Kleshas and Vrittis in Yoga: Understanding the Roots of Suffering

The word Chakra comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and literally means “wheel” or “circle.” In yogic philosophy, chakras are seen as spinning vortices of energy located within the subtle body — an energetic counterpart to our physical body. These centers regulate the flow of prana (vital life force) and connect our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences. Chakras are not physical organs; they are vibrational centers of consciousness. They act as bridges between the body and mind, matter and spirit, inner and outer worlds. Each chakra governs specific physiological functions, emotional patterns, mental tendencies, and states of awareness. When energy flows freely through these centers, it nourishes every level of our being — supporting health, creativity, balance, and spiritual growth. When blocked or imbalanced, energy stagnates or disperses, leading to disharmony that can appear as tension, fatigue, confusion, or emotional unrest. The Yogic View of Chakras In yoga, the human being is seen as a union of five layers or sheaths ( pancha koshas ): The physical body, energy body, mental body, wisdom body, and bliss body. The chakras exist within the energy body (pranamaya kosha) , through which prana circulates via subtle channels called nadis . There are said to be 72,000 nadis in the body, but three are most important: Ida – representing the moon, feminine energy, and the mind Pingala – representing the sun, masculine energy, and vitality Sushumna – the central channel that runs along the spine The chakras are aligned along this central channel, the Sushumna nadi , extending from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. When prana flows through Sushumna freely, awareness expands, and spiritual awakening unfolds. Symbolism of the Chakra System Each chakra is symbolized by a lotus flower , representing the unfolding of consciousne ss.The number of petals corresponds to the vibrational frequency of that energy center — for example, the Root Chakra has four petals, while the Crown Chakra has a thousand. Each chakra also carries: A specific color – reflecting its vibration frequency A bija (seed) mantra – the sound that activates its resonance An element (tattva) – such as earth, water, fire, air, or ether A deity or archetype – representing aspects of universal consciousness These symbols aren’t just artistic —they are metaphors describing the movement of energy, consciousness, and transformation within us. Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions Chakras can be understood as maps of human evolution and inner growth . They correspond to different stages of consciousness — from instinctual survival to spiritual transcendence. Lower Chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus): Concerned with physical survival, emotions, and identity. They ground us in the material world and help us develop stability, creativity, and confidence. Middle Chakra (Heart): The bridge between matter and spirit. It opens us to love, compassion, and connection beyond ego. Upper Chakras (Throat, Third Eye, Crown): Related to communication, intuition, and higher awareness. They awaken insight, wisdom, and spiritual unity. When energy rises from the base of the spine to the crown — symbolizing the awakening of Kundalini Shakti — the individual consciousness merges with universal consciousness. This is considered the ultimate purpose of yogic evolution. The Function of Chakras in Daily Life On a practical level, chakras influence every aspect of our being: Physical: Each chakra is linked with specific glands, organs, and nervous centers. Emotional: They regulate feelings such as fear, desire, confidence, love, and joy. Mental: They shape our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions of reality. Spiritual: They guide our journey toward self-awareness and inner freedom. For example, when the heart chakra is balanced, we experience openness, forgiveness, and empathy. When blocked, we might feel lonely, closed, or unable to trust. Similarly, a balanced throat chakra encourages clear and honest communication, while imbalance may lead to fear of speaking or excessive talk without awareness. Chakras as a Path of Transformation Understanding chakras is not only a theory — it’s a path of self-discovery and transformation . Each chakra teaches a life lesson. Healing them means becoming aware of our patterns, releasing fear, and allowing energy to flow naturally again. Through consistent practices like asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra chanting, sound healing, and Yoga Nidra , one can gradually purify the chakras, awaken prana, and live with greater harmony and awareness.Ultimately, the chakra system offers a mirror to our inner world — showing where we are open, where we are holding on, and how we can return to wholeness. Understanding the Seven Chakras 1. Root Chakra ( Muladhara ) — Feeling Grounded and Safe

