Kundalini Yoga Glossary
Muladhara
The first chakra, at the base of the spine, ruled by earth and governing security and survival.
Meaning
What Muladhara Means
Muladhara is the first chakra, located at the base of the spine, with the legs functioning as its roots. The name breaks down as Mula, root, and Adhara, base. It is ruled by the element of earth and is the densest of the seven chakras, the layer of experience closest to the physical senses, where mind and emotion function at their most automatic and unconscious.
Muladhara governs security, survival, habits and self-acceptance. Its color is red, and it is linked to the body's functions of elimination.
In Practice
How It’s Used
When Muladhara is balanced, a person feels grounded, centered, secure and stable, with steady elimination functions. When it is excessive, that same grounding can turn into heaviness, sluggishness or an overattachment to security; when it is deficient, the person can feel scattered, ungrounded or spacey.
Yoga exercises associated with Muladhara include standing postures, Sat Kriya, Crow Pose, Chair Pose, Body Drops and Frog Pose, along with Mul Bandha. Its Bij Mantra is Lam.
