April 23 Class Summary - Third Eye Chakra -

Brief Discussion:

James: Last week, we did a interupted our chakra study to do a review of the basics of meditation, in case anyone could not be here because of Easter. We are down to our last 2 chakras, and its getting very interesting and intense.
Emerging: I am really excited about tonight's topic/chakra.
Alite: Yes Grace I am too!
Flow: Yep, I couldn't miss it 8-)
James: FYI, when posting the presentation tonight I am going to be using larger blocks, and letting everyone read at their own pace. Then I'll make sure everyone is finished before going on. I'll ask if anyone is NOT finished.
Flow: good plan ;)
Emerging: lol ok
James: also, feel free to ask questions between
VvDark: Which chakras were covered already for a quick update.
Alite: Meditation Paths (Keyword to: http://meditationpaths.blogspot.com/) This Dark is our class summary blog
VvDark: thanks
James: We did one thru five already. Our summaries are posted, and include references to the books we used as reference. I am excited about the sixth chakra because it was the sponteneous awakening of my sixth chakra that initiated my spiritual quest.
Flow: mmm..the 3rd eye, the 6th sense 8-)
James: My knows our routine.. we are about to start. :)
MyKarma:
James: Its time to begin... :)

Third Eye Chakra

We would like to start with an excerp from The Path of Fire and Light, Volume 1, by Swami Rama. The sixth chakra is located at the space between the eyebrows at the "third eye." The chakra is not actually on the surface of the forehead but is within the sushumna where it passes through the brain at the level of the space between the eyebrows. The center is called the ajna chakra, which means "command." This center is also called tripath-asthana, the terminal of the three lines of power- ida, pingala and sushumna. One who has mastered this level has inner vision, sees all things clearly, and acquires higher intuitive knowledge and wisdom. He has attained sushumna by integrating the right and left polarities, pingala and ida, and thus develops both logical judgement and intuition to their fullest. The mantra of this chakra is Om. When one has attained mastery of this center, the mother of all mantras is heard within.

The main function of this chakra...is sight, perception and intuition. Meaning "to perceive" what our environment manifests and " to command " our thoughts into the creation of our present moment. This chakra transcends time, using the building blocks of both past memories and our imaginations of the future. Seeing through the eyes gives wings to our soul, to be carried off in visualizing what our hearts desire, and how we perceive our surroundings. The gift of intuition, is the guardian of our thoughts, the warrior of our perceptive ability.

We receive information by light rays, which are received by sensors within the eye, by depth and acuity, are activated in the form of neural activation which then allow the transmission of symbols, (how we perceive our outside environment) to create thought waves that interpreted by the visual cortex in the brain and carried to either right or left regions for interpretation, which are then acted upon by going down through other chakras for manifestation, or pushed upward for flight into the realm of the imaginary, spiritual, or astral realms.

The pineal gland is the central organ of this chakra, which is very small, but has a big part in the creation and distribution of melatonin, and many have thought it has some other majical purpose in the realm of divination through influencing psychic abilities, and the sending messages of light to other organs that need this to produce enzymatic functions within the body. Visual information can be defined as the communication of spacial relationships that do not require physical contact. How often do we see someone's mood before they are within the reach of our arms, or sense discomfort with someone hiding emotions or pain? The seat of intuition can be used for discerning one's true intentions, creating empathy and compassion....in other words..discerning the body language of others through the use of not just our physical eyes, but the mind that acts as the interpreter for our spiritual eyes. Clairvoyance in a further interpretation of this by the pulling up of virtual images stored with the brain that project a screen that is the third eye, in which one focuses it's intention and light rays to activate visual fields of information that are infinitely stored within the brain, to virtually any and all realms of existence.

Thus, attuning the right and left hemispheres of the brain, creates that cohesion of conversation, and the gift of visualization, to make this possible. The color of this chakra is indigo. The gemstones are lapis,lazul, quartz and star saphire. The sound, as Swami Rama noted, is Om.


Class Discussion:

