First chakra: fundamentals of being (Lila)

All aspects of the first chakra are fundamental to human existence and important for human life; their moods are responsible for development of the higher self. The insecurity of the individual at this level may give rise to violence but also to the development of material technology. Mastery of this chakra leads to physical health and openness to knowledge. Abstaining from lower desires and attachments, non-assertive, the player is said to be able to become invisible at will.

The first row of the board of Lila, the game of knowledge, this is represented by the physical plane, and also groups the squares representing the states of genesis, maya, anger, greed, delusion, conceit, avarice and sensuality - aspects fundamental to human existence. Located between the anus and the genitals, this chakra is related to the element earth, to the sense of smell and to the colour yellow. It is compared to the octave comprising the first 7 years of temporal life and to self-centred search for material security.