Ajna chakra: How to open the pineal eye

Dr Satish K Kapoor

Ajna (lit. order or command) chakra, also called the pineal eye, the mind’s eye, or the invisible third eye, is sixth in the ascending order of commonly accepted seven chakras, and is said to correspond to the cavernous plexus. Located slightly behind and between the eyes, it is the sandhi sthala, confluence, of a) iha loka and para loka - this world and the other world, and  b) of the three nerve currents – ida, pingala and sushumna. It is the gateway to cosmic realms within, the fountain of occult powers, the seat of awareness, discrimination and freedom. 

Make prana flow

Ida and pingala correspond respectively to parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. Ida or chandra nadi, flows in the left nostril, and has the cooling qualities of the moon. Pingala or surya nadi, flows in the right nostril, and has the warming qualities of the sun. Both distribute prana or the vital force, through a network of 72,000 nadi-s, nerve channels. By focusing at Ajna chakra, one can make prana, the life-force, flow from ida and pingala to sushumna, the esoteric central channel that starts from the muladhara  plexus, situated in the region of the perineum, to heighten creative potential.  

The seat of soul

Ajna chakra is symbolically likened to a lotus, having two white petals, resplendent with letters, ham and ksham on left and right sides, respectively. Ham relates to the space element and ksham to the earth element. Both can be used as mantra and repeated singly, together, or with Aum, as a prefix, to generate thoughtless awareness. The petals of lotus correspond to the pineal and the pituitary glands. The pineal gland, considered to be ‘the principal seat of the soul’(Descartes), or of the mind, is a tiny, pine-cone shaped, endocrine organ, positioned between the two hemispheres of the brain, near the corpus callosum. It produces melatonin which regulates the body’s circadian rhythms. The pituitary gland, called the master gland of the body, protrudes from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Both glands help one to act in unison to think rationally and deal effectively with the environment.

Discipline is the key

The prerequisites to the opening of Ajna chakra are self discipline, righteous life style, and an intense spiritual urge. One should sit in a stable, cross-legged posture, like siddhasana, sukhasana or padmasana, and bring one’s total attention and consciousness to bhrumadhya, the centre of eyebrows, without tension or straining muscles. This can be done in two ways: by moving from lower to higher chakra-s, step by step, activating each chakra on the path, till one reaches the final abode; or, by starting one’s journey from Ajna chakra itself to finally experience the resplendence of  sahasrara padma or the thousand-petalled lotus at the crown of the head. Whatever be the method, one should focus, with faith, with conviction, with internal chanting of a mantra, and finally, merge in focusing. 

Candle & music 

One can practice with open, half-open or closed eyes, and use the breathing technique, as advised by an accomplished guru. However, focusing with closed eyes is common. In some traditions, Gazing Candle meditation or Visualization-meditation, often synchronised with music, is employed to activate the brow chakra for witnessing the inner self and unleashing hidden powers.  Except in case of those who are born with a near-awakened pineal eye, it takes constant practice to reach the spiritual summit. The opening of the pineal eye is marked by the sound of mahanada, AUM, which one can hear without ears, and the splendour of a thousand suns, which one can see without external eyes. It is immersion in the vast openness within. As one ascends the higher spiritual realms, one goes beyond sound and light to the ultimate source, and speaks out, like a quantum physicist: ‘I am more space than substance.’ 

(Dr Satish K Kapoor is a noted educationist, historian, author and spiritualist)