Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S

Anahata Chakra is the fourth chakra mentioned in the chronology of chakras. It is called heart chakra since it is located in the region of the heart.

This Chakra is all about the space and feeling and experiencing the infinite, just like the sky.

Experts say that if our soul is the temple within us, this heart chakra is like the door to this temple. The soul or atma is the infinite part of ourselves and this chakra awakens us to the awareness of ourselves i.e. atma and thus is the door to self identification and realization. It is the gateway of introspection and knowing ourselves. It is this chakra where we transcend ourselves and the world.

What does Anahata Chakra mean?

Anahata = Na + Ahata = unhurt, unbeaten or untainted, infinite or boundless. It also means purity and cleanliness, ‘those having pure hearts’. The expressions of balanced Anahata Chakra surface in the form of pure love towards God or the creatures and everything in the material world.

Other names –

–        Heart Chakra

–        Dorsal center

–        Door to the inner temple

Qualities, tools and symbols of Anahata Chakra

Location of Anahata Chakra

The Anahata Chakra is located near the centre of the chest, near to the heart to be precise and hence the name Heart Chakra. It is located at the height of the thymus gland, behind the sternum, in the line of the vertebral column.

Anahata Chakra is present exactly in between / centre of the lower three chakras i.e. Muladhara (root chakra), Swadishtana (sacral chakra) and Manipura Chakra (navel chakra / solar plexus) and upper three chakras i.e. Vishuddha (throat chakra), Ajna (third eye chakra) and Sahasrara Chakra (crown chakra). To be precise it is in between Manipura Chakra below and Vishuddha Chakra above.

In short, it forms the bridge between the lower Chakras i.e. Muladhara, Swadishtana and Manipura and the upper chakras i.e. Vishuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara Chakra.

Anahata Chakra also corresponds to the other structures in the chest, which are in the neighborhood of the heart i.e. lungs, thymus gland and cardiac plexus of nerves.

Main Symbolic Animal of Anahata Chakra

The main symbolic animal associated with Anahata Chakra is the black antelope or gazelle. It symbolizes the lightness of the physical substances, speed, sensitivity and vigilance. The antelope / deer would leap up with joy. It is always caught by mirages of reflections. The deer is very much aware and sensitive and always full of inspiration. This is also the nature of the person whose Anahata Chakra is active and energetic. The eyes of the person belonging to Anahata Chakra are innocent and pure like that of the eyes of the deer.

Yantra form of Anahata Chakra

The yantra of the Anahata Chakra is lotus with twelve petals. The petals have a vermillion color. Each petal of this lotus represents a quality. They are –

1. Joy
2. Peace
3. Kindness
4. Patience
5. Love
6. Harmony
7. Clarity
8. Compassion
9. Purity
10.                   Understanding
11.                   Bliss
12.                   Forgiveness

The Yantra of Anahata Chakra comprises two overlapping, intersecting triangles located at the centre of the chakra. Among these two triangles, one faces upwards and the other triangle faces downwards. The triangle facing upwards symbolizes the male principle, Lord Shiva. The downward facing triangle symbolizes the female principle, Goddess Shakti. When these male and female forces are in harmony, a balance is attained in the Anahata Chakra.

Bija Mantra (seed mantra) of Anahata Chakra

The Bija Mantra of Anahata Chakra is ‘YAM’. One should chant HUM by focusing on the Anahata Chakra, by guiding the breath to the region of heart.

Some suggest breathing in the sound SO right into the Anahata region and breathing out HUM, out of Anahata so as to establish balance in this chakra. This should be repeatedly done. SO HUM is a powerful Mantra which keeps the Anahata energy activated and means ‘I am that’. Saying it is realizing and accepting that all of us are one and are connected to one universal life entity. Chanting ONG SOHUNG from Kundalini towards Anahata will have a similar impact.

This Bija Mantra is associated with peace, contentment, love and compassion.

Lotus and number of petals of Anahata Chakra

A lotus bearing twelve petals is symbolically represented by the Anahata / Heart Chakra which in turn represents the love and affection and warmth around us. This lotus and the chakra connects us to all our loved ones and them to us and also connects us to the world around us. There are two triangles intersecting each other at the center of the circle of lotus forming a six pointed star. The triangles represent the dualities of life. At the centre of the triangle lies the beeja mantra of the Anahata Chakra i.e. YAM.

The twelve petals of Anahata Chakra fold outwards from the circle representing expansion of the chakra energy in 12 different directions and through 12 sources. They are deep red in color.

The Divinity and Presiding Deity of Anahata Chakra

Ishana Rudra Shiva, the lord of the Northeast, is the presiding deity of Anahata Chakra.

Below mentioned are the features and appearance of Ishana Rudra Shiva –

–        He appears peaceful and beneficent, he is completely detached from the world

–        He has two arms – in his right hand he holds the trident and he holds a damaru in his left hand

–        His skin is camphor blue in color

–        He wears a tiger skin. It symbolizes the tiger of the mind which dwells in the forest of desires. The desires are always tempting but a strong tiger-like mind can overcome them.

–        From his hair locks holy river Ganga is seen flowing out. They represent self knowledge which is cool and purifying in nature.

–        He has snakes coiled around his body. The snakes are suggestive of the passions and desires of life being tamed.

–        He has lost the aged, wrathful aspect of the Manipura Chakra and is ever youthful.

Shakti of the Chakra

Kakini Shakti is the energy of Ishana Rudra Shiva and hence the Shakti – energy of the fourth chakra – Anahata Chakra. She has four heads and it represents the increase of energy in Anahata Chakra. Her skin is rose colored.  She adorns a sky blue colored sari and is seated on a lotus which is pink in color. She has four hands. She holds a sword, the shield, the skull and the trident, one in each hand. All of them together are symbolic implements needed to balance the three forces of our existence – the creation, the preservation or maintenance and the destruction.

Kakini Shakti is said to be all pervading. She can reach to all places of the body and energize them, just like the air. Her movement will be motivated by the emotional frequencies of Bhakti – devotion. The Bhakti is personified as Kundalini Shakti in Anahata Chakra. Kundalini Shakti helps Kakini Shakti to direct the energy upwards.

With a happy and exalted mood, Kakini Shakti is considered as Chandramukhi – the moon-faced goddess and worshipped in the same form. Chandramukhi bears four heads and is decorated in ornaments. The four heads indicate the equally balanced energy flowing into four different directions and aspects of the self i.e. the physical, rational, sensual and emotional selves.

This Shakti is responsible for creation of poetry and fine arts which is much synchronized with the heart’s rhythm and thus with the cosmic rhythm, unlike the art and music inspired by Swadishtana Chakra which is mundane and fails to elevate the human mind to higher realms of consciousness.

Kundalini Shakti in Anahata Chakra

It is said that the Kundalini Shakti for the first time, after passing the lower chakras i.e. Muladhara, Swadishtana and Manipura Chakras, would appear as a beautiful goddess in the Anahata – Heart Chakra. She is found seated in a lotus posture within a triangle. The triangle in which the Shakti is seated is found to point upwards i.e. its apex faces upwards. This suggests that Goddess Shakti tends to move upwards. When she does that, we would find ourselves traveling into the higher planes of our existence and into the deeper realms of the upper chakras – which are spiritual planes. She is very serene and calm and is dressed in a white sari. She is centered within herself. She is no longer a destructive serpentine force as she was when she was in the first chakra but has in fact transformed into a serene goddess. Goddess Shakti is independent and seen in a Yogic posture and not longer coiled around the Lingam and embodies the cosmic sound, the all pervading sound called white noise or Anahata Nada. This is the seed of all the sounds in the creation and begins in the heart as ‘AUM’.

The Rudra Shiva appears in the form of Sadashiva in the lingam present behind the Kundalini Shakti. He is said to be a combination of the trigunas – the three divine attributes involved in the creation of the universe i.e. sattva, rajas and tamas. He is regarded as Shabda Brahma and Omkara – the sound called AUM or OM. Each branch of the trident he holds represents one guna among the trigunas mentioned above. While the Shiva Lingam located in the Muladhara Chakra is called as Swayambhu Lingam having the Kundalini serpent wound around it, the lingam located in the Anahata Chakra is known as Bana Lingam. This lingam represents our conscience.

Kundalini Shakti seated in lotus posture in this chakra embodies anahata nada – the cosmic sound. This is also called as white noise and is present everywhere. This sound begins as AUM in the heart and is the seed of all sounds. Hridaya – heart and the breath are very vital for Anahata Chakra. Heart is the most important seat of feeling. When one attains control over his or her breath patterns, they simultaneously regulate the heart rate. One who has realized the Anahata consciousness would attain refined balance in the body and mind.

The color of Anahata Chakra

The color of Anahata Chakra is ‘green color’. Green color calms and balances the imbalances in this chakra and its energies. This color along with its bija mantra Yam shall be used during meditating on this chakra and relaxation procedures. According to Paramahansa Yogananda ji, it is blue in color and the energy of this chakra flows from it in twelve rays, each ray corresponding to one petal of the 12 petal Anahata Chakra. Green color signifies transformation and love, energy, compassion and joy.

There is another concept about the color of Anahata Chakra. ‘Air’ is the element of Anahata Chakra and air has no color. So, Anahata Chakra too should not have any color. This chakra reflects mixture of two colors i.e. blue color from the Vishuddha Chakra located above it and yellow color from the Manipura Chakra located below it and is thus seen as green color, which represents growth in both kinds of relationships i.e. internal – with self, the world within and external – with the outer world.

Mudra for Anahata Chakra

Below mentioned Mudras are beneficial for balancing the Anahata Chakra –

–        Anjali Mudra

–        Padma Mudra

–        Abhaya Hridaya Mudra

–        Ganesha Mudra

–        Apana Vayu Mudra

Elemental connection with Anahata Chakra

Vayu – air and Akasha – space or ether are the elements connected with Anahata Chakra. They provide us a pathway and route map to discover the infinite within us but we must have the courage to make that tough journey and we can make it only when the Anahata Chakra is energetic and when these elements are operational and balanced. To discover the infinite with the help of air and ether elements we need to travel beyond our illusions and limitations at all levels – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

The air element is directly related to our breath. It is also associated with our emotional balance.

Organs related to Anahata Chakra

Physically Anahata Chakra has an effect on the heart, lungs and thymus gland.

Physical Body

–        Heart

–        Lungs

–        Thymus

–        Hands

–        Arms

–        Upper torso

–        Shoulders

Gland related to Anahata Chakra

Thymus gland is closely related to Anahata Chakra.

Jnanendriya – Sense Organs related to Anahata Chakra

Twak / Sparshanendriya – the sense organ of tactile sensation i.e. skin is the Jnanendriya related to Anahata Chakra. Sparsha – touch / is the quality / object of the skin. Sparsha is also the quality of Vayu Mahabhuta – air element. Air is the element related to Anahata Chakra.

Karmendriya – Organ of action related to Anahata Chakra

Hasta Indriya or Pani – the hands are the Karma Indriyas i.e. organs of action related to Anahata Chakra.

Special Characteristics of Anahata Chakra

Emotions related to Anahata Chakra

Heart is related to the emotion of love. It is about loving others. More than that, it is about loving oneself. The capacity to do both comes from the Anahata Chakra – ‘to love and to be loved’, unconditionally. Anahata is therefore called ‘love chakra’ the seat of love and compassion. Unconditional love for everyone comes when this chakra is balanced and energized.

Anahata Chakra and the Mindset to give

A mindset to give to others without any expectations and returns naturally comes from a balanced Anahata Chakra, the so-called kind hearted people.

Anahata Chakra, emotion and devotion

Emotion is when we love any person or object specifically. This leads to materialistic delusion. Devotion is when we show selfless love towards the entire universe. Both take place from Anahata Chakra.

Association of Anahata Chakra with various traits, feelings and behaviors –

–        Ability to love and be loved

–        To love self and be compassionate with self

–        Compassion, empathy and understanding

–        Ability to forgive

–        Experiencing joy and inner peace

Anahata Chakra and Distribution of energy

This Chakra not only stores but also distributes energy, as evident by and syncs with the circulatory system connected and rooted in the heart. It is also a repository of many psychological or mental tendencies. Our habits and desires are seated therein. All these tendencies descend from the subconscious mind with which the Anahata Chakra is always connected in a loop and hence with many of our deeper emotions.

Anahata Chakra – a bridge between lower and upper chakras

The lower three chakras i.e. Muladhara – root chakra, Swadishtana – sacral chakra and Manipura – solar plexus or navel chakra are said to be related to material world and attachments. They connect us to materials, security and sex and makes us attached and possessive towards them. The other three highest chakras i.e. Vishuddha – throat chakra, Ajna – the third eye chakra and Sahasrara – crown chakra connect us to the spiritual world. They keep us associated with non-materialistic aspects of life like spirituality, intuition, introspection, purpose of life and salvation.  In between these two, exactly at the center is located the bridge between the lower and higher chakras, the Anahata Chakra which bridges the materialistic and spiritual worlds and our connections with them. By doing so, it connects our physique to the mind, and our physical sensations to the emotions and spirituality.

Behavioral Characteristics of Anahata Chakra

It is said that a person vibrates in the Anahata Chakra from twenty one to twenty eight years of age. This is also the ideal age to know the subtle cores of Anahata Chakra since the person is matured enough to understand what it really means to awaken and vibrate in the heart chakra. One becomes aware of his Karma. One strives for a balance at all levels and to achieve this, Bhakti or faith is the main motivating force and one should focus towards the same.

Other entities related to the Anahata Chakra in a glimpse

–        Position – it is located in the centre of the chest, precisely at the level of hrdaya – heart

–        Related Color – Sky Blue color which signifies purity, freedom, expansiveness and infinity

–        Related element – vayu – air, signifying energy, touch sensation, movement

–        Related Mantra – YAM

–        Related Lotus – 12 petal lotus

–        Related animal – Antelope

–        Related divinity – Shiva and Shakti

–        Related symbol – New moon & 2 triangles (depict rise and fall of energy)

–        Related qualities, positive and negative aspects / attributes – love, understanding, care, compassion, forgiveness, love for god, positivity, vigor, willpower, power of getting the wish fulfilled, power of words, creative writing and artistic talents, awakening of divine love and seat of living light. Changing of emotions and stagnation of development are the negative aspects of the chakra imbalance.

–        Related plane – Mahar Loka, balance  

–        Related Prana – Udana, breath

–        Related planet – Venus

–        Related principles – Sankalpa forming of ideas and determination and Vikalpa – discarding and negation of ideas

–        Related precious stone – Sapphire

–        Related metal – Copper

–        Related Mineral – potassium

–        Related emotion – attachment due to lack of perception or vision

–        Related sensation – thirst

–        Related sense organ – twak – skin

–        Related feature – sparsha – touch

–        Related taste – astringent

–        Related quality – expansion

–        Related secretion – sweat  

–        Related gland – thymus

–        Related Plexus – Cardiac Plexus

–        Related organ – hands

–        Related Shape – Hexagram

Effects of Imbalances and Blockages in Anahata Chakra

Below mentioned conditions can be caused due to the blocks in the Anahata Chakra –

1. Physical symptoms / conditions due to blockages and imbalances in Anahata Chakra

Below mentioned are the signs / symptoms of blocked Anahata Chakra –

–        High blood pressure

–        Heart diseases

–        Asthma

–        Palpitations

–        Respiratory and circulatory diseases

–        Lowered immunity

–        Frequent infections

Effects of overactive Anahata Chakra

When the Anahata Chakra is overactive, the effects will be opposite of the blocked Anahata Chakra. When this chakra is overactive, there will be flow of too much energy through it. The person might love or give too much, out of limits and sorts and this might often backfire.

Blockage of Anahata Chakra

–        The person may feel isolated, dumped, cheated and lonely due to unhealthy attachments or detachments

–        Feeling difficult to connect with others

–        Mistrust in relationships leading to distancing

–        Fear of rejection

–        Not able to share true feelings

1. Mental and emotional symptoms / conditions caused due to blockages and imbalances in Anahata Chakra

Stress and worries affect the energies of the Anahata Chakra and also the heart and its smooth functioning. We often have a feel of discomfort or heaviness in the chest, in the region of the heart when one is stressed or worried. Stress at any level – physical, mental, sensual, and emotional or energy levels would impact the heart chakra and cause stagnation of its energies.

Below mentioned are the possible experiences one would have when there is imbalance of Anahata Chakra –

–        Feeling lonely

–        Feeling separated from everyone

–        Feeling of not belonging to anywhere or to anyone

–        Feeling as if he or she would not fit into situations

–        Feeling let down and empty

–        Feeling abandoned and dumped

–        Feeling disconnected

–        Feeling not worthy of love and affection

–        Cold heartedness

–        Overtly trying to please others or gather their attention

–        Resentment

Mental and emotional symptoms

–        Anger

–        Selfishness

–        Depression

–        Loneliness

–        Self loathing

–        Bitterness

–        Unforgiving (others, self)

–        Fear of betrayal

–        Lack of empathy

–        Being unkind to others

–        Trust issues

–        Fear of relationships

–        Inability to connect with others

–        Inability to open up

–        Not being able to love self or others

–        Not being able to be compassionate towards self or others

Benefits of balancing and aligning the Anahata Chakra

The working on Anahata Chakra comes in chronology after having worked on and balanced the lower three Chakras. One therefore needs to work and develop the lower chakras i.e. Muladhara, Swadishtana and Manipura first. Only then can one work and develop Anahata Chakra. This is because the air element which is predominant in this heart chakra cannot be simply suppressed. It can rather be stabilized, freed from egoism and prejudices, pumped up with enthusiasm and redirected towards the divine. The devotion to take this path demands volunteering and dedicated application and that is possible only by working on Anahata following the balancing of lower chakras. On the other hand, it is easy for the spiritual people with devotional nature to experience their consciousness centered in the Anahata Chakra.

Anahata is connected deeply with the Ajna Chakra i.e. spiritual eye or the eye chakra. When Anahata is awakened the person gets attracted to the highest spiritual perceptions.

Methods of opening the Anahata Chakra

Meditation –

Meditation is the best way of awakening the Anahata Chakra, to open it up, to keep it active and develop the qualities and functioning of the heart. One needs to meditate on the Bija Mantra YAM by focusing and fixing his or her breath in the region of heart. Chanting, Japa, Kirtana – everything done with dedication and directed towards Anahata centre will work. They all have healing effects on the heart and are remedies for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of the heart. When this chakra gets open, the love from the heart flows out to encompass all humanity. The love coming out from such a heart will not be selfish and not limited to a particular person or group of people.

An open heart chakra will get activated and balanced. It will allow one to accept love, empathy, compassion and positivity flowing into our lives. It represents love, joy and compassion coming in an unconditional way. One would experience an infinite space for everything within when the chakra is open with its energy flowing freely. Also, the door to our inner soul would open.

Why to align your Anahata Chakra

When the Anahata Chakra gets blocked or imbalanced one would experience loneliness, disconnection and separation. They would feel ‘not loved’ or that they are unworthy to get love and affection from anyone.

One can get cold-hearted to self or others. They can feel heavy and hurt with feelings of resentment. They will find it difficult to forgive and forget or let go. Therefore it becomes important to align Anahata Chakra and bring it to balance when one displays these feelings or emotions.

If not balanced, they might transform into heart or psychosomatic ailments.

These feelings and negative emotions can cause problems like hypertension or low blood pressure, lung disorders, bronchitis or asthma. Many immune related disorders and disorders at physical level may also occur.

When Anahata Chakra is aligned and balanced, these chains of events, emotions and thought processes will revert back to more positive and serene ones. One would love self and express kindness, love, warmth, care, affection and compassion to self and all living beings.

Unblocking and healing the Anahata Chakra will pump in immense positivity, trust and a feeling of love and belonging. The person will be more open to allow the love, affection and trust to flow in and flow out, unconditionally. Feelings of empathy and compassion will once again be experienced, as they were never lost.

Meditating on the Anahata Chakra and its Bija Mantra along with positive affirmations and practice of Vayu Mudra regularly so as to bring the air element connected to the heart Chakra to balance are important pathways to achieve balance of Anahata Chakra.

Due to the air element being mainly connected with heart chakra, Pranayama which helps in balancing vayu in the body will help in removing the blocks therein. Likewise Anuloma-Viloma Nadishodhana should be practiced regularly for the same purpose.

Similarly, some asanas including Gomukhasana, Usthrasana, Matsyasana, Bhujangasana, Setubandhasana and Paschima Namaskara would help in removing the blocks in Anahata Chakra.

So, identifying the blocks at the level of Anahata Chakra, removing those blocks and restoring balance is very much important for one to enjoy a joyful, love-filled, meaningful and content life.

Beneficial Yoga Postures for balancing and releasing blockages of Anahata Chakra

Many Asanas (as mentioned below) would not only open up the blocks in the Anahata Chakra but will also stimulate, activate and balance the heart centre. The best asanas for this purpose are backbends and heart-opening asanas.

–        Bhujangasana – Cobra Pose

–        Ushtrasana – Camel Pose

–        Matsyasana – Fish Pose

–        Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

–        Sethubandhasana – Bridge Pose

–        Paschima Namaskara Asana – Standing Reverse Prayer Pose

–        Urdhwa Mukha Shvanasana – Upward Facing Dog Pose

–        Salamba Bhujangasana – Sphinx Pose 

–        Chakrasana – Wheel Pose

–        Dhanurasana – Bow Pose

Meditating on Anahata Chakra

Meditation is said to be one of the best practices to open up the Anahata Chakra and keep them balanced. One should focus and meditate on Beeja Mantra ‘YAM’. One can also focus on a green colored lotus having twelve petals and meditate on it. Both can be done simultaneously i.e. visualizing and meditating on green 12 petal lotus while chanting the bija mantra YAM. While doing so, the practitioner should focus the breath on the heart chakra.

A person can master over the below mentioned virtues by meditating and evolving on Anahata Chakra –

–        Language

–        Poetry

–        Verbal endeavors

–        Senses (indriyas)

–        Desires

–        Physical functions

–        Inner strength

–        Wisdom

–        Self

–        Relationships

–        Joy and happiness

Life of these people becomes an inspiration to other people around. There is immense calmness and peace in his or her presence. It is said that the person in whom the Anahata Chakra is balanced can become invisible, travel through space and enter into the bodies of other persons.

Other effective tips to balance Anahata Chakra

Gratitude

One should get habituated to expressing gratitude regularly. Thanking the other person for the small good deeds done by them will not only develop a cordial and lovely relationship but will also keep the heart chakra open, activated and balanced. Thanks and gratitude shall be expressed or conveyed directly in person for their goodness. For all good things happening with you as provided and bestowed by the divine nature, creation and the world around you, you can submit your thanks and gratitude through journaling, posting, praying or remembering and acknowledging the positive aspects of life every single day. By expressing gratitude or thanks one would heartily welcome new, positive energy, positivity and love into his or her life.

Other useful tips

Below mentioned practices when done daily would help in opening up the heart chakra –

–        Making positive affirmations

–        Getting exposed to early morning sunlight

–        Going for a walk outdoors daily, in serene hours of the day

–        Drinking rose tea and cacao

–        Using essential oils which calm heart chakra

–        Using rose quartz and other crystals which would open up the Anahata Chakra

Yoga

Yoga and the practice of ‘heart friendly Asanas’ regularly would unlock and open up the heart chakra. When done, it can transmit love and affection uninterruptedly and unlimitedly.

Visualizations

We all love something or someone deeply. We are compassionate with few others. It need not be a person, it can also be an object or nature, a lake, mountains, game, hill station, a pet or anything which attracts us the most and towards which we are emotionally attached. One should sit at a calm place and make a picture or portrait of the person or thing he loves the most with utmost passion, dedication and love. One should also fill his favorite colors into those pictures or portraits. This will make one compassionate and full of love. One should also envision love, warmth, affection and kindness as a green light radiating out of his or her body and flowing uninterruptedly towards the other person or persons.

Company

One should spend quality time in the company of loved ones, be it family or friends. Here one can show and shower love actively on those he or she loves and get the same back in return. This would create a lovely atmosphere. Spending time with family and friends is a blessing for the heart and Anahata chakra. One should also smile and laugh with the loved ones to the heart’s content and discover happiness everywhere. One should also help those in need whenever possible.

Gemstones which heal Anahata Chakra

Below mentioned gemstones are beneficial for Heart Chakra –

–        Rose quartz

–        Emerald

–        Green Aventurine

Others –

–        Green Jade

–        Rhodonite

–        Amazonite

–        Malachite

–        Peach Moonstone

Foods which heal Anahata Chakra

Below mentioned foods are beneficial for Anahata Chakra –

–        Green and raw foods – the green foods which are organic will bestow energy and reduce stress in our body apart from providing us with whole and balanced nutrients. They can be consumed in the form likable to us – green juice, salad or smoothie

–        Good quantity of leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables when consumed regularly are good for general and heart health.

Below mentioned are good for heart –

–        Kale

–        Spinach

–        Celery

–        Cucumber

–        Mint

–        Lime

–        Peas

–        Broccoli

–        Dandelion greens

–        Green tea

–        Kiwi

–        Avocado

–        Green apples

–        Blueberries

–        Spirulina etc.

Essential oils for Anahata Chakra Healing

Below mentioned are the best essential oils for healing and balancing the Anahata Chakra –

–        Rose oil

–        Pine essential oil

–        Cypress oil

–        Eucalyptus oil

–        Jasmine oil

–        Lavender oil

–        Sandalwood oil

–        Sweet orange oil

Sadguru Version

Since two triangles intersect at Anahata, Sadguru says that this chakra is composed of six qualities in one. The upward facing / moving triangle among them indicates that every living being is trying to rise in one way or the other, making all efforts, to their fullest potential, what he calls it ‘a natural urge to rise’. It may be in the form of a wish to become rich, famous or powerful or get to the highest point of enlightenment. Some people may try to rise consciously and many unconsciously but everyone will definitely try to rise. The staircase they use to reach there may be in any form of need – money, fame, power, energy, experience, emotions, wisdom etc. the means to rise therefore will differ from person to person but the goal remains the same – ‘to rise’.

Being geostatic is the source and motivation to rise high. If one is not geostatic, he or she is everywhere. There will be nowhere to go. So, one would soak everything that is there.

On the other hand, the downward facing triangle is ‘the divine’ or the source of creation.

He further says that there are too many choices with Anahata Chakra. To go into Anahata Sadhana one needs sweetness of emotion and absolute steadiness of the intellect. One should be able to discern between real and non-real, good and bad, memory and imagination, experience and psychological figments. It is not ideal to go there without discernment. It is a place where even a stable person can go crazy because he or she would hear and see many such things which can make them crazy.

He says that the meaning of Anahata is ‘sound without reverb’ or ‘the unstruck sound’. It is called so because the first manifestation of anahata is the occurrence of sounds. If one sits in silence, all kinds of sounds will happen, without anything striking any other thing. 108 different such sounds have been identified and different deities have been associated with different sounds.

When one reaches Anahata or when one’s energy is dominant in this chakra, he or she will start hearing sounds that they have never heard. Apart from the sound of musical instruments, one can hear or perceive the language of birds, animals, earth and atmosphere. Hearing these things comes from Anahata.

One’s discernment should be crystal clear and the emotions must be sweet before hearing anything. Only by mastering one’s emotion to become very sweet, one can go into different explorations and be fine. Else, if one goes into this Chakra and sees or hears something that one is not aware about, they may be terrified. For people who are ignorant, touching the Anahata wherein something from within happens suddenly and images come up – can be an absolutely terrifying experience.

Anahata Chakra has the power of creation. It is a place where you can be creative or create something.

Entering Anahata is seen as the meeting of two dimensions of oneself. Tantric people see it as a human being meeting his divine potential in the Anahata.