The Chakra Multiplicity: Beyond the New Age Monolith
While many New Age believers cite the belief in chakras as a "surefire science" of body and spirit, they usually don't realize that chakra theories vary significantly among different Asian religious traditions. Far from being a universal map, the number, location, and even the nature of these centers depend entirely on the specific lineage one follows---that is, the "map" depends entirely on who is drawing it.
Chakras as Fluid Centers of Power
Texts and teachings present different numbers of chakras, and different physical structures are considered chakras depending on the source. As scholar David Gordon White emphasizes: "In fact, there is no 'standard' system of the cakras. Every school, sometimes every teacher within each school, has had their own cakra system."¹
The chakras are, in the most general sense, "wheels" or alleged centers of power located along the spine, beginning at the anus/base and ending at the crown of the head. Spiritual energy is said to travel in a channel (nadi) upward along the spine, "homogenizing" at each chakra much like floors along an elevator route. Individuals at various stages of spiritual development focus on and identify their consciousness with respectively different chakras (energy centers).
Comparing Hindu and Buddhist Frameworks
The anus/base chakra is said to contain the lowest and crudest of spiritual energies, while the crown/top chakra is associated with ultimate spiritual awareness—beyond the confines of desire, the body, space, and time. In this regard, Hinduism outlines a variety of spiritual tantras (rules, disciplines, theories). Although those outlined in the Kubjikamata Tantra became more or less standardized, with chakras specified at the anus, reproductive organs, navel, heart, throat, between the eyes and the "thousand-petalled lotus" at the crown of the head.
In Hindu mythic belief, raw power (Shakti) resides at the anus/base. Once awakened, she rises, serpent-like, energizing each chakra as she passes upward, ultimately to unite with Siva at the crown chakra. At this point, the aspirant allegedly experiences absolute bliss by virtue of linking personal consciousness with absolute reality or God. By way of contrast, some Buddhist Tantras mention only four or five chakras, located at the navel, heart, throat and between the eyes/crown of the head.
The Invention of the Rainbow Spectrum
It is a common misconception that chakras have always been associated with the colors of the rainbow, such as the Indigo often assigned to the Third Eye. In reality, this "ROYGBIV" color scheme and the association with endocrine glands were largely popularized in the 20th century—starting with Sir John Woodroffe’s 1919 book The Serpent Power and later solidified by Western Theosophists like C.W. Leadbeater. Ancient traditions used chakras as visualization tools involving mantras and deities, rather than rigid anatomical "organs" of colored light.
The Trap of Spiritual Certainty
The tendency for some to hold fast to a single chakra theory as "gospel truth" might have something to do with the human desire to understand and control. Rather than humbly acknowledging our human limitations concerning ultimate reality, some suppose they've got it all figured out with a man-made theory. Ironically, this narrow-minded, closed-off attitude may hinder an experience of the mystery and grace of God.
Another sad possibility is that vulnerable people with a bit of money but not much knowledge are hoodwinked by manipulative, sham gurus and hokey New Age teachers who'll do anything they can to keep their wealthy clients on the hook. True spiritual growth requires an appreciation for the vastness and diversity of the path—not just a one-size-fits-all diagram.
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