The Doctrine of Three Bodies
Yoga is a completely holistic approach to well-being and happiness. Instead of simply addressing the physical body, yoga determines that three bodies need to be addressed for the overall healing to take place.According to The Doctrine of three bodies in Vedanta, every human being has three vital bodies namely the Physical(Gross) body, Astral(Subtle) body, and Causal body.This doctrine of the trinity is an essential concept of Ancient Hindu philosophy that one needs to master to deeply understand the teachings of yoga.
The Three Bodies
Let us first understand what the three bodies are and what each one of them consists of.
The Physical Body, Gross or Sthula Sarira
This is the body that we all are familiar with—the human body that breathes, eats, and moves. In its life span, it goes through three main phases: birth (Sambhava), old age (Jara), and death (Maranam). A physical body is made up of five elements: earth (Prithvi), air (Vayu), water (Apas), fire (Agni), and ether (Akasha). Moreover, we can increase or restore these elements through yoga postures and breathing exercises. Upon death, the physical body ceases to function, and these five essential elements separate.
The Astral/Subtle Body or Suksma Sarira
The astral body is not physical or material, but rather it is composed of subtle elements that the eyes cannot see. Specifically, it consists of prana, the vital life force that keeps the physical body alive and directs its activities. The mind, full of emotions and thoughts, directly affects the movement of prana in our bodies. Additionally, the astral body relates to the senses and the way we feel or act. It includes five perceptive organs, five organs of action, five vital breaths, the mind, and the intellect. Consequently, it is responsible for functions like breathing, digestion, metabolism, circulation, and muscular, neural, and skeletal activities.
The Causal Body or Karana Sarira
The causal body is one of the most subtle bodies and is a combination of the physical and astral bodies. Furthermore, it records our past thoughts, habits, and actions in all their states and carries the spirit of the person from one life to another upon reincarnation. Thus, it serves as the foundation of the physical and astral bodies and connects you to your true self.
How to Cleanse the Three Bodies
To grow spiritually, you must remove all impurities from all three bodies. In addition, you need to purify these bodies to discover your true self and attain good health and peace of mind. Some of the key practices for purification include:
-
Yoga Asanas
-
Proper Nutrition
-
Pranayama Breathing Exercises
-
Meditation
-
Positive Thinking
-
Self-Realization
-
Truthfulness
-
Contentment
Summary
The three-body doctrine is considered very important in Indian philosophy and religion. Each body has a different life span. The physical body depends on food and thus has a shorter life span. Similarly, the astral body depends on thoughts, emotions, and feelings, and therefore lives longer. Moreover, the causal body has the longest life span as it requires only self-discovery and peace. Finally, the soul is eternal, distinct from these three bodies, and does not require any means of survival.
