Sahasrara

From Buddhist Encyclopedia

Sahasrara is the highest primary chakra according to the Hindu Tantric tradition (Shakta).

Description

Sahasrara is positioned above the head or at the top of it and it has 1000 petals which are arranged in 20 layers each of them with 50 petals. For a discussion about the petal count see also Sahasrara chakra symbolizes detachment from illusion; an essential element in obtaining supramental consciousness of the truth that one is all and all is one.

Often referred as thousand-petaled lotus, it is said to be the most subtle chakra in the system, relating to pure consciousness, and it is from this chakra that all the other chakras emanate. When a yogi is able to raise his or her kundalini, energy of consciousness, up to this point, the state of samadhi, or union with god, is experienced.

Practices

Some Asanas are said to help stimulate this chakra, such as 'head-stand'

Other Associations

In the West, it has been noted by many occultists that Sahasrara expresses a similar archetypal idea to that of Kether in the kabbalistic tree of life, which also rests at the head of the tree, and represents pure consciousness and union with god.

It is also believed by some that the chakras correspond to the human endocrine system, with Sahasrara corresponding to the pineal gland, which may excrete the endogenous psychedelic Dimethyltryptamine, that may be responsible for REM-Dream, into the rest of our body. It has been proposed by Rick Strassman that the pineal gland is responsible for manufacture of endogenous dimethyltryptamine (DMT) although this is only speculation. There are some who believe DMT has a role in dreaming and possibly near-death experiences and other mystical states, and, although not proven, it was hypothesized in 1988 by Jace Callaway that DMT is connected with visual dreaming. Many misconceptions connect it with the pituitary gland, but that is already the place of the third eye.

Alternative names

• Tantra: Adhomukha Mahapadma, Amlana Padma, Dashashatadala Padma, Pankaja, Sahasrabja, Sahasrachchada Panikaja, Sahasradala, Sahasradala Adhomukha Padma, Sahasradala Padma, Sahasrapatra, Sahasrara, Sahasrara Ambuja, Sahasrara Mahapadma, Sahasrara Padma, Sahasrara Saroruha, Shiras Padma, Shuddha Padma, Wyoma, Wyomambhoja
• Vedas (late Upanishads): Akasha Chakra, Kapalasamputa, Sahasradala, Sahasrara, Sahasrara Kamala (Pankaja or Padma), Sthana, Wyoma, Wyomambuja
• Puranic: Parama, Sahasradala, Sahasraparna Padma, Sahasrapatra, Sahasrara, Sahasrara Kamala (Parikaja or Padma), Shantyatita, Shantyatita Pada

First Claimed Opening

According to Sahaja Yogis this center was opened for the first time by H.H. Shri Mataji Nimala Devi, on the 5^th May 1970.

See also

• SahajaYoga
• Chakra

External links

• Sahasrara Chakra position within the Subtle System
• Description of Sahasrara Chakra from Kheper.net
• Sahasrara - The Crown by Anodea Judith
• - Sahaja Yoga International