By Ashwini Guruji of Dhyan Ashram
Last time, we performed an experiment where we scanned the navel region with the palm chakras. I received many emails from people sharing experience ranging from pulsations, attraction, repulsion, warmth, coolness, tingling in the palms, etc.
We exist in layers; the physical body is just one of them. What you experienced was the layer immediately next to the physical body, often called the 'aura' or pranamaya kosha that which controls what happens in your physical body.
Body is the vehicle of the soul. But it isn’t permanent, and will cease to exist one day. However, how fast the body deteriorates (or ages) is in our hands. The vedic rishis had mastered the body and its various layers and gave us the science of yog. These rishis continued in a strong, glowing and youthful body till they breathed their last. In present times, the glow and attraction of the sadhaks who are practicing the Sanatan Kriya in totality are living proof of the efficacy of this vedic science of yog.
In Yog, optimal utilization of resources is the key to a healthy body. There are seven major chakras in the body, that work like exhaust fans, throwing out used prana (so that there is no stagnation/diseases) and bringing in fresh prana. This process is what keeps the body in balance. Each chakra, controls vital functioning of certain organs/parts of the body. Any excess/depletion of prana in these chakras is what causes illnesses/diseases to occur. Therefore, it is very important to do certain practices to purify both the physical & etheric layers and strengthen it.
I detail here a powerful pranayam from the Sanatan Kriya, the regular practice of which will leave the body healthier, in balance and less susceptible to diseases.
Chakra Santulan Pranayam redistributes the prana that runs in our bodies as per the requirement of the chakras, filling where there is depletion and removing where there is excess. Thus keeping diseases at bay.
To do the kriya,
1. Sit in Vajrasana.
2. Close your eyes and take a full yogic breath (combination of abdominal and thoracic breathing).
3. Release the breath and take the palms down facing the Mooladhar chakra (located at the base of the spine) (Photo 1).
4. Begin inhalation in ujjai and simultaneously raise your palms to the Swadhishthan (located two fingers above the Mooladhar) (Photo 2) continue inhaling and raise palms to Manipoorak (located at the navel) (Photo 3), Anahad (located at the centre of the chest cavity) (Photo 4), Vishuddhi (located in the region of the throat) (Photo 5), and Agya (located between the eyebrows) (Photo 6).
5. Finally extend your palms towards the skies and be aware of the Sahastrar chakra, like a golden globe between the arms. (Photo 7). Hold your breath and posture for few seconds.
6. Then slowly exhaling, bring the palms down, stopping momentarily at each chakra, till you come down to the Mooladhar.
This completes one cycle of the pranayam. A set of seven such cycles would complete one set of the Chakra Santulan. The key point to note in this practice is that one cycle of hand movements has to be synchronised with one breathing cycle. Do not under any circumstances strain yourself. Build up very slowly.
The first few times, maybe for a month you would find that your hands are moving very fast up and down. It is alright.
Every chakra is responsible for specific bodily functions and needs, the properties and abilities of these chakras are detailed in the book 'Sanatan Kriya, Essence of Yoga'. In advanced stages of the practice, one is taught how to use the chakras and their force towards specific results.
*) Ashwini Guruji is the Guiding Light of Dhyan Foundation and an authority on the Vedic sciences. His book, 'Sanatan Kriya, The Ageless Dimension' is an acclaimed thesis on anti-ageing.