Knowledge, awakening and balance of the first two cakras will always provide crucial foundation for the spiritual journey of yoga. The task of rooting and balancing our foundation is a lifelong, ever present journey and offers the aspirant a spark of self-knowledge that is essential for the continued journey up the central channel of the body to the higher cakras. When these first two cakras are awakened and balanced, aspirants experience true knowledge of their experience without being ruled by materialism, lack of self-control, depression and other expression of these unbalanced cakras.
The depth of self-discovery and individuality which sparks from Svādhiṣṭhāna cakra fuels the evolvement of Maṇipūra cakra which in turn fuels the evolvement and opening of Anāhata cakra. This energy center is located the center of the chest, near the region of the heart and is undoubtedly the seat of love. This cakra controls the energy in the chest (sthula prāṇa). It radiates a soft green light when fully awakened and in those whom have attained enlightenment.
Anāhata cakra relates to air and is associated with our instinctual and emotional minds. Refined emotions are rooted in this cakra and lead to a heightened sensitivity to the feelings and emotions of others. This cakra also relates to our sense of touch and its awakening opens the power to heal others through touch and/or radiating energy.
When balanced, nurtured and operating as fully awakened:
- There is a connection to cosmic and eternal love
- Anxieties and insecurities dissolve away
- The mental state resides within security, love, confidence, joy and compassion
- Experience of love and affection for every living being
- Peace is inspired wherever they go
- The power of love at this level is so strong, it changes others just by being around it
- There is a strong care of others and a willingness to help
- Compassion and altruism rule the actions
When imbalanced and not properly nutured:
- Concern for others is absent, and apathy is present
- Patterns of exploiting the vulnerability of others arises
- Actions can lead to abusive and criminal behavior
- Lack of connections with others
- An inability to see the world clearly