The third eye chakra controls healing, intuition, desires and the mind. The third eye chakra is where the primary letter of creation om resides. By vibrating om the third eye resonates with the universal sound. The yoga sutras mention that by the chanting of om and the vibrations we become purified, and our intuitive energy is activated. Mind is a very powerful subtle organ which conducts the function of thinking, willing and feeling. In all three actions it relies on the purified memory and intellect which makes the intuitive decision. The third eye chakra is an inner observer and sees the mind. The yoga sutra says if we learn to observe and control our mind, then we can read others’ minds too.
In this article, we will discuss three mudras that can benefit the third eye chakra.
What are Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures that activate a certain element or energy in the body. The five fingers represent the five elements. The energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The thumb represents the fire element. This element represents agni within the body, and it serves to activate all the other elements.
The index finger represents air, middle finger ether, ring finger earth and the little finger represents the water element.
When different hand formations, or mudras, are formed, the combination of subtle elements has a powerful effect on the mind and body.
An Overview of the Third Eye Chakra
Each of the seven chakras has defining features that make it unique. Below is the profile of the third eye chakra, known in Sanskrit as आज्ञा (ajna — pronounced “uh-gya”), meaning “the authority.”
Physical location: The forehead. By bringing your awareness to the carotid plexus, or the bundle of nerves slightly above and behind your eyes, you can feel the energy of your sixth chakra.
Developmental stage: Twelve to eighteen years. During adolescence, we solidify our self-image and our basic understanding of the world around us.
Chief domains: Intuition, foresight, and abstract thinking. The third eye chakra shapes our vision of reality and what we see as possible.
Emotional challenge: Confusion. Damage or imbalance in the sixth chakra results in a distorted perception of the world. Healing the sixth chakra brings us in line with reality.
When your sixth chakra is balanced, you possess a good memory, a powerful mind, and excellent problem-solving skills.
Element: Mind. In Indian philosophy, the mind is treated as an element or medium. The mind of each individual is connected and inhabits a shared space, much like the air we breathe. The health of the sixth chakra significantly influences our mental well-being.
The Physiology of the Third Eye Chakra
The third chakra governs our intuition. We are made up of eight elements — the previous five chakras represented the five elements of earth, water , fire and ether. The third eye chakra represents the intuition, i.e. the mind. The mind is the place where our thoughts and desires manifest. Based the inputs that come into our mind through the five senses, the mind then produces outputs in the form of thoughts, desires, and feelings. Balancing and regulating these outputs is the domain of the third eye chakra.
The third eye chakra also control the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland controls the growth hormones. If our thoughts and existence are pure, then the hormones remain balanced. Otherwise we will experience a lack of proper physical and mental growth and a weak body and mind.
RECOMMENDED: For a complete guide to the many mudras and their benefits, check out Healing Mudras: Yoga of the Hands by Yogi Nataraj.
Mudras for the Third Eye Chakra
As we have already discussed, each chakra deals with an element and an endocrine gland influencing the body. To purify the chakras, we must practice the mudras relating to the specifi element as well as the proper endocrine gland or system.
The third eye chakra deals with the mind element, the pituitary gland, our conscience, and our sense of judgment and intuition.
The first mudra we will cover is the Akasha mudra:
The Akasha Mudra
Gently touch the tips of the thumbs and the middle finger. Gradually adjust until you can feel your pulse in your fingertips. Keep your other three fingers as straight as possible. Practice this mudra for about 15-20 minutes.
When Should I Perform the Akasha Mudra?
The Akasha mudra is useful for the following:
- Treating migraines and headaches
- Improving hearing
- Attaining mental clarity
- Alleviating tooth aches and pains
Remember that it is very important to feel your pulse while performing this mudra.
The next mudra we will cover is known as the Hakini mudra. The Hakini mudra is beneficial for creative thinking, memory, attention, concentration, increasing oxygen to the brain, and treating various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
The Hakini Mudra
To perform the Hakini Mudra, simply place all the tips of the fingers together, including the thumbs. This will activate all the elements, the third eye, memory, and intuition. Practice this mudra for 15- 20 minutes.
The last mudra we will cover is known as the Uttarabodhi Mudra:
The Uttarabodhi Mudra
This mudra is similar to yoni mudra. First make both hands into fists and bring them together, with your thumbs facing away from your chest. Next straighten the index fingers until they both touch, and extend the thumbs. This is the yoni mudra. Now, as the last step, turn your hands upwards, pointing your index fingers upwards and thumbs towards you, as shown below. Hold this mudra for 15-20 minutes.
Bija Mantra for the Sacral Chakra
When we perform the mudras we can also chant the bija mantras that activate the chakra. Bija means seed, this seed carries the energy of activation of the chakra. The Bjia mantra for the sacral chakra is om pronounced “ong.”
When we chant the bija mantra along when we perform the mudra we get an even better effect of both the mudra and the mantra. Once we are situated in the mudra the soft chanting of the bija or the seed mantra along with concentration on the chakra is very beneficial.
Suggested Mudra Sequence for the Third Eye Chakra
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- Sit in a quiet place if possible, sit with your back straight or against the wall. You can even sit on a chair.
- Perform the Akasha Mudra. Meditate on the Bija mantra by reciting it softly or in the mind as you practice the mudra. Practice this mudra for 15 minutes.
- Perform the Hakini Mudra . Meditate on the Bija mantra for 15 minutes.
- Perform the Uttarabodhi Mudra along with the soft chanting of the bija mantra om for 15 minutes.
You can practice the sequence based on your time available. If you have 15 minutes perform the first mudra. If you have more time you do the second one and so on.
This sequence will benefit you immensely in cleaning the chakra and becoming emotionally stable.