THE CHAKRAS, ENERGY CENTRES - Manipura

Fire is the third universal force in nature—the principle of combustion and transformation. It is the spark that fuels change in both the material world and the subtle body, and it is the source of our assimilative power on physical, mental, and emotional levels.

Located in the abdomen, the Manipura Chakra governs digestion—not only of food, but of life experience itself. It represents our solar energy, the radiant inner sun that ancient Yogis recognised as a major centre of power, perception, and energetic distribution throughout the body.

Manipura is intimately linked to personal power, willpower, and self-esteem. When balanced, it supports confidence, clarity of direction, motivation, and the capacity to manifest intentions. A well-functioning Manipura radiates vitality, charisma, and purpose, allowing one to move through life with assertiveness and inner authority.

When this chakra is imbalanced, it may present in several ways:

When weak: Low self-worth, helplessness, lack of direction, fatigue, anxiety, or depression.

When too much: Aggression, controlling behaviour, dominance, overexertion, and burnout.

Physical manifestations: Digestive disturbances, liver imbalances, and blood sugar disorders such as diabetes.

In Traditional Hatha Yoga, the primary method for awakening and balancing Manipura is Uddiyana Bandha—a powerful physical technique that stimulates and directs pranic energy upward. On subtler levels, Rudrani Kriya and mantra practice help refine and stabilise this inner fire. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra resonates deeply with the qualities of Manipura, while the bija mantra RAM serves as the seed sound that harmonises its energetic frequency.

Additional practices to support balance include:

• Cultivating self-care and discipline

• Establishing healthy boundaries

• Engaging in creative expression

• Taking aligned, purposeful action in the world

By bringing awareness and reverence to Manipura, we reclaim our inner strength, stabilise personal power, and ignite the fire of purposeful living.