The primary quality of Agnya is forgiveness. It is through the awakening of this Chakra that we develop the ability to forgive others and also ourselves for human shortcomings. The Agnya Chakra is also referred to as “the third eye.” This third eye is not about seeing esoteric images or developing clairvoyant abilities, as many other yoga practitioners claim, but it is about changing the perspective to which we are predominantly accustomed through our mental and emotional biases. The same life that was stressful, often boring or without meaning, becomes full of joy, love and compassion after self-realization and the opening of the Agnya Chakra, as we realize the true purpose of our birth. Neither wealth nor dearth can uplift or disappoint us as we have settled comfortably in the reality of our spiritual nature. Reaching this higher realm helps us understand why Gautama Buddha never felt the need to return to the comfort of his palace after his enlightenment.

Experience and Benefits:
Your Agnya Chakra controls your sight, hearing and thoughts. It also controls your pituitary gland. This essential gland, also known as “the master gland,” regulates all the other endocrine glands and influences your growth, physiological maturation, metabolism and sleep. Many of us spend long hours on the computer as part of our jobs. We also spend a great deal of time in front of the television. Too much visual stimulation can weaken the Agnya Chakra. Thankfully, the regular practice of meditation in Sahaja Yoga can alleviate this problem. Your left Agnya is connected to the superego portion of your brain, which retains your memories, experiences, habits and emotions. Your right Agnya is connected to the ego portion of your brain, which focuses on the future through thinking, planning and action. Your ego and superego intersect within the Agnya Chakra.

If your left Agnya is overactive, your superego may swell up like a balloon. All that focus on the past may lead to the development of a highly emotional temperament and self-harming thoughts or behaviors. Similarly, if your right Agnya is overactive, your ego will balloon up with all of the excess thinking and planning. This may lead to agitation, frequent loss of temper and even aggressive behavior towards others.

Fortunately, filling the Agnya Chakra with Kundalini energy is a very effective way to balance and deflate these balloons. The mental silence that comes from meditation instills humility in all of us. Through humility, we develop the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is about acceptance and healing. It frees you from the negative bonds of anger, hatred and resentment. In forgiving, you can expect to experience a tremendous sense of peace and relief.

Self-Assessment:
If your Agnya Chakra is blocked, you may experience an inability to forgive yourself or others. You may also find yourself dwelling on the past or consumed with self-pity. Egoism and aggressiveness are other signs of an Agnya imbalance, as well as an obsession with pornography or distracting sexual fantasies. Worrying, excessive thinking and excessive planning may also indicate a blockage of the Agnya Chakra.

Reasons for Imbalances:

• Rigid concepts.
• Fixed patterns of behavior.
• Going to extremes in our actions

How to Balance:
To balance your Agnya Chakra, practice your meditation exercise in a natural setting. Try meditating outdoors while looking at the sky. You may also place your right hand on your forehead, then lower your head slightly and say, “I forgive everyone, including myself.” Try to express your forgiveness from your heart.

The best way to keep your Agnya Chakra balanced is to avoid excessive thinking and planning. Live in the present – and enjoy every second!