The
Lotus represents spiritual enfoldment, and
each chakra or principle energy centre is represented by a lotus,
which when its petals are downturned, are coloured and influenced by
the external world, and when bright and upturned, as toward the Sun,
are bright and life enhancing. The heart lotus is central and viewed
as the seat of the Divine, and when enlivened by the light of the
Divine Sun, will enlighten and refine the whole body.
The
lotus is symbolic of a spiritual and developmental process; and one
of the most profound experiences possible during meditation, is the
awakening of the heart chakra. This awakening process can be
expressed through the form of a Rose, or any other natural living
object of significance and beauty. Beauty is something that is felt
when aware of a perfectly balanced form; and such is the nature of
this heartfelt experience, that we can feel the possibility of
expressing this, even before we have discovered its final form and
shape.
When
meditating on the heart chakra, start to feel for the beauty that is
within; then refining the breath, let the light of the breath further
energise the experience. This is essentially a Bhakti Yoga meditation
that explores the heavenly within, and does not rely on what has gone
before. Practise calm inward looking and that which you feel will
gradually express itself in levels of consciousness, best described
as other worldly. It is natural that at the start you will recall
memories of that which you have experienced as beautiful, this in
itself will be rewarding. Continue to return to centre with open
heart and mind.
The
mystical experience of ‘awakening the heart chakra’ is usually
presaged by an increase of creativity, and occasionally by a
visionary link that will transform consciousness and our perception
of the world. This is not dissimilar to what happens when the light
of the Sun, reaching down to the earth, transforms the earth with
developing life-forms. It is the inner light of consciousness that
crystallises the beauty within, manifesting as an unfolding Rose or
Lotus.
To
whatever degree we awaken to the harmony that lies within, it will
not only change the way we feel, but also refine our perception of
the world. The beauty that lies within, when acted upon, becomes a
way of expressing the heavenly or Divine in the world. No matter what
problems we have to face, there is always a best way of doing things;
and by feeling for the beauty within will help modify our actions and
establish beneficial karma.
The
yantra at the level of the heart chakra is two interlaced triangles
in the form of a six pointed star. One points upward to the heavens
and the other down toward the earth. This is an important guide to a
continuing meditation that can takes place day or night. The
inflowing breath representing the upward pointing triangle and
transcendent breath, which can be consciously refined as it reaches
upward toward light and consciousness. The out-breath represents a
return to earth, when with a still mind we extend our experience of
peace and light to the whole body.
Consciousness
is a catalyst, and not unlike the light of the Sun that transforms
the earth, so similarly does the light of consciousness have the
power to refine, transform and heal. The interlaced triangles are a
reminder of the important link between heaven and earth with the
heart chakra, which when awakened is experienced uniquely in the
unfolding lotus of the heart. The Chinese refer to the Secret of the
Golden Flower; it is only secret in the nature of its enfolding,
which is unique to each.
The
lotus of the heart gives form to spirit and acts as a link between
the all comprehending light of eternity and the apparently mundane
world of our daily lives. The experience when it comes, if not
cloaked by private purpose, holds the key to the gradual
transformation of the chakras and energy systems of the body. To
avoid adverse affects to the nervous system, it’s important to lead
the best life that you can, and be guided by the Yamas and Nyamas.
If
all the world understood and practised yoga and were guided by the
subtle light within, it would transform the world in which we lived
and make peace and harmony between peoples and nations become a real
possibility.
