Subtle Bodies: Cartographies of the Soul, from India to "the West" (original) (raw)

The article examines the historical journey of Indian religious ideas, particularly the concept of energy centers known as cakras, as they influenced Western esotericism from the nineteenth century onwards. It traces the integration of these ideas into various spiritual movements, highlighting their transformation within the contexts of colonialism, consumer culture, and contemporary New Age practices. Furthermore, the author proposes new ways of understanding Western esotericism that address the complexities of cultural exchange and the socio-economic implications of spiritual commodification.