James: in the first section we brought up some terms that may not be familiar.. Pingala, Ida, and sushumna...Anyway, I wanted to mention those three terms.. which are nadi's or channels..
Flow: will you repeat the terms please?
James: Pingala is the Sun or Solar channel, on the right side of the astral body, connecting the first 6 chakras. Ida is the Moon or Lunar channel, located on the left side of the astral body.
Flow: ahh... what do you mean, 'right side of the astral body'?
James: Both of them end at the 6th chakra, and only the sushumna continues on, beyond duality.
Flow: what does that mean? :-\
James: Flowr, the chakras are not part of the physical, but you can just think if this as going on both sides of the spine, with the sushumna going up the middle.
Flow: so right and left would mean my right and left side as I know it?
James: Flowr, we realize this is part of the advanced study of yoga. Its beyond the scope of this class, but we could not talk about chakras without mentioning this.
Flow: alright.
James: Whats the symbol of the medical profession called, the staff with the 2 snakes on each side? crisscrossing and the winds on the top? Does anyone know what I am talking about?
Flow: yep
Majick: yes
Flow: the AMA logo?
MsQ: yes
MyLady: yes, just dont recall the name
Flow: or something, I see it.
James: The staff is the sushumna, and the ida and pingala are the snakes on the sidesFlow: yep, got it.James: crisscrossing
Alite: http://www.blog.speculist.com/archives/medical_symbol_md.jpg(Keyword to: http://www.blog.speculist.com/archives/medical_symbol_md.jpg)
Flow: thanks Lite
James: great. the chakras are at the junctions
Flow: nod
James: only the central staff continues to the 7th chakra This is the channel that carries the most subtle of energies.
Sunset: smiles
James: Sunset, anything you want to add on this?
Flow: I get it and I've got it :)
James: I forgot to mention for anyone who is new, that Sunset has been providing the bulk of this presentation each week.. :) from her study of the book The Wheels of Life by ... (always forget the name) The beginning was from Swami Rama's book The Path of Fire and Light. Sunset? She may have been distracted by her beautiful children...
Sunset: sorry ...i was ...ok what did i miss? my little one i think is cutting a tooth
James: I asked if you had anything to add.
Flow: So these 3 channels , Pingala, Ida and Shushumna travel thru / around the first 6 chakras ?
Emerging: and the author of the book Sunset uses, primarily. :)
James: Yes Flowr, and meet at the 6th, and only the sushumna goes on
Alite: It is on the site Grace
Flow: OK.. now I've got it 8-)
Alite: Under suggested reading
Emerging: yes, thank you
Sunset: if anyone wants to find out more information about clairvoyance..the holographic theory by karl pribram is really good
Flow: and its working too 8-) thanks Sun
Sunset: smiles
James: You may have heard of Tantra, or the practice of awakening Kundalini.. both subjects beyond this class, but these channels and the chakras are key to those studies.
Emerging: I've read about it.
James: I like to refer to these things as spiritual plumbing... And the ultimate goal is to connect us with the source.. andprepare us for the flow of energy that comes from that connection.
Flow: I like that idea.
James: When we started out 6 weeks ago we were going to spend a few weeks covering the chakras, and now after changing it to 7 weeks, it seems like we are barely scratching the surface of this subject. We can recommend many good books, and maybe if there is interest we'll spin off a study group.Emerging: that would be wonderful!
Flow: After the 7th, a synopis of putting it all together would be very enlightening.
James: Good thought.
Alite: I agree Flow
Majick: me too
James: We talked about this earlier, when deciding if we would introduce the nadi's, but we had to in order to cover this chakra. nadi's are the 3 channals
Flow: It seems essential.
James: Any questions?
MyKarma: none here:-)
Flow: Nope, I just have to review all 6.
James: After this series we are going to spin something off... and this time slot will return to a study of meditation itself. Tonights meditation will be primarily instructional for our basic meditation technique, but I will try to introduce a little imagerly that is specific to the 6th chakra. Its just about time to begin that.

Group Meditation:

Try to sit as straight as you can without being strained..having hips nigher than knees seems to help the balance, and on a chair that might be best sitting forward, with feet flat on the ground. But find what works for you. Then relax...

Let the cares of the day fall away. Breathe deeply and smoothly.. feeling a peaceful warm energy fill you with each inhalation. Breathe out all tension.

Let stillness settle over you like a blanket.... relax forehead, jaw, neck, shoulders, body. hips, legs, let your hands find a place to rest Imagine your are sitting in front of a pool of water, with trees around it.... It is night and the sky is clear... as the stillness settles, the stars are all around, and reflected in the water as it becomes a mirror pool.

Feel your consciousness become spacious... as spacious as the starlit sky. The stars twinkle, and the brightest star of all is between your brows.. your third eye. Let your attention settle there...
Sense that point or "bindu" that is the third eye, like a clear pearl. Let the stillness radiate outward over your world.. from this point.. the point of will.. the command center of your consciousness. Breathing in warm peaceful energy, breathing out all tension.

We are as one in this starlit sky, this field of consciousness. Let the stillness settle over body and mind.. as the stillness makes the pond become a mirror, as the bounds of consciousness become more spacious..

We are the light.

We are timeless.

Infinite.

Close your eyes for several breaths and feel this...

Taking one final deep breath and releasing.. let us bring this meditation gently to a close...


Ending Discussion:

Flow: Wow James.
Emerging: Lovely class & meditation... thank you.
Flow: That was profound.
Alite: Yes. Wonderful!
Styl: AWESOME
Flow: and lightening :)
MyKarma: Thank you James.. :-)
James: Thanks all of you.
Sunset: smiles
MyLady: yes, thank you very much
Majick: TY James, sunset, and diane :) lovely :)
James: Next week is the 7th and final chakra.
Flow: See you next week.. 8-)
James: But we may add a week to tie it all together as suggested.
Alite: Thank you Majick for your thank you!

April 16 - Class Review Summary - Spring Break -

Spring Break - Meditation Discussion.

