The Minds of the Chakras

by JJ Gormley, MS, CIAYT, ERYT, CN
In yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, chakras are considered energy centers within the body, each associated with different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person's being. Each chakra is also believed to correspond to different "minds" or states of consciousness. These minds correspond to various Western developmental models from infancy to adulthood (such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs), written in one of my favorite books, “Eastern Body, Western Mind” by Anodea Judith.

The First or Root Chakra (Muladhara) is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the element earth. Developmentally, this mind is active from infancy up to the time when we are crawling. The mind here is called the “Survival Mind” since the focus is on basic survival needs and instincts. We have concerns about safety, security, and physical well-being in infancy. From the time we come out of the womb, we are now connected to the material world represented by the earth element.

The Second or Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) is located in the lower abdomen, just below the navel, and is associated with the water element. The mind of the second chakra is called the “Emotional Mind” and the “Sensory Mind.” This chakra governs emotions, in particular, the feelings of guilt and shame. Developmentally, this chakra is active when we start crawling and exploring the world through our senses. We take information in everything through the senses, putting things into our mouths, exploring sounds, etc. This is when we first learn “No” when we get into something we should not, such as putting our fingers in a wall electric socket. How we learn the word “No” from our caregivers may bring up the emotions of guilt or shame. These emotions are our shadow side emotions. The word Svadhisthana means that which has control of its own. This chakra governs things that seem to have a mind of their own, things like emotions, which seem to overcome us, and we can’t always control them, and also sexual impulses and addictions. Things that seem to have a mind of their own where they control us rather than vice versa. The water element symbolizes the ability to adapt and flow with life’s changes.

The first two chakras have one mind called Manas Mind—the lowest mind that brings information in through the senses. We see things, touch things, taste things, and smell things. We do not add judgment, labels, likes, or dislikes (those come with the chakra three mind).

The Third, or Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), is located in the upper abdomen, around the navel, or stomach area with the element fire. The mind of this chakra is the “Ego Mind.” This is the center of personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. This chakra governs our ability to be motivated, have willpower, assertiveness, achieve goals, and our identity. Developmentally, this chakra is active when we learn that we are our own person. This happens with what we call the “terrible twos or threes.” This is when children realize they are separate from their caregivers and want to do things themselves. The phrases “I wanna do it” and “Gimmee” or “Mine” come up along with the temper tantrums associated with the frustration of not getting what they want or not being able to do what they wanted. In Sanskrit, this mind is called the Ahamkara, which means the “I Maker.” This is when we apply names to things and make them into something with a label. This is also when we decide what we like and don’t like. We begin to assert our willpower. The Manas Mind brings information in through the senses, but this mind, the Ahamkara, adds a label and says, “I like (or don’t like) this.”

The Fourth or Heart Chakra (Anahata) is associated with the air element at the center of the chest. This mind is called the “Social Mind” and has characteristics of compassion and empathy. This chakra developmentally becomes active when we learn to be in relationships with others. We learn to share, play nicely, and understand what it might feel like to put ourselves in the shoes of another. Caregivers teach us to think about how that makes Sally feel. This chakra governs love and joy but also grief and emotional healing. Our ability to forgive (another or ourselves) and experience unconditional love comes from the higher mind of this chakra, the Citta in Sanskrit. The Yoga Sutras state that we need to be able to access this mind to calm the mind. (Yoga Sutra I.2: Yogas citta vritti nirodhaha)[1]

   The Fifth, or Throat Chakra (Vishuddha), is located in the throat area and has the element ether (or space) associated with it. “Expressive Mind” or “Intelligent Mind” is developmentally formed when communicating effectively with others. We learn to read a book and tell others about it, and we stand in front of the classroom and speak (a book report, a show and tell, or something similar). We can creatively express things in art writing or other methods. We no longer need a coloring book as we can draw and create things from our minds. Communication is both ways, understanding or listening to information coming in and being able to express and communicate with others, so both verbal and non-verbal communication. Being able to express oneself clearly and effectively, being heard, authentically listening, and hearing others are all part of this chakra.

As we head up the chakras, the mind at each is a bit higher than the one beneath in terms of seeing the bigger picture. Most of us operate at the lower minds (up to chakra three). Yoga says we need to use the mind at chakra four, the citta mind, to get to a calm mind. The Citta mind can observe the ego mind to question the ego’s decision-making process. The Citta mind asks, why don’t you like this, and why do you like that? The Citta mind seeks to understand and grow from mistakes. In Sanskrit, the mind beyond the fourth chakra, the Buddhi mind or more intelligent mind, can be the observer or witness to the minds below. We can talk ourselves down (off a cliff, for example), and we can stop ourselves from harming someone (or ourselves) by thinking about what others would feel. We know what to say to ourselves to make the better decision. Communication with the lower minds has a clear channel and can be heard, as well as the ability to listen. This is the ability to converse with yourself with the intention of personal growth.

The Sixth or Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) is located at the forehead, between the eyes, and has no element because it is so subtle that it is beyond the elements. When we reach high school, the mind of this chakra becomes active. We need the sense of this chakra to keep us out of trouble. This is the “Intuitive Mind” and the “Analytical Mind.” We need both when deciding which friends to hang out with and when it’s time to leave a party because we “think” it might get out of control. We get feelings of what might be too dangerous to do and learn to say no and not take dares that could be harmful. This chakra governs the center of intuition, insight, and inner wisdom—as well as clarity of thought and the ability to think analytically. We analyze what went wrong, make “pros and cons” lists for all kinds of things, and use our imagination and perception to see beyond the physical realm and access higher knowledge. We question religion and philosophical belief systems as we try to decide what is right for us to believe in.

The Seventh or Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is accessed through the top of the head. It is beyond the elements, the body, and the Minds as we apply them. However, we could call the mind at this chakra the “Universal Mind.” This is developmentally active when we connect to spirituality, higher consciousness, and enlightenment. We begin to focus on unity, divine wisdom, and transcendence with the ability to experience oneness with the Universe and the Divine.

Each chakra’s mind represents a different aspect of human consciousness and experience. By understanding and balancing these chakras, individuals can achieve holistic well-being, integrating their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. The concept of different minds at each chakra offers a nuanced understanding of how various aspects of consciousness and life experiences are interconnected. 

When we feel we made a wrong decision, think back and try to understand which chakra was operating during the decision-making process. Now, when we have a decision to make, listen to the voices in your head and see if you can tell which mind is giving the advice. One can balance and harmonize these chakras through yoga, meditation, and energy work, fostering overall harmony and

[1] Yogas citta vritti nirodaha is translated to mean the state of yoga, which is when the mind's activities (usually fluctuating) are calmed.