The Zen Yoga Lotus
Original Artwork created and designed by Elfeya Hoopes
The symbols depicted around the Zen Yoga Lotus represent a microcosm of interconnected principles and teachings upon which Zen Yoga is based.
Zen Crane
The Zen Crane is the original Zen Yoga Logo, created by Aaron Hoopes. In Japanese culture, the Crane is referred to as “bird of happiness” and in Chinese culture as “heavenly crane” believing they were symbols of wisdom. The powerful wings of the crane were believed to be able to convey souls up to paradise and to carry people to higher levels of spiritual enlightenment. Over time, the crane evolved into a favorite theme in the tradition of origami paper folding. It is said that a thousand folded cranes, one for each year of its life, makes a wish come true. In Taoism, the Red Crowned Crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality.
Crane Medicine teaches us to overcome the limitations of the mind, to believe in the forces of destiny and to trust in the universe.
Yin Yang
In Chinese cosmology, Yin and Yang are two opposite but complementary principles that regulate the functioning of the cosmos. Their repeated alternation provides the energy necessary for the cosmos to sustain itself and their continuous joining and separation is at the origin of the rise and the disappearance of the entities and phenomena that exist within the world.
When one of the two principles prevails, the other yields, but once one of them has reached the height of its development, it begins to recede; in that very moment, the other principle begins its ascent. This mode of operation is especially visible in the cycles of daytime and nighttime and of the alternation of the four seasons.
The Five Elements
The principle of the five primal elements is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy and culture. They are considered as not only the five properties inherent in all things but also the five processes involved in the natural cycle of the world. Everything in existence is considered to have a relationship with the five elements. They are constantly engaged in a process of mutual interaction and change.
Earth
Earth represents balance or neutrality. It is the element of beginning. Earth is the Goddess Mother and the grounding center of creation. In the body, the sacred point of Earth energy is the root center called the huyin in Chinese. From this point we can access the energy of the Earth and connect with the core of our being. The color of Earth energy is yellow.
Earth energy provides mental focus and clarity of thought. It enhances concentration and allows us to be compassionate and nurturing. Balanced Earth energy is productive and fertile. Unbalanced Earth energy brings worry and grief.
People with strong Earth energy are well grounded, nurturing and compassionate. They make good mediators. People with weak Earth energy are prone to digestive problems, diarrhea, and a general lack of clarity of thought and feeling.
The grounding power of Earth provides us with self-discipline and the ability to be responsible and resourceful in times of difficulty. Connecting to Earth energy is vitally important in these times of Earth Changes.
Typical Earth traits include: organization, responsibility, reliability, resourcefulness, and self-discipline.
Wood
Wood represents growth. It is the element of expansion. Wood is the Lifeforce that exists within all things. In the body, the sacred point of Wood is the lower dan tien, a point approximately three finger widths below the navel. From this point we can access the energy of the Wood and connect with the inexhaustible source within our being. The color of Wood energy is green.
Wood energy provides confidence and the ability to persevere in times of difficulty. It enhances physical strength and stamina. Balanced Wood energy is rooted and decisive. Unbalanced Wood energy brings anger and confusion. Wood is strong and rooted. People with strong Wood energy have clear goals. They are adept at making decisions and putting them into effect. People with weak Wood energy can fall under the control of anger and indecisiveness.
The increasing power of Wood provides us with the ability to recognize our higher purpose in life. Connecting to Wood energy brings us into alignment with nature.
Typical Wood traits include: a systematic thought process, high morality, inner confidence, cooperativeness, and an optimistic life view.
Fire
Fire represents growth reaching its maximum potential. It is the element of abundance. Fire is the Power of potentiality. In the body, the sacred point of Fire is the heart center. From this point we can access the energy of the Fire and connect with the true essence of our being. The color of Fire energy is red.
Fire energy provides decisiveness as well as cultivating the positive emotions of happiness, joy and love. It enhances original thinking and passion. Balanced Fire energy is bright and alive. Unbalanced Fire energy brings excessiveness.
People with strong Fire energy are charismatic and often thrive in leadership positions. They enjoy expressing their views.
People with weak Fire energy are susceptible to anxiety and restlessness. Anxiety can cause hypertension and palpitations of the heart. Restlessness can lead to urinary problems.
The hot power of Fire provides us with the ability to connect to our emotional being. Connecting to Fire energy gives us the power to realize our true self.
Typical Fire traits include: decisiveness, confidence, intelligence, original thinking, and a sense of adventure.
Water
Water represents decline reaching its maximum. It is the element of retraction. Water is the Flow of energy through the universe. In the body, the sacred point of Water is the upper dan tien (3rd eye center). From this point we can access the energy of Water and connect with the pure rhythm of all things. The color of Water energy is blue.
Water energy provides willpower and flexibility. It is intuitive and moves to the places of least resistance. Balanced Water energy is expressive and persuasive. Unbalanced Water energy brings fear.
People with abundant Water energy are strong, fearless and determined. They are able to persevere through hardship by relying on will power. People with weak Water energy are susceptible to urination difficulties as well as fertility and sexuality problems. They can be fearful and withdrawn.
The retracting power of Water provides us with the courage and willingness to be who we truly are. Connecting to Water energy builds a strong and determined will.
Typical Water traits include: intuitiveness, expressiveness, flexibility, persuasiveness, and diplomacy in interactions.
