Nabhi Chakra(Manipur)
The evolutionary growth of humankind mirrors the ascending chakras of our subtle system, and our corresponding spiritual growth. The Nabhi Chakra represents the evolutionary point when man's shelter became "home," when the family unit became a source of satisfaction in itself rather then just a channel of reproduction. This domestic satisfaction translates into the satisfaction that we feel with life in general after our spiritual awakening through Self-Realization.
Satisfaction is actually a key word for the Nabhi Chakra. Some "hot livered" people are naturally irritable. For them life without worry is an impossibility, and they will express their discontent at the slightest excuse. When our Spirit manifests, we can put things into their true perspective, and worry becomes an unusual occurrence. In the peace of thoughtlessness, we can only be content. We realize that the Spirit is not concerned with passing trends and fashions or a button missing here or there.
The Nabhi is the center of welfare, both physical and financial. As man developed his creative powers further he also learned to harness nature's resources to his advantage—and thus grew prosperous. Prosperity is a necessary step in evolution, and money is a valid medium of exchange in order to obtain the essential needs and desires of man. If we do not have the means of satisfying the basic needs then they will continue to preoccupy our attention, diverting us from the true direction. We have been blessed with intelligence and a versatile body through which we can work to raise the means to fulfill our needs. When these needs are satisfied, then these mundane matters no longer occupy us or block our growth.
However, sometimes we get lost. The desire for basic needs transforms into a cycle of insatiable desire for things in general—the start of a materialist existence. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy; the problem lies in becoming obsessed with money. The desire for money for the sake of money is greed. It crosses the boundary of need and becomes an obsession, a disease that retards growth. Miserliness and greed represent a selfish primitive mind which does not know the truth about the basics of life. In nature everything flows, because nature is one. Money should be no exception—the energy has to flow to every part of the creation. By sharing we learn. Being generous is so elevating, whereas hoarding leads to stagnation.
Another aspect of the Nabhi Chakra is that of Dharma (right conduct) in our lives. In order for us to maintain a state of satisfaction within, we have to exist in a state of satisfaction without, and this means appreciating the benefits of living an upright life. This cannot be an artificial process; it comes naturally through our Attention after our realization. Just as gold cannot tarnish, so Dharma cannot be altered. There is no relative state of Dharmic conduct. An act is either fundamentally right or not. Dharma is the code of evolution through which man has evolved from amoeba to the present stage. This code protects and nourishes our spiritual growth.
The most powerful evocation of the laws of Dharma is the Ten Commandments which were provided to us as evolutionary guidelines. Those who have always followed these basic principles of right conduct experience a powerful and lasting process of Self-Realization. Those who don’t understand the need for such conduct before realization become naturally aware of it afterwards. In fact, after our realization we can even experience our reaction to Dharmic conduct by the physical signals of the stomach region. Some people have been amazed to find how sensitive their stomachs become to any activity which is Adharmic (outside Dharma) and how it revolts against such acts. It is a fact, though, that the more one enjoys the beauty of becoming the Spirit, the less time one has for anything which is not Dharmic. The evolutionary laws of survival and growth start to manifest naturally within us.
Obviously, these guidelines are examples for us to follow. We are not forced to do anything. In Sahaja Yoga you are your own judge and jury. The vibrations state the case for you, and then it is up to you to give the verdict and pass the sentence. This is a direct benefit of receiving your realization, as you stop identifying with your weaknesses and become the witness to your true self.
This center governs the workings of the stomach area. If the functioning of the stomach becomes disturbed, then the process of digestion and assimilation of food is affected. The stomach is therefore very important. Our attitude toward food and how we eat affects the digestive juices and glands. If we are hurried or angry or worried while eating, then the food will not be properly digested because the stomach muscles are tense and cannot work properly on the digestive process.
The Nabhi can be weakened in a number of ways. The left side of the center can become imbalanced if we suffer problems in the household or if we worry too much about money. After Self-Realization, we gain the strength to face our responsibilities and start to enjoy the duties we must take on. We realize that the family as the most important unit in society has to be supported and must flourish in an atmosphere of love, respect, and unity. Too much thinking about food, whether in gluttony or fasting, also affects this center. It keeps the stomach excited and hinders the energy flow. Do not worry too much about food as long as it is wholesome and nourishing.The opposite extreme also applies: indiscriminate fasting disturbs the chakra. We cannot reach our Spirit through fasting.
Fasting can be undertaken with proper guidance for health purposes, but it has no spiritual significance. On the contrary, fasting serves to divert the Attention to food. When the body needs food it sends the signal. We should not practice self-denial or aggression with any chakra and its laws. Drinking alcohol is also harmful to the Nabhi Chakra.