Ajna Chakra
In Sanskrit, Ajna means “perceive,” “command” or "beyond wisdom" and Chakra means “wheel” or "vortex of Prana" meaning "life force energy."
The Third Eye Chakra as it it also referred to as is the sixth energy center, located between the eye brows and is the level of sensitivity where individual minds can meet and a center through which the Guru can communicate with his disciples and gives them commands.
This energy center has many other names, like the eye of intuition where an awakened aspirant can perceive events in both the outer and psychic realms, the most common being the Third Eye.
In Yoga this Chakra is also referred to as Divya Chakshu, Divine Eye, Jnana Chakshu, Jnana Netra, eye of knowledge and the Eye of Shiva.
This energy center is the meeting point of the three main Nadis meaning "energetic pathways" Ida, Pingala Sushumna while being in charge of insight and intuition on both a spiritual and a mundane level.
An open and balanced Third Eye energy center allows you to see how the world around you is interconnected and makes it easier to understand your place in it.
Associated with the archetypal dimensions as well as the realm of spirits while being an instrument to perceive the more subtle qualities of reality, the seat of intuitive sensibility and inner perception puts us in touch with the ineffable and the intangible more closely while being the center of clarity and wisdom and forms the boundary between human and Divine Consciousness.
Associated with the pituitary gland which is located in the brain that is the center of attention because of its relationship with the perception and effect of light and altered or mystical states of Consciousness.
Essential Information
Practices for the Third Eye Chakra
The following practices are intended to clear and balance this Chakra. You are encouraged to use these practices individually or combine them together with other practices for a more effective practice. As you go about your day, you can also bring your awareness to this Chakra. This practice is sometimes referred to as Ajna Yoga.
The Bija Mantra or seed Mantra for the Chakra is OM. Chanting this Mantra during practices and while in a walking state will help to clear and balance this Chakra. While chanting this Bija Mantra, visualize the color indigo or dark blue at this Chakra.
The Root Chakra is the first energy center, is where Kundalini energy resides, associated with our survival instincts, basic needs, security, shelter, food and our fight or flight response.
The Sacral Chakra is the second energy center, associated with our emotions and allows us to feel and experience the world around and within us.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the third energy center, associated with the development of personal power, feeds one’s direction in life and the actions taken in order to reach your goals.
The Heart Chakra is the fourth energy center, associated with the immune system, compassion, unconditional love, tenderness, balance and equilibrium.
The Throat Chakra is the fifth energy center, associated with speech, communication, the voice of the heart, discrimination, acceptance, forgiveness and growth through expression.
The Crown Chakra is the seventh energy center, associated with inner wisdom, end of physical attachments, release of all Karma, of illusions as well as the Guru within.