VISHUDDHA CHAKRA
The `pure wheel`, Vishuddha chakra is located in the throat, and represents the next stage in our psycho-spiritual
development. Being the meeting point between the centre of love and compassion
(Anahata) and the thoughts of the conscious brain this centre is sometimes called
the third ear. It is also known as the centre of communication. It is from the throat that we communicate with the world around us both verbally and emotionally. –
we sing to our loved one, and feel the lump in the throat when emotion runs high.
The neck is the narrow access from the body to the head, in a way representing a second gate after
the diaphragm, leading to the ultimate goal at the crown of the head. This chakra
is described as having 16 lotus petals of smoky purple, surrounding a circle representative of the full moon - Chandra. Within the circle is a downward pointing triangle containing a circle. Other descriptions include an oval or egg shape. This shape
is regarded as the perfect form in some yoga teachings. The circle can contain
one or the other primal forces. The egg symbolises the coming together of the
two – male and female. The two deities associated\with this chakra are
Sada-Shiva ( the `Eternal Shiva` who is the peaceful basis of all existence), and Shakini.
Sometimes the single deity is Ardhanarishvara – the representation of Shiva as half male, half female.
The root sound, or bija mantra, is Ham, and the element is ether. The chakra is associated with the
sense of hearing, and also with communication, and the expression of emotions. Also described at this centre is the tasting
of the secretion `soma` or `amrita`. This fluid is said to be produced at the
back of the chakra and its production is stimulated by the practice of `khecari-mudra` where the tongue is elongated to roll
back into the back of the throat, or skull cavity to `milk` the fluid. The animal
associated with this centre\is a pure white elephant – a symbol of pure strength
Vishuddha chakra represents the highest development of our physical senses, and their relation with
the elements.
