Anahata: The Heart Chakra

 

Anahata: Heart Chakra

Anahata

(Sanskrit: अनाहत, Anāhata) is the fourth primary chakra according to the Hindu Yogic and Tantric (Shakta) traditions.

In Sanskrit the word anahata – means unhurt, un-struck and unbeaten. Anahata Nad refers to the Vedic concept of unstruck sound, the sound of the celestial realm.

Anahata is considered the seat of the Jivatman, and Para Shakti. In the Upanishads, this is described as being like a tiny flame that resided inside the heart. Anahata is so called because it is in this place that sages hear that sound (Anahata – Shabda) which comes without the striking of any two things together.” It is associated with the element of air, the sense of touch, and with actions of the hands.

Anahata is associated with the ability to make decisions outside of the realm of karma. In Manipura and below, man is bound by the laws of karma, and the fate he has in store for him. In Anahata, one is making decisions, ‘following your heart’, based upon one’s higher self, and not from the unfulfilled emotions and desires of lower nature.

It is also associated with love and compassion, charity to others, and forms of psychic healing.

On the kabbalistic tree of life, the central sephirah, Tiphereth, is associated with the heart region.  Christian kabbalists in particular associate this sephirah with love, healing and Jesus Christ.

The heart chakra corresponds with the prominence of love and the aspect of air. Since air is has the least density of the first four elements it is certainly necessary as it is formless and fundamentally invisible. Air is expansive and will expand into any space yet it is gentle and soft. Love is similar as it is the expansion of the heart. It transcends any boundary and spirit of interconnectedness. Love is a balance that is soft, easy and forgiving. Ideally, the heart chakra radiates love from a string of solidly centered self acceptance that reaches out with the compassion, care and support of others. Balance of our love of self and love for others and the interconnectedness of our spirits is the fundamental message of this chakra. When the Anahata is developed one of extremely sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others and have a highly developed sense of touch. The power of  healing others either by touch or radiating energy is a powerful gift of those with an open heart chakra. However, if this chakra is overactive the ego takes over and the lack of heart love suffers in an individual. An out of control heart chakra will cause inconsideration for others and a resistance to going out of the way to assist others will disappear. On the other hand, an under active heart chakra leaves one with no sense of self and an inner numbness. The Positive Qualities Of This Chakra Include:

• Peace
• Balance
• Harmony
• Openness
• Forgiveness
• Compassion
• Acceptance
• Contentment
• Understanding
• Oneness with Life
• Group Consciousness
• Divine Unconditional Love

Anahata is associated with the ability to make decisions outside of the realm of karma. In Manipura and below, man is bound by the laws of karma, and the fate he has in store for him. In Anahata, one is making decisions, ‘following your heart’, based upon one’s higher self, and not from the unfulfilled emotions and desires of lower nature. The Anahata seed sound is yam. The wish-fulfilling tree, kalpa taru, resides here, symbolizing the ability to manifest whatever you wish to happen in the world.

‘The Jewel of the Lotus is within…the wish fullfilling jewel’

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