The concept of the 7 chakras is widely recognised today, often presented as energy centers within the human body. However, its origins trace back to Tibetan tradition, where the chakras were understood as far more than a simple spiritual or physical map. The 7 Tibetan chakras, deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy, embody a complex knowledge system blending spirituality, mathematics, and cosmology.

In Buddhist iconography, Buddha is frequently depicted using symbolic hand gestures, or mudras, to convey teachings. These mudras are not merely ritual gestures but a sophisticated mathematical system based on the number 7—a key figure in Tibetan cosmology. They embody harmonious relationships between universal elements, translating intricate concepts into simple motions. This mathematical symbolism also extends to mantras, which, like mudras, encode ancient and universal wisdom through sound sequences. These mantras, when chanted or recited, resonate with the ratios and vibrations underlying the teachings of the chakras.

Nepal: Guardian of Tibetan Heritage

With the invasion of Tibet and the widespread destruction of its monasteries, temples, and manuscripts, much of the cultural and spiritual wealth of Tibet was lost. We may never know the full extent of what was destroyed, but we do know that Nepal played a crucial role in preserving what remains of this heritage.

Nepal, Tibet’s immediate neighbor and a refuge for many Tibetan practitioners, became a guardian of the sonic and spiritual traditions linked to the 7 chakras. The artisanal production of singing bowls, crafted from the 7 sacred metals (gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead, and mercury), has been sustained in Nepal’s valleys. These bowls, used for meditation and sound healing, encapsulate knowledge that reflects not only the chakra teachings but also intricate mathematical relationships and universal harmonics.

Through oral transmission and the global trade of these bowls, Nepal has enabled this unique tradition to survive and spread. Today, singing bowls are immensely popular, used in yoga practices, meditation, sound therapy, and even contemporary music. Yet behind their popularity lies a deeper truth: these instruments carry the echoes of a profound Tibetan wisdom.

The Sequence of 7 Bowls and the Dance of Ratios

The true richness of the 7 singing bowls lies in their ability to illustrate complex mathematical ratios through sound. Unlike a simple linear progression of frequencies from the first to the seventh chakra, the sequence of interest here relies on three fixed assignments. These fixed points are not inherently tied to the structure of the 7 chakras but serve as anchors that allow for work with ratios. The number 7 becomes a dynamic matrix, a "mathematical dance" in which ratios and their interactions unfold.

In this sequence, the bowls are played in combinations that reveal the relationships between sound frequencies. For example, a ratio of 2:3 might be explored between two specific bowls, while another combination might demonstrate a ratio of 4:5. These ratios are not random; they are deeply rooted in Tibetan principles of universal resonance, creating harmonic interactions that enhance the sonic and spiritual experience.

Mudras and Ratios: A Wisdom Rooted in the Hands

Buddha's mudras reveal another dimension of this wisdom. Using the 10 fingers as a tool for calculation, the Tibetan tradition created an intuitive method to understand ratios related to the 7 chakra system. Each finger represents a unit, a subdivision, or a connection with the phalanges, while the two hands together form a fluid and adaptable base for calculations.

For example:

- The 10 fingers serve to visualise and manipulate ratios through their placement and relationships in space.

- The 3 phalanges per finger naturally align with the three fixed assignments mentioned earlier.

- The two hands symbolise the balance between polarities and the interconnection of opposing forces.

By moving, crossing, or layering the fingers in specific mudras, practitioners translate these concepts into physical gestures that encode the interactions of harmonic ratios. This approach makes the abstract teachings of the chakras accessible through movement and embodied practice.

A Deep Connection Between Sound, Hands, and the Universe

This connection between mudras, singing bowls, and the chakra system demonstrates a deeply integrated Tibetan understanding of the universe. The ratios explored with the bowls extend beyond sound, reflecting a universal geometry that permeates all aspects of life. The movement of hands, the vibrations of the bowls, and the energies of the chakras form a harmonious network where every element plays a role within the greater whole.

Rediscovering Lost Wisdom

By returning to the original teachings of the 7 Tibetan chakras and exploring their connection to mudras, mantras, and the harmonics of singing bowls, we uncover a system that transcends personal healing. This system, rooted in universal mathematics and cosmic sound, opens the door to a broader understanding of the principles that govern sound, the body, and the universe.

Beyond their modern popularity, singing bowls and chakra teachings remain a powerful reminder of a millennia-old wisdom that invites us to resonate in harmony with the cosmos. It is an invitation not only to explore the depths of ourselves but also to engage with the universal laws that connect all things.

Classical and Traditional References

1. "Vivekamārtaṇḍa" (attributed to Gorakhnath)

• First Published: Oral tradition; written around the 12th century CE
• Content: Foundational Hatha Yoga text discussing mudras, chakras, and the awakening of Kundalini energy.
• Simpler Version: "Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language" by Swami Sivananda Radha (1987) explores symbolic aspects of traditional yoga.

2. "Gheranda Samhita" (authored by Gheranda)

• First Published: Estimated 17th century CE
• Content: A classical yoga text that teaches seven stages of spiritual progress, including mudras and chakras.
• Simpler Version: "The Gheranda Samhita: The Original Sanskrit and an English Translation" by James Mallinson (2004).

3. "Shiva Samhita" (authored by an unknown yogi)

• First Published: Estimated 15th–17th century CE
• Content: A classical yoga text focusing on spiritual awakening, meditation, and subtle energies in the body.
• Simpler Version: "The Shiva Samhita: A Critical Edition and English Translation" by James Mallinson (2007).

4. "Mudra Bigyan Mudra Chikitsa" by Modnatha Shastri

• First Published: Date unknown
• Content: A Nepali text exploring the science and therapeutic applications of mudras within spiritual and health contexts.
• Simpler Version: Accessible through Nepali publishers or online platforms.

Additional Book Recommendations

- "On Fear" by Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986): A philosophical exploration of fear and its role in individual & societal liberation.

- "Jamais contre, d'abord: La présence d’un corps" by François Roustang (1923-2016): An hypnotic reflection on the role of the body in perception and awareness.