James: Tonight we are going to take a break from our series on the chakras in case anyone had family things interfering, and we are going to do a general meditation review, and Alitewithin has a special meditation for us. In a few weeks we will begin our Many Paths series. Welcome everyone to Meditation Paths. We are going to begin now. We are suspending our 7 week series on Chakras and continuing next week with the 6th Chakra. Because it is Easter, we decided not to take the chance on people missing it. So this week we are going to review the basics of meditation, and Alite is going to lead us in a meditation at the end. First of all, why meditate?
Liger: to become more spiritual and to hear our guides
James: Whats the purpose of this, and the perceived benefits? Yes, 2 good reasons.
WHITE: to become one wihtin ourselves
Emerging: To ground ourselves spiritually and emotionally... to still our minds, hearts, and souls... to develop more consistently in our spirit.
WHITE: finding the place within
James: It quickens the spiritual evolution within us.
WHITE: that doesnt hold ego ( our concious ) level
James: It also has health benefits, both physical and mental. Lower blood pressure. Better concentration. Improved intuition. Enhanced creativity. Some people find it develop spiritual "powers".
Emerging: keeps us sane too :-D
James: The list is almost endless. Which brings up an obvious questions.. why don't we all do moreof it?
Alite: Poor time management
James: Our minds find reasons to resist peace and stillness. The monkey mind likes to run free.
I love that term, I think it originates in buddhism "monkeymind"
Emerging: Does that mean some of us have more monkey in us than others? lol (those of us who meditate less and have more trouble doing it)
James: Some people say they don't have time.. but its proven that meditation is more restful than sleep, and improves the quality of our sleep, so in effect it really makes time for itself. Grace we all have our share.
Emerging: thats what I have to bear in mind, when I think I'm too tired to do it...
James: So what Alite said is true.. its time management. But once you decide this is something that is important to you,you find a way to make the time. Even 10 minutes a day can change your life.
Liger: i havent missed a day
James: Hide in the bathroom of you have to..
WHITE: but to begin on a spiritual path you dont really need meditation do you?
Majick: I am never alone in there either :-X
Alite: Heh. Majick me too and I live alone.
James: White, its a very key part of almost any path. If you are going to actively walk it.
WHITE: james i find meditatioin a distraction to be honest. i do walk others through them but cannot do it for myself
James: Its very helpful if you can overcome the distractions.. and we do give methods to help with that.
Emerging: White, I will send you their site... great tips and help.
Liger: how can meditation be a distraction is its what alleviates the distractions?
James: We are not going to have time to repeat the first 8 weeks in this review, so I highly recommend you look at our blog/web page. MeditationPaths (Keyword to: http://meditationpaths.blogspot.com/) Navigate until you find your way back to January 8th, that was week 1. Its helpful to have a place set aside for meditation if possible, but this is just an option. Many find it helps to surround themselves with things that set the mood, like religious statures, picture, candles. But meditation is an inward focus.. these externals are just helpful to set the mood.
Emerging: I find candles helpful... I used to stare into a flame...to help get there... is that good?
Alite: Some find it invigorating and a wonderful way to begin their day when they lay in bed upon waking and meditate for a few minutes. Others enjoy to do it just before going to sleep as a reflection on the day.
James: Early morning is best if you can be awake and clear headed around sunrise. but this is purely optional.
Liger: alite i like to do that
James: Candles are good for practicing concentration, but I don't recommend them for a meditation focus. There are nice to have burning to set the mood, but I would not stare into them.
Emerging: it seemed to clear my mind enough to get into a place I could meditate. ok, good to get your take
James: Then by all means use them as preparation. Whatever gets you into the zone is useful. Music. Incense.
Emerging: yes, preparation... stilled me... the concentration on one pure thing
James: Incense makes me feel like I am in a temple, if I use one that reminds me of temple incense. Our sense of smell triggers strong associations. But I put a paper clip about an inch down so that it stops burning and does not become overpowering once I am focusing.
Alite: Each person is different and stillness comes from many triggers.
Sanb: lines in the sand
James: I agree. I think a little yoga or tai chi is good to get the energy flowing, and the body alert, especially in the morning.. or just some stretches. When you sit you want to be alert and awake. And comfortable. Sitting with hips slightly higher than knees,which gives you a balance that allows your back to be comfortably straight. I recommend using a large flat pillow as a base and one or two increasingly smaller ones to sit up on. This gives you a good balance, and spreads the support along your thighs so your legs are less likely to fall asleep. Sitting up like that makes it easier to stay awake too. Head, neck, and trunk should be aligned, and your back should comfortable be straight.. if the balance is right you can do this without strain.
Liger: sometimes i meditate in the bath tub
James: Try using different pillows or cushions to modify the angle until this feels balanced.
Alite: Me too Liger, with bubbles.
James: Liger, meditation can be done anywhere.. we are recommending what is optimal for when you approach it formally.
Liger: ok
James: You can also meditate laying down, but many find it even harder to stay awake in that position, while others find it hard to stay in their bodies. Are there any questions? We covered all of this in detail in January and that is all on our site.
Liger: james i ellevate out of my body into an energy light while meditating
James: Isn't that dangerous in the bathtub?
Alite: :giggles: No James
Liger: and sometimes i sent energy balls to my body thats grounded from the energy light
James: Well, drowning can be a distraction.
Majick: ROTFL.. are you sure James??
Emerging: lol certainly send you to another level..
James: Sorry, I assume you are propped up.
Alite: Even when meditating I believe the spirit is always in touch with the body.
Majick: sorry.. could not help myself :)
James: the light sounds lovely
Alite: Therefore, fear of drowning would be gone.
Liger: i gotta tell you though something kinda weird i have to bring myself to an exit door or i cant come out of my meditation. I've tried to just open my eyes and i cant
Emerging: interesting..
James: Liger, I have never heard of that.
Liger: first time i guess. but its true im not making it up
James: We need to switch gears here soon.. our meditation needs to start so that we can finish close to our time limit of one hour.
Emerging: everyone is different :)
James: Any final comments.. we can stay after a few minutes if needed. Alite, are you ready to begin the meditation?
Alite: Yes James. Thank you.


Group Meditation:


Tonight our meditation is a cleansing one, one which will brighten us within and allow us to radiate outwardly more efficiently, giving us more abundance and balance in our life.

We will visualize a sponge which will be used to clean our chakras. During this exercise you will want to close the eyes after cleaning to focus on the perfect color of the chakra, perhaps for three breaths.

It is not necessary to focus all your attention on your breathing because your breathing will be a perfect calm filled with peace. Find your comfortable position.

Sit in a relaxed position. Breathe in calm. Relax each part of your body from head to toe. Breathe out peace. All tensions are released into the universe as you relax. Feel your entire body relax and become light. Feel the universe surrounding you with peaceful love.

