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T H I R D   G A T E:   M A N I P U R A   C H A K R A

PART 1   |   PART 2   |   PART 3

PART 1
Location: the third energy center, Manipura chakra is located in your physical body around the area of the solar plexus.

Represents: expansive consciousness, willpower and inner harmony.

Symbolical representation: passionate consciousness and a dynamic personality.

On the psychic level: it grants self-control, practical intelligence and controls your will, your ego and your individuality.

On the physical level: it coordinates the digestive processes and the activity of the organs located inside the abdomen.

Characteristic reactions due to an energy disturbance: the struggle for personal power and the recognition of one's own rights and merits even at the expense of other people's well-being.

Characteristic element: the subtle energies of fire.

Sensory organ: the eyes.

Sense: sight.

The person who focuses and meditates on this chakra will gain the ability of discovering hidden treasures. The great yogi Swami Shivananda says that "such a person will not be touched by any disease. He or she will not fear fire. Even if such a person stays in the middle of a burning fire, he or she will not die or fear death. His or her will and strength will be absolutely amazing."

As we saw in some of the previous articles, the first center of force, Muladhara chakra is dominated by the will to survive. The second center of force, Svadhishthana chakra is associated with social and sexual experience, mostly directed towards perpetuating the species.

The third center of force, Manipura chakra is associated with an individual's behavior, which is directed towards solving his or her personal needs: clothing, shelter, food etc.

The main idea corresponding to the third chakra is: "Respect yourself". The energies manifested on this level are oriented towards a better understanding of our own individuality and our own, characteristic manner of manifestation.


THE GREATEST CHALLENGE: YOURSELF!
On the path to spiritual perfection we are forced to face all kinds of problems almost on a daily basis, under circumstances that are meant to unveil our inner strengths or weaknesses. The main lesson on this level is to create a powerful personality, an identity that is separate from the group.

This third center is like the magnetic core of your personality. It is related to the subtle energy of fire, and when the inner fire is harmonious and balanced, it helps the development of qualities such as self-confidence, perfect health, a dynamic personality, an adventurous spirit, willpower, correct assimilation of food, a high energy level and being able to work for a long time without getting tired.

When Manipura chakra is activated, the person acquires the ability of being spontaneous, very dynamic and capable of leading impressive groups of people.

If this subtle fire is disturbed, feelings of irascibility, impulsiveness, and conflicts may arise, leading to the preoccupation of controlling and dominating other people.

In the cases of Yin disturbances on the level of Manipura chakra the person in question will be fickle and cowardly. However, whatever it may be, Yang or Yin, both attitudes are rooted in the person's fear of being himself or herself.


REAL SUCCESS, THE LESSONS WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND.
The understanding and acceptance of our own person, the bond created with ourselves is one of the most difficult spiritual challenges for anybody. Usually we place the power of decision in the hands of someone powerful, someone whom we allow to make our choices for us.

The lesson is to learn to accept ourselves as we are and to make the most appropriate decisions for ourselves and by ourselves. With each choice we make we acquire a better control of ourselves, and our self-confidence and self-esteem grow as well.

PART 1   |   PART 2   |   PART 3