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Q. If a sadhak wants to undertake advanced exercises -- in sadhana and wishes to avoid strong emotions that might arise during meditation, what psychic centre should he concentrate upon?
Ans. There is a centre of consciousness near the heart,
called Anand Keridra, the Centre of Bliss. This centre represents feeling. The consciousness of the brain, and the consciousness of the heart—these two phrases are often mentioned. The brain is associated with logic and the heart with feeling. With the awakening of the Centre of Knowledge, a man becomes logical and argumentative, while the activation of the Centre of Bliss results in the development of faith. Consciousness is said to be directly connected with the brain, though our inner consciousness is connected with the endocrine system, too, through which our feelings manifest themselves. The consciousness of the heart is intimately connected with feelings. Our heart immediately gets hold of the sensations of pleasure or pain. The heart and the whole region adjacent to it, is influenced by the Centre of Bliss. Some people call it the Chakra of the Heart. In Hatha-Yoga, it is called the Anahata-Chakra. Meditation on this centre along with the recitation of mantras is a good beginning. Some specific spiritual disciplines are also practised through the medium of this centre. There is no room here for the risks and difficulties involved in the practice of meditation on the lower centres. From this angle, the Centre of Bliss is a typical and convenient centre for meditation.
Q. Manipur Chakra is said to be in the neighbourhood - of Anahata Chakra. Where is this chakra located? What is its function? And for what psychic centre may it serve as a substitute?
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