Chakras are the spinning energy centers in the human biofield.
The critical role they play in maintaining a person’s health and well-being is recognized since ancient yogic times. We shall explore the benefits of chanting the (mool) Root mantra for the first chakra, referred to as “Root chakra” in this article.
Introduction
The chakra system has been referenced in historical texts for centuries. In the Yoga Sutras, written by Patanjali in the 2nd century CE, chakras are described as “energy centers located along the spine”.
The Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu, who lived in the 6th century BCE, wrote about “the wheel of energy” in the Tao Te Ching. And in the 7th century CE, the Indian mystic and philosopher Bhagawan Das wrote about chakras as “spinning wheels of light”.
Chakras are energy centers in the body that correspond to different areas of the physical and spiritual self.
There are seven chakras in all, and each is responsible for a different aspect of our being. When our chakras are in balance, we experience optimal health and well-being.
The first chakra among the seven is the Root chakra, located at the base of the spine, it is the basis of our physical foundation and security.
There are various practices that you can do to help balance your Root chakra. Among the practices, the highest importance is given to the chanting of Mool (root) mantra prescribed for the chakra.
Let us understand and explore its importance in detail.
Understanding Root Chakra
To understand the Root chakra, it’s important to first understand the concept of energy. Everything in the universe is composed of energy, including ourselves.
Each human being carries a biofield or energy body that extends beyond the physical body. Chakras are like energetic organs of the energy body.
There is a strong relationship between the energy body and chakra. The energy body is what provides the energy that is necessary for the chakra to function properly.
In addition, the chakra can help to energize the energy body. This helps to keep the body healthy and functioning at its best. When the energy body and chakra are in balance, the body can function at its highest level.
However, when there is an imbalance, it can lead to health problems. By keeping the energy body and chakra in balance, you can help to maintain good health and well-being.
The Root chakra is also known as ‘mooldhara’ in Sanskrit and is located at the base of our spine.
It is responsible for grounding us to the earth. It helps us to feel safe and secure and provides a sense of stability and safety.
When the Root chakra is balanced, we feel strong and connected to our physical bodies, and we’re able to navigate through life with ease.
It’s responsible for managing your survival instincts. The Root chakra is also responsible for your physical energy and vitality, as well as your sexual energy.
When this chakra is balanced, you feel strong and secure, and you’re able to meet your basic needs with ease. You’re also able to connect with the earth and find stability in difficult times.
When the Root chakra is out of balance, you may feel insecure or ungrounded, and you may have difficulty meeting even your basic needs. You may also experience physical problems related to your energy and sexuality.
The Root chakra begins to develop in the womb and continues to grow and evolve as we experience life. It is affected by our environment, our relationships, and our physical health.
The Root chakra is associated with the color red and can be supported by activities such as hiking, running, or spending time in nature apart from specific ancient yogic practices such as the Root chakra mantra chanting.
In Brief
The Root chakra is associated with our physical foundation and makes us feel secure and safe in our surroundings.
When this chakra is in balance, we feel grounded, stable, and secure. When it is imbalanced, we experience fear and a sense of instability.
The Root Chakra Mantra Explained
The Root chakra mantra ‘Lam’ has a long history dating back to the 17th century. There are references that the mantra was also taught by the tantric master, Padmasambhava, and it is still used today as a powerful tool for activating and energizing the Root chakra.
This mantra helps to energize and activate the Root chakra and can be used for prayer or meditation. The meaning of “LAM” is “I am.”
When you recite this mantra, you are affirming your presence and power in the world. You are also connecting with the Root chakra, which provides stability and security.
The bija mantra “Lam”, or “seed” sound is believed to activate the Root chakra. Located at your root base in between your heels and feet (the lower part) it has a deep tone associated with physical well-being.
As it resonates off those parts of your body which include bones along with muscle tissue – everything needed for movement – its very important.
Imagine a sound so powerful it can heal your body. The Root chakra mantra “Lam”, also known as the first syllable in many mantras has healing properties because of its strong resonating power to activate our chakras.
The vibration of “Lam” clears any impurities that collect at the base of your spine, allowing vital life force energy known as prana to flow freely.
The sound waves generated by this ancient practice are said to be cleansing and healing for those who meditate or perform mantra recitals while listening in on them.
