Mooladhar Chakra

INTRODUCTION

In the beginning of evolution, the first amoeba cell organisms were formed. Thereafter they became more and more complex, developing into multi-cellular organisms, and ultimately to humankind. The Mooladhara Chakra is made of the earth element and represents the beginning of life. When awakened and nourished, this association with the earth element manifests as a magnetic force within the person. For instance a person with a strong Mooladhara center has a good inner sense of direction (in more ways than one). This Chakra is at the root or foundation of the subtle system, and Mooladhara is situated below the abode of the Kundalini, at the very base of the subtle body. In Sanskrit, "moola" means root (which is the Kundalini) and "adhara" means the support - so Mooladhara translates into the supporter of the Kundalini.

Deity : Shri Ganesha
Gross (physical) Level: Pelvic Plexus,
Prostrate Gland
Manifestation (controls): Sex, Excretion
Qualities :
Innocence,
Wisdom,
Chastity,
Eternal Childhood
No. of Petals: Four (4)
Associated Day: Tuesday
Associated Color: Coral Red
Associated Planet: Mars
Associated Element: Earth / Carbon
Associated Gem: Coral
Place on hand: Heel of Palm
Associated Symbol: Clockwise Swastika


Causes of Catch / Obstruction

Left Side: Sexual excessiveness, tantric and occult practices.

Right Side: Excessive Puritanism (e.g. focusing on the evils of sex)



Position in Human Body :

QUALITY

The fundamental quality of the Chakra is innocence, which forms the basis of every righteous (dharmic) character. This innocence is the type of quality, which is evident in babies and small children. It represents action without motive or desire for gross personal gain. This innocence is accompanied by the innate wisdom of a child. A baby knows fundamental aspects of nature instinctively - it knows how to show discomfort by crying, or how to suck to obtain food. This root wisdom, if left undisturbed, would develop into a balanced set of priorities in the adult. Unfortunately the influence of human society sometimes tends to muddy this innocence and so obscure the wisdom that goes with it. By awakening the qualities of the Mooladhara through our meditations, we learn again to be more innocent beings. To be less motive-led in our actions and to make the correct decisions in our lives.


TRADITION

The presiding deity (or role model) for the Moolandhara Chakra is Shri Ganesha, the child with the head of an elephant. He is the embodiment of innocence and he guards this Mother Kundalini (Guari) and her instrument with great alertness and uncompromising zeal. It is he who informs Kundalini when it is time to awaken and it is his anger, which produces the heat in the sympathetic nervous system (subtle body) if any unauthorized person tries to do so. He is worshipped as the remover of obstacles - the obstacles, which may occur in the course of the awakening of the Kundalini and the development of one's realization.

The wisdom of Shri Ganesha is the wisdom of the heart - that is the ability to perceive the true meaning of what people may say or do (i.e. what is really in their heart). Children again naturally have this ability as they often tune in to the feelings and subtle signals rather than the face value of what is said. Shri Ganesha is also the eternal divine child, and he therefore likes to have fun and enjoy. He bubbles with enthusiasm, playfulness and love.


GROSS PHYSICAL ASPECT

The Mooladhara Chakra governs the excretory and reproductive organs, and as such has a direct bearing on the sexual aspects of the human being. There have been attempts in the past to awaken the Kundalini through sexual practice (witness also the tantric sexual ritual in practices such as witchcraft and voodoo around the world). This is obviously very dangerous and can cause the greatest harm to the Chakra itself. If one remembers that the Mooladhara center provides a gateway though which the Kundalini must pass, then it is easy to understand how anything, which is not innocent, can harm it. Sex has its place in human life as the most sublime physical expression of love within the marriage.

Through this channel birth and the creation continue their course. However, it is another thing to allow sex to dominate our lives and bring us out of balance. After realization one learns to develop respect and proper esteem for one's own chastity and the chastity of others. This sense of right conduct is essential for the development of our own gravity and power. It is the foundation stone of each of us as human beings, the power of incorruptible innocence.


CLEARING THE MOOLADHARA

A weakened Mooladhara may show up in a number of ways:

poor sense of direction, poor memory, poor sense of balance (gravity), certain ‘incurable’ diseases or mental problems.

Using the Elements:

• Sit on earth as much as possible.
• Place the left hand toward the photograph, with a lit candle in front of it, right hand on the earth.
• To help in clearing the left Mooladhara place the left hand on the Chakra (just above the
• groin area) and the right hand on the ground.
• Soaking your feet in a bowl of warm salted water (footsoaking) is also helpful to this Chakra.

Affirmations:

• Mother please make me innocent.
• Mother please clear my Mooladhara Chakra.

General Advice from Shri Mataji:

• Try to keep your attention on natural things such as the earth, sky or grass rather than on gross or material things, which may be fighting to get your attention.
• Avoid too much red meat as this can overexcite the Chakra.
• Relate to members of the opposite sex as brothers and sisters.
• Meditate on the quality of innocence to develop this power