The human subtle system is a vastly intricate one, made up of thousands of channels which carry energy throughout the body. The concentrations of the energy in the subtle system are called Chakras (‘wheels’ in Sanskrit), or energy centers.
The entire system is governed by three primary vertical channels of energy called ‘Nadis’ in Sanskrit and by seven main chakras. Through the Self Realization process, our subtle system is fully activated with the awakening of the Kundalini, which cleans and balances the entire system and enlightens the pure qualities of the chakras within us.
The Ida Nadi (Left Channel or Moon Channel)
The left channel relates to emotions, desires, and your connection with the past. Whenever you desire something or use your emotions, your attention moves to the left channel. Your left energy channel begins at the 1st chakra (Mooladhara) and travels up the left side of your body, terminating on the right side of your brain — the superego, where memories, habits, and conditionings reside.
Qualities of the Left Channel
The essential quality of the left energy channel is joy — the pure, childlike happiness we knew as children. This joy still lives within us and can be awakened through meditation.
Balance Within Left Channel
In its pure state, the left energy channel brings emotional balance and helps us express deep joy, pure love and compassion. If in distress, you may experience depression, lethargy, sadness, low self-esteem or guilt. Sahaja Yoga meditation techniques can renew your state of joy and emotional balance.
The Pingala Nadi (Right Channel or Sun Channel)
The right channel is the channel of activity (both mental and physical) and the future. Your right energy channel begins at the 2nd chakra (Swadisthan) and travels up the right side of your body, terminating on the left side of your brain — the ego, which gives you a sense of individualism.
Qualities of the Right Channel
Action and planning are the fundamental qualities of the right energy channel. When you are physically active and dynamic, or when you focus, plan or analyze things in your mind, the right channel supplies the energy.
Balance Within Right Channel
In its pure state, the right channel brings dynamism and helps us act effectively with a still mind and in a joyful manner. Excessive demands on the right side weaken the left, and joy evaporates — we become grouchy, irritable and even aggressive. Awareness is the first step; meditation renews calm.
The Sushumna Nadi
The central channel is the channel of balance and spiritual evolution — also called the middle path. Your central energy channel travels from the sacrum bone at the base of your spine straight up towards the final chakra (Sahasrara).
Qualities of the Central Channel
Spiritual evolution and integration with the collective consciousness is the essential quality of the central channel. Your Kundalini rises through this central channel at the time of Self-Realization.
Balance Within Central Channel
With Self-Realization, your Kundalini energy uses this central channel to reach the Sahasrara chakra. As we meditate in thoughtless awareness, attention settles into the central channel — we exist in the present moment and experience true inner peace and joy.
Chakras
Millions of tiny vital life forces whirling through the body are concentrated into centres called chakras. The seven main chakras are located in the spinal cord region and are felt after Self-Realization in various parts of our bodies.
- Mooladhara — below the sacrum bone; innocence. Physical: reproductive and excretory systems.
- Swadhisthan — creativity, pure attention and pure knowledge. Physical: stomach, intestines, lower liver, gallbladder, spleen.
- Nabhi — generosity, satisfaction and contentment; peace on the left, liver on the right. Physical: stomach, intestines, upper liver, gallbladder, spleen.
- Void — ocean of unenlightened awareness; balance, righteousness, dignity, self-discipline, patience, thirst for truth. Regulates abdominal organs with Nabhi and Swadisthan.
- Anahata — chakra of the heart; our Spirit resides here. Physical: breathing, heart, lungs, breasts, thymus gland.
- Vishuddhi — diplomacy, pure relationships, playful detachment; removes guilt. Physical: neck, arms, mouth, tongue, teeth, nose, face.
- Agnya — forgiveness and compassion. Physical: sight, hearing, thought process, pituitary and pineal glands.
- Sahasrara — integrates all chakras; direct absolute perception of Reality on our central nervous system. Physical: brain.