Breathe in calm, breathe out peace. Visualize a sponge in your hand and a bucket at your feet, ourtools for cleaning and illuminating our chakras. Breathe in, feel the calm throughout your body. Breathe out, feel the peace.

Focus on where your body meets the chair. Focus on your base,your root chakra. Envision the swirling red energy there. Move the cleansing sponge over the red energy and watch the swirl brighten as the impurities are collected in the sponge. You feel stronger and healthier now. Look at the perfect red of your chakra, bright and brilliant. Squeeze the sponge over the bucket and all impuries arecaptured there.

Focus now on the abdomen, the womb area. Focus on your naval chakra. Envision the swirling orange energy there. Move the cleansing sponge over the energy and watch all impurities vanish, invigorating and brightening the orange of it. Look at the perfect orange allow it to energize you. Breathe it in. Embrace it. Feel the confidence and clarity as the red and orange flow together. Again squeeze the sponge over the bucket.

Allow the energy of red and orange to flow upward embracing the yellow energy of your solar plexis. Watch as it draws away any tension and imperfections and place them too in the bucket. Look at the bright yellow elevating your peacefulness. Feel the brilliant glow of red, orange and yellow energy as it swirls upward, you feel the confidence to achieve your goals. Your energy is pulsing and brilliant with each calm breath you take in and release.

Focus on the upward flow of cleanliness and reach the green swirling heart chakra. Wipe the sponge over the green energy and allow the emotional impurities to be released into the sponge. Look at the brilliant green, embrace it! Allow the perfect green to flow true as it swirls strongly and evenly allowing your heart to open to the world filling you with love for all that has been created. Again squeeze the sponge over the bucket.

The flow of your energy...red, orange, yellow and green...swirl into your throat chakra, embrace the blue of it, focus on its beauty. Sponge away all imperfections, now the chakra is clean and strong, a bright blue, giving you the calmness to express your thoughts to others. Look at the cool, fresh blue surrounding you, feel the calm, feel the peace as you breathe in the freshness. All impurities are squeezed into the bucket and the energy flows stronger, embracing you, invigorating you.

Now focus on your brow chakra a beautiful indigo color. Sponge over the indigo and wash it clean. All the swirling colors red, orange, yellow, green and blue flow upwardly into the indigo, embracing it, energizing it. Look at the beautiful indigo swirling freely around you filling you with positive energy. Feel the clean energy charge the air around you as it opens up to the universe and your intuition and mental visions to become clearer. Squeeze the sponge over the bucket.

Flow the swirling energies up to your crown chakra. See the violet swirling high above your head which fades to white as it flows higher. Gently sponge over the violet swirling energy and remove any imperfections. : Feel the perfect peace and joy of the creator as you flow clean and vibrantly. Look at the soft violet, embrace it and touch the hand of God. Squeeze the sponge into the bucket.

Take the bucket and hurl it into the sun, as it disappears you smile because you know it will be renewed and recycled into the universe.

Return your attention to the swirls of energy that you are...red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet...what a beautiful and perfect rainbow you are...completely balanced and refreshed. With a peaceful calm surrounding your entire body. Breathe in the calm. Breathe out the peace. Close your eyes and feel the peaceful calm for a few breaths more. Clean, fresh and balanced. Revitalized and new. Then open your eyes and enjoy the beauty of you and embrace the universe!


Ending Discussion:

Alite: :bows: May peace always be with you my friends.
Sunset: that was beautiful alite
Liger: ty Diane Blessings
Emerging: lovely meditation and very interesting visualisation, Alite... thank you
James: VERY nice
Alite: Thank you for sharing with me
Majick: Wonderful Alite, TY so much
James: Thank you Diane :)
Sunset: smiles
Alite: You are all welcome and I am happy you enjoyed it
James: Very nice... I was thinking of something just like this for tonight.
Emerging: :)Alitewithin: Wonderful!
James: Next week we will resume with the 6th Chakra.
Alite: I look forward to it
Emerging: I'm going to try using that in my personal meditation,Diane. :)
Alite: Good Grace. But remember it is for balancing
Emerging: looking forward to next week. yes, thank you Diane, I understand.
James: Can we be too balanced?
Emerging: I'm still working on that, so its perfect for me rightnow. :)
Majick: you can focus too much on balancing to the detriment of other areas... is that what you mean ALite?
Alite: I am happy it is going to be of good use then Grace. Hm. Maybe Majick it is not necessary to constantly tinker with perfection.
Majick: I must depart... that was lovely Alite :)... and James,wonderful as always :) very true Alite :)
James: thanks all of you.

April 9 Class Summary -Throat Chakra -

Brief Discussion:

