Manipura, (Manipuraka), 3rd Chakra The City of Jewels

Location - Above the navel, below the chest, lumbar center, power, expansion
Color - Yellow
Element - Fire
Symbol - Circle
Energy - Life-preserving
Frequency - 349.2 cps
Note - E
Sense - Sight
Statement - "I want happiness"
Astrological Sign - Leo
Spinal Contact - 8th Thoracic Vertebra
Interrelating Organ - N/A
Functions - Vitalizes the sympathetic nervous system, digestive processes, metabolism, emotions
Glands/organs - Pancreas, adrenals, stomach, liver, gallbladder, nervous system, muscles
Gems/Minerals - Citrine, gold topaz, amber, tiger eye, gold calcite, gold
Foods - Starches, yello fruits and vegetables
Qualities/Lessons - Will, personal power,authority, energy, mastery of desire, self-control, radiance, warmth, awakening, transformation, humor, laughter, immortality
Negative Qualities - Taking in more than one can assimilate and utilize, too much emphasis on power and/or recognition, anger, fear, hate, digestive problems

Manipura chakra literally means 'The City of Jewels'. It's development is very important for success "in prana vidya", as it is the center or storehouse of prana, and is associated with the color yellow, and the element of fire.

The symbol is a triangle that is pointing down, with swastika marks on the three sides. This is the fire wheel. This chakra is associated with the sun, and the ego. It's also the center of digestion, which the Chinese call the triple warmer because heat is generated in the process of digestion. On the outside are ten lotus petals.

As the sun radiates light, and energy, so manipura uses, and distributes pranic energy through-out the body, regulating, and fueling life's processes. Thus, it is often compared with the dazzling orb of the sun, without which there would be no life.

This chakra vitalizes the sympathetic nervous system, digestive processes, metabolism, and emotions. The base color of the solar plexus chakra is yellow, which is the 'color of happiness'.

The solar plexus is our "flight or fight" center, and where we get our gut feelings. This third chakra is the center of personal power. When the third chakra is open, you have found your own unique gift. The work that gives you pleasure, and that makes you feel fulfilled.

In the martial arts, the third chakra is considered the center of the chi, the life force energy. So this chakra relates to physical abilities, and athletic prowess. This chakra is ruled by the conscious mind, and is active only while awake. It relates to digestion so a balance of energy here causes good digestion. The solar plexus is known as the "Center of the Breath."

Of the three gunas, or qualities of nature, manipura is predominantly influenced by rajas, or activity, dynamism, strength, and will. Whereas, mooladhara, and swadhisthana are predominantly influenced by tamas, or lethargy, dullness, and ignorance. The element of manipura is fire, and its pranic force is samana which digests, and absorbs nutrients from food.

Manipura, and swadhisthana are both the seat of pranamaya kosha. The location of manipura is at the level of the navel. The beeja mantra is Ram. 

We hope you have found, or are considering bringing Hatha Yoga into your life. We look forward to seeing you at one of our yoga classes, or workshops, held regularly when we are home in Largo, Florida from November-May. Or, on our next Yoga Bound Travel Adventure with special Yoga in Bali Retreats and Yoga in Thailand Retreats.