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{{Hinduism}}
{{hatlink|Or see [[Three body (disambiguation)|Three body]].}}
According to '''Sarira Traya''', the '''Doctrine of the Three bodies''' in [[Hinduism]], the human being is composed of three '''sariras''' or "bodies" emanating from Brahman by avidya, "ignorance" or "nescience". They are often equated with the five [[kosha]]s (sheaths), which cover the [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]]. The ''Three Bodies Doctrine'' is an essential doctrine in Indian philosophy and religion, especially [[Yoga]], [[Advaita Vedanta]] and [[Tantra]].
==The Three Bodies==
===Karana sarira - causal body===
{{Main|Causal body}}
''Karana sarira'' or the causal body is merely the cause{{sfn|Sharma|2006|p=193}} or seed of the subtle body and the gross body. It has no other function than being the seed of the subtle and the gross body.{{sfn|Bahder|Bahder|2013}} It is ''nirvikalpa [[Rūpa|rupam]]'', "undifferentiated form".{{sfn|Bahder|Bahder|2013}} It originates with ''avidya'', "ignorance" or "nescience" of the real identity of the atman, instead giving birth to the notion of ''[[jiva]]''.
[[Swami Sivananda]] characterizes the causal body as "The beginningless ignorance that is indescribable".<ref group=web name="BV" /> [[Siddharameshwar Maharaj]], the guru of [[Nisargadatta Maharaj]], also describes the causal body as characterized by "emptiness", "ignorance", and "darkness".{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}} In the search for the "I am", this is a state where there is nothing to hold on to anymore.{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|name="kenosis"|Compare [[kenosis]] and Juan de la Cross' ''[[Dark Night of the Soul]]''.}}
[[Ramanuja]] concludes that it is at this stage that consummation of the [[Atman (Hinduism)|atman]] with the [[Paramatman]] is reached and the search for the highest [[Purusa]], i.e., of [[Ishvara]], ends.{{sfn|Ranade|1926|p=155–168}}
According to other philosophical schools, the causal body is not the ''atman'', because it also has a beginning and an end and is subject to modification.<ref group=web>{{cite web|title=Tattva Bodha of Adi Shankara Part 2|author=Dr. S. Yegnasubramanian|url=http://svbf.org/journal/vol3no4/bodha.pdf}}</ref> [[Adi Shankara|Shankara]], not seeking a personal god, goes beyond ''Anandamaya Kosha'' in search of the transcendent [[Brahman]].{{sfn|Ranade|1926|p=155–168}}
The Indian tradition identifies it with the ''[[Anandamaya kosha]]'',<ref group=web name="BV">[http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection§ion_id=774 Divine life Society, ''Bases of Vedanta'']</ref> and the deep sleep state, where ''buddhi'' becomes dormant and all concepts of time fail, although there are differences between these three descriptions.
The causal body is considered as the most complex of the three bodies. It contains the impressions of experience, which results from past experience.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gregory P.|first1=Fields|title=Religious Therapeutics: Body and Health in Yoga, Āyurveda, and Tantra|date=2001|publisher=State University of New York Press|page=27|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rvQhuyGpB3wC&pg=PA27&dq=three+bodies+in+vedanta&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mY-OU8vmBJOMuASVp4LICA&ved=0CFkQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=three%20bodies%20in%20vedanta&f=false|accessdate=4 June 2014}}</ref>
===Suksma sarira - subtle body===
{{Main|Subtle body}}
''Suksma sarira'' or the subtle body is the body of the mind and the vital energies, which keep the physical body alive. Together with the causal body it is the transmigrating soul or [[jiva]], separating from the gross body upon death.
The subtle body is composed of the five subtle elements, the elements before they have undergone [[panchikarana]],<ref group=web name="SKA">[http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f37/an-overview-of-vedanta-part-1-a-10833.html Shri Kalam Ashram, ''An Overview of Vedanta'']</ref> and contains:
* ''sravanadipanchakam'' - the five organs of perception: eyes, ears, skin, tongue and nose<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|Shri Kalam Ashram: "[T]he organs of perception and action have been defined as residing in the Subtle body. These organs are not to be confused with the physical entities of the Ear, Eye etc which are part of the physical body. In Vedanta, it is the “Indriyas” –which are responsible for the function. The Indriyas are the “senses”. Thus while the physical organ “eye” is part of the Gross Body, when we talk about the “eye”, we are referring to the sense of sight which resides in the Subtle body.<ref group=web name="SKA" />}}
* ''vagadipanchakam'' - the five organs of action: speech, hands, legs, anus and genitals<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}
* ''[[prana]]panchakam'' - the five-fold vital breath: Prana (respiration), Apana (evacuation of waste from the body), Vyana (blood circulation), Udana (actions like sneezing, crying, vomiting etc.), Samana (digestion)<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}
* [[Manas (early Buddhism)|manas]]<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|See also [[Manas-vijnana]]}}
* [[Buddhi]], the Intellect, discriminating wisdom<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|See also [[Prajna (Vedic)|prajna]]}}
Other Indian traditions see the subtle body as an eighth-fold aggregate, placing together the mind-aspects and adding avidhya, kamah and karma:
* ''buddhyadicatustayam'' (''[[buddhi]]'', ''[[Mind|manas]]'', ''ahamkrti'', ''[[citta]]''),
* ''[[Avidya (Hinduism)|avidya]]'' (''[[adhyasa]]'', super-imposition),
* ''[[kama]]h'' (desire),
* ''[[karma]]'' (action of the nature of ''[[dharma]]'' and ''[[adharma]]'').
In [[samkhya]], which does not acknowledge a causal body, it is also known as the ''linga-sarira''.{{sfn|Feuerstein|1978|p=200}} It puts one in the mind of the ''atman'', it reminds one of the ''atman'', the controller. It is the beginningless limitation of the ''atman'', it has no beginning like the ''Sthula sarira''.
The "dream state" is a distinct state of the subtle body, where the ''buddhi'' shines itself owing to memory of deeds done in the waking state. It is the indispensable operative cause of all the activities of the individual self.
===Sthula sarira - gross body===
{{See also|Rūpa}}
''Sthula sarira'' or the gross body is the material physical mortal body that eats, breathes and moves (acts). It is composed of many diverse components, produced by one’s ''karmas'' (actions) in past life out of the elements which have undergone ''[[panchikarana]]'' i.e. combining of the five primordial subtle elements.
It is the instrument of [[Jiva]]’s experience, which, attached to the body and dominated by ''[[Ahamkara]]'',{{refn|group=note|Ego, I-ness or the ''[[Antakarana]]'' in which the ''[[Citta]]'' or the ''[[Atman (Hinduism)|atman]]'' is reflected}} uses the body’s external and internal organs of sense and action. The Jiva, identifying itself with the body, in its waking state enjoys gross objects. On its body rests man’s contact with the external world.
The ''Sthula sarira''’s main features are ''Sambhava'' (birth), ''Jara'' (old age or ageing) and ''Maranam'' (death), and the "Waking State". The ''Sthula sarira'' is the [[Anatman (Hinduism)|anatman]].
==Correlations with other models==
{{See also|Nondualism#Advaya - Non-duality of absolute and relative|l1=Two truths doctrine}}
===Three bodies and five sheaths===
{{Main|Kosha}}
The [[Taittiriya Upanishad]] describes five [[kosha]]s, which are also often equated with the three bodies. The three bodies are often equated with the five koshas (sheaths), which cover the [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]]:
# ''Sthula sarira'', the Gross body, also called the ''Annamaya Kosha''<ref name="FD" />
# ''Suksma sarir''', the [[Subtle body]], composed of:
## ''[[Prana]]maya Kosha'' (Vital breath or [[Energy]]),
## ''[[Manas (early Buddhism)|Manomaya]] Kosha'' ([[Mind]]),
## ''[[Vijñāna|Vijnanamaya]] Kosha'' ([[Intellect]])<ref name="FD" />
# ''Karana sarira'', the [[Causal body]], the ''[[Anandamaya kosha|Anandamaya Kosha]]'' ([[Happiness|Bliss]])<ref name="FD">{{cite book|title=The Fourth Dimension|author=J.Jagadeesan|publisher=Sai Towers Publishing|page=13|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G3uGtLLz2A4C&pg=PA13&dq=Sthula+sarira#v=onepage&q=Sthula%20sarira&f=false|isbn=9788178990927}}</ref>
===Four states of consciousness and turiya===
The [[Mandukya Upanishad]] describes four states of consciousness, namely waking consciousness, dream, and deep sleep, and [[turiya]], the base-consciousness. Waking consciousness, dream, and deep sleep are equated with the three bodies, while turiya is a fourth state, which is equated with atman and purusha.
====Turiya====
{{Main|Turiya}}
{{See also|Purusha|Tathagatagarbha|Sunyata}}
[[Turiya]], pure consciousness, is the fourth state. It is the background that underlies and transcends the three common states of consciousness.<ref name=rm>[http://bhagavan-ramana.org/ramana_maharshi/books/tw/tw617.html {{cite book|author=Ramana Maharshi|title=States of Consciousness}}]</ref>
<ref name=sc1>[http://www.yogaofsrichinmoy.com/yoga/summits_of_god-life {{cite book|author=Sri Chinmoy|title=Summits of God-Life}}]</ref> In this consciousness both absolute and relative, [[Saguna Brahman]] and [[Nirguna Brahman]], are transcended.{{sfn|Sarma|1996|p=137}} It is the true state of experience of the infinite (''ananta'') and non-different (''advaita/abheda''), free from the dualistic experience which results from the attempts to conceptualise ( ''vipalka'') reality.{{sfn|King|1995|p=300 note 140}} It is the state in which [[ajativada]], non-origination, is apprehended.{{sfn|King|1995|p=300 note 140}}
====Four bodies====
[[Siddharameshwar Maharaj]], the guru of [[Nisargadatta Maharaj]], discerns four bodies, by including turiya or the "Great-Causal Body"{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|p=32}} as a fourth body. Here resides the knowledge of "I am" that cannot be described,{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|p=33}} the state before Ignorance and Knowledge, or [[Turiya]] state{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|p=32}}
====Integral Theory====
The three bodies are a critical component of [[Ken Wilber]]'s Integral Theory.
