Ajna (Third Eye Chakra)
Jack UtermoehlAjna is the sixth chakra in the yogic energy system, located between the eyebrows.
Known as the “third eye,” it governs intuition, perception, inner vision, and clarity of thought. Ajna is not about imagination—it is about insight.
When open and balanced, this chakra offers deep understanding, spiritual awareness, and the ability to see beyond surface appearances into the deeper patterns of reality.
Jewelry Designed for Your Practice
We created this collection to honor the wisdom and beauty of yoga. Each piece is crafted with intention to support your journey, on and off the mat.
Etymology and Meaning
Sanskrit Spelling: आज्ञा
Root Word: "Ajna" (to command, to perceive, to know)
Translation Variations: Command center, perception, wisdom
Pronunciation: Ājñā [AHG-nya]
Ajna is considered the control center of the mind. It coordinates mental clarity, intuitive knowing, and spiritual awareness.
It invites us to trust inner wisdom as a legitimate and vital form of intelligence.
Symbolism and Elements
Element: Light — illumination, insight, awareness
Color: Indigo — depth, mystery, spiritual perception
Seed Sound (Bija Mantra): Om
Associated Sense: Mind / Intuition (not tied to one external sense)
Location: Between the eyebrows, center of the forehead
Petals: 2 lotus petals — representing the ida and pingala nadis merging into unity
Mudra and Practices
Mudra: Jnana Mudra (Gesture of Knowledge) — enhances clarity and inward focus, often used in meditation.
Practical Application
In Yoga Practice
- Practice trataka (candle gazing) to improve concentration and internal vision
- Use alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana) to balance mental energy
- Include forward folds and meditation to draw awareness inward
In Daily Life
- Pay attention to dreams, gut feelings, and patterns that repeat
- Pause before reacting—choose response over reflex
- Cultivate discernment: see what is, not just what you wish to see
Quotes and Wisdom
"Close your eyes and see." — Rumi
"The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me." — Meister Eckhart
Modern Relevance
Ajna speaks to the modern need for clarity amid noise, intuition amid information.
In a culture that prioritizes logic and data, Ajna reminds us of the wisdom that cannot be quantified.
It helps dissolve illusion and align perception with truth—making it essential for conscious decision-making, spiritual inquiry, and personal evolution.
Related Concepts
Dhyana: Meditation cultivates the stillness needed for Ajna to open
Viveka: Discernment—the power to distinguish truth from illusion
Antahkarana: The inner instrument of mind—Ajna is where it integrates
How to Work with Ajna
Mindset: Trust your inner guidance while remaining open to deeper truth
Actions: Meditate daily, journal your insights, reflect on past choices and patterns
Reflection: Ask, “What is actually true—and what have I assumed?”
Suggested Reading
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (especially on dharana and dhyana)
- Intuition by Osho
- Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith
Conclusion
Ajna is the center of insight and intuitive clarity.
When you honor it, you no longer need to force or guess—you simply know.
You move through life with awareness, inner vision, and trust in something deeper than thought.
