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 located in the spinal cord, behind the navel.

On the other hand, in modern yoga, modern spirituality, and theosophy, it is often said to be located in the solar plexus.

Navel (above the dan tien)
・Classical yoga

Solar plexus (solar plexus, third chakra interpretation)
・Modern yoga
・Theosophy
・Western spirituality

Because we have opportunities to encounter classical texts when practicing yoga, it is different from the descriptions in modern yoga, and these are sometimes mentioned together, which causes confusion about where Manipura is.

To resolve this question and confusion, the concepts of "Core" and "Hara" from Barbara Ann Brennan, an American healer, can be helpful.

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 (slightly above Anahata, equivalent to the 4.5 chakra), ID point on the head (→ from "Healing Light" p.283)
3. Aura (surface) → The third chakra is 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 of the Hara, the will to be born into this world → Hara level

Because these three are located close to each other, it is confusing which one is meant when we talk about Manipura. Also, the Manipura in classical yoga seems to basically mean the area around the navel, but the descriptions also seem to include Hara and Core aspects. When understanding Manipura, it is good to consider the three levels: Core, Hara, and the solar plexus.

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

In Barbara's interpretation, Manipura is said to be the solar plexus (solar plexus), which is the place of "individual existence." In yoga, Manipura has a strong aspect of will, and emotions are more often associated with Swadhisthana. This is because it is connected to the will to be born and live in this world.

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

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

In a yogic sense, Manipur is a symbol of fire. If we interpret this in a more worldly sense, and consider the level of the lower abdomen as the consciousness that has been born into this world, then it originates from the Sahasrara chakra above. The Manipur, where these elements overlap, is a very interesting area.

This content was created based on the following questions:

Inquiry content:

The location of Manipura Chakra is either the navel or the solar plexus (solar nerve plexus). I have been wondering whether the location of Swadhisthana Chakra is the former (around the dantian) or the latter (around the navel). (Hinata)

(End of question)