Most yoga practitioners are familiar with the Seven Major Chakras mentioned in the Vedas. They are…
A Google search will provide an abundance of information on these subtle energy centers. But, there is one frequently overlooked chakra called the “Bindu” Chakra (also referred to as the “Moon” Chakra).
BINDU
Bindu is most often translated or interpreted as a ‘focus’, or ‘point’. (Bindi are the jeweled or painted ‘points’ that Indian women adorn their foreheads with). The Bindu Chakra is said to be placed approximately at the point on the back of the head just above where the spine would meet the skull. Anatomically it is located where the bones of the back and sides of the skull meet (the occiput and the parietal). It is where Indian holy men (Brahmin) would grow a single tuft of hair on the back of their heads to honor this chakra.
This chakra was considered a fairly prominent chakra in most Tantric traditions. In most Yoga books the Bindu Chakra is not generally even mentioned, but in Tantra Yoga great importance is attached to the healing and rejuvenating effects of this Chakra.
The most notable understanding of the effect of the Bindu Chakra lies in its production of the ”Nectar of Immortality” or contrarily, the “Poison of Death”. This designates the power of knowledge and wisdom this chakra offers to those who are able to comprehend. What can be derived from the meaning of these words is that knowledge is powerful, but Wisdom and Experience are Immortal. This is the Chakra that can synthesize our knowledge with our experiences. When that synthesis is successful, then we can achieve inspiration and true Wisdom. Whenever it’s not successful or misused, then we gain misunderstandings and misperceptions, transforming the potential wisdom into dogma and empty ritual, and then we are stuck, unable to progress and mature in our yoga practice.
The Bindu Chakra is an important energy centre for health and wellbeing, giving us the power to recuperate and regenerate both physical y and mentally. This Chakra benefits eyesight and quiets the emotions, promoting inner harmony, clarity and balance. Concentration on the Bindu Chakra relieves anxiety and depression, nervousness and also feelings of oppression in the heart.
With the help of this Chakra we are capable of controlling hunger and thirst and throughout history yogis have used it to assist in fasting, cleansing and internal purification, gaining the ability to overcome unhealthy eating habits. This occurs because the most outstanding effect of the Bindu Chakra is the production of Amrita, the nectar of immortality.
Physiologically this means that along with the awakening of the Bindu Chakra, the Pineal Gland, which is influenced by this centre, becomes active, emitting a hormone that has a “fountain of youth” influence on both the body and the mind. This is why the ancient Rishis gave it the name “Amrita” (nectar of immortality). The more the Bindu Chakra becomes activated, the more plentifully this precious nectar flows. The ancient scriptures claim that just one concentrated drop will prompt new shoots to begin growing on a piece of dry wood, bringing even a dead log back to life.
In Ayurveda this life-giving nectar is called “Sanjīvini Bhuti” and there are Yogis who eat no food for long periods of time, nourished exclusively by the nectar from the Bindu Chakra. If we become able to utilize this life-giving elixir, we would not only prolong our life but also enjoy optimal health for as long as we live. Unfortunately, this does not happen without effort, this precious nectar usually drips straight down into the fire of the Manipūra (Solar Plexus) Chakra and is consumed before its effects fully develop, leaving our body susceptible to illness while it continues to deteriorate with advancing age. Through specific yoga practices the yogi can succeed in catching these drops of nectar in the Vishuddhi (Throat) Chakra subsequently supplying and rejuvinating the entire body. The Vishuddhi Chakra is responsible for the purification and detoxification of the body if and when an imbalance occurs due to exposure to toxins or other harmful substances.
Additional Notes on Bindu…
The Bindu Chakra is connected with Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra providing its foundational support, and is often depicted in the center of Sahasrara. It is Bindu that is located at the top of the head when an animal is on its fours as we were in our sub-human times. But it no more remains the top, and becomes the back of the head, as soon as the animal becomes upright and stands on two legs, thereby qualifying as a human. Being on fours balanced our musculature in such a way as to naturally keep the Bindu Chakra open. The moment we became “homo-erectus”, we lost our natural connection with the Bindu Chakra. Many of the Rishis of old taught that until humanity regains this connection to the Bindu Chakra we will remain susceptible to disease (mental and physical) and constant turmoil. This is why human life at the present time is so replete with corruption and confusion in every walk of life; whether it’s politics, economics, business, sports, relationships or health.
One final but important point: Your nectar of immortality will likely differ from any other person’s. Everyone’s experience and understanding of spirit is unique and valuable to them, and wisdom doesn’t take the well worn paths. It happens in the shadowy un-forged path that a person ventures out on by themselves. And it is vital to remember that every path has value.
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