Gaia Theory: Chakras and the Seven Sacred Cities

Seven cities in India correspond to seven centres orchakras in our body: Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi,Kanchi, Avantika, Puri drawaravati chaiva, saptaidemoksha dayikaÓ.

Haridwar: Maya or Haridwar corresponds to themooladhar chakra situated at the base of the spine.When the jadata or lethargy goes and you commence your journey. This is the seat of emotions like inertia, enthusiasm. When there is no 'Inertia' 'Enthusiasm' appears and vice-versa. At one time only one emotion is there. `Haridwar' specifies the `Mooladhara' chakra. Haridwar means `entry into divinity'

Kamakshi: The second is Swadhishthaana chakra. This is situated at the back of the genitals. The energy for creativity, lust originate here… Temple of Kaanchi is equal to Swadhishthaana chakra. The devi of Kaanchi is Kamakshi. The devi of lust, desire.

Ayodhya: The third is Manipoor chakra. This is situated at the abdomen. Emotions like happiness, generosity, greed, jealousy are felt here. These emotions are related to `Ayodhya'. It was the jealousy and greed of Kaikeyi that madeRama take vanavas. Ayodhya is also known for thegenerosity of Rama. The joy of Rama's return toAyodhya is celebrated as Diwali.The jealousy and greed of Kaikeyi sent Raama into the forests. Similarly `Ayodhya is famous for Raama's generosity… `Ayodhya' means a place where there is no fight where it cannot be hurt.

Mathura: Situated at the heart is the fourth chakra, `Anahaata'. Emotions like love, fear are related to the heart. The holy city of `Mathura' is associated with this chakra. Mathura symbolises the love and devotion of the gopisfor Krishna, as well as of the fear and hatred ofKansa, all matters of the heart.

Avantika also called Ujjain: The fifth chakra, `Vishuddhi' is situated at the neck. Gratefullness, sorrow are experienced here. … The holy city of `Avantika' or `Ujjain' specify `Vishuddhi' chakra. This is the city of art and literature. The great poet Kaalidasa was born here. It is also the city of King Vikramaaditya, grief and glory. We feel gratitude in the throat region - we getchoked.

Kaashi: The sixth is `Aagya' chakra. Situated between the eyebrows this chakra is the seat of knowledge, unawareness, anger. This chakra is also known as the `Gnana chakshu' or the third eye. `Kaashi' is the seat of knowledge. `Kaashi' is the city of learned men and wise men.Kashi has always been the seat of knowledge.That's why the ajna chakra is also called gyanachakshu, the third eye. Kashi is the city of punditsand scholars.

Dwaraka: The seventh chakra is `Sahasraara'. This is on top of the head. Eternal bliss is felt here. The holy city of `Dwaraka' specifies `Sahasraara'. Dwara-ka means `where is the door?' What is the significance of door without walls? Look, there are no borders, walls for eternity. Srikrishna left his body in Dwaraka. `Sahasraara' also means `one thousand paths'. So, the path towards mukti starts at Haridwar and ends at Dwaraka. The `Aatma' is also called `Purusha'. `Puru' means `City' and `Purusha' means `Resident of a City'. Purusha is blemishless and eternal. But, when negative feelings come, purusha experiences bondage. Pure emotions steeped in knowledge leads one to moksha. Feelings devoid of knowledge create negative feelings. These unsettle us. Alongside create bondage. Being aware of the praana and the sensations in one's body is the only way to end negative feelings.

The soul is called Purusha. Pura means a town. Purushameans one who lives in the town. The Purusha isunbound and infinite. But the Purusha experiencesbondage with all the negative emotions. Positivefeelings with knowledge are liberating. Positivefeelings without knowledge create negative emotionswhich are stifling, hence one experiences bondage.When you observe the prana moving through differentcentres associated with sensations, the negativefeelings cease to exist and one is libera-ted frombondage.

The microcosm and the macrocosm are interlinked.Planet earth, home to many organisms, is itself alarge organism. It is not just a place for livingbeings; it is a living organism as a whole. This iswhat the Gaia theory says. Materialism considerseverything as objects. Spirituality, on the otherhand, discovers life in everything. So do children.For them, the moon talks, the sun smiles and themountains hear. Everything comes alive. Chicken, cows,mice - all are perceived to be in communication mode.Even cities have collective consciousness.

A streetwhere unethical people conduct their business isbelieved to emit heavy vibrations whereas aneducational institution or a place of worship emitspositive and light vibrations.The seven sacred rivers are the Ganga, Yamuna,Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri.Together with the seven sacred cities, they are linkedto the seven sacred spots within you.

You can do 'Hari Om' Meditation during Padmasadhana by being aware of the significance of each chakra and taking your attention to each one.

- H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji.