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Third eye

The third eye (also known as the inner eye) is a mystical and esoteric concept referring in part to the ajna (brow) chakra in certain Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. It is also spoken of as the gate that leads within to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In New Age spirituality, the third eye may alternately symbolize a state of enlightenment or the evocation of mental images having deeply personal spiritual or psychological significance. The third eye is often associated with visions, clairvoyance (which includes the ability to observe chakras and auras), precognition, and out-of-body experiences. People who have allegedly developed the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers. 

Symbolism 

In Hinduism and Buddhism

Cambodian Shiva head with third eye

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the third eye is a symbol of enlightenment (see moksha and nirvana). In the Indian tradition, it is referred to as the gyananakashu, "the eye of knowledge", which is the seat of the "teacher inside" or antar-guru. The third eye is the ajna chakra (sixth chakra) also known as brow chakra or brow center. This is commonly denoted in Indian and East Asian iconography with a dot, eye or mark on the forehead of deities or enlightened beings, such as Shiva, the Buddha, or any number of yogis, sages and bodhisattvas. This symbol is called the "Third Eye" or "Eye of Wisdom", or, in Buddhism, the urna. In Hinduism, it is believed that the opening of Shiva's third eye causes the eventual destruction of the physical universe.

Many Hindus wear a tilaka between the eyebrows to represent the third eye.

In the Upanishads, a human being is likened to a city with ten gates. Nine gates (eyes, nostrils, ears, mouth, urethra, anus) lead outside to the sensory world. The third eye is the tenth gate and leads to inner realms housing myriad spaces of consciousness.

Chakra	Color	Primary Functions	Associated Element	Location	Open or Balance	Foods
Third eye ājñā, आज्ञा	indigo	Direct perception, intuition, imagination, visualization, concentration, Self-mastery, Extra Sensory Perception	time / light	Between the eyebrows. (Pineal gland)	Meditation, guided visualization.	Dark bluish colored fruits, Liquids, Spices

Mormonism

In Mormonism the third eye is called the spiritual eye. However, no Latter Day Saint has ever founded a system of Mormon mysticism or yoga to teach adherents how to develop their spiritual eye. 

Theosophy

C.W. Leadbeater, who said he was clairvoyant, stated he viewed his chakras and his aura with his third eye and published a book called The Chakras in 1927 with illustrations depicting the appearance of the chakras. 

In the Western Wisdom Teachings

According to Max Heindel's Rosicrucian writings, called Western Wisdom Teachings, the third eye is localized in the pituitary body and the pineal gland. It was said that in the far past, when man was in touch with the inner worlds, these organs were his means of ingress thereto, and they will again serve that purpose at a later stage. According to this view, they were connected with the involuntary or sympathetic nervous system and to regain contact with the inner worlds (to reawaken the pituitary body and the pineal gland) it is necessary to establish the connection of the pineal gland and the pituitary body with the cerebrospinal nervous system. It was said that when that is accomplished, man will again possess the faculty of perception in the higher worlds (i.e. clairvoyance), but on a grander scale than it was in the distant past, because it will be in connection with the voluntary nervous system and therefore under the control of his will. 

Gnostic teachings

According to the gnostic teachings of Samael Aun Weor, the third eye is referenced symbolically and functionally several times in the Book of Revelation, which as a whole is seen as a work describing Kundalini and its progression upwards through three and a half turns and seven chakras. This interpretation equates the third eye with the sixth of the seven churches of Asia detailed therein, the Church of Philadelphia. 

Elsewhere

The third eye is used in many meditation schools and arts, such as in yoga, qigong, many Chinese martial arts, Zen, and in Japanese martial arts such as Karate and Aikido.

In terms of Kabbalah, the Ajna chakra is attributed to the sphere of Chokmah, or Wisdom, although others regard the third eye as corresponding to the non-emanated sephirah of da'ath (knowledge). 

Technique

In Taoism and many traditional Chinese religious sects such as "chan", "third eye training" involves focusing attention on the point between the eyebrows with the eyes closed in various qigong postures. The goal of this training is to allow students to have the ability in tuning into right vibration of the universe and gain solid foundation into more advanced meditation levels.

In theory, the third eye, also called the mind's eye, is situated right between the two eyes, and expands up to the middle of the forehead when opened. It is one of the main energy centers of the body located at the sixth chakra (the third eye is in fact a part of the main meridian, the line separating left and right hemispheres of the body). In Taoist alchemy the third eye is correlated with the upper dantian. 

The pineal gland

Some writers and researchers, including H.P. Blavatsky and Rick Strassman, have suggested that the third eye is in fact the partially dormant pineal gland, which resides between the two hemispheres of the brain. Various types of lower vertebrates, such as reptiles and amphibians, can actually sense light via a third parietal eye—a structure associated with the pineal gland—which serves to regulate their circadian rhythms, and for navigation, as it can sense the polarization of light. 

Expanded clairvoyance

C.W. Leadbeater claimed that by extending an "etheric tube" from the third eye, it is possible for one to develop microscopic vision and telescopic vision. It has been asserted by Stephen Phillips that the third eye's microscopic vision is capable of observing objects as small as quarks. 

In fiction

Erlang Shen  is a Chinese God with a third true-seeing eye in the middle of his forehead that exists in folklores who also appears in Chinese fictions, Journey to the West and Fengshen Yanyi.

H.P. Lovecraft's short story "From Beyond" (later adapted, loosely, into a film of the same name) featured a character who used technology to trigger "dormant organs", including the pineal gland. This activation of the gland gave its owner a form of "augmented sight", allowing them to perceive ultra-violet light, and to see previously invisible creatures.

 In creative thinking
A well known question for triggering creative thinking discussions is known as the "third eye question". The riddle itself, often asked in group sessions is "If it were possible, where would we locate a third eye?" The different answers aim to extend the flexibility of the thinking and create an in-group discussion on the usage of the eye, vision but in fact assist in fixation removing and increase the use of imagination in daily life.

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THE SEVEN CHAKRAS

~ by Ruth McGregor
The word Chakra comes from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘wheel’ or ‘disc’. According to Hindu tradition, there are seven of these Chakras in the human body, each a different colour and relating to a different area of the body.
A Chakra is a spinning vortex of energy, which, like a bicycle or car wheel, needs to be in balance in order to work effectively. Imagine driving your car with one wheel that is not balanced, the vibration would permeate every bone of your body, making the drive incredibly uncomfortable!
The same principle applies to your Chakras – they are all of equal importance, and if just one of the seven is not working effectively, there is a knock-on effect throughout the body causing at the least discomfort and at the worst, disease.
Each of the Chakras relate to a different aspect of ourselves. The Base Chakra is associated with the Earth Plane, therefore it is very dense and spins slowly. When we move our consciousness higher, it becomes less dense and so the speed of the associated chakra quickens. If there is an imbalance, a Chakra can over or under activate, which then causes a change in speed. Extremes in behaviour can indicate imbalances in the Chakras.
There are no “good” or “bad” Chakras, nor are there higher or lower Chakras in terms of spirituality. All are needed for earthly experience and spiritual development. There are only higher and lower frequencies like musical notes – each equal, each beautiful, each necessary.
Together, the Chakras form an amazing network, each operating in its own way and area, but all working together to provide a wonderful flow of energy throughout the body, connecting us to both the Earth and the Universe.
On the following pages are brief descriptions of each chakra, it's function, and certain difficulties that can arise through imbalance.

The Base Chakra (Sanskrit: मूलाधार - Muladhara):
As the name suggests, the Base Chakra is situated around the base of the spine in the genital area and its’ energy extends downward, like roots, through the legs and feet to contact the solid earth below.
It is the slowest moving Chakra, relating to our survival needs, and is therefore the foundation of the Chakra system in the body. The colour associated is red, and thus represents the Martian energy needed to keep us alive.
If these survival needs are met, the Base Chakra will function healthily, but if there is a perceived threat to this, (such as a difficult house move, job change, health problems, etc.) it can create an imbalance.
These imbalances can show themselves in various ways, from sleeplessness and the inability to relax, to obsession with money, possessions or health.
Eating is a basic Base Chakra activity, and so eating disorders often indicate imbalance, as do obesity, haemorrhoids and constipation.
To maintain balance, we need to be both stable and flexible, and very much in contact with our true survival needs, without becoming too obsessed by them.

Sacral Chakra (Sanskrit: स्वाधिष्ठान, vādhiṣṭhāna):
Situated just below the navel, the Sacral Chakra corresponds with bodily functions having to do with liquid: circulation, urinary elimination, sexuality and reproduction.
If we have our base survival needs met in the Base Chakra, we are more able to look at other aspects of life, and this creates desire, which gets us to move, to reach out, to grow and to change.
The colour of the Sacral Chakra is orange. It is ruled by the Moon, and is the centre of sexuality, emotions, nurturance, pleasure and creativity. It is slow in movement, but not as slow as the Base Charkra.
Malfunctions of the Sacral Chakra can be indicated by being overly ruled by our emotions with frequent and dramatic emotional episodes or on the other hand being flat, lifeless, dull and dry - two extremes which could be seen as polarities.
As with all polarities, when they balance each other, the relationship is healthy, and the person prospers but, when there are extremes of one or the other, problems can occur.
Imbalances of this Chakra can show in the physical body with uterine or bladder trouble or in some cases, impotence or frigidity.
Taking the centre line through the extremes of any situation is the best option, and by using our natural creativity we can help ourselves maintain emotional balance.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Sanskrit: मणिपूर, Maṇipūra) :
The Solar Plexus Chakra, situated just below the sternum, is where we find the energy to turn the desire from the Sacral Chakra into action. It is our Will. So, the desire could be seen as the fuel for the will, and the Fire in the Solar Plexus is the spark of life that ignites our Mental Will to Action.
This Chakra is known by the colour yellow, and is governed by Mercury. It spins faster than the lower chakras, but not as fast as those above it.
It represents our “get up and go”, our action, will, vitality and sense of personal power. Also, we now temper our desires (Sacral) and instincts (Base) with knowledge, making decisions that are put into action and combine the polarities of the mind and body.
This combination makes a greater whole and helps the personal power.How often have you heard people say “My get up and go has got up and gone.”? This is symptomatic of a malfunction of the Solar Plexus, as is being withdrawn, fear of taking risks, over seriousness and lack of energy.
At the other end of the scale is ‘bully’ behaviour, the need to be in control or to dominate, and self- centredness.
On the physical side, ulcers, diabetes and hypoglycaemia are indicative of dysfunction of the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Heart Chakra (Sanskrit: अनाहत, Anāhata) :
The Heart Chakra is the balancing point of the Chakra system. The three Chakras relating to the physical world are below it, and above are three Chakras relating to the internal representation of the physical world. It is governed by the sun, and is known by the colour green. Again, this chakra spins faster than those below it, but not as fast as those above.
Here, we experience love – pure, unconditional love that is all encompassing and so totally different from the passion-directed love of the Sacral Chakra. This is balance, softness, compassion, an expansion of the heart and is felt as a state of being, independent of any other person. It just is.
As the name suggests, physically this Chakra relates to the heart, and also the lungs and thymus. Therefore, related illnesses could be respiratory problems such as asthma, heart problems and high blood pressure. A malfunction can also slow down the metabolic rate.
On an emotional level, however, we can feel split between mind and body or become withdrawn into ourselves. There can also be a tendency to give all our time and energy to others, thereby losing sight of our own needs and balance.
The main message of the Heart Chakra is that of balance and interconnection between self-love and love for others. 

Throat (Sanskrit: विशुद्ध, Viśuddha) Chakra:
Located in the Throat, this Chakra is ruled by Venus, spins much faster than the lower 4 chakras, and is represented as blue in colour.
This energy centre is all about communication, which is essential for genuine interaction with others. Communication is not only about talking, it is a two way street that incorporates listening as well.
This is shown by the areas covered by the Throat Chakra – the throat, mouth, ears, arms and hands. We can often see people moving their hands and arms when they’re talking – how would they manage without them!
Another example is sign language – hard of hearing people, who may not have the ability to speak with their mouths, use their hands and arms instead.
This is where we can express the creativity that started in the Sacral Chakra and relate it to others; this is where we can communicate our will and love to others but also to hear others’ words and emotions, which is equally important.
As a race, us human beings too often have a fear of communicating our true inner thoughts and feelings, or have difficulty in expressing ourselves which is often seen as excessive shyness. These, plus talking too much and not listening are disorders of the Throat Chakra. Physically, thyroid, throat and mouth disorders can also be experienced, as can constant colds and flu.
Communication is an art (creativity), and when the art is learnt can be a joyous experience, which is why singing and chanting are two very good ways of stimulating the Throat Chakra into positive activity.

Third Eye (Sanskrit: आज्ञा, Āgñā) Chakra:
The Third Eye Chakra, located just above the centre point between the eyebrows. It spins extremely fast, and is associated with the colour Indigo. It is the centre of visual, psychic and intuitive perception, and its’ attributes are clairvoyance, memory, dreams and vision. So we are now in the realms of the intangible.

A dream is not something we can actually touch, but by holding on to it, and by building it into a strong picture in our mind, we are taking the first step towards making that dream a reality. This visualisation process, when combined with the creativity of the Sacral Chakra, the Will of the Solar Plexus and the balance and love of the Heart Chakra, and then expressed at the Throat Chakra, can be an excellent exercise for the Third Eye Chakra.

As this Chakra rules the eyes and pineal gland, when it is not in balance, we can experience eye problems, headaches and nightmares, or in extreme cases, hallucinations or blindness.

To clear this Chakra, we need to maintain the innocence of a child by getting away from the cynical approach of seeing what we expect to see, and start to see and experience everything as if it were for the first time.

Crown (Sanskrit: सहस्रार, Sahasrāra) Chakra:
Situated over the top of the head, the Crown Chakra spins at tremendous speed, and is often referred to as the Thousand Petalled Lotus. It is represented by the colour purple, and it is through this Chakra that we connect with the Universe and universal energies.
With this connection intact, we can receive information and ideas, which in turn can be run through the lower Chakras (as explained in the Third Eye Chakra) and then brought into manifestation.
Ruling the Pituitary Gland, the Central Nervous System and the cerebral cortex, as with all the Chakras, balance is important, as imbalance can lead to feelings of Depression, alienation and confusion.
This Chakra is also a great protection system, as it only allows us to receive information that we are physically and emotionally capable of dealing with.
As we develop and progress in our spirituality, more and more information filters through, giving us a greater awareness, but rarely are we able to see the full universal picture - After all, we are only mere mortals!

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Patanjali Yoga - Secrets of Meditation

 by: Diwakar Vashist
Meditation is a part of the yogic tradition of India. It is a union of body, mind, soul, spirit and environment. This union is possible through meditation, as described by the sage Patanjali many years ago. According to Patanjali, yoga is the progressive settling down of the mind, into the field of pure silence. When the mind is silent, we are in our essential state, which is pure unbounded consciousness. In the course of our daily routine, our essential state is overshadowed by the activity of the mind.
Our expression or existence has three levels - the physical body, the subtle body and the causal body. The physical body, according to quantum physics, is a space and time event. It has two components: (1) the material component, which is made up of food, and (2) the energy component, or what we call the vital force. Some of us are very energetic and some of us are lethargic. If we derive adequate energy from our sensory inputs such as vision, hearing, touch, smell and taste, then we will be energetic.
Sight Energy: If we visualize colourful, attractive scenery, it will energies us. On the other hand, if we watch horror movies or violent scenes, it will de-energies us.
Touch Energy: Touch is also a very important part of healing energy. Shaking hands, kissing, hugging, embracing, petting and massage therapy, including acupressure, are known to release healing substances such as endorphins which are responsible for a feeling of well-being. But if we pinch or slap somebody, that is a negative touch influence and liberates jittery molecules. Self-massage with oil (abhyanga) is excellent for health.
Smell Energy: Fragrance, smell or aroma also energises us, though the effect varies among individuals. The smell of spirit may cause nausea in someone, while the smell of incense may have a healing influence on the same individual.
Sound Energy: Certain sounds have the power to energise us. Invocations and chants such as Om, Ameen and Amen fill the body with a healing force.
Taste Energy: Gustatory or taste sensations also energise us. All the tastes, including sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent, should be consumed in moderation depending on the dominance of our dosha - vatta, pitta or kapha.
The various types of meditation are transcendental meditation, Raj yoga meditation, Japa meditation, primordial sound meditation, mindfulness meditation, breathing meditation, Gregorian chanting and Tibetan chanting. Though the methods are different, the objectives of all these techniques are the same.

Author Diwakar vashist is a senior consultant of Institute of vedic science, New Delhi, India. he is working on the ancient vedic sciences i.e. vedic astrology, vedic vastu, hatha yoga, meditation etc.