Powerful Practice For Paring Any Problem
A chakra is a spinning energy wheel. And sometimes a spinning energy wheel is just what you need to break through a difficult problem or situation. Here we’ll explore how to make one — the Sodarshan Chakra Kriya — a practice that combines breath, mantra, and mudra for powerful results.
Origins of the Sodarshan Chakra
The origins of this particular spinning wheel — the Sodarshan Chakra — take us back to a story from the Mahabarata, an epic story from ancient Inda. If you don’t like stories from long, long ago and far, far away, then read no further, friend. Or skip to the practice section. But if you like timeless tales from anywhere and a little imaginative flight, then read on.
The story begins with blue-skinned Krishna, son of the sun, and Arjuna, son of Indra, god of of lightning, thunder, river flows, and king of the gods and heaven. The two cousins, warriors, and friends, were chatting along the bank of the Saraswati river one day when a Brahman appeared shining peculiarly.
It turns out that the Brahman was actually Agni, another imposing being, god of fire. He happened to also be Indra’s brother, Arjuna’s uncle, and he needed help. Agni was suffering because he had been worshiped continuously for 12 years by a certain king, and that meant consuming way too much purified butter. As a result of eating so much ghee, Agni had a prolonged loss of appetite and was wasting away. He was told that the only cure was to eat an entire forest. And though he set about doing this himself, the fire was prevented by his meddling brother Indra who sent rains to protect the forest.
The warriors agreed to help Agni on the condition that Agni provided the needed weapons. So Agni arranged for a few giant magical weapons. Among them was a giant spinning disk — the Shodarshan Chakra — so powerful it could cut through anything. After receiving the powerful swirling disk and other weapons, Krishna and Arjuna said, “Agni, we are now well prepared to defend you against anything!”
And so Agni began to devour the forest. Soon the forest and all the animals and plants within it were consumed by fire. This went on for so long that the gods as a group became displeased. They begged Indra to make his brother stop. Indra agreed to help and immediately sent rains, thunder, and lightening. But Arjuna defended against them with the Sodarshan Chakra. Being able to cut through anything, the swirling disk easily cut through the thunder and lightening making them powerless. Agni’s fire evaporated the rains.
Indra, Arjuna’s father afterall, was actually quite proud of the two warriors. He stopped trying to oppose Agni, congratulated Arjuna, and went home. With nothing in the way now, the forest fire continued until Agni was restored. Having fulfilled their duty, Arjuna and Krisha went back to their riverside chat. Eventually, in time, the forest grew back and balance was restored again until it wasn’t again and then it was again and so on and son on. But that’s not the point. . . .
The Sodarchan Chakra Kriya, like the magical weapon in the story, has a similar power to overcome problems.
“Of all the 20 types of yoga, including Kundalini Yoga, this is the highest Kriya. This meditation cuts through all darkness.”
Naturally, anything this powerful can’t be too easy. And it’s not. It’s way harder than tapping your head and rubbing your tummy. In fact, you might practice that for awhile before you begin. Next take a moment and promise to practice kindness toward yourself and extending out toward whatever the problem is. And then when you are ready . . .
The Sodarshan Chakra Practice
1. Sit Comfortably
Sit in a comfortable position with any support you need, a cushion or blanket under the hips or knees. If you can’t sit comfortably, it will be hard to do the rest. So first achieve comfort in sitting; modify or use supports as needed. This is part of the kindness practice in action. Once seated comfortably, find a long spine, crown of the head floating up toward the sky.
2. Open the Eyes
The eyes are open. Gaze gently toward the tip of the nose.
3. Chant the Mantra
Wahe Guru (Wha-Hay Gu-Roo) is the mantra. It translates more or less as wow! wow!, wonder, awe, gratitude, for dispelling darkness and ignorance and bestowing light and knowledge.
4. Breathe and Chant Together
a) Call to mind the problem and your desire for it to be different.
b) Block the right nostril with the right thumb. Inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril. Close both nostrils. Suspend the breath.
Mentally chant the mantra Wha-Hay Gu-Roo 16 times.
Pull the navel in on Wha, again on Hay, and again on Guroo. Repeat this process, mentally chanting the mantra 16 times. (That’s 16 X three belly belly pumps = 48).
c) Then, unblock the right nostril. The right index finger (or pinkie and ring finger) blocks the left nostril, and exhale slowly, completely through the right nostril.
Continue repeating b) and c).
5. How Long Should You Practice?
Suggested is 3 or 11 minutes to begin. In time gradually increase possibly to 31, 40 or 62 minutes or more. Trust what you feel. Stop when you feel ready to stop. Don’t entertain negative thoughts or feelings about the end. Remember kindness.
When you feel finished, honor that feeling. Then —
Inhale, hold the breath 5-10 seconds.
Exhale.
Stretch the arms up and shake the whole body for 1 minute. (Don’t skip this. It’s the best part!)
6. Notice Your Experience
It is said that if you practice for 2 1/2 hours a day for some time, you will find that you are a perfect superhuman. Well, short of that, you may simply notice that the practice has helped to cut through the problem. Try it! And notice your own experience.