chakra

Where does the word "chakra" come from? It comes from Sanskrit chakra, and was adopted directly into English (1800s-1900s).

Chakra’s story begins in Sanskrit: chakra meant “wheel, energy center.” Literally "wheel", referring to centers of energy in the body. It reached English by 1800s-1900s as chakra. Sanskrit 'wheel'; the Theosophists and later yoga teachers spread the idea of seven body chakras. Today, chakra means in yogic tradition, one of several energy centers in the human body.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient chakra "wheel, energy center", literally "wheel", referring to centers of energy in the body.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s-1900s chakra "a center of spiritual energy in the body", Sanskrit 'wheel'; the Theosophists and later yoga teachers spread the idea of seven body chakras.