Lotus Petals

Lotus Petals are symbolic like of the blades of a fan where lotus stands for consciousness and the petals stand for the power of creation or shify of level of consciousness. The blossoming of Lotus is attributed to flowering Consciousness due to activation of the chakras or plexus of Consciousness in us. This is possible only with the upward movement of our ‘out-breathe’ (nihshvas/rechaka) though the central pipe sushumna nadi that is closed at the bottom. It is only with the opening up of this vent awakening of the human consciousness is possible. Otherwise, we spend all our time just eating and sleeping and entertainment.      Each Chakra has a particular number of petals with a Sanskrit alphabet on each petal. The vibration that is produced at each petal is represented by the corresponding Sanskrit letter. Every letter denotes the Mantra of Devi Kundalini. The letters exist in the petals in a latent form. These can be manifested and the vibrations of the Nadis felt during concentration.

     The number of petals of the lotuses varies. Muladhara, Svadhishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha and Ajna Chakras have 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, and 2 petals respectively. All the 50 Sanskrit letters are on the 50 petals. The number of petals in each Chakra is determined by the number and position of the Yoga Nadis around the Chakra. I will make it still clear. From each Chakra a particular number of Yoga Nadis crop up. The Chakra gives the appearance of a lotus with the Nadis as its petals. The sound produced by the vibrations of the Yoga Nadis is represented by the corresponding Sanskrit letter. The Chakras with their petals hang downwards when Kundalini is at the Muladhara Chakra. When it is awakened, they turn towards Brahmarandhra. They always face the side of Kundalini. 

THE MULADHARA AND KUNDALINI 

   The so-called ‘Chakra’ is identified as ‘plexus of consciousness’ within our body is nothing but the centres within the Sushumna nadi where the air we breathe creates a swirling action and generate power (Shakti). This is just like the wind mills of different capacity. The air we breathe normally moves down from either ida or pingala at a time reversing in opposite direction in seven trip cycles. The sushumna nadi is closed at the bottom and thereby air cannot enter here (see diagrams). The air we breathe in and out is thereby not able to reach these centres or chakras. Thus we will not get any help of these in our normal life. Only those who know this secret of activating the Kundalini know the trick. They take to compulsive action hathayoga and open up the sushumna nadi and force upward movement of the air we breathe out in a concerted effort. Thereby they become yogis, however, it is warned that this hatha yoga is only for those who are physically strong and capable of withstanding the terrific force of the gushing upward movement of air. It may even rupture the nerves and bleed within! It is advised not to do this without a teacher’s help. A yoga teacher well-versed in hatha yoga only can help in this matter. Kundalini will ultimately open up the sahasrar plexus where enlightenment takes place. This is an arduous task for even a well-trained yogi.