The modern, western understanding of the chakra system is rooted in a complex and diverse yoga traditions based in Indian Hinduism. Chakra translates to "wheel" and is commonly known as the seven subtle energy centers of the body observed by modern Kandalini yoga practitioners, but chakras have a much more complicated historical identity.

Aryan Roots

The oldest texts in the Hindu tradition are The Vedas, which were written by Indo-Europeans who invaded India more than 2000 years ago. In The Vedas, the world chakra means "wheel" and refers to the wheels of the Aryan invaders chariots and is also a metaphor for the sun and the cycle of life and death.

Tantric Connection

Chakras were recognized as centers of psychic consciousness when Kundalini philosophy became an integral part of the Tantric philosophical traditions that arose in the 7th century A.D. Tantra is an broad, esoteric, non-dualistic tradition that involves goddess worship, integration of universal polarities, and recognition of psychic consciousness.

Chakras Move West

In 1919 a,n English scholar named Arthur Avalon published "The Serpent Powers," and religious scholars believe this collection of translations of sacred Indian texts first introduced the idea of the chakra system to the western world.

The Chakra System

The traditions and texts translated in Avalon's book each describe the chakra system as the seven subtle points of psychic energy that westerners understand today. These seven points are also the seven nerve ganglia on the spinal column.

New Age Incorporation

The western New Age and spirituality movements that arose out of the 1960s-era hippie movements incorporated chakra meditation into yoga practices that have become increasingly popular in the west. Critics charge that New Age yoga teachers and practitioners are often ignorant of the true origins of the chakra system.

Source:

Dhyansanjivani