Muladhara Chakra - ॐ नम: शिवाय ψ

Mula = Root, Origin, Essence
adhara = Basis, Foundation
Mantra =  लं laṃ
Location - Kundalini Center, Base of spine (Tailbone, pelvic Floor), cohesion
Color - Red or red orange (secondary color is black)
Element - Earth
Symbol - Square
Energy - Life promoting
Frequency - 523-3 cps
Note-  High C
Sense - Smell
Statement - “I want stuff”
Astrological Sign - Scorpio
Spinal Contact - 4th Sacral Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - Gonads
Functions - Gives vitality to the physical body. Life-force, survival, self-preservation, instincts
Glands/Organs - Adrenals, kidneys, spinal column, colon, legs, bones
Gems/Minerals - Ruby, garnet, bloodstone, red jasper, black tourmaline, obsidian, smoky quartz
Foods - Proteins (meant and dairy products no recommended), red fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Matters relating to the material world, success. The physical body, mastery of the body, grounding, individuality, stability, security, stillness, health, courage, patience
Negative Qualities - Self-centered, insecurity, violence, greed, anger, overly concerned with one’s physical survival, tension in the spine, constipation

Deities = Indra, Brahma, Dakini 
Concentration form of
Indra: Indra is yellow in colour, four-armed, holding the Vajra and a blue lotus in his hands, mounted on the white elephant Airawata
Brahma:  Brahma is deep red, young, four-faced, three-eyed, four-armed, holding a staff, a sacred water-pot, and a rosary of rudraksha, and making the gesture of dispelling fear; seated on a swan
Dakini: Dakini is shining red or shining white in colour; she has beautifull face with three eyes; four-armed, holding a trident, a skulled staff, a swan and a drinking vessel; seated on a red lotus
Shape:
It's symbol is a yellow, square lotus, surrounded by eight shining spears on the sides and corners, and with four red petals. The deity of this region is Indra, who is yellow in colour, four-armed, holding a vajra and blue lotus in his hands, and mounted upon the white elephant Airavata, who has seven trunks, denoting the seven elements vital to physical functioning. Occasionally, instead of Indra, the deity is Ganesha, with coral orange skin, wearing a lemon yellow dhoti with a green silk scarf draped around his shoulders. In three hands he respectively holds a laddu, a lotus flower and a hatchet, and the fourth is raised in the mudra of dispelling fear

Muladhara is said to be located near the basal end of the spinal column in the vicinity of the coccygeal plexus beneath the sacrumit,while its kshetram, or superficial activation point, is located on the perineum

Just as the womb of the mother creates the basic requirement for the growth of the embryo, the Muladhara Chakra forms the basis and the starting point for our spiritual development. It is the foundation from which we climb the ladder of the Chakras; the root from which we receive the nourishment for our spiritual development. For this reason, and because it lies at the lowest point of the spinal column below the Coccyx, it also bears the name “Root Chakra”.

Everyone admires the leaves and flowers of a plant, but hardly anyone takes any notice of the roots that lie hidden in the darkness of the earth. But the roots form the basis of the vegetation. From the sustenance received from the roots the sprout gains the power to penetrate the dark soil, grow upwards towards the sun and produce flowers, fruit and seeds.

Kundalini Shakti (spiritual energy) has its roots in the Muladhara Chakra, but it is in a deep, motionless sleep. When we awaken this slumbering potential that lies within the Muladhara Chakra we are able to work our way towards the light of knowledge and attain the fruit of Self-Realisation.

The Karmas of our past lives rest in the Muladhara Chakra, and from these arise the happiness or unhappiness experienced in this current life (Prarabdha Karma). From every act that we perform or have performed a seed is sown in the Muladhara Chakra that will sooner or later rise into the light; and these seeds determine our fortune. In each lifetime we have planted innumerable seeds that continue to grow and multiply until a dense, impenetrable jungle has arisen.

The Muladhara Chakra is the seat of the unconscious. It is like a dark, locked cellar whose hidden contents we have only a vague idea about. Perhaps there are precious stones, or perhaps poisonous scorpions or snakes. When a snake is sleeping, therefore in an unconscious state, it appears to be peaceful and harmless, but in a wakeful state it can be extremely menacing and dangerous. When the Muladhara Chakra becomes active qualities that we had not suspected were within us, such as destructive rage, all-consuming passion, excessive desires or deep-seated anger, can surface and astound us. Or, on the other hand, we can also experience wonderful feelings of freedom, joy, harmony and closeness to God.

