Chakras and Yoga The seven chakras or Padma - wheels or lotus-appear about its center a variable number of rays or petals, expressions of the forces or vibrational modes which are exponents and determine their number, as well as their psycho-organic functions.
Muladhara-o "root support" - is at the bottom of the spine, forming the center of gravity of the body. It has four petals and falls to the earth element or Prithivi. It is the seat of the Mother Kundalini Shakti, or of individual expression of the principle universal energy or creative force, who is here "twisted", or what it means dormant.
In this center, as the white elephant animal symbolic of Brahma, the creative aspect of divinity, and also the emblem of stability and immanence.
Swadisthana - "purple person" - is in the sacral region, presiding over the organs of generation. It has six petals and corresponds to the element water or Apas.
The force that dwells in the center is represented by a fish, or crocodile, called Makara and dedicated to Vishnu, the conservative aspect of the Divinity.
Manipura - "bright gem" - is the center of the lumbar region has ten petals and falls the fire element (Agni or Tejas), presiding over the instincts in general and especially to the digestive functions (Samana). It is represented a lamb, by analogy, corresponds to Rudra or Shiva, the destructive and renewing Divinity.
Anahata - "sound without friction" - is at the center of the chest, such as physical seat of the individual life and the ability to move. It has twelve petals and corresponds to the element air and Varu; in its center represents an antelope, in the Seal of Solomon. It is the Tree of Life (Kalpataru), which satisfies all desires, and a jeweled altar (Manipitha).
Vishuddha in the throat region, presides over the word, that is the Word, and its physical manifestation. It has sixteen petals, corresponding to ether or Akasha. Gate is called the Liberation, and is represented by a white elephant in a circle emblem of the "purity" listed by name.
Ajna, the sixth center is named after revealing the internal order of the Master, or the Voice of Silence. Is in the midst of the head, between the eyebrows, and dominates
general intelligence and discernment in particular, is the center of spiritual vision, and as such has been called the Eye of Shiva. Has only two petals and therefore it can be compared a winged globe.
Sahasrara - the "miluple" or thousand-petalled lotus - is at the top of the head. It is the seat of Shiva, the latent divinity in every being, he hopes his union with Shakti, the force that is coiled in the lowest of the seven centers, which results from this union (Maithuna) release that is the subject of Yoga ( Sanskrit word that means precisely Union).
Of these centers, three of particular interest to Master Mason: the throat, the heart and abdomen, and that on these three signs are made; of Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master, which indicate respectively the domain of words of thoughts and instincts, the three preliminary stages of purification which must precede the individual regeneration. On this and on the particular functions of the centers discussed in more detail in subsequent "Manuals" for initiation and philosophical interpretation of the upper grades aimed at perfection of the Magisterium.
Each level therefore corresponds to one of the chakras or steps of the mystic ladder, which must descend to climb it again until the sumidad. Eli