[info] http://www.adishakti.org/subtle_system/vishuddhi_chakra.htm https://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/vishuddhi [/info] Fifth Chakra: Vishuddhi / Throat Chakra throat chakra "The fifth chakra (Vishuddhi) is the chakra of diplomacy, of pure relationships with others, and of playful detachment. It removes all our guilt and remorse when it is opened by the Kundalini, and gives us a kind and compassionate voice. The tendencies to dominate others or to feel dominated by others, the feelings of superiority or inferiority and all jealousies are removed when this chakra is nourished by the Kundalini." "The fifth centre is called as Vishuddhi Chakra. This is placed in the neck of the human being and it had sixteen petals which look after ears, nose, throat, neck, tongue, teeth etc. This centre is responsible for communication with others because through our eyes, through our nose, through our speech, through our hands, we communicate with others. On the physical level it caters for the cervical plexus." The Vishuddhi Chakra represents that time in the evolution of humanity when the need for harmony and collective living becomes important. It represent everything to do with the cohesive nature of the human race, and the ability of the human being to rise above petty differences and strive to experience the unity of the Spirit. QUALITY One of the qualities that we need to develop for our spiritual growth is that of staying detached from the problems we face every day whilst trying to survive in the modern world. The flowering of the Vishuddhi Chakra provides us with a sense of detachment which lets us witness the Play of Life to survive in the modern world. As a result we avoid being brought down by things which seem traumatic, but are in fact simple 'events' or 'coincidences' which we must pass through to reach the Other Shore. This does not mean that we stop accepting responsibility for our actions, or that we 'give up' on life. It simple gives us a means to maintain a sense of perspective when we are faced with overwhelming emotional situations. We become a witness of the game, and can keep a distance from our involvement and thoughts, from our planning and conditionings, from our emotions. After our Self-Realization our ability to be a witness matures, and we see all of these things as existing outside ourselves. These things and events are not of our Spirit; they are of the external world. In this way we strip away layers of identity to reveal our fundamental and individual essences, the Spirit. Shri Mataji says that"We see our own acting, and the whole world becomes like a drama."In the same Shakespeare likened the whole world to a stage, and us as actors on it. The Vishuddhi Chakra also embodies those qualities which govern our relationship with other members of the human race. It is key to our ability to feel and respond to our own vibrations as well as others, and deepens our spiritual awareness. It gives us a sense of oneness and harmony with the Great Circle of Life. As we become one with the Whole we begin to feel the direct evidence of the subtle system on our Chakras and those of others. This is what is meant by the actualization in Sahaja Yoga, this actual evidence of our enlightenment, which we experience on our fingertips and in our bodies. It is a fact that, as we become a collectively conscious person, we can work on the subtle system of others simply by recording the state of their Chakras on our fingers and directing our vibrations to these areas of need as required. It is like acquiring a new perception, a natural new sense of subtle vibrations. This bond of humanity is the goal that seekers have been searching for over many lifetimes, and it is starting its manifestation at this point in time, not just through myth and conception, but through the direct evidence of personal experience. TRADITION The deity for this centre is Shri Krishna. He represents God in His aspect as the Eternal Witness. With absolute detachment He watches the Play (Leela) of the Cosmic drama. GROSS PHYSICAL ASPECT The Vishuddhi Chakra has sixteen petals, each with different qualities and functions. We should avoid lying or swearing or talking excessively as this could affect the right centre. Likewise it benefits is we use the voice for praise rather than criticism, for dignity rather than coarse frivolity. We should never be harsh or sarcastic or witty at another's expense. We should simply aim to speak from the heart. Another way this centre can suffer is in the indiscriminate use of mantras. This is especially true in regard to mantras sold as commercial commodities. These are simple sensory dulling toys which have no relationship with our Spirit. Undergoing this type of self-hypnosis is actually anti-consciousness. The colour of the Vishuddhi Chakra is VIOLET, the colour of wisdom and spirituality. The Lotus blossom in the Vishuddhi Chakra has 16 petals. These represent the sixteen Siddhis (supernatural powers) that a person can acquire through practising Yoga. Altogether there are 24 Siddhis , which include the ability to raise the dead to life. A Divine Incarnation is endowed with these powers from birth . However, these are never used arbitrarily, but always in harmony with the Divine Will. Siddhis can be a great obstacle on the spiritual path if ego and pride develop because of them. Yogis who make a show of their Siddhis very soon lose their yogic power. The number 16 also refers to the sixteen days it takes for the half-moon to grow into the full moon as another symbol of the Vishuddhi Chakra is the HALF MOON. As already mentioned in earlier chapters the moon denotes emotions, change and the female principle. In the Bhagavad Gita (15/13) the moon is described as "the giver of nectar" as it gives nourishment to vegetation. The Lotus in the Vishuddhi Chakra carries the Bija Mantra HAM - I am. SO HAM means "That am I". In the Anahata Chakra we frequently indulge in beautiful emotions, whereas in the Vishuddhi Chakra we begin to become conscious of who we really are. It is here that the real journey towards Self-Realisation and Self-knowledge starts. The Vishuddhi Chakra is the gate through which we are able to raise our consciousness to a higher level. It is the border between the physical and astral levels, between consciousness and superconsciousness. When we cross it the ascent to the realm of wisdom and clarity of consciousness opens up before us.