The Sixth Chakra, also known as the Ajna Chakra, is the third eye chakra. It is located between the eyebrows and is associated with the element of light. The Ajna Chakra is responsible for our intuition and our ability to see the world from a higher perspective. When the Ajna Chakra is balanced, we are able to see things clearly both internally and externally. We are also able to see the bigger picture and connect to our higher selves. When the Ajna Chakra is out of balance, we may experience headaches, eye strain, and difficulty concentrating. We may also find ourselves overthinking and second-guessing our decisions.
The mantra for the Ajna Chakra is Om. This mantra is considered to be very powerful, and it is believed to help open up the Third Eye. The Third Eye is said to be the seat of intuition and insight, and it is through this chakra that we are able to connect to our higher selves and receive guidance from our intuition.
In addition to the Ajna Chakra, other chakras are located in the head, including the Manas Chakra, the Soma Chakra, the Kala Chakra, the Guru Chakra, and the Sahasrara Chakra (the Seventh Chakra).
The Manas Chakra
The Manas Chakra is located at the back of the head, where the higher functions of the mind are said to reside. Enlightenment is the main purpose of the Manas Chakra, and it is through this chakra that we can connect with the divine. When we are able to connect with the divine, we are able to achieve a state of oneness with the universe. This state of oneness is what we call enlightenment. The following mantra transforms the mind:
Om Mani Padme Hum
ओम मणि पद्मे हं
The mind is a powerful tool but can also be a prison. The above mantra helps to break free from the limitations of the mind and open up to new possibilities. The Manas Chakra is a tool that can help to transform the mind and open up to new possibilities.
The below mantra helps to develop the bodhicitta, which is the state that prepares oneself for enlightenment:
Gate Gate Para Gate Para Sam-gate Bodhi Swaha
गते गते पारगते परसंगते बोधि स्वाहा
A third mantra related to the Manas Chakra is the Manjushri Mantra. Manjushri is an iconic figure in the Tibetan tradition who is shown holding a sword. The sword is not a symbol of violence, instead, it is known as the “sword of discrimination” that cuts away the deception of the mind to help distinguish the real from the unreal.
Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi
ॐ अह रा पा त्सा न धी
The Soma Chakra
The Soma Chakra is located above the roof of the mouth. This chakra helps to guide us back to the source from which we came. It also contains the nectar of immortality, which in its active state, can drip to one of the 72,000 nadis (the subtle body equivalent to veins and arteries). This ensures that these specific nadis to do accumulate karma. The Kechari Mantra helps to stimulate this chakra:
Hrim Bham Sam Pam Pham Sam Ksham
ह्रीं भां सां पां फां सां क्षां
The Kala Chakra
In Sanskrit, kala means time and chakra means wheel. The Kalachakra is a symbol for the cycles of time, and it is also known as the “Wheel of Time.” During the Buddha’s last moments of life, he taught the teachings pertaining to the Kalachakra to a small group. The notes of all present were destroyed except those of King Suchandra from Tibet. Since the teachings were rather complex, they were simplified so the techniques could continue. This mantra helps one to feel present and as a result, to seemingly slow down the passing of time:
Om Ha Ksa Ma La Va Ra Yam Swaha
ॐ हक्ष मा ला व रा यम स्वाहा
The Guru Chakra
A new chakra that emerged through evolution is the Guru Chakra, located on the underside of the Sahasrara Chakra. In the same way seasons of the year exist, there are seasons of consciousness. In spiritual summer, most people are enlightened. However, we are 5,000 years into the spiritual winter where people are significantly less enlightened. That said, spiritual progress is easier to achieve during the spiritual winter rather than the spiritual summer. This is because the density of the spiritual winter makes it possible to focus on the inner journey. The Guru chakra began to emerge as we approached the spiritual winter over 100,000 years ago. Its purpose is to direct energy towards the Ego-Mind-Personality to raise existential questions that help launch one into spiritual development: what is my relationship to this planet and others? Is there a God, and how can the world be in such a mess if there is?
This first mantra helps one become a wise and knowledgeable spiritual teacher:
Guru Om
गुरु ऊँ
This second mantra helps one become more attuned to a specific guru:
Om Sri Gurubhyo Namaha
श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः