India, June 18 -- As International Yoga Day approaches, many people are looking beyond physical postures and exploring the deeper philosophies that shape traditional yoga and meditation practices. And among the most searched topics are chakras, energy centres that many spiritual traditions associate with inner growth and self-awareness.

While most people are familiar with the seven-chakra system, a spiritual mentor, Shubham Singh of Aathman Awareness Centre, says some lineages teach a broader framework. According to Singh, his guru, HH Guruji Sundar, introduced him to the concept of nine primary chakras, each representing a different stage of inner understanding.

Singh explains that chakras are often misunderstood as tools for gaining e...