In the   process of individualization, the psyche becomes 'whole' when a balance is achieved between four functions: thinking, feeling, sensing and intuiting. In the system of chakras we find that each phase of energy is represented by an element -earth, water, fire, air or ether. Each of the five vortices signifies a new quality, and each is both an extension and a limitation of the other. 

 At   the root centre, Muladhara is associated with the element earth, the quality being cohesiveness and inertia. At this level, you may remain content, experiencing no desire to change or to expand into any other state. At the same time, just as the root of a tree implies the possibility of its growth, the earth centre denotes an opportunity to expand the awareness. 

Similarly; the second chakra, Swadhisthana, has the nature of its corresponding element, water: an energy that tends to flow downward. The third chakra, Manipura, associated with the element fIre, has an upward consuming movement like the flame. The fourth chakra, Anahata, associated with air, is characterised by a tendency to revolve in different direction  and to relate to other possibilities. Here 'air' is not 'vital breath' but the atmosphere, the immensity of space and the conveyor of sound. The name of the chakra implies that it emits a mysterious cosmic vibration, as of unstruck (Anahata) sound. That is, sound beyond the realm of the senses. The fifth chakra, Visuddha, associated with ether, is like a vessel within which all the elements mingle.  

Once you have reached this stage, you begin to leave Anahata because you have succeeded in dissolving the union of material, external facts with internal or  psychic facts. So, the element ether transcends the other elements.  The presence of 'Om' within the inner triangle of Ajna, the sixth chakra is a clear indication of 'origin', the beginning of all things as also their end. Om is the sonic vibration from which all things emerge, and that into which they will eventually be reabsorbed at the end of the cosmic cycle. 

The seventh and last chakra has no associated sound, element or colour. In the form of a pure lotus, the Sahasrara Chakra has a thousand petals, and is considered to be the 'illumination' of the mind. Just as the lotus grows in beauty and radiance but has its roots in muddy clay; so too, must the human transcend his lower nature and allow the true nature of his soul to come forth and flower. 

The process of becoming is not unilinear, it is dialectical, with pulls and pushes at every leval. The Kundalini energy does not shoot up in a straight line, at each stage of its unfolding it unties the knots of different energies. 

In tantric teachings the Purusha is first seen at the fourth chakra: the Anahata. Purusha is the essence of man, the Supreme Man. In the recognition of feelings and ideas one 'sees' the Purusha. This is the first inkling of a being within one's physical existence that is not 'oneself'. It is from this chakra that the purer feelings or essence of mail unfolds. 

But we must not make the mistake of ignoring the lower energies because each proper unfolding of the human soul comes from undergoing the transformation by going through each chakras in sequence. How long you as an aspirant, stay at each chakra depends on your attachment and karmic action. 

Unfolding comes from awareness, pureness of being as in thoughts and behavior, meditation and devotion. Faith in God and your own self is an essential requirement. [Courtesy TOI.250105 ]