I have also been wondering about the location of Manipura (solar plexus, third chakra) for many years.

In classical yoga, it is often said to be located near the navel. Some say it is in the spinal cord, behind the navel.

On the other hand, modern yoga and contemporary spirituality, as well as Theosophy, often place it in the solar plexus area.

・Navel (above the dan tien)
- Classical Yoga

・Solar Plexus (solar plexus, third chakra interpretation)
- Modern Yoga
- Theosophy
- Western Spirituality

Because practitioners of yoga have opportunities to encounter classical texts, which differ from modern descriptions, and because these are sometimes mentioned together, it can be confusing as to where Manipura is located.

To resolve this confusion, the concepts of "Core" and "Hara" developed by Barbara Ann Brennan, an American healer, can be helpful in understanding.

In Barbara's model, there are three (or four, including the body) levels.

From the deepest level:
1. Core (Core Star) (deeper than Hara) A few centimeters above the navel (slightly below the solar plexus) (→ from "Healing Light" p.317).
2. Hara (intermediate) → 3 locations: Dan tien (below the navel, a few centimeters), Soul Seat (just above Anahata, equivalent to the 4.5 chakra), and ID point on top of the head (→ from "Healing Light" p.283).
3. Aura (surface) → The third chakra is located in the solar plexus (solar plexus).
4. Body

Therefore, physically, from top to bottom:
- Solar Plexus: Third Chakra (Solar Plexus) - Self-awareness → Aura level
- A few centimeters above the navel: Core (Core Star) - Source of the soul, eternity → Core level
- Navel: Classical Manipura
- A few centimeters below the navel (Dan tien): One aspect of Hara - The will to be born into this world → Hara level

Because these three are located close together, it can be confusing as to which one is meant when referring to Manipura. Also, while the classical yoga concept of Manipura seems to generally refer to the area around the navel, the descriptions sometimes include aspects of Hara and Core. When understanding Manipura, it is helpful to consider the three levels: Core, Hara, and the solar plexus.

The Swadhisthana chakra, which is located nearby, is much lower and further away than the dan tien.

According to Barbara's interpretation, Manipura is considered the "place of individual existence" as the third chakra, the solar plexus. In yoga, Manipura has a strong aspect of will, while emotions are more often associated with Swadhisthana. This is because Swadhisthana is connected to the will to be born and live in this world.

When considering Manipura, if it is based on the level of the dantian and lower abdomen, then there are soul seats related to this, which can be considered equivalent to 4.5 chakras. This area can also be understood in conjunction with what is described as a "secret chamber" in the Upanishads of India. It is said that when this area awakens, one becomes aware of their own mission. Personally, I believe this corresponds to the 4.5 chakra. Furthermore, above the Sahasrara, there exists an ID point at the same level of the lower abdomen. The soul descends from the ID point, becomes a mission in the soul seat, and then manifests as will on Earth. It can be considered that Manipura, which serves as the landing point, is deeply related to the level of the lower abdomen.

In Japanese martial arts and Zen Buddhism, the area below the navel is emphasized as "hara" (dantian), and this may sometimes overlap with the understanding of Manipura. Also, in yoga, it is generally said that Kundalini rises from Muladhara (sometimes from Swadhisthana), but some schools rarely explain that Kundalini rises starting from Manipura.

Yogaically, Manipura symbolizes fire. If we interpret this literally as the level of the lower abdomen, which represents consciousness born into this world, then it ultimately descends from above Sahasrara. The overlap between these aspects in Manipura is very interesting.