Metal
Metal represents decline after reaching the pinnacle. It is the element of contraction. Metal is the Essence at the core of existence. In the body, the sacred point of Metal is the throat. From this point we can access the energy of Metal and connect with the pure energy of the universe. The color of Metal energy is white.
Metal energy provides discipline and determination. It is a conductor and transfers energy through the body. Balanced Metal energy is self-reliant and relentless. Unbalanced Metal energy brings self-loathing.
People with strong Metal energy are self-disciplined and well-organized. They are comfortable maintaining structure in their life. People with weak Metal energy may have asthma, allergies or frequent colds. They can also have problems with deep-seated sadness and often are affected by constipation or other bowel problems.
The decreasing power of Metal provides us with the enthusiasm and willingness to actively engage in life. Connecting to Metal energy helps to sharpen our sense of self.
Typical Metal traits include: ambition, determination, energy, self-reliance, and relentlessness.
Chakras
Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel or disk and signifies the location of the seven fundamental energy centers of the body. In Western medical science, these locations also correspond to the seven endocrine glands of the body as well as the major nerve junctions. In more philosophical terms, chakras represent the various developmental stages of life as well as levels of consciousness. Each chakra can be imagined as a valve which is responsible for regulating energy flow throughout the body and is associated with a corresponding part of the physical body.
To heal is to bring the chakras into alignment and balance. In Zen Yoga practice we seek to activate the chakras, opening them and allowing the energy to flow smoothly between them. Being aware of the chakras during Zen Yoga practice will help you to more fully experience the profound connection between mind and body.
The chakras are not simply physical points within the body, they are aspects of consciousness. Everything that happens in your life begins in your consciousness. Senses, perceptions and tensions are all manifest in the chakras. Understanding the influence of the chakras helps you to understand yourself better.
Muladhara - The Root Chakra
The first chakra is located at the base of the spine below the sacrum bone. It forms the foundation of our being. It is associated with the element of Earth and is related to our legs and feet as well as our sense of physical grounding within the body. It is the base of our self and therefore corresponds to physical preservation and identity. The Root Chakra connects to our sense of smell. In Chinese this point is called the huyin and is thought to work as a principal valve regulating energy flow into and out of the body. The energy within the Root Chakra is concerned with our health, security and prosperity.
Swadhisthana - The Abdominal Chakra
The second chakra is located in the abdomen roughly three finger widths below the navel and is related to the lumbar section of the back and the reproductive organs. It is associated with the element of Water and forms the basis of our emotions and sexuality. It is connected to our spiritual self and informs us of the wants and needs of the physical body. The Abdominal Chakra connects to our sense of taste. Known as the lower dan tien in Chinese and the hara in Japanese, this is a primary gathering point for physical energy. The energy within the Abdominal Chakra is concerned with our emotions, feelings, sexual appetite, and our ability to accept change.
Manipura - The Solar Plexus Chakra
The third chakra is located in the solar plexus region and is related to the main internal organs. It is associated with the element of Fire and is concerned with issues of power, control and freedom. It is related to our ego self and influences the way we define who we are. The Solar Plexus Chakra connects to our sense of sight. The energy within the Solar Plexus Chakra is concerned with providing power to function effectively and with coordinating action and reaction.
Anahata - The Heart Chakra
The fourth chakra is located at the center of our being and is related to the heart and lungs as well as the circulation of blood throughout the body. It is associated with the element of air and is primarily concerned with love, compassion and interpersonal relationships. It is the place where our true self or spirit resides. The Heart Chakra connects to our sense of touch. Known as kokoro in Japanese, this point contains our emotional being. The energy within the Heart Chakra is concerned with our ability to love, feel compassion, and experience peace.
Vishuddha - The Throat Chakra
The fifth chakra is located in the center of the throat and is related to the shoulders, arms, hands, and the thyroid gland. It is associated with the elemental expression of sound and is primarily concerned with communication, creativity and self-expression. From here we begin to perceive a higher reality. It is where we begin to gain awareness of our intuition. The Throat Chakra connects to our sense of hearing. The energy within the Throat Chakra is concerned with our creative identity and self-expression.
Ajna - The Third Eye Chakra
The sixth chakra is located at the center of the brow above the eyes and is related to the pituitary gland as well as the carotid arteries of the neck. It is associated with the elemental expression of light and allows us to see both physically and intuitively. It is the gate through which our consciousness begins to ascend. From here we can view our spiritual self. The Third Eye Chakra connects to our sixth sense or extrasensory perception. In ancient spiritual beliefs the third eye was considered to be a window onto the mystical wonders of the universe, but as the human race became more and more rooted in the material world, the ability to use the third eye was lost. The energy within the Third Eye Chakra is concerned with our perception of the whole and with enabling self-reflection.
Sahasrara - The Crown Chakra
The seventh chakra is located at the top of the skull and is related to the pineal gland, brain and nervous system. The thousand-petaled lotus flower is synonymous with spiritual awakening. It is described as a “doorway” through which higher spiritual knowledge is received. It is associated with the elemental expression of thought and is consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater cosmos beyond. It integrates all the respective qualities of the other chakras and brings us spiritual awareness. The Crown Chakra connects directly to our spiritual essence. The energy within the Crown Chakra is concerned with knowledge, wisdom and understanding and is associated with the color violet.