All these experiences await us when we open the door of the unconscious and illuminate it with the light of knowledge. When we recognise our reality within the Muladhara Chakra our entire perspective of the world can change instantaneously.

One question that is often raised is whether it would be better to allow the unconscious to remain buried rather than to stir it up. The answer is that we can only attain freedom when everything that we have carried with us since the beginning of our existence is brought up into the light. Further spiritual development is only possible when everything we have amassed has been processed and purified, and all obstacles from the past removed; it is only when our vision is clear that we are able to recognise the path that will lead us towards realisation.

We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we do not do. At times during our life opportunities are presented whereby we can decide whether to work on and rid ourselves of the contents of our unconscious or continue to remain a captive in the wheel of destiny. Yoga is the best method of taking the decisive step to work through the contents of our unconscious with complete awareness. The guidance of a Realised Master who has already successfully dealt with this process is essential. He knows the dangers and obstacles on the spiritual path, and also understands our feelings and is aware of our condition. He can make us attentive, advise and help us when we still do not know which way to go. Confidence in the Master (Shraddha) is an essential requirement for success. At this stage of our spiritual development we are like tender little plants that must be supported and protected from the rigours of the weather. The Master gives us the necessary support, for he is as unshakeable and firm as the Himalayas.

The main symbol of the Muladhara Chakra is an ELEPHANT WITH SEVEN TRUNKS. Generally the elephant represents prosperity and wisdom, and in Indian mythology the elephant is the carrier of Brahma, the creator, who brought forth knowledge and creation. The elephant is a valuable animal that brings wealth to its owner, and it is said that in the brain of the fully-grown male elephant a brilliant pearl of unsurpassed value is to be found. This symbolises the treasure house of wisdom that is hidden in the Muladhara Chakra and should be raised into the light of consciousness.

The seven trunks of the elephant represent the seven basic materials of the body , as well as the SAPTDHaTUS, the seven minerals and the seven precious gems that are found in the earth . The Saptdhatus also symbolise the seven levels of consciousness: Unconsciousness, subconsciousness, dream consciousness, waking consciousness, astral consciousness, supreme consciousness and cosmic consciousness.

Dreaming of a white elephant is a lucky omen, especially if you are riding on the elephant in the dream. This large and mighty animal, whose power surpasses that of a human by far, can be tamed and led by a comparatively tiny goad or thorn (Ankusha). The mind (Manas) and senses (Indriyas) are also compared with a wild elephant and should be kept under control by the Ankusha of Mantra and discipline (Sadhana).

The Bija Mantra (Seed Mantra) of the Muladhara Chakra is LaM, the sound of spiritual awakening. It releases tensions and removes blockages in this Chakra and activates its energy. And so the process of awakening the dormant powers within us and raising them into consciousness begins. Beautiful and healing experiences together with happy moments emerge from the past giving us strength and inspiration to continue on our path. But together with the pleasant experiences, we can also go through painful feelings in the Muladhara Chakra. Buried hurts and disappointments that were deeply etched into our consciousness come to the surface so they can finally be healed and resolved.

Disappointment is not necessarily something negative. It means a transition, a step in our development, a teaching. Every learning step in our life is accompanied by the correction of a false idea, by “dis-illusionment”. The Muladhara Chakra is often full to the brim with painful disillusionments. But, when we work our way through these misfortunes with wisdom they are transformed into valuable experiences and opportunities for development.

For as long as we live we will be confronted with problems. The ignorant take them merely as a nuisance and misfortune, but the wise regard them as valuable and beneficial experiences. When we learn from them and begin to work on ourselves we progress in our spiritual development. If we do not do this we remain stuck in the suffering and continue to replay the painful lessons.

Here the agya Chakra offers invaluable assistance by helping us to clarify the true situation and assess what is required. The awakening of the Chakras does not proceed in rigid, isolated steps, but takes place on all levels of consciousness simultaneously. The agya Chakra transmits the response of the inner Self with regard to the internal and external experiences and situations that we meet on the spiritual path.

The “tools” that help us are:

• MANANA – To think about, to reflect
• SANKALPA – To have the right intentions, to make positive resolutions
• VIKALPA – To remove doubts and discard false ideas
• ATMA CHINTANA – To be conscious of the Divine Self (atma) at all times

The more clarity we gain, the more conscious we become of our own weaknesses. Self-reproach and feelings of inferiority do not help us, but only rob us of our energy. When we learn from our mistakes and continue on our path with faith in God we gain in strength and therefore constantly become better at being able to cope with our inner experiences. It is important that we give up all of our well-worn “thought programmes” that have the effect of hindering and harming us, and instead develop and cultivate positive and beneficial ways of thinking.

The Lotus blossom of the Mula Kamala has four petals depicting the four points of the compass. They represent the four fundamental psychic functions of mind, intellect, consciousness and ego - whose roots also lie in the Muladhara Chakra.

Life is consciousness, and consciousness strives for evolution. The four petals also symbolise the four stages of development of life on this planet: Vegetation; simple life-forms such as bacteria and single-celled organisms; egg-laying animals such as fish, reptiles and birds; mammals; and finally humans .

The divinity of the Muladhara Chakra is Shiva in the form of PASHUPATI MAHADEVA (Lord of the animal world). Lord Shiva represents consciousness and liberation. Liberation can also mean the elimination and destruction of anything negative and harmful. Just as a doctor must remove a cancerous growth to save the life of a patient Shiva destroys all negative tendencies. On his forehead Shiva has a third eye (which is why he is also known as “the Third-Eyed One”) and, whenever he opens this eye, whatever he gazes upon is burnt to ashes immediately.

As “Lord of the Animals” Lord Shiva keeps the animal forces under control. The Muladhara Chakra forms the boundary between animal and human consciousness, and it is here that the transition from the sleeping to the awakened, creative consciousness takes place. Therefore, it is the first “Human Chakra”. Spiritual evolution begins from the Muladhara Chakra.

At Shiva’s side there are two female divinities. Their names are aSURI SHAKTI and DEVI SHAKTI. asuri Shakti represents the destructive, divisive energy within us, and Devi Shakti the positive, constructive and uniting power. Through a positive lifestyle, confident attitude to life, keeping spiritual company (Satsang), good thoughts, understanding, forgiveness, helping and giving, asuri Shakti is gradually transformed into Devi Shakti.

Shiva and Shakti are the primal principles of creation. Other terms for this are: Purusha (Self) and Prakriti (Nature), Yin and Yang, masculine and feminine principles.

An important symbol in the Muladhara Chakra is the SHIVA LINGAM, an astral symbol for creativity, creative power and consciousness. In this symbol a snake winds around the Shiva Lingam three and a half times. The three rotations of the serpent represent the first three levels of consciousness - unconscious, subconscious and conscious; and the half turn refers to the awakened super-consciousness. As the head of the snake is pointing downwards this is an indication that the evolutionary process can also again go downwards. Wisdom does not develop by itself; it needs constant, conscious effort to purify the thoughts and steer the actions towards the good.

The evolution of consciousness is connected with time, and the snake is also known as KaLA (time, past or death). Therefore, the winding of the snake around the Shiva Lingam can also represent time – past, present and future.

Another symbol of the Muladhara Chakra is an inverted triangle. The tip pointing downwards indicates that we are at the beginning of our spiritual development; and the sides that spread upwards and outwards show the direction of the developing consciousness.

The Muladhara Chakra is affiliated with the SENSE OF SMELL. The awakening of the Muladhara Chakra can lead to a heightening of sensory perceptions, especially the refinement of the senses of smell and hearing, so that we become aware of aromas and sounds that are not perceptible to others. Some people can see auras or feel the thoughts and moods of others.

The colour assigned to the Muladhara Chakra is RED. The colour red means energy and vitality. It indicates the existence of a strong, dense energy and is connected to the earth. Our existence has its roots in the earth and therefore the EARTH element (Tattva) is assigned to the Muladhara Chakra.

The Earth is our Mother. Our body is formed from her elements and she supports and nourishes us. We should always be grateful to our Mother Earth and demonstrate our respect by protecting and caring for her.

In line with the Divine plan we humans should be protectors of the earth, not its destroyers. Our duty is to develop sympathy and love for nature and all living things. Those who are unable to empathise with others or to feel the pain of other living things will remain at a lower level of consciousness within the animal spheres, far below the Muladhara Chakra.

The manifestation and development of human consciousness begins in the Muladhara Chakra and continues upwards toward the “thousand-petalled Lotus” of the Sahasrara Chakra.

The Muladhara Chakra is the mother who nourishes and raises us. It is the seat of our dormant wisdom, the stronghold of our hidden spiritual powers and abilities. By awakening this Chakra – under the care of the spiritual Master – we accomplish the first step on our path towards a fully developed human consciousness, and beyond to God-Realisation.