Red

Sat Nam,

Fire in Muladhara

Red is the colour of Muladhara - First Chakra.
It is the colour of the most dense vibration.
in this dense matter lies the potential of the highest consciousness, - Kundalini -
Kundalini is also known as the atma shakti or para shakti - the power of the soul (atma), the transcendent power(para).
Shakti is energy ( energy is a potential for movement). in the transcendental realm, Shakti is beyond conceptualisation of form or gender. However, in the tantric tradition she is also portrayed as the goddess Devi.
Around this concept of Shakti as female (and shiva - consciousness - as male), developed a whole cluster of goddesses.
Kundalini - Prana Shakti - as Devi - Goddess - has red skin - like the colour of the rising sun. This indicates her benevolent, life giving potential.
Red is also the colour which represents the Raja Guna (one of the three basic qualities of creation) - it is fiery, hot and dynamic.
As prana is a vital force, motivating action in all living beings, the colour red also represents the dynamic tendencies of prana.
One of the things I always do at the beginning of my practice, and then throughout the day, is to be aware of the movement of the breath in my body - I observe how it moves, and where it moves to, I observe its qualities and the continuous dynamic flow. Being aware of her dance, makes me notice changes within myself, and gives me an opportunity to influence it, to adjust my breath accordingly, so I can dance with her.

Prana Shakti

The dynamic Prana Shakti, The Red Goddess, has six arms, representing her ability to be active in six tracks at the same time

The objects that she holds in her hands symbolise the victory over these six different aspects of human existence:
- A GOAD - a spiked metal stick that is used for urging and directing cuttle. it symbolises the eradication of dislikes, the eradication of the potential for being provoked or annoyed to the level of being stimulated into reaction.
- A NOOSE - symbolising the conquering of different forms of desire.
- The BOW - symbol of the mind in a state of concentration- one pointedness.
- 5 ARROWS - representing the 5 tattwas - the 5 elements - that are brought under control by the concentrated mind.
- TRIDENT - the three Gunas (basic qualities) in balance.
- SKULL WITH DRIPPING BLOOD - the dissolution of the identification with the ego.

WHAT DOES FIRE IN MULADHARA MEAN FOR YOU?

***
Turkey

Red is also the colour of the Turkish flag.
Reading Irem’s comments on the previous posts, and being aware of the situation in Turkey now,
brings me to send a healing prayer for Turkey. For my beloved students and friends there.
I’m grateful for the wisdom of the Sufi tradition that has inspired me to go on this 40 days journey by myself.
In my research of 40 days of spiritual practices across different traditions, I’ve been honoured to meet Oktay, a special man, in Istanbul, who has told me the story of his 40 days retreat ( known as Halvet or Chile).
At first, he was very reluctant to tell me his story, as he has never told it to anyone, but he felt that probably there is something in it for me, so he did share it with me.
It was one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever heard, as it held a transmission of a taste of the devotion and love of the Sufi path.
And here I am. Doing my Halvet, beginning to dive into deep devotion in prayer and song.

Beloved Oktay playing the Rabab:


Oneness in Heart

Today, let’s meditate on Oneness in Heart, sending healing energies to those who are in pain.

“Many times we may have differences between our concepts, but when the time comes, we must stay together. The insanity is around the corner and we have to act right and fearlessly, being alert.” - Yogi Bhajan

Today is the third day of Sfirat Haomer: Tiferet in Chesed

Thank you Mor Sun for painting this and sending it to me!

Love to all,

Simrit / Sarit