Traditional Hindu Diagram of Brow Chakra

Ajna ( sa, आज्ञा, IAST: , ), brow or third eye chakra, is the sixth primary

chakra Chakras (, ; sa , text=चक्र , translit=cakra , translit-std=IAST , lit=wheel, circle; pi, cakka) are various focal points used in a variety of ancient meditation practices, collectively denominated as Tantra, or the esoteric or ...

in the body according to Hindu tradition and signifies the unconscious mind, the direct link to

Brahman In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' ( sa, ब्रह्मन्) connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part ...

(ultimate reality). The third eye is said to connect people to their

intuition Intuition is the ability to acquire knowledge without recourse to conscious reasoning. Different fields use the word "intuition" in very different ways, including but not limited to: direct access to unconscious knowledge; unconscious cognition; ...

, give them the ability to communicate with the world, or help them receive messages from the past and the future.

Location

The Ajna chakra is located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. It is not a part of the physical body but considered to be the part of pranic system. The location makes it a sacred spot where Hindus apply a tilak bindi to show reverence for it.

Appearance

The Ajna chakra is described as "a diamond-like lotus of two petals, presided by Hamsa Devata, and

Susumna ( sa, नाडी, lit=tube, pipe, nerve, blood vessel, pulse) is a term for the channels through which, in traditional Indian medicine and spiritual theory, the energies such as prana of the physical body, the subtle body and the causal body a ...

Sakti. It corresponds to the Vijñāna state and Anupama Vak, and to the half

matra Matra (an acronym for Mécanique Aviation Traction) was a French industrial conglomerate. During its years of operation, it was engaged in a wide range of business activities, primarily focused around automobiles, bicycles, aeronautics and wea ...

of the Pranava." It is said to represent the nadis (psychic channels) Ida and Pingala, which meet the central Sushumna nadi before rising to the crown chakra, Sahasrara. The letter "ham" (हं) is written in white on the left petal and represents

Shiva Shiva (; sa, शिव, lit=The Auspicious One, Śiva ), also known as Mahadeva (; ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐ, or Hara, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hin ...

, while the letter "ksham" (क्षं) is written in white on the right petal and represents Shakti. Inside the pericarp of the flower is the Hakini shakti. It is depicted with a white moon, six faces, and six arms holding a book, a skull, a drum, and a rosary, while making the gestures associated with granting boons and dispelling fears. The downward-pointing triangle above her contains a white

lingam A lingam ( sa, लिङ्ग , lit. "sign, symbol or mark"), sometimes referred to as linga or Shiva linga, is an abstract or aniconic representation of the Hindu god Shiva in Shaivism. It is typically the primary ''murti'' or devotion ...

. This triangle, along with the lotus flower, can represent wisdom.

Seed syllable

The seed syllables of Ajna are ''ksham'' and the more well-known '' Om'' or ''Aum'', which is believed to be the basic sound of the world and contains all other sounds. It is considered the supreme sound of the universe. The mantras are monosyllabic seed sounds (''bija'') which, when spoken aloud, activate the energy of the respective chakras in order to purify and balance the mind and body. The energy resonates in the chakra associated with the mantra.

Function

Ajna translates as "authority" or "command" (or "perceive"). It is considered the eye of intuition and intellect. Its associated sense organ is the mind.

References

Works cited

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