S E V E N G A T E S T O W A R D S T H E U N I V E R S E F I F T H G A T E: V I S H U D D H A C H A K R A

S E V E N   G A T E S   T O W A R D S   T H E   U N I V E R S E
F I F T H   G A T E:   V I S H U D D H A   C H A K R A

"Intense focus and meditation on the subtle element corresponding to this center of force is defined in the Yoga texts as the special, beatific expansion Akashi Darana. The person who practises this form of meditation will not die, nor disappear at the dissolution of the world. This person obtains the knowledge of the past, present and future as well as the control of the mysterious energies of time." (Swami Shivananda)

Location: the fifth energy center, Vishuddha chakra is located in the physical body in the area of the neck.

Represents: pure consciousness, creativity.

Symbolical representation: it is the dwelling of sound, and dreams, and the symbol of purity.

On the psychic level: it governs expression, awakening of inspiration, eloquence, archetypal models. This center of force is closely connected to the feeling of acceptance, superior receptivity, and subtle protection.

On the physical level: it coordinates the activity of the vocal cords, the hearing system, pharynges, oesophagus, as well as the spine. The corresponding glands are thyroid and parathyroid. This center of force is connected to the complex process of nourishment.

Specific reactions in the case of energetical disturbance: the person in which the energies characteristic to Vishuddha chakra are disturbed will have to face an imbalance at the level of the above-mentioned glands. The emotional factors are nonetheless extremely important in triggering this disease. These factors are translated in symptoms as insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Characteristic element: the subtle energies of ether.

Sense: hearing.

All the miraculous possibilities, the gifts, the powers named by the oriental tradition siddhis are related to the activation of Vishuddha Chakra, and to be more specific, they are related to the fifth element, the ether.

The effects of meditating on this chakra are calm, serenity, purity, melodious voice, the awakening of artistic inspiration, the capacity of interpreting sacred writings, scriptures, of understanding the hidden message of dreams.

The person under the influence of Vishuddha Chakra no longer find attractive, nor important the distractions and pleasures caused by the senses and intellect.

Such a person will seek real knowledge beyond the limits of time, and beyond hereditary or cultural conditionings. Entering its field of energy equals the freedom from the whirlpools of this world and the control over our ego.

The idea of cosmic consciousness is related to this center of force. Both physiologically and psychologically, Vishuddha Chakra corresponds to the complex process of nurturing. The balanced development of the three centers of force leads to the formation of a balanced and harmonious personality.

The fourth center of force, Anahata Chakra is an intermediary stage, a central point that unifies the inferior levels with the upper levels, the sphere of survival, social living, and assertion of one’s personality with the subtle, refined levels of the manifestation.

Not by a mere accident is Anahata Chakra the center of the heart, of love, of the awakening of the soul. The next stage is then the acquiring of a superior state of receptiveness, and an opening towards the divine inspirations.

In this sense, Vishuddha Chakra corresponds to the process of nurturing, both physically (the projection of Vishuddha Chakra is the neck) and subtly, referring to an energetical nourishment through the access in the superior worlds of the universe.

On this stage, the notion of "inner superior consciousness" becomes accessible, and the person may intuitively enter the mysteries of the divine manifestation.


TIME IS THE MIRROR OF ETERNITY
The state of receptiveness to the superior, elevated worlds makes possible the opening of some access gates to these universes. These experiences appear spontaneously in meditations, or they may be reached through the pouring of the divine grace. The psychologist Abraham Maslow named them "peak experiences".

For all the people who had such experiences, in their moments of ecstasy, intuitions and transcendence these experiences represent the most important thing in their lives, and are considered as the truly most precious aspects of life, that give life its value and measure.

They may be certain forms of overcoming one’s individuality, or simply a sensation of being out of time.