At Yoganga Healing, we often return to one simple truth — the heart is more than just an organ that keeps us alive. It is also the center of our emotions, our energy, and our inner balance . When the heart feels heavy, life feels heavy too. We may notice restlessness in the mind, tension in the body, or even small struggles in daily life that suddenly feel bigger. The heart is deeply connected to how we feel and how we experience the world around us. A joyful heart brings lightness, peace, and clarity. But when the heart carries pain or unexpressed emotions, it can create stress, sadness, or a sense of being disconnected from ourselves and others. This is why healing the heart is so important . It is not only about emotional health but also about our overall wellbeing — how we think, how we breathe, how we relate to others, and how we live each day. A healed and open heart allows us to return to our natural state of love, balance, and peace. What Does Healing the Heart Mean? Healing the heart does not mean avoiding emotions or forcing ourselves to “be positive.” It means understanding emotions as movements of life energy. When we feel sadness, anger, or even deep love, the body responds with changes in breath, heartbeat, and energy flow. These shifts are natural. But problems begin when we suppress emotions — holding them inside instead of allowing them to move. Over time, this creates: Tension in the chest and throat Overthinking and sleeplessness Anxiety and restlessness A feeling of emotional heaviness Healing the heart begins when we stop fighting emotions and start acknowledging them with awareness. The Heart and the Mind Connection Emotions always begin in the body. First, there are physical changes — in the belly, chest, or throat. If we don’t allow expression, this energy rises into the thinking mind, creating endless doubts and inner chatter. We may ask ourselves: “Why am I feeling this way?” , “Should I speak up or stay quiet?” , “What if people don’t understand me?” This cycle of thoughts leaves us tired and disconnected. The heart contracts, and the mind becomes restless. Over time, this creates a loop where the mind controls the heart, instead of the heart guiding the mind. True healing comes when we learn to bring attention back to the heart and body, instead of being lost in thoughts. In that simple shift of awareness, both the mind and the heart begin to find peace again. Yoga and Healing the Heart At Yoganga Healing, we see emotions not just as mental or physical changes, but also as energetic shifts. Every emotion carries pranic movement — a flow of life energy. If this energy is blocked, it creates heaviness and imbalance. Yoga practices such as asana (postures), breathwork, and gentle chest-opening movements help release this energy. Simple practices like Parvatasana (raised arms pose), Gomukhasana (cow-face pose), or gentle heart-opening stretches expand the chest, relax the diaphragm, and allow emotions to move freely. These postures are not only physical exercises — they are a way to reconnect with the subtle heart energy, creating space for healing and inner balance. Even taking a few moments to stretch your arms in the morning or gently open your chest after a stressful meeting can help release trapped emotions and bring calmness to your day. Gratitude: The Key to Heart Healing One of the most powerful ways to heal the heart is gratitude. Gratitude softens the heart, opens space for acceptance, and reminds us of all the blessings already present in our lives. When we practice gratitude, the heart becomes lighter, calmer, and more open. When we pause and take a small moment to feel thankful — for our body, for loved ones, for nature, or simply for the gift of life itself — shifts our focus from what is missing to what is already here. In this relaxed state of awareness, the heart finds peace, and emotional healing flows naturally. Gratitude is like a gentle light — the more we embrace it, the more it brightens the heart, filling our inner world with warmth, balance, and quiet joy. Love as a Healing Force for the Heart Love is also one of the most natural ways to heal the heart. And love is not just about couples — it can be the love of a parent for a child, the care we feel for a friend, the kindness we share with strangers, or even the love we hold for nature and life itself. When we feel love in any form, the heart becomes light and open. Love reduces stress, calms the mind, and fills us with strength. Spiritually, love is said to be the highest energy — it melts away fear, anger, and loneliness. Every small act of giving or receiving love helps the heart to heal. It reminds us that we are all connected, and that the heart is meant to expand, not contract. Love, along with gratitude and awareness, creates deep peace and joy in the heart. Why Healing the Heart Matters In today’s busy world, many of us carry heavy hearts without even realizing it. We may feel overthinking, restlessness, tension in the chest, or difficulty sleeping. Small worries — about work, relationships, or daily life — can pile up, and if we keep holding emotions inside, they affect not only our mind but also our body. Healing the heart is about gently noticing these feelings, without judgment, and allowing the natural flow of energy to move freely. When we learn to connect with our heart, we can: Release stress and emotional blockages that weigh us down Feel calmer and sleep better, as the mind quiets Experience a deeper connection with ourselves and with the people around us Open our hearts to love — not only romantic love, but the love we feel for family, friends, nature, and even strangers — letting kindness and compassion flow naturally Receive the gentle love and healing energy of the universe, allowing it to fill, soothe, and uplift the heart Cultivate inner strength, peace, and a gentle warmth that radiates from within Conclusion It is not about being perfect or having all answers. It is about being present with our emotions, gentle with ourselves, and allowing the energy of life and love — both from within and from the universe — to flow through us. Even small moments — like taking a few mindful breaths, feeling gratitude, or stretching gently — can gradually heal, lighten, and expand the heart. By caring for the heart in this way, we bring balance not only to our emotions but also to our daily life. The heart becomes a source of love, clarity, and calmness, guiding us through each day with ease, connection, and presence. Healing the heart is a journey of awareness, yoga, and gratitude. It is about listening deeply, allowing emotions to move, and filling the heart with love and light. FAQs

Healing Anxiety Through Yoga

Let’s briefly explore the science behind pranayama, its role in mindfulness and relaxation, and how it can significantly enhance your breath & yoga practice.

Most people think that relaxation is very simple, just recline and close your eyes. You are tired so you go to bed and think that is relaxation. But unless you are free from muscular, mental and emotional tensions, you are never relaxed. Even while sleeping, thoughts and worries revolve in the mind, so that the tense person wakes up feeling exhausted. In order to relax completely, the inner tensions of the body, emotions and mind must be released, then the actual state of relaxation dawns. The practice of yoga Nidra is the scientific method of removing these tensions.