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Anahata
Anahata is the fourth primary chakra according to the
Hindu Yogic and Tantric (Shakta) traditions.
In Sanskrit the word anahata - means unhurt, un-struck and unbeaten.
Anahata Nad refers to the Vedic concept of unstruck sound, the sound
of the celestial realm.
Associations
The Anahata chakra is physically positioned at the heart region.
Traditionally, this chakra is represented as a green flower with
twelve petals which match the vrittis of lust, fraud, indecision,
repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance,
incompetence, discrimination and defiance.
Anahata is associated with the ability to make decisions outside of
the realm of karma. In Manipura and below, man is bound by the laws
of karma, and the fate he has in store for him. In Anahata, one is
making decisions, 'following your heart', based upon one's higher
self, and not from the unfulfilled emotions and desires of lower
nature. The 'wish-fulfilling tree', kalpa taru, resides here,
symbolising the ability to manifest whatever you wish to happen in
the world.
It is also associated with love and compassion, charity to others,
and forms of psychic healing.
Anahata is the seat of the Jivatman.
Symbolism
It is associated with the following:
* Deities: Vayu (Hindu God of the wind), Isha and Kakini
* Element: Air
* Animal: Antelope
* Body Parts: Heart, Skin
Practices
In kundalini yoga, anahata is awoken and balanced through practices
including asanas, pranayamas, and the practice of Ajapa Japa (
repetition of a sacred mantra ). It is purified through the process
of Bhakti(devotion ).
Other Associations
In the endocrine system, Anahata is associated with the thymus
gland, located in the chest. This gland produces white blood cells,
that combat disease, and bring equilibrium to the body.
Many Western occultists associate this central chakra with the
central sephirah, Tiphereth, in the kabbalistic tree of life.
Christian kabbalists in particular associate this sephiroth with
love, healing and Jesus Christ as God the Son.
Alternative names
* Tantra: Anahata-Puri, Dwadasha, Dwadashadala, H'idayambhoja,
Hridabja, Hridambhoja, Hridambuja, Hridaya, Hridaya Kamala,
Hridayabja, Hridayambuja, Hridayasarasija, Hrit Padma, Hritpankaja,
Hritpankeruha, Hritpatra, Hritsaroruha, Padma-Sundara,
Suryasangkhyadala
* Vedas (late Upanishads): Dwadashara Chakra, Fourth Chakra, Hridaya
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