Mantra: RAM Asana:Chakrasana Form: lotus flower with ten petals bearing Sanskrit letters Element: fire Statement:"I have a strong body and a strong mind. I don't get sick and I am determined. I am a doer. I make things happen. But is this all there is to life?" Blocked by: shame (what are you shameful of? what in your past causes feelings of shame? Accept as fact of life and move on) Pranayama: kapalabhati Mudra: thumb tip by the base of the little finger, then close the fist
Assertion and Dominance Manipuraka Chakra is the center of self-assertion. One attempts to dominate situations and other people. One seeks to manipulate the world according to personal wishes. This is expressed in the predominant motive of gaining wealth, respect, etc. This is the chakra level where people become very active and extroverted. They involve themselves with many external activities whether in work or play. Many people in the world are functioning at this level. They try to impose their will on other people and the world around them. It is the center where all things and other people are seen as a means of providing personal power and satisfying worldly ambitions. The Manipuraka Chakra is the center of dynamism and energy.
3 Gunas of Nature Chakras fall within the 3 gunas(quality of energy) of nature. People at the Manipuraka are predominantly rajasic(active and intense) in nature; the lower chakras, Muladhara and Svadhisthana, are predominantly tamasic(lethargic and negative) in nature while the Anahatha, Vishuddhi, Ajna and Sahasrara are sattvic(beingness and harmony). At the level of the Manipuraka Chakra people seriously begin to question their attitude towards life and their place in the scheme of existence. This is in accordance with the Buddhist concept that the kundalini resides in manipura (but according to the Hindu concept, kundalini resides at the Muladhara, a lower and more primal chakra) - until the level of manipura (not muladhara), people are not knowingly on the path to expansion of the mind.
Manipuraka Chakra at the navel
Blazing Fire The word Manipuraka Chakra can be translated directly as 'the city of gems' because of the intensity of the pranic energy like the dazzling power of the sun. It radiates and distributes pranic energy throughout the entire human framework; without this chakra, each person would be lifeless and totally devoid of vitality. It is also compared to a blazing fire, since it burns up and assimilates the energy in food in the same way that fire burns up wood and releases the inherent energy. The absorption of energy in the human structure takes place at different levels - at grosser levels by absorbing the nutrients of food for the upkeep of the physical body and at a more subtle level by absorbing the more subtle essence of food to refuel the pranic body. The Manipuraka Chakra is intimately related to this entire process at all levels.
Navel as the 2nd Brain Follow your GUT feel. According to Dr. Hansaji of The Yoga Institute, in the womb, our navel was our connection to life. But now as an individual, our navel continues to be our universe - thus the name solar plexus. Navel is a vital point in accupuncture and accupressure. Meditating on the navel (manipuraka chakra) gives us complete knowledge of our body and reveals its mysteries. In sickness, we can diagnose our bodies by meditating on the manipuraka. Activating this chakra cleanses the nadis and allow prana to flow freely throughout the body, eliminating disease and sickness in the process.
How to Activate the Manipuraka Chakra
Mandukasana - compression on the navel using fist. Sit on vajrasana(heels and knees together as you sit on your heels), hands closed with thumb touching the base of the little finger, fists lightly touching each other by the navel with fingers pressed against the navel. Inhale, lifting the chest up and pulling the shoulders back. On the exhale, bend forward with head touching the floor and creating a compression on the navel with your 2 fists. Hold the breath on empty lungs (bahya kumbhaka) and keep the pressure while staying relaxed. Lift up on the inhale and repeat the breathing 6 times or more. This cleanses the nadis and cause prana vayu to flow freely.
Nabhi Chikitsa - applying oil on the navel. You can use warm coconut oil and put about 1 tbsp on the navel. Let it stay there for a while and then start massaging clockwise with a little pressure. This cures many diseases.
Kapalabhati(forced abdominal exhalation) - seated in Vajrasana (heals/knees together and you are seated on your heals), forceful exhalation using abdominal contraction. Put the palms on the navel while doing this. 108 repetitions would be ideal. On the last exhalation, empty the lungs, hold the breath, do the hand mudra (tips of thumbs by the base of the little finger, close hand into a fist, get the knuckles lightly touching each other, closed palms pressed against the belly 2.5 inches below the navel), tuck the belly into uddiyana bandha, and let the torso come down into your lap. When settled, release the belly so it relaxes onto your hand mudra. Hold the breath while chanting "ram" silently. This generates heat, draws energy from the cosmos, giving you vitality.
Know your Navel (the 2nd brain) by Dr. Hansaji of The Yoga Institute
Physical and Mental Virility If consciousness (caitanya) is attained at the Manipuraka Chakra due to the strength of breath regulation (pranayama), then the practitioner will never encounter any physical or mental afflictions. These afflictions will flee his presence. One who has acquired caitanya in this chakra will be able to face any disaster or accident with mental fortitude. Not only that, he develops divine perception(divya drishti). He will experience the bliss of identifying universal self (atman) as a separate entity from the body. The main function of this chakra is to ensure that all organs or parts of the body function at their proper strength.