James: We are going to chat about meditation till about 10 after, so that anyone running late
will not miss the presentation. Are there any questions anyone has before we get into tonights topic? Ok.. I can always review a little.
Wizard: whats tonights topic?
James: 5th chakra
Alite: If there are any other book suggestions which you would like on the site please feel free to tell me at your leisure.
Wizard: what about all the chakra's
James: the purpose of this meeting is to promote, teach, and support the practice of
meditation... we are doing a 7 week focus on the chakras.
Wizard: oh never mind, if I stay I might become too entertaining and I don't want to do that Sabaku: 5th chakra...the one for creativety
James: we are covering too much information to try to do more than one per week, at least
that is what we decided.
Sabaku: Located in the throat I believe
James: yep
Sabaku: *nods*
James: We started with 8 weeks on the basics of meditation, with techniques to achieve an
initial state of meditation easily. Our site has all those logs.
Emerging: It's a wonderful site, great work.
Alite: :bows: Thank you!
James: We are editing out my name from the main presentation of the chat log so that it reads
more like a book. Easier to understand that just reading a log. Alite, did you already post the link to our site>?
Majick: I agree, much appreciated James & Diane
Sunset: i think they are both wonderful
Alite: Yes James several times already since 9:45 p.m.
Sabaku: James, are you familar with zen meditation? I was just wondering what meditation form you used in this path.
Emerging: you also, Sunset... your work has been fabulous
Alite: I agree Grace
Sunset: well thank you so much ..i appreciate that very much
James: I am familiar with Zen meditation, and we will be covering it in our next series called
Many Paths.
Emerging: It's a great crew. :)
Sunset: it's been a wonderful experience for me
Sabaku: I see.
Emerging: you're welcome :)
James: Its not my primary method though But I am very eclectic.
Sabaku: Heh
James: We are going to cover many different methods in that series.
Alite: It is a blessing to be able to look at all methods and techniques and allow the one which
resonates best within your spirit to be your focus.
Emerging: agreed, Alite and there are MANY
Alite: It is also a great gain of knowledge to look at all sides of the great picture to form the
clarity of life achieved from daily meditational practices.
Sunset: i think all techniques have their function
James: Ok.. its just about time to get started on the 5th chakra.. Sunset has prepared much
info for us to look over.. and feel free to ask questions during the presentation, as long as they are on topic...
Alite: We are blessed to have classes such as this.
Emerging: agreed, Sunset
Sunset: it's just like having tools for your tool box
Emerging: indeed we are
James: I will be putting Sunsets words into the room as I have the program to do so.. the font
will be different than when I type.
Emerging: and those that give of their time to provide such help and instruction :)

THROAT CHAKRA

The 5th Chakra is located in throat area...the element of sound.. the lotus is called Vissuddha, which means purification,which would be aligning with the resonance of truth that can bring all enlightenment.

The essence of communication is seen as a dance between sound and vibration, the two major themes of this chakra are the law of vibration and resonance, in specific sympathetic resonance. Each unique individual has their own vibration that dances in cohesion with the dance of the universe. This chakra is responsible for all forms of communication, which are ultimately all associated with vibration..and resonance with other forms of consciousness..or other states of awareness. This is done through symbolic interpretation and is seen or experienced through the expression of sound, vibration, self-expression and creativity; which are communicated and association with levels of thought and understanding.

You can feel this intimately with the communication that constantly happens to you on a cellular level, your body dances in unison with bursts of chemicals and electrical charges that emit information to perfectly coordinate the unity that is your physical body. Each selective part beats specifically for it's own function, creating individual rhythm, which merges with all the other systems in your body to create your individual vibrational signature.

It could be said that God knows every hair on your head, because of the individuality of your vibration, and the inner vibration of each cell, including hair cells ..of which that divine spark of consciousness resides within.

Another form of communication would be from one form of consciousness to another, the act of connection, or resonation. You speak to other people the thoughts of your individual awareness, which then can be joined to a collective consciousness such as at a seminar on a certain subject, or through the media in believing certain aspects of world communication.

Here the actual weight of the physical body is transcended, you can be in Hawaii, and talk via communication..which is sound and vibration, which is then relayed through transmitters to
your best friend in New York City. You don't physically have to be there to have a conversation. You don't have to be in the Middle East to find out what is happening,
Consciousness can merge in unity with other consciousness through the emission of vibration and sound to extend ourselves beyond ordinary limitations...for it is said..this is the portal between the etheric...spirit..and the mental realm. Communication into print, which then can be collectively felt by the awareness of many.

Etheric being formless, and mental being a higher vibratory rate such as the speed of thought which are then combined to create another realm, reality...that are the causal result of our thoughts, emotions, and physical state.

This would create a conclusive picture that the 5th chakra...is the center that creates, controls and transmits as well as receives the communication of consciousness. This creates the substance of our bodies, the energy that affects movement, which in turn..affects matter.
If you think of pieces of music...they make you feel a certain way by the message they carry, the tone of the piece, which then are collected by individual molecules..atoms..within your cells..which then react as a collective whole to create your experience. Purification would be what happens as you transcend vibratory states..or change levels of awareness. As your awareness or perception changes, your cells react and by harmony or discontent, and are either kept or discarded to then again create vibratory harmony of your environment.

Mantras... I wanted to do a separate section on this..because I think it is really important to understand what their true design is...Man..meaning mind...and tra meaning instrument... are comprised of sacred sounds, tools..instruments that are meant to protect the mind. A tool for protecting our minds from non productive thought and action. They serve as Focusing devices for bring one pointed-ness or a state of calm to the party we have going on most of the time. Mantra's are designed to awaken the mind from the constant state of ignorance that is habitual to those not trying to be conscious. Mantra's have different levels of vibration, and can be a powerful way to come into awareness of the vibratory state of each chakra. Spoken aloud a few times can affect your vibrational level during the day! If silently used in mediation, it can create order an harmony within that overcome the inertia of pervading chaos are mind sometimes chooses.

The seed sounds each Chakra have their own essence...carrying the secrets of that chakra. As they are associated with different elements, it is understood that the seed sounds give access to the healing qualities of those elements. For a complete list of seed sounds, please look at the web site. The element associated with this chakra is sound, the color is bright blue. The sense associated with this chakra is hearing. The planet is mercury. The seed sound is Ham.

If this chakra is in dysfunction, you have problems with sore throats, stiff neck, colds, thyroid and hearing problems. In order to heal these things..you need to realize their is a vibrational imbalance associated with the truths in your life. The way of changing these things would be healing sounds, often associated with composers that have music to uplift your vibratory state. Also changing emotion or expression of true thought can be a way of healing.


