of this slows down or completely stops the holistic development of one's personality. Therefore, the harmonious functioning of the sixth chakra is highly important.
Practices that activate and harmonize the sixth chakra, the area between the eyebrows, include:
- meditation on the Ajna-chakra: to do this, sit with a straight back and crossed legs, close your eyes, relax, and shift your focus to the area between the eyebrows; fully concentrating on this area, visualize a bright white light emanating from it. Continue the practice as long as possible;
- the mantra "Om": pronouncing the sacred sound "Aum" helps to activate the Ajna-chakra;
- asanas: a set including Sarvangasana, Shirshasana, and Viparita-karani mudra can be highly efficient.
The pronunciation of the sacred sound of the mantra “Om” (“Aum”) helps activate the ajna chakra
Harmonious functioning of the Ajna-chakra enables one to view situations objectively and impartially, provides good intuition, and helps to see the true essence of people and things, which in turn gives a powerful impetus for development — a factor of extreme importance. If you suddenly notice signs of imbalance in yourself, yoga and meditation practices will help you work through it and ascend higher along the evolutionary path.
May all your deeds be for the benefit of all living beings and may your practice be successful!