As the Root chakra provides access to the remaining six chakras, chanting “Lam” can be a powerful means of shifting energy throughout the entire body and initiating the process of awakening the Kundalini (Awakening energy) and making her rise up through the spinal cord.
Takeaway
Reciting the Root chakra mantra ‘Lam’ can help to bring more balance and grounding into your life.
If you are feeling unsteady or out of balance, try reciting the root chakra mantra to reconnect with your Root chakra energy.
How to Practice Chanting
The Root chakra mantra “Lam” is a simple yet powerful way to energize and activate this area of the body.
If you are feeling out of balance or disconnected from your physical foundation, chanting the Root chakra mantra “Lam” 108 times can help to restore equilibrium.
The mantra is a simple one, just saying “Lam” (pronounced Lahm) over and over can help to open and energize the Root chakra.
You should preferably chant it out loud in longer tones while synchronizing with your breath.
If chanting out loud is not possible it is also fine to chant it in your mind, whatever feels right for you, though sound vibrations help in faster activation and balance.
You can also use the mantra as a meditation tool, visualizing a red ball of energy at the base of the spine, swirling with energy, and then letting that energy flow upwards through your body.
Takeaway
The Root chakra mantra “Lam” is a simple and effective way to open and energize the Root chakra.
It is said to be particularly beneficial for those who feel scattered or ungrounded, or who are struggling with issues relating to security or self-worth. Our Online Yoga and Meditation Courses can help you get more insights on this.
Alternative Practices
If you are not comfortable with chanting, try these alternative affirmation practices.
Affirmations are like power-ups in video games. You can use them to turn your negative thoughts into more positive ones.
You will feel those feelings more deeply through repetition, which is ultimately what you want to achieve with chanting!
There are many ways to use Affirmations, including:
- Looking in the mirror and repeating them out loud.
- Writing them down as messages or aphorisms.
- When under stress, inhale deeply before releasing the air slowly through pursed lips while exhaling the affirmation wordlessly like a mantra.
- Use them to set an intention for how you want things to turn out that day.
Use any of the following or whatever feels most appropriate at the moment, that will make you feel grounded and secure:
- I am secure.
- I am safe.
- I am grounded.
- I am stable.
- I am whole.
- I am comfortable.
- I am content.
- I am fearless.
- I am calm.
- I belong exactly where I am.
- I am connected
Quick Snippet
Affirmations help you create a sense of stability and grounding. Affirmations specific to Root chakra are especially beneficial for those who feel rootless or disconnected from their physical body or environment.
Working Through Root Chakra
There are other ways to work on balancing the Root chakra as well. One approach is to focus on the physical sensations associated with this energy center while chanting the ‘Lam’ mantra.
Or experiment with different yoga poses or activities that help you feel more rooted and connected to the earth. Visualization exercises can do the same thing.
Another approach is to focus on the emotions and sensations associated with the Root chakra. This may include exploring feelings of safety and security, as well as identifying areas where you feel disconnected or unsupported.
Working through these emotions will help to bring greater balance to this energy center.
Finally, it is important to remember that balancing the Root chakra takes time and patience. No one approach will work for everyone, so be sure to experiment and find what works best for you.
With time and practice, you can bring greater balance and stability to your life by working through the Root chakra.
What We Learn
When you work on your Root Chakra, you’re working on the foundation of your entire being.
This is the center for grounding and stability, so it’s essential to keep it healthy and strong.
There are many ways to work on your Root chakra, from yoga poses to meditation techniques to grounding and earthing. Choose what works best for you.
The Bottom Line
The Root Chakra is the first major chakra, located at the base of the spine. When in balance it provides for physical security as well as emotional stability and spiritual peace and fearlessness.
Imbalances in this chakra may cause insecurity, anxiety disorders, or fear among other things. This can be relieved by using the Root Chakra mantra chant.
Chanting “Lam” clears out energetic blockages and imbalances in your chakra. It is an ancient practice that brings with it many benefits.
Start practicing it. Or if you would like to learn more in-depth about chanting and detailed yogic chakra balancing practices, check out our course, ‘Understanding Chakras‘ in Siddhi Yoga. The most comprehensive course on chakras available online.
