Sahasrara
Sahasrara
(the crown chakra)
Sahasrara (literally, “thousand-petaled lotus”) is located just above the crown of the head. Said to be the doorway into pure consciousness, it is often represented with a thousand-petaled lotus with a pinkish aura, and it is not associated with a physical element (as i t too is considered to be beyond the elements).
Sahasrara serves as a way of connecting to divine energy and is associated with our highest self. Sahasrara helps us function in a more enlightened way, cultivate self-mastery, and find a sense of connection with all. Hence a Balancing Stone Fountain forms the center of the Yogic Axis for Sahasrara . The water body extension features a pond with a natural feel and Lotus in it with a covered seating area for groups of people to experience the aura of the place.
Crown chakra affirmation: “I surrender to the wisdom of pure consciousness.”
Ajna
Ajna
(the third-eye chakra)
Ajna (literally, “command center”) is located between the eyebrows. The Ajna chakra is associated with light and illumination. Pronounced as ‘Agya,’ this chakra is often used as a focal point in meditation practices. You carry wisdom within you, a “light,” that can brighten your path. When you tap into the Ajna chakra you have a greater awareness of the world around you.
Represented by a transparent lotus with two white petals, it’s considered to be the seat of the mind. An archway of white flowers connects into this Chakra Garden. A small bridge that creates a tranquil feel in the landscape connects to the Yoga decks designed by the waterside. The water body extension features a pond with lilies. A Zen garden inspired walkway connects to the Eastern edge of the site.
Visuddha
Visuddha
(the throat chakra)
Vishuddha (literally, “to purify”) is located near the base of the throat. It is often depicted as a blue downward-facing triangle inside a lotus with 16 purple petals.
Vishuddha is associated with the element ether, or “space” (akasha), and with speaking one’s truth. Its energetic function is to help us find authentic self- expression. Vishuddha chakra is known as the purification center. It is believed that when Vishuddha is closed, a person undergoes decay and death. When it is open, negative experiences are transformed into wisdom and learning. The success and failure in one's life are said to depend upon the state of this chakra, whether it is polluted or clean.
A bird Bath Stone Fountain forms the center of the Yogic Axis for Visuddha. The water body extension features a splash park for children and a water archway for all age groups is designed. Spectator seating overlooking the splash park is also provided as a part of the design.
Throat chakra affirmation: “I speak my truth. I live my truth.”
Anahata
Anahata
(the heart chakra)
Anahata (literally, “unstruck”) is located at the heart center and also "pure" or "clean, stainless". The name of this chakra signifies the state of freshness that appears when we become detached and look at the different and apparent contradictory experiences of life with an open mind.
Hence, this is designated as a Medium Garden due to the size of the waterways. Dancing Dolphin Fountain forms the center of the Yogic Axis for Anahata and the water body extension features a water wall backdrop for the fountain that creates the effect of the sound. Raised seating is provided overlooking the Dancing Dolphins to make it more convenient for the adults and seniors a formal picnic lawn with seating is envisioned in this part of the site.
Anahata is typically depicted as a green six- pointed star surrounded by 12 lotus petals.
Anahata is associated with the air element, and with emotional qualities such as peace, love, and openness.
Heart chakra affirmation: “Give love to receive love, and be love.”
Manipura
Manipura
(solar plexus chakra)
Manipura (literally, “city of jewels”) is located at the navel center. The Manipura chakra is commonly depicted as a downward or upward-facing red triangle, and it’s associated with the fire element. A Flowering Garden that attracts butterflies is planned in close proximity to the pond area which forms the center of the yogic axis garden and is designed to draw butterflies and animate the appearance of ornaments or gems in the garden.
Energetically, manipura’s function is to optimize our personal power so that we can navigate our lives with strength and determination. Manipura gives us the confidence we need to process and eliminate what does not serve us, and to let go. And hence the particular garden is designed with a sight of vibrant flowers and butterflies that will assist to calm the mind and boost confidence so that you can find your inner power again.
Navel chakra affirmation: “I am confident, powerful, and I can handle anything.”
Svadisthana
Svadisthana
(the sacral chakra)
Svadhisthana is often depicted as an orange lotus with six petals, and it’s associated with the water element— hence the chakra has a natural stone fountain that forms the center of the yogic axis representing fluidity, adaptability, creativity, emotions, sexual energy, and the unconscious.
The chakra’s energetic function is to help us regulate our emotions and desires, so as not to be driven by them. Thus, the natural stone is used in the fountain here which serves as a sort of metaphor for a strong sense of non-transformation.
An ayurvedic herb garden is positioned between rows of planting connecting plaza creates a funnel entry.
Sacral chakra affirmation: “I am a creative being with unlimited potential.”
Muladhara
Muladhara
(the root chakra)
Muladhara (literally, “root support”) is located at the base of the spine. It is often depicted as a red four-petaled lotus, and it’s connected to the earth element.
Design and its relation:
Muladhara is considered the foundation of the "energy body". Yogic systems stress the importance of stabilizing this chakra. Kundalini’s awakening begins here.
In design, the Yogic Axis for Muladhara is centered on a tiny Cast Stone Fountain. Designated as an Extra Large Garden due to the available size of the blue and green area, this Cast Stone Fountain forms the center of the Yogic Axis for Muladhara.
The chakra is symbolized by a red, four-petaled lotus with a yellow square at its center. Each petal has one representation: greatest joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passion, and blissfulness in concentration.
Replicating the chakra on ground, this area of the site is designed with Active Zones, such as an Outdoor Gym and Skating Rink, which will assist individuals in achieving the sensation of joy and delight by engaging in activities that liberate their mind and soul.
Root chakra affirmation: “I am connected to the earth. I am strong and I am stable.”