Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S
Manipura Chakra is the third Chakra explained in the chronology of the Chakra ecosystem. It is located in between Anahata Chakra (heart chakra) above and Swadishtana Chakra (sacral chakra) below. Since it is located in the region of umbilicus, it is popularly known as ‘navel chakra’.
Related Reading – ‘Manipura Chakra’
Manipura Chakra is known to be related to our speech and the words and sounds we speak. In this article we shall discuss this angle of Manipura Chakra.
Influence of Manipura Chakra on the production of sounds and speech
Manipura Chakra is said to be the ‘seat of words and sounds’. Therefore it is important to keep it activated by the Bija Mantra ‘RAM’ or any other Mantra.
When we utter any word loudly by keeping our thumb on the navel region or navel pit we would first find the vibration of the sound of that word first in the navel even before the word is uttered by our lips.
The sound thus begins in the navel – the seat of agni and pitta and later rises to reach the larynx only to reach the lips later and manifest through them in the form of sounds which depict the words we want to utter.
Therefore, the balance of Agni is very important for production of words and speech in a healthy way.
Strengthening the Manipura Chakra through exercises meant for it and also through Bija Mantra and chanting other Mantras and providing the fuel in the form of good foods is very much essential not only for proper production of speech and sounds but also treating the speech impediments if any.
We would have noticed that when we are too hungry and not getting food at that time it becomes very difficult for us to talk and the same can be experienced when one is fasting.
Mantras are the best words which could activate Manipura Chakra and keep it in rhythm and activated. One can choose a Mantra of one’s liking or belief and customize it with Manipura Chakra.
The Bija Mantra ‘RAM’ is itself enough to strike the target but chanting ‘OM’ or ‘OM SHANTI’ while focusing the chanting on the navel region is also extremely helpful in keeping the Manipura Chakra activated and functional to optimum levels.
Activation of Manipura Chakra with Bija Mantras and other Mantras will not only keep our words and speech clear but will also bring all the gems of this ‘city of gems – Manipura’ to their maximum glow such that we reflect them in the best possible way. They include beauty, bliss, clarity, wisdom, decisions and inner / spiritual awakening.
The influence of the mantras over the Manipura Chakra will also free us from inner problems, complexities, dualities and many physical and mental ailments; especially agni related diseases, metabolic disorders and those of gastrointestinal origin. One will never feel sad or abandoned.
The vibrations of these Mantras at Manipura Chakra will fill our inner selves with harmony, peace and strength. It will also transform our attitude and approach towards the external world and the beings around us. Our behavior and response will be more positive.
Chanting the Buddhist Mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ while concentrating our focus on Manipura Chakra is also said to be helpful for rejuvenation and activation of the mentioned chakra.
Manipura Chakra and its relationship with the speech centers can be maintained in a good way by consuming foods and drinks which are compatible with agni and pitta, and having a check on quality, quantity and timing of food and food discipline.
In speech disorders which are not responding to any medicines or interventions, especially those which we have encountered after birth and as we grow, the imbalance of Manipura Chakra energies shall be thought about. The sooner we address it, the better the results will be.
Udana Vayu is responsible for ‘Vak Pravritti’ i.e. production of speech. It is important that there is a good chemistry between the agni, udana vayu and samana vayu empowered by the Manipura energy for effortless production of words and sounds and speech.
Mechanism of Speech Production
Acharya Panini explains the mechanism of speech as follows –
The decision to speak or not and what to speak is taken by atma – soul in combination with buddhi – intellect
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Then they (atma and buddhi) stimulate the manas – mind
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The mind further stimulates the agni (pachaka pitta) and also samana vayu
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The agni would stimulate udana vayu
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The udana vayu activated in the navel, chest, throat and nasal cavity moves upwards and produces sounds, voice and speech
Thus, the relationship of agni with speech production is justified. And this entire chain of events is managed and monitored by the Manipura Chakra and its energies.
Related Reading – Vata, Agni and Speech
