Yogic Practices for Ajna Activation

Often called the third eye, ajna or sixth chakra is the channel through which a yogi comes to understand the true nature of his or her existence.

All awareness is in the power of ajna, and when awakened it gives a clear perception of oneself and the outside world.

What is Ajna? 

Directly behind the third eye, ajna chakra is located in the brain at the top of the spinal cord.

It relates to the brain, pineal gland, the eyes, ears, and nose. Physical dysfunctions can be in the form of depression, blindness, brain tumors, deafness, headaches, and strokes.

Our intuition, direct knowledge, wisdom, and intellect are all related to ajna.

Connecting to ajna allows us to know without the use of our senses. When it is awakened, attachment fades, and higher perception sets in. Emotional dysfunctions of ajna chakra can cause unfounded fears, delusions, attachment, and jealousy.

Try these yogic practices to activate ajna chakra!

Intuitive Asana for Ajna Chakra Activatiion

Tree pose

Sanskrit: Vrksasana

Step by step:

1. Stand with your feet together. Send your tailbone toward the floor and the crown of your head toward the sky.
2. Lift your right foot from the floor and press it along the inside of your left thigh. Open your knee to the right.
3. Fix your gaze at an unmoving point ahead of you to help with balance.
4. Inhale and reach your arms out to the sides and then overhead, joining your palms together. If you feel steady here, begin to visualize an object, such as a lotus or the face of Buddha. Fix your mind’s eye on this image and close your eyes. Keep visualizing this image to help you balance.
5. Stay here for 30 seconds to a minute then change sides.

Awakening Pranayama

Honeybee breathing

Sanskrit: Bhramari pranayama

Step by step:

1. Sit comfortably in a meditation posture, eyes closed.
2. Gently close the flaps of your ears with your index fingers.
3. Reach your elbows out to the sides but let your shoulders drip down your back. Inhale slowly through your nose.
4. Exhale slowly and smoothly making a long humming sound.
5. Silently inhale through your nose, then exhale with a humming sound. Keep your awareness at ajna chakra.
6. Repeat this three more times.

Internalizing Mudra

Closing of the Seven Gates

Sanskrit: Shanmukhi mudra

Step by step:

1. Sit comfortably in a meditation posture, eyes closed.
2. Use your thumbs to gently close the flaps of your ears, your index fingers to rest on the eyelids, middle fingers to close the nostrils, ring fingers above your lips, and pinky fingers below your lips.
3. Release your middle fingers and inhale slowly and smoothly through your nostrils. Then close your nostrils with your middle fingers and hold your breath for several seconds.
4. Release your middle fingers and exhale slowly and smoothly. Repeat this cycle for five minutes.
5. Lower your hands and take natural breathes.

References:

• Saraswati, Swami Satyananda. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Bihar, India: Yoga Publications Trust, 2008.
• Saraswati, Swami Satyananda. Kundalini Tantra. Bihar, India: Yoga Publications Trust, 1984.