BASE CHAKRA -Muladhara

 Chakra 1

Mooladhara is the lowest of the chakras. It is known as the root center (mool - root, adhara - place). There are also centers below mooladhara, which represent the lower animal levels of consciousness. These are active in animals, but dormant in human beings.

Mooladhara is symbolized by a deep red lotus with four petals, upon which are inscribed the mantras am, yam, sham, sham, sam. In the center is a yellow square and the bija mantra lam. In the center of the square is a red triangle with its apex pointing downward. Within the triangle is the smoky coloured swayambhu linga, encircled by a golden serpent with three and a half coils. The triangle is riding on an elephant with seven trunks which symbolizes the stability and solidarity of earth. The presiding deities are Brahma, the creator of the universe, and goddess Dakini, who is the controller of the skin element of the body.

Mooladhara is called the root center because it is the seat or dwelling place of primal energy, kundalini shakti. The kundalini is in the form of a serpent in deep sleep, coiled around swayambhu linga. It is the source of all energy in man and the universe, whether sexual, emotional, mental, psychic or spiritual. Energy (Shakti) is only one, however, the center through which it manifests itself gives it various qualities and attributes.

To awaken this energy through self-purification and concentration of mind, and to lead it up to the higher chakras and ultimately to sahasrara, where, as pure energy (Shakti), it unites with the pure consciousness (Shiva), is the aim of yoga.

The root centre is seated at the base of the spine. At this level the energies manifesting in the human system have reached their slowest rate of vibration. If we think of the energy vibration in terms of sound this would represent the deepest note as produced, for example, by the tuba or double bassoon. In fact music of these coarser vibrations such as military band music or certain kinds of jazz does produce a noticeable effect at the lowest centre and tends to produce the urge to move the feet as in marching, stamping or strutting.

The vibration of energy in the human system through a chakra produces an experience which in Hindu terminology is called a tattwa and in Western terms an element. The element of the root chakra is the quality of solidity in other words the earth element.

The earth element gives us the quality of cohesive resistance and weight or solidness. At this level one has the experience of security and satisfaction in one s existing state and of being comfortable as one is, therefore there is no urge to move or change to another state. The earth element vibration gives one the experience of having one's feet firmly on the ground. It is a very real fact that at times when we feel insecure and nervous the vital currents are not earthed through our lowest centre.

This chakra naturally governs all that is solid in the body such as the bones, teeth and nails. The sense of smell is associated with this level. All creatures that are very close to the earth have a strong sense of smell. We also see this in people; those who are very acute in material matters very often have prominent noses.

ASNAS  FOR CHAKRA 1

BASE CHAKRA QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES