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The individual prana vayu, not to be confused with the entire category of prana vayus, represents the specific movement of prana, or life force, inward into the body. Prana vayu governs the intake of energy through breath, food, drink, and even through mental and sensory perceptions.
The prana vayus are the five movements or functions of prana, or life force. The word “vayu” literally means “wind.” These five prana vayus—prana vayu, apana vayu, samana vayu, udana vayu, and vyana vayu—govern different areas of the body. When balanced and flowing freely, they promote health and vitality, helping us unlock our fullest potential.
Sahasrara chakra is the chakra of our divine center located at the crown of the head. Sahasrara means thousand-fold or infinity, and the chakra is associated with the color violet and with the consciousness element. The qualities of this chakra are divinity and...
Ajna chakra is the chakra of intuition and clarity located at the third eye, which is between the eyebrows. Ajna is associated with the color purple and with the mind element. The qualities of this chakra are inspiration, intuition, and inner vision. Through Ajna...
Vishuddha chakra, the communication chakra located at the throat, is associated with the color blue and with the space element. The qualities of this chakra are communication, truth, and self-expression. Vishuddha governs not only our communication with others,...
Anahata rests at the center of the chest and invites us into relationship with love, connection, and compassion. Often described as the bridge between the lower and upper chakras, this center reminds us that strength and tenderness are not opposites, but partners in an integrated life. When Anahata is balanced, we feel open to giving and receiving, and ready to explore the subtler dimensions of practice.
Manipura is often described as our inner fire, the energetic center of confidence, vitality, and purposeful action. When this chakra is balanced, we feel capable and steady within ourselves. We trust our instincts, take inspired steps forward, and move through life with clarity and direction.
Svadhisthana invites us into relationship with feeling, flow, and creative expression. This chakra is associated with pleasure, emotional awareness, and our capacity to experience life with openness and receptivity. When balanced, we often find it easier to move with change, listen inwardly, and allow creativity to arise naturally.
Muladhara is the first of the seven chakras and forms the energetic foundation of the entire system. It is associated with safety, stability, and our most basic needs, shaping how supported and grounded we feel in daily life. When this foundation is steady, we often move through the world with greater ease and confidence.
Chakras are the seven main vortexes of energy, or prana, that correspond to different areas of the body. They begin at the pelvic floor, move up through the sacral area, the solar plexus region, the heart, throat, eyebrow center, and culminate at the crown of the head…
“A system to lead the aspirant to pure consciousness. The entire universe is the manifestation of this consciousness and the human being is a miniature universe that parallels the whole of the external manifestation.”
– Sri Swami Rama, founder of the Himalayan Institute
“By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and disregard toward the wicked, the mind-stuff retains its undisturbed calmness.”
The Sanskrit word Seva translates directly as “thread”, implying that all things are connected in the thread of existence. To engage with one is to engage with the whole. Likewise, to serve one is to serve the whole.