Journey through the chakras
Awaken the bhava and rasa of life. By Wenche Beard
Reading time: 5-6 minutes
You are on your mat and the teacher talks about chakras and you wonder what they are talking about. Well, you are not alone! Charas is an intricate energy system that exists within us which takes time and often years to understand. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful journey of self-discovery where you weave philosophy and psychology with self-study. By studying the chakra systems you can move your practice and life to a deeper level.
May this awaken your curiosity to learn more about tasting the flavours of life.
The chakras are more than energy centres; they are gateways to experiencing bhava, the moods and feelings, that colour of life; and rasa, the essence, flavour and nectar of existence. Together, they form a flow of energy and emotion that nourishes our being.
Yoga invites us to align the chakras with their corresponding elements, awakening these energies to fully taste the richness of life.
When we connect deeply with the chakras, we awaken to a symphony of bhava and rasa — a dance of stability, creativity, power, love, truth, intuition and transcendence.
The Root: Muladhara Chakra – Stability and Grounding
At the base of the spine, Muladhara anchors us. Its bhava is one of safety and rootedness, where we feel held by the earth’s embrace. The rasa is grounding and earthy, like the richness of the soil — nourishing, steady and unshakable.
Mood: Trust, security, belonging
Flavour: Earthy sweetness, the grounding nectar of presence
Yoga: Practices like grounding yoga poses, walking barefoot and chanting “Lam” connect us to this stable energy, reminding us that we are supported in life.
The Sacral: Svadhisthana Chakra – Fluidity and Pleasure
Located in the lower abdomen, Svadhisthana invites us to flow. Its bhava is sensuality and creativity — a playful connection to life’s pleasures. The rasa is fluid and sweet, like the nectar of ripe fruit, celebrating life’s juicy possibilities.
Mood: Joy, fluidity, intimacy
Flavour: Juicy sweetness, the elixir of creative flow
Yoga: Hip-opening poses, dancing, and creative expression awaken this chakra, helping us embrace emotion and impermanence with ease.
The Fire Within: Manipura Chakra – Power and Transformation
In the solar plexus, Manipura burns bright with transformative fire. Its bhava is confidence and purpose, while its rasa is invigorating and spicy, awakening inner strength and determination.
Mood: Courage, self-esteem, vitality
Flavour: Fiery spice, the transformative essence of personal power
Yoga: Core-strengthening poses, breathwork, and affirmations ignite this inner fire, fuelling growth and resilience.
The Heart: Anahata Chakra – Love and Compassion
In the heart space, Anahata resonates with unconditional love. Its bhava is expansive and light, fostering harmony and connection. The rasa flows like honey — sweet, soothing, and deeply nourishing.
Mood: Love, compassion, forgiveness
Flavour: Sweet honey, the balm of open-hearted connection
Yoga: Through heart-opening poses, meditating on green light, or chanting “Yam,” we cultivate this energy, allowing love and kindness to flow freely.
The Voice: Vishuddha Chakra – Authenticity and Truth
At the throat, Vishuddha embodies self-expression and authenticity. Its bhava is clarity and creative freedom, while its rasa is purifying, like cool water that refreshes the spirit.
Mood: Clarity, authenticity, creativity
Flavour: Cool clarity, the purifying nectar of self-expression
Yoga: Chanting “Ham,” journaling, and mindful communication nourish this chakra, enabling us to live and speak our truth.
The Eye Within: Ajna Chakra – Insight and Wisdom
Between the brows, Ajna holds intuitive clarity. Its bhava is focused and understanding, while its rasa is luminous, like the light of dawn illuminating our inner world.
Mood: Intuition, focus, understanding
Flavour: Luminous nectar, the essence of inner knowing
Yoga: Meditation with “Om” or candle-gazing sharpens this chakra’s vision, connecting us to higher wisdom and perspective.
The Crown: Sahasrara Chakra – Transcendence and Unity
At the crown of the head, Sahasrara opens us to the infinite. Its bhava is one of deep peace and spiritual connection, merging the self with the cosmos. The rasa is subtle and ethereal, like the nectar of stillness and bliss.
Mood: Bliss, unity, enlightenment
Flavour: Subtle sweetness, the infinite essence of spiritual connection
Yoga: Meditation, gratitude, and surrender awaken this energy, dissolving boundaries and allowing us to experience universal consciousness.
A Dance of Energy and Harmony
The chakras — the seven main radiant centres of energy within us — offer a pathway to balance and awakening. Each chakra spins with its unique rhythm, inviting us to harmonise body, mind, and spirit. As we explore the chakras, we awaken to the interplay of bhava and rasa within. Bhava, the mood, shapes how we move through life, while rasa, the flavour, nourishes our soul. This journey through the chakras is not just a practice, but a way of being, where we align with the flow of energy and taste the sweetness of life. When we awaken these energies, life becomes a dance — a rhythm of moods and flavours guiding us toward harmony, connection, and transcendence.
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