Brief Discussion:

James: Any questions?
Emerging: ummm... Ham..?
James: Ham is prounounced like humm
Emerging: The seed sound is Ham.
James: its a vibration
Sunset: actually..this is the only lotus of all vowels the other lotus flowers..contain consonants
Emerging: I understand now.
James: So music is one of the ways to heal this chakra?
Sunset: this is a lot of information to take in. absolutely. higher vibrational music...classical would be best changes your inner vibrational state
Alite: Yes. Music and the vibrations of the universe. All language without words to the spirit.
James: what if you don't like classical, would it still work?
Sunset: well you want to do things you are comfortable with
James: Will Moody Blues with an orchestra work?
Sunset: but that will definately raise your overall awareness..conscousness
Emerging: Don't like classical..! =-O lol
Majick: *wondering what vibration credence clearwater revival has*
Alite: Even if your mind does not like the sound of classical music I believe the sounds
themselves have an impact on the entire chakra system.
Emerging: <~~loves Classical...Moody Blues... and CCR
Majick: although if the type of music grates on your nerves, it is hard to focus :)
Sunset: actually the mammas and the papas vibrate or are calibrated about about five thirty
James: So when you get a lump in your throat because of some emotional reaction, is that the 5th chakra making its presence known?
Sunset: the level of enlightenment is six hundred. Yes james
Majick: but I think light jazz over classical would still have the same effect yes?
Sunset: if you are having a hard time speaking truth or being honest.. you are having issues that affect the fifth chakra
James: I think it depends on the individual.
Sunset: thoughts not being vocalized or creatively used
James: I feel the throat chakra alot when I meditate. As I inhale I feel the energy in my heart
center rising to the throat.
Sunset: oh gosh i almost forgot
James: what?
Sunset: there is something special about this chakra..because it actually has interaction with both the current leading down to manifest and also the current leading upward to liberation
James: how does it interact?
Emerging: interesting
Sunset: sound..thought... are taken down through the manifesting current to be interpered
by the heart and acted upon by the third chakra of force..or will with purpose
James: manifestation is a downward current?
Sunset: yes. liberation is the upward current..
James: interesting. downward from where? the universe?
Sunset: when of course would communication vibrated up through the third eye to perpetuate thought..and interact with light..or our higher self....to be sent to the universal consciousness of all which brings liberation.. through expression : ) so even when we are not speaking our truth.. the individual consciousness that lives within each cell is speaking it's own
James: I always believed each cell had it's own conscousness.
Majick: sunset.. if someone compulsively lies.. could that be helped by 5th chakra work?
Sunset: it's encoded within your dna
James: We are a collection of beings.
Sunset: yes majick. but that would also be generated by thought.. it also has to receive some sort of input through will..or is acted upon by the third chakra.. ahh but we are more than a collection...we have our own individual vibration but we vibrate cohesively with the whole of the universe the greatest example of synchronicty lies within us and includes us
James: ::smile:: It always comes down to that.. within us.
Sunset: well it's amazing..the whole vibrates the one universal sound lol but each has its own vibrational signature just like the liver has it's own vibrational rate..as does the heart..the mind..but as a whole they create one vibration through sympathetic resonance..so as you feel each individual consciousness..each individual person..they sympathetically resonaate with all in the universe
Alite: I was thinking the importance of balance. Similar to a car whose tires are out of balance
will shake the entire car.
Sunset: there you go alite. you tell by vibration if something is wrong or you feel if your car is out of alignment because the steering wheel doesn't stay strait
Alite: Yes. Also unbalanced tires will wear them unusually fast.
Sunset: right..which causes stress to the whole car the same..with our bodies
Alite: Yes. Similar to illness
Sunset: which ends up sending out those vibrations to the collective. yes
James: My throat chakra is tingling tonight in this room. Anyone else feel anything like that?Alite: Yes. Because we are one mind with one focus communicating with purpose
C2: my hands are tinglling
James: C2.. are the palms warm?
C2: my hands are always warm
James: C2, have you been attuned to Reiki, or is this just natural for you?
C2: both, more natural
James: We like to end each class with a group meditation.

Group Meditation:

Let all the cares of the day fall away. just be here in this moment with us... surrounded
by a peaceful warm energy. Breathe deeply and smoothly...As you inhale, feel this warm energy filling you, energizing you. As you exhale, let go of all tension.

Breathing in a warm peaceful energy... breathing out all heaviness. Feel the energy of the group around you... imagine we are sitting in a circle facing each other.

Breathing in the warm energy... feel it fill your heart. As you inhale, feel this energy filling your heart center and rising up to the throat center.

You may become aware of a sensation there. Think of a wide open cloudless blue sky.Reflected in a wide stretch of calm water. Hear the sound of the waves. We are one in this vibration.

Place your palms together in front of your heart center, with the tips of your fingers touching the throat. As you inhale, feel the warmth rising from the heart center, and radiating in your
palms.

As you exhale, let go of anything that is clouding this experience. The vibration of peace is all around you.

Taking one final deep breath and releasing, let us bring this meditation gently to a close.

The nature images in the meditation were suggested as being helpful in stimulating
that chakra.

Next week is my favorite chakra.. the one that was my initial awakening..

Suggested Reading

The Posture of Meditation by Will Johnson (Amazon.com listed at $10.74)
Inner Quest by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait (BestPrices.com listed at $11.10)
Meditation and Its Practice by Swami Rama (Amazon.com listed at $9.97)
A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield (Amazon.com listed at $17.09)
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith (Amazon.com listed at $11.67)
Chakras and their Archetypes Uniting Energy Awareness and Spiritual Growth by Ambika Wauters (Amazon.com listed at $11.02)


Those of you who enjoy have AOL access and wish to join us on Sunday nights, we are listen in Life - Meditation Paths . We will enjoy seeing you there, learning and sharing together, for Meditation studies.

April 2 Class Summary -Heart Chakra-

Brief Discussion:

James: Tonight we are going to cover one of the most interestingchakras of all.. before we start, are there any general meditation questions? Lets take a couple of deep centering breaths...
Sunset: i have a question
James: go on Sun
Sunset: what do you do when you are sitting aligned and your legs still fall asleep lol
James: punt
Flowr: go with it :)
Sunset: well i don't unfocus
James: Actually, you sit as long as you can, then you can lean against a wall and straighten them.
Sunset: i feel like i turn into this big pile of nothing lol
Flowr: I think that's the point..?
James: Sun, there are things you can do to improve the area you are sitting to minimize that problem.
Sunset: hmm ok well i think part of that is the point flower..i know weare supposed to forget about the body right?
James: yes, but the body needs to be comfortable for that, not going to sleep from lack of circulation.
Alite: I do not think that meditation is forgetting about the body
Sunset: well i am trying to sit as aligned as i can...it just happens some of the time
Flowr: soft cushions?
James: You might want to try a softer cushion that supports your thighs.
Flowr: like on the couch?
Alite: When meditating one can be aware of the body even when focusing on the spaceousness of all that is
Citim: practice teaches function in form
James: You want to distribute your weight as evenly as possible in the shape of a V along your thighs
Sunset: ok i was sitting on a sleeping bag but i didn't have a pillow like i normally do
James: both would work best the pillow to sit on the sleeping back to cushion your thighs bag (sit up on)
Sunset: well actually i normally use this big long pillow that i had from when i was pregnant and another fluffier flat pillow ..that works best but at moments i feel alignment issues


Heart Chakra

The chakra being discussed this evening, is the fourth chakra, located in the center of the chest...the heart. The sanskrit word for this chakra is Anahata, meaning unstruck, which also is known..as the place of openness.

The heart is universally known as the center..the heart of matter, also known as the essence, core, the heart unites everything within and without between spirit and matter...the center of love ... integrating the entire being with a sense of wholeness and balance.

This chakra represents Shiva and Shakti together united in the eternal dance of creation united in the heart, in the form of Lakshmi and Vishnu the Preservers, ruling over the middle part of our lives with continuous flow and balance.

The love experienced in this chakra is different from the object oriented, more passionate, sexual love of the second chakra that is stimulated more by the presence of a particular person. The love that comes from this chakra..comes from within, it is not dependant on outside stimulation, radiating outward. The heart is the center of devine empathy, love, forgiveness, and affinity.

This chakra represents the one true relationship with everything else, and the interconnectedness of all relationships, continuously through the heart. The breath of life, the representation of prana..the energy of all living things..that perpetuates and weaves the tapestry of life...every relationship ... it is also know as the interface between the physical and mental realm.

Love is probably known as the most mystical and powerful word in the english language. Love is basic to all life, to all living things...when we fall in love.... this unifying force is larger than life.. you feel like you are walking on air...your cares seem lighter...you are lifted up. Love and approval are expressed in compliments, acknowledgement, praise, affection, and action. Love requires the coordination and balance of energy on many levels.

The gatekeeper of fear is imperative to understanding this chakra, used as a protective device, to balance the input and output of energy....ever protecting the delicate heartchakra's energy. The input and output of this chakra must be in balance for it to work appopropriatly, to little output will leave you feeling a life that is very alone, and too much will leave you depleated.

This chakra provides energy both pivoting upward and downward..supplying vital force to the other chakras. Learning to love requires us to be able to feel, communicate, have our own sense of self and ability to see and understand ..and integrate all of those things. The heart chakra is a yin chakra....the most profound love..is the love that is comfortable with letting things be as they are.

The difference between the heart chakra and the solar plexus resides in awareness, through the repetetive pattern of the lower chakras you come to find yourself in the place of stillness..the unstruck ...always beating...every supplying life center of all. As we move through the higher chakras learning becomes more complex, requiring higher memory functioning and integration,the heart is the interface, the interpreter of the thoughts the mind creates, the perceptions we form are given meaning here...creating the foundation of our character..brought together by thecohesive structure of realizing we are held in equilibrium by love.

In realizing that we are perfectly whole, that we are flawless, does that allow the heart center to come from a place of true openness..ever circulating the love of the devine. Bringing unity to all and through healing, forgiving, and expanding our awareness this chakra creates new levels of emotion, endearment and character to it's constant state of delicacy.

This chakra is associated with the sense of touch, for it is through touch we receive affirmation of affection, through a handshake, through physical contact we receive input of our relationship to what is around us. The rhythmic vibration of life is represented here, and the true importance of breath of life. The color associated with chakra is green, and is connected with the lungs, heart, pericardium, arms and hands. The planet associated with this chakra is venus...the planet of love, the stones are emerald, tourmaline, jade and rose quartz. The seed sound is Lam.