Uddiyana Bandha moving Prana from the Manipuraka Chakra Uddiyana bandha also has many subtle influences on the pranic body. The navel is the area of the Manipuraka Chakra, which is the center of prana in the body. Physical stimulation of this area (thru Uddiyana Bandha) has repercussions on the more subtle flows of prana and its distribution throughout the body. Uddiyana also redirects prana into the sushumna nadi. This helps to expand awareness and induces meditation.
Tantra vs Buddhism on Kundalini In Buddhism, Manipuraka Chakra is regarded as the seat of the kundalini and not the Muladhara Chakra. It regards the lower chakras (Muladhara and Svadisthana) as simply instinctive levels of man. It asserts that the expansion of awareness begins at the Manipuraka. The Manipuraka Chakra is indeed the center of prana that permeates and controls the body from behind the scenes. It is the center that puts man directly in contact with the subtle forces of the cosmos, and thus the seat of the Kundalini shakti.
Tantra yoga, however, regards expansion of awareness, as starting at the level of the Muladhara Chakra, for it is here that man begins to become aware of himself, even if in a very rudimentary form. The Muladhara Chakra is also a vital trigger center that is very much concerned with directing pranic forces from the base of the spine upwards through sushumna to the higher centers. It is often associated with transmutation of sexual energy into more subtle pranic energy (ojas). Both of these chakras are centers of pranic energy but in a slightly different sense. Thus kundalini resides here.
Manipura Kshetram and Exercise
Manipura kshetram In kriya yoga practices, the area of the body directly in front of the Manipuraka Chakra area on the front surface of the body is also used as a point of awareness. This is called the Manipura kshetram and is exactly located at the navel. You should develop the ability to locate this region. Most people should find it quite easy to feel and locate the Manipuraka Chakra kshetram with the eyes closed.
Location Two excellent methods of locating the Manipuraka Chakra trigger point and the Manipuraka Chakra kshetram are called Uddiyana Bandha and Manipuraka Chakra shuddhi (purification). These are practiced as follows:
Stage 1: Uddiyana Bandha Sit in a comfortable position, preferably one of the traditional meditative asanas, with the knees flat on the ground. Perform uddiyana bandha. Be aware of the navel. Practise several rounds for about 5 minutes. Then stop uddiyana bandha. Fix your attention on the blood pulse at the navel. You should distinctly feel it. After a few minutes, transfer your attention to the Manipuraka Chakra trigger point in the spine. If necessary you can physically locate this region with your finger. Try to feel the blood pulse at this point. Continue in this manner for a few minutes. Then if you have time, again do a few more rounds of uddiyana bandha. Then again be attentive to the blood pulse at the Manipuraka Chakra kshetram and chakra for a few minutes each. Repeat the entire process again if you have time. Then proceed to stage 2.
Stage 2: Manipura Shuddhi (purification) Take a comfortable sitting position. Hold the back straight. Keep the eyes closed. Breathe slowly and deeply. Feel the contraction and expansion of the navel as you breathe in and out. Feel as though you are breathing in and out at the navel. Fix your whole attention at the navel. Feel that the breath is being drawn from the Manipuraka Chakra trigger point in the spine through the navel and outwards as the abdomen expands during inhalation. Feel that the breath is being pushed inwards through the navel to the Manipuraka Chakra in the spine as the abdomen contracts with exhalation. Be attentive to this rhythmical process. Continue in this manner for at least 10 minutes. Then combine the mantra Aum with the inhalation and exhalation of breath. You should still continue to feel the movement of breath inwards and outwards, but it must be now synchronized with Aum. Feel the breath and mantra piercing the navel and the Manipuraka Chakra in the spine. At the end of exhalation, feel the Manipuraka Chakra kshetram being pierced, and feel the breath being pulled upwards from the Manipuraka Chakra kshetram during inhalation. Continue in this manner for as long as you have time available. Be attentive.
RAM Seed Mantra Chanting and Music by Meditative Mind
Manipuraka Tuning and Balancing at 432hz by Taos Winds Spirit Music
Reader Comments:
Grant (Aug 6, 2020) Every day I ask, "Is this it?". So far, I was woken up the next day so the answer has been satisfactory 🙂
TheLoneRider (Aug 6, 2020) maybe one day, the answer is different 🙂
Grant (Aug 6, 2020) Aaah yes hope that day is long into the future but when it comes of course I have no say.
(Aug 30, 2020) Surya Chakra absorbs energy from the sun, heats up the body, and clears all energy channels in the stomach for increased digestive metabolism. Intestinal diseases cannot take place when this chakra is activated. The Sankalpa aspect of this chakra manifests your desires....more »»
(Aug 8-9, 2020) It was an overnight of blissful indulgence as spaced-out party revelers celebrated Gabriella's birthday bash at Mothership, a domed resort in the foothills of Wang Mei, 2 hours drive from Old City....more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
IMPORTANT PLACES
Bus Station Train Station Chiang Mai International Airport Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage(highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva(highly recommended)
Transportation
B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!