Symbols

A symbol is a visual representation created by an artist, that helps us grasp the essence of the idea which lies behind it. Symbols can represent religious and cultural icons, or corporate and brand identities. Over a period of time, repeated exposure to a symbol and what it stands for, gets embedded in our minds and then, whenever we happen to see it, the whole idea of what it represents unfolds for us. The artist, in a few strokes, gives us a complete coded story that is contained in the symbol. Although visual symbols are a part of our daily life, we hardly ever stop to wonder how, why or where they came from and what is their underlying significance. Religious and cultural symbols are not just lines drawn at random, but are concepts visualised by Seers and Sages through their experience of deep meditation, tapas and surrender to the Source.

It is through the Ajna chakra that all knowledge is gained, and spiritual knowledge is gained when the individual ego merges with the cosmic ego and, through expansion, it transcends the realm of duality. It is at this center that communication with the manifested or outer guru takes place and also directions of the inner Guru are heard, when one sits in deep meditation. The Ajna chakra is the channel through which the keen aspirant receives revelations and insights into the nature of existence. Swami Satyananda Saraswati in his book Kundalini Tantra tells us: "When ajna is awakened, the meaning and significance of symbols flashes into one's conscious perception and intuitive knowledge arises effortlessely and one becomes a 'seer'."

It is in this deep state of 'oneness' with the Whole that the Seers experienced God in the form of light and, depending on their vibratory pattern, their experience of God as light, took on a certain form. These patterns then became the recognisable symbols, and those people who are on the spiritual path can, just by looking at the symbol, know which spiritual path an individual has chosen, if any, for his/her evolution.

I reproduce some of the symbols revealed to me in my meditations and my understanding of them.

Fig. 1
The tilak (elongated or round mark on the forehead) applied by both men and women in the spiritual context implies focus on the Ajna Chakra.In meditation, I saw a black circle between my eyebrows and, in that circle, I saw a blue flame moving. The activation of this chakra enabled me to see what is not visible to the physical eye.

Fig. 2
With the Ajna chakra now active, a canopy is seen over the Guru's head, while he is sitting in meditation, symbolizing Cosmic consciousness. This symbol is usually seen over the Holy Book 'Guru Granth Sahib' in the 'gurudwara' which is a place of worship for the Sikhs.

Fig. 3
The vibrations of the Ajna chakra throw the image of Swastika in the colour of the elements. Lansdowne Zachary F. in his book The Chakras and Esoteric Healing tells us: "The swastika corresponds to the final stage in which the chakra is active, developed, opened, and energized by awakened Kundalini…. This symbol represents the completion of evolution for that chakra." In the Hindu religion this symbol represents the sun and is also used as a symbol on doors or walls to ward off evil.

Fig. 4
In meditation a black lingam is seen with blue energy swirling around it. In Hindu mythology this symbol represents Shiva consciousness and is seen in the temples where ritual worship is offered. Since in Hinduism it is the same God that creates, sustains and withdraws the Universe, Shivalinga represents God Himself.

Fig. 5
During the course of meditation a gigantic Wheel is seen rotating in the void, symbolizing the karmic wheel or the Dharmachakra - the "Wheel of the law", the most important symbol of Buddhism.

Fig. 6
When the Shakti moves up to unite with Shiva at the Sahasrar, it is in the shape of a vermilion flame. On the physical plane, this mark in the Hindu tradition is used as the symbol of a married woman. This is applied in the hair parting above the forehead.

Fig. 7
The vibrations of different levels differ and, as one reaches the higher vibratory levels, the vibrations become very subtle and they resemble sharp, tiny electrical waves. On joining certain lines it was discovered that these resembled a lotus. This symbol is widely seen in Hindu mythology as the seat of Brahma the Creator, Saraswati the Goddess of knowledge and Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth. By focusing on the symbol, we are actually raising our consciousness to a certain vibratory level, and thus through our intention and attention create a miracle for ourself.

Fig. 8
As the Ajna chakra develops, it extends to obtain knowledge of within and without. It is this experience of the Ajna chakra that has given the form of Ganesha. It is rightfully, therefore, the first form to be worshipped and revered before any auspicious event, function or worship. It is the balance of this chakra that determines the balance of the other chakras and determines and influences all aspects of our life. Ganesha represents a possessor of perfect wisdom and thus is a dispeller of obstacles. The large ears seen on Ganesha are the vibrations of the chakra.

Fig. 9
When the Ajna chakra is fully-developed, it throws radiance all around, somewhat like an American Indian Chief's head gear. Seeing this on his head would indicate to his tribe that he was also their Spiritual Master.

Fig. 10
In meditation, the fully-developed Ajna chakra throws beams of light which cross each other at the center. These beams then turn upwards and downwards, thus giving us the symbol for the Vaishnav sect. This sect follows the path of Bhakti or devotion. In other words, it is through bhakti or devotion that they bring balance to the physical, mental and emotional bodies in order to help them move towards transendence. This symbol is most appropriate for it shows the descending intersecting lines pointing downwards towards the body-mind intellect. As these bodies move towards balance through love and devotion, transcendence simultaneously happens as indicated by the ascending lines.