Brief Discussion:

Sunset: i was told by someone the most affluent healing stone for this chakra was rose quartz
James: We just finished the presentation on the 4th chakra but the exercise/meditation is still coming up after the discussion.
MyLady: I like green and pink stones blended together, actually tourmaline is very good for opening the chakras
Sunset: there are also some questions i can post that can help you think about how open you are to allowing the energy of love into this chakra
Rnbows: i used to wear a rose quartz heart..til it fell of one day..guess that meant i didnt need it for awhile
Sunset: tourmaline is a gorgeous stone
Earth: yes it is
Flowr: that'd be nice Sunset
Tendr: I very much like Hematite
Sunset: emerald is a classic stone of royalty.. perhaps they were always in need of healing as well
James: I liked the part about this chakra pivoting up and down.
Flowr: what is seed sound?
Sunset: lam. do you want me to post the questions here?
James: Yes Sun.. explain them first please.
Sunset3: these questions are located in a book called chakras and their archetypes uniting energy awareness and spiritual growth by ambika wauters
James: The purpose of these questions is?
Sunset: the two main archetypes for this chakra are the actor/actress and the lover to see how open your heart is to recieving and giving love..coming from a place of openness to deepen your capacity to love
1.) Are you able to be open and honest about yourfeelings with another person?
2.) How much love do you feel for yourself?
3.) Can you experience love for yourself when you are unhappy or lonely?
4.) Are you able to sustain a commitment through difficult times?
5.) Do you know how to stay with someone through the unpleasant and hard times when communication is blocked because of blame or resentment?
6.) Can you be detached enough to allow your loved ones to be themselves?
7.) Does your love help you to honor your commitment to work things through when you feel unsure and vulnerable?
8.) Can you be true to your feelings in a relationship without sacrficing or losing your sense of self?
9.) Can you love someone as they are and not expect them to change for you?
10.) Can you love yourself enough to be the way you are in a relationship?
Sunset: that's the end of the questions. i think those are good as a reflective tool. they are meant as a method of going inward
James: I agree.
Sunset: sometimes the greatest love we can receive is the love we fear or don't think we are worthy of
James: Saying no to many of these questions would suggest needing workon heart chakra then?
Sunset: this chakra is like kind of like the gates of the panamacanal. there are different ones that open and close at the same time
Flowr: I wonder if anyone can say yes to all.
James: We can aspire to.
Earth: well there were a couple i need to assess within
Sunset: well i think..when you can say yes to all. you realize the true inter connectedness of all relationships as one. i know i can't yet, but how amazing that kind of love is
Earth: i believe it is possible to love with a pure heart
James: indeed
Sunset: well it is already there earth in every breath we breathe....we breathe in the love of God
Earth: yes we do
James: Yes, waiting to flow when we stop blocking it.
Alite: When we can say Yes to all perhaps that is when we know the true meaning of unconditional love
Flowr: I hope the 'relationships' implied is meant in the broad sense.
Earth: and allowing ourselves to receive
Flowr: the broadest, that is.
James: I am sure it was.
Sunset: relationships as in with everyone flower..
Flowr: right, so gathered ;)
Sunset: from the very closest to you ..to the inter relation with every other living person..thing..
Flowr: good :)
Sunset: ok so how are you supposed to see past a road rage person into their infinte interconnectedness to the universal love?
Flowr: I think that chakra in balance is what I call my 'comfort zone'
James: Don't ask me those questions when I am driving in chicago traffic.
Flowr: hmm.. good deal. that too :-D
James: "do you love the driver who just made you miss that light?"
Sunset: i think sometimes..it is the greatest challenge for us to see the infinite spark of one we don't like..that's where i think we need to work on unconditional love
Alite: If someone has road rage at you, smile and pray for the driver that they will lose their anger
Flowr: good point Sun
Sunset: alite you are so good
Flowr: rather than hit the next pole.
Alite: Yes. They need prayer most of all
Sunset: maybe that is why we are supposed to pray for those who despitefully use us?
MyLady: the driver who made you miss the light might of saved your life... syncronicity in action... all is in perfect timing
Sunset: that is such a good comment gwen
James: so trueSunsetntwilight3: how trueA
Alite: Using positivity such as prayer and good intentions towards someone who could just be having a not so good day will help change their day to the better
Sunset: i think that the biggest part is opening ourself up to loving others instead of closing ourselves off. if you think of an infant..they cannot live without the love of their primary caregiver
James: Living life from a calm center can change everything. including interactions in tense situations like driving
Alite: I think it is part of our job as being part of each other to lift up others in love
James: When you are being mindful its less likely you will react unconsciously. And the middle finger is not a yoga mudra.
Alite: It begins with words and thoughts of kindness, which is centered from your Heart chakra
Sunset: what's a yoga mudra?
James: hand positon

Group Meditation:

Tonight in place of our normal ending meditation I have a healing meditation for the heart chakra. Its slightly abreviated, and is from the book Working With Your Chakras by Ruth White. Position.
Sit or lie comfortably, with your body symmetrically arranged, balanced, and relaxed.. Close your eyes and be in touch with the rythme of your breathing...

Bring the breath rhythm into your hear chakra - in the center of your body, on a level with your physical heart. Sense your heart chakra like a rose which is about to open... it has a delicate fragrance...its outer petals are spring green while within there is a promise of a delicate rosy pink...the colors are translucent, ethereal and yet the rose itself has substance...with each in-breath and out-breath the petals unfold, releasing more and more of its fragrance...the heart center colors surround you... as the center of the rose reveals itself, you see that the base of each petal has a delicate amethyst light and tinge...your heart center is pulsating and turning.... As its movementsfinds a steady rhythm and the color and light increase, reflect on people in your life who need healing... any situations which need deeper understanding... Do not allow yourself to pursue reasons, arguments or outcomes, just hold each person or situation in the light and fragrance of your heart center...breathing steadily, you will gradually become aware of constant pulsing rhythm in your heart center.. a rhythm which links to the central rhythm of the universe.. with the rhythms of earth and sea...with currents of air...and with the flicker of flames in a gentle, warming fire... You begin to feel healed and vitalized too... Experience this rhythm and healing as long as you wish... ~end