THE CHAKRA SYSTEM
AND THE
STAGES OF DYING

sarva-dvarani samyamya / mano hrdi nirudhya ca murdhny adhaya-atmanah pranam / asthito yoga-dharanam

Closing the gates of the body and drawing the mind into the heart, then raise the prana into the head.

Bhagavad Gita VIII.12

 

The dying process can be understood as a journey through the chakras, with the energy gradually withdrawing from the lower chakras upwards towards the crown chakra. This process involves the dissolution of the elements associated with each chakra, ultimately leading to the soul's departure from the body through the crown chakra. 

 

Root Chakra (Muladhara) 

 

Associated with the element of earth and survival instincts, this chakra is the first to dissolve as the energy starts to move upward towards the crown of the head.  The tether to the earth has been severed and consciousness starts to rise higher.  Fear, and a sense of instability or “ungroundedness” may be present in the dying person as the body weakens, strength saps, and limbs become heavier.  

 

Closing the root chakra practice may include the following:

• Chinmaya Mudra

• Kaki, on the exhalation pranayama

• Gratitude meditation for the body and the strength and abundance  it provided during life

 

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

 

Associated with the element of water and emotions, this chakra is the next to dissolve as the life energy (prana) continues to move upwards. As the water element releases, the dying person may purge all fluids in the body (urine, sweat, feces, vomit, phlegm, sputum).  This is a good time to remember that food and water are not necessary during the dying process.  Read here about a wet death versus a dry death.  Emotional releases and feelings of uncertainty may be present. 

 

Closing the sacral chakra practice may include the following:

• Yoni Mudra

• Sitkari or Sitali pranayama

• Gratitude meditation for the creativity, intimacy, nourishment, and vibrancy experienced during life

 

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

 

Associated with the element of fire and personal power, this chakra is next to dissolve as the prana continues to move upwards. As the fire element releases, a shift in body temperature may occur, with the upper body potentially feeling warmer and the lower extremities beginning to turn blue and grow cold.  Feelings of peace and gratitude for a fully lived life or worry about living an unfulfilled life may be present.

 

Closing the solar plexus chakra practice may include:

• Jalashaya Mudra (to cool and soothe)

• Sitkari or Sitali Pranayama (to cool and soothe)

• Gratitude meditation for a live well lived

 

Heart Chakra (Anahata)

 

Associated with the element of air and emotions, this chakra is a space where we can spend some time to gather and hold the prana before it continues to move upwards. As the air element releases, breathing patterns may change, presenting as apnea and longer exhales.  Its dissolution can lead to trembling as the body prepares for the final stage.

 

Closing the heart chakra practice may include:

• Hridaya Mudra (to hold) then Padma Mudra (to release upward)

• Humming 

• Gratitude meditation for a life well loved

 

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

 

Associated with the element of ether and communication, its dissolution marks the soul's readiness to leave the body.  This chakra is often seen as the bridge between the heart and head, and in the dying process can signify the final purification channel before the prana is released upward.  This is where feelings of limitlessness, wholeness, bliss, and equanimity can occur.  It also can be where feelings of attachment to the body may occur, resulting in fear, tension, or resistance. 

 

Closing the throat chakra practice may include:

• Kali Mudra

• Humming or chanting OM

• Mauna (silence)

• Chanting OM Asatoma

 

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

 

Often associated with wisdom and intuition and the space element, its dissolution may be a stage in the process, especially for those who are conscious and aware at the time of death.  This is where the qualities of non-duality and immortality can realized as well as an expansiveness to be part of the entire cosmos.

 

Closing the third eye chakra practice may include:

• Jnana Mudra

• Chanting So Ham

• Mauna

 

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

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This is the final chakra, located at the top of the head, through which the soul is believed to exit the body as the final stage of the dying process. 

 

We keep this chakra open so the soul can transcend.  However, we can support the back of the head (Occipitus) with our cradled hands.  Opening the windows and observing silence are supportive practices during this final stage.