Mooladhara Chakra
Gross Physical Aspect
Deity: Shri Ganesha
Physical counterpart: Pelvic Plexus, prostrate gland
Looks after: Reproductive and excretory organs
Qualities: Innocence, wisdom, chastity, childlike nature.
No of Petals: Four (4)
Day: Tuesday Colour: Coral Red Element: Carbon
Gem: Coral Symbol: Clockwise Swastika
The Mooladhara represents the beginning of time - the
evolution of all things, from a single cell like the amoeba,
to complex mankind. This Chakra is at the root of the
whole subtle system, and so acts as the support of all the
Chakras. In Sanskrit ‘moola’ means root and ‘adhara’
means the support.
Quality
The fundamental quality of this Chakra is innocence, the
type of simplicity which is the basis of all righteous
action. This quality is most evident in young children and
babies, who will exhibit no malice or desire for personal
gain at the expense of others. This is also a kind of
wisdom, as when a child instinctively knows how to suck
to obtain food, or cries in discomfort. Unfortunately, as
we progress through childhood and life, we are beset by
influences and environments which obscure the wisdom
and innocence we were born with. The result is that we
become tied up in a seemingly perpetual knot of
complexity in our relationships and actions.
As we start meditating, however, this complexity slips
away and we re-discover the joy of simplicity in our day
to day lives; to take action without selfish motive, to enjoy
all the aspects of life as if we were children again. This
also helps us to make wiser choices in our lives and to see
the innate wisdom in a correct course of action. It’s easy
to see just how powerful this innocent wisdom can be
when we hear the truth from ‘out of the mouths of babes’,
as illustrated by the popular fable of The Emperor’s New
Clothes.
Mythology
The presiding Deity (or role model) for the Mooladhara
Chakra is Shri Ganesha, the eternal child with the head of
an elephant. He is the archetypal innocent, and guards his
Mother Kundalini (Gauri) and her subtle instrument with
alertness and uncompromising zeal. He is typically
worshipped as the remover of obstacles, either in the
course of awakening the Kundalini during our Self
Realisation process, or during our lives in general. As the
eternal child Shri Ganesha bubbles with joy, enthusiasm,
playfulness and love.
This Chakra oversees the excretory and reproductive
organs. Because of this there have been mistaken
associations in the past between sexual tantric practices
and the awakening of the Kundalini. In fact this type of
practice is completely against the quality of innocence
which is embodied in the Mooladhara and so is doomed to
failure. In certain cases it can even be dangerous with the
potential to harm the natural system irreversibly. Sex and
reproduction have a vital and natural part to play in
everyone’s lives, however it is only when this is tempered
with respect, and a balanced outlook, that we can take
advantage of the power of our innate innocence. After we
begin our journey of Self Realisation we learn to develop
this respect, and enjoy a refreshingly uncomplicated and
sincere code of conduct which is the hallmark of wise and
universally respected individuals.
Causes of problems with the Mooladhara Chakra
Left Side: Excessive sexual, tantric or occult practices.
Right Side: Excessive puritanism (e.g. a fanatical focus on
the evils of the world).
Looking after the Mooladhara
A weak Mooladhara may show up as : a poor sense of
direction, poor memory or sense of balance and certain
other diseases or mental problems.
To help clear any problems of this Chakra we can:
A. Use the elements
Sit on the earth as much as possible to ‘ground’ our subtle
system.
Soak our feet in a bowl of warm salted water whilst
meditating (called ‘footsoaking’).
Place the right hand on (or towards) the ground whilst
meditating.
B. Affirmations
Mother, please make me an innocent person
Mother please clear my Mooladhara Chakra.
Mother, please establish innocence in me.
General Advice
Try and keep our focus on natural things such as the earth,
sky or grass rather than on the gross material things which
may be fighting for our attention.
Avoid too much red meat.
Meditate on the quality of innocence.
Adopt a balanced and respectful attitude towards members
of the opposite sex.