Chakra #2 – The Sacral or “Tan T’ien” Center
The sacral center, or the Swadhisthana in Sanskrit, is located three inches below the belly button in a line with the “small” of the back. The center itself is inside the body but just in front of the spine. This center is primarily concerned with balance. In the martial arts it is also known as the Tan T'ien center (pronounced dan cheeyen). Physically, it is the center point of gravity for the entire body. It is also the storage point for chi or life energy and considered the lower part of the triple warmer as related to martial art practices.
This chakra is considered to be equivalent to a “tribal” orientation (Ruumet, 2006). In terms of Maslow’s needs, it fulfills the level of belonging and relational bonding. It is held from the perspective of what the individual may gain from any group or relationship they choose to be part of. It is mostly selfish and is part of the survival mindset
but from less than a physical orientation. It is believed that emotional security and well being can be gained through bonding with others who may have “an edge” or a capacity that might contribute to that end. We might say that it exemplifies “safety in numbers.”
This level of awareness works with reciprocal giving and receiving. Focus on another person is more in terms of them being a vehicle to and end rather than as an individual. In this light most people are viewed “en masse.” The only differences might be when one individual or group has a specific possession or quality that would be seen as, again, giving “an edge” to the purveyor. There is a rudimentary form of awareness receptive of empathy but only in terms of what is needed or wanted by the empathizer and how it will affect their survival and comfort “status.”
Sex on this level is in terms of catharsis relative to specific needs, taste and tension. The individual who best fits those tastes and qualities with the ability to relieve specific types of tension would be sought out and potentially retained for future release. In this way, the individual would feel possessive of the person(s) with these qualities with the idea of them potentially sating their specific needs in the future. More evolved relationships may be possible but only as an “accidental” result of their pursuits.
Any group possessing preferred specific qualities would be sought after and joined for their benefits. These would include conventional religion, unions, politics or any other groups focused on their combined social usefulness for the purpose of having the pick of individuals with preferred or needed qualities from a “larger gene pool.”
The person “stranded” here by retarded emotional development would be seen as being poorly socialized.
Adapted and excerpted from:
Maerz, John L., (2012). A Mile in Your Shoes: The Road to Self-Actualization Through Compassion. Lulu Publishers.
Additional References:
Ruumet, Hillevi, PhD., (2006). Pathways of the Soul: Exploring the Human Journey. Trafford Pub., Victoria, BC, Canada. ISBN# 1412-092-361.