===Ten bodies of Kundalini Yoga===
Kundalini Yoga as taught by [[Yogi Bhajan]] describes ten spiritual bodies: the physical body, three mental bodies and six energy bodies. There is an 11th embodiment of Parallel Unisonness, which represents the divine sound current and is characterized by a pure state of non-dual consciousness.{{sfn|Bhajan|2003|p=201-203}}
#First Body (Soul Body) - the spark of the infinite at the core
#Second Body (Negative Mind) - the protective and defensive aspect of mind
#Third Body (Positive Mind) - energetic and hopeful projection of mind
#Fourth Body (Neutral Mind) - intuitive, integrates information from the negative and positive minds
#Fifth Body (Physical Body) - the human vehicle on Earth
#Sixth Body (Arcline) - extends from ear to ear, across the hairline and brow. Commonly known as a halo. Woman have a second arcline across the chest. The arcline contains energy imprints of memories.
#Seventh Body (Aura) - an electromagnetic field that surrounds the body; the container of a person's life force.
#Eighth Body (Pranic Body) - connected with the breath, brings the life force and energy in and out of your system.
#Ninth Body (Subtle Body) - gives the subtle perceptual ability to sense the infinite within the physical and material plane.
#Tenth Body (Radiant Body) - gives spiritual royalty and radiance.
==Application in Indian philosophy==
===Yoga physiology===
The three bodies are an essential part of the Yoga physiology. Yoga aims at controlling the vital energies of the bodies, thereby attaining [[siddhi]]s (magical powers) and [[moksha]].
===Atma vijnana===
According to the Advaita Vedanta tradition, knowledge of the "self" or [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]] can be gained by [[self-inquiry]], investigating the three bodies, and disidentifying from them. It is a method which is well-known from [[Ramana Maharshi]], but also from [[Nisargadatta Maharaj]] and his teacher [[Siddharameshwar Maharaj]].
By subsequently identifying with the three lower bodies, investigating them, and discarding identification with them when it has become clear that they are not the "I", the sense of "I am" beyond knowledge and Ignorance becomes clearly established.{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|34-58}}
In this investigation the three bodies are recognized as not being [[Anatman (Hinduism)|anatman]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Sri Samkara’s Vivekacudamani|author=Sri Candrashekhara Bharati of Srngeri|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan|place=Mumbai|page=xxi|url= http://www.bhavans.info/store/bookdetail.asp?bid=364&bauth=Sri+Sankara+Bhagavatpadacarya }}</ref>
===Theosophy===
The later Theosophists speak of seven bodies or levels of existence that include ''Sthula sarira'' and ''[[Linga sarira]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics|author=Ed Hudson|publisher=Harvest House Publishers|page=471|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yipXIHcteRsC&pg=PA471&dq=Sthula+sarira#v=onepage&q=Sthula%20sarira&f=false|isbn=9780736936354|date=2008-05-01}}</ref>
==See also==
{{div col|cols=2}}
;Hinduism
* [[Mandukya Upanishad]]
* [[Kosha]]
* [[Chakra]]
* [[Kundalini]]
* [[Yoga]]
* [[Advaita Vedanta]]
;Buddhism
* [[Namarupa]]
* [[Skandha]]
* [[Trikaya]]
{{div col end}}
==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==Sources==
===Published sources===
{{refbegin}}
* {{Citation | last1 =Bahder | first1 =Paul | last2 =Bahder | first2 =Carol | year =2013 | title =Be Free From "Me": Vedanta Notes | publisher =Vision of Vedanta}}
* {{Citation | last =Bhajan | first =Yogi | year =2003 | title =The Aquarian Teacher | publisher =KRI International}}
* {{Citation | last =Feuerstein | first =George | year =1978 | title =Handboek voor Yoga (Textbook of Yoga) | publisher =Ankh-Hermes}}
* {{Citation | last =King | first =Richard | year =1995 | title =Early Advaita Vedānta and Buddhism: The Mahāyāna Context of the Gauḍapādīya-kārikā | publisher =SUNY Press}}
* {{Citation | last =Ranade | first =Ramachandra Dattatrya | year =1926 | title =A constructive survey of Upanishadic philosophy | publisher =Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan | place =Mumbai | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7BQYAAAAIAAJ}}
* {{Citation | last =Sarma | first =Chandradhar | year =1996 | title =The Advaita Tradition in Indian Philosophy | place =Delhi | publisher =Motilal Banarsidass}}
* {{Citation | last =Sharma | first =Arvind | year =2006 | title =A Primal Perspective on the philosophy of Religion | publisher =Springer | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=PiO8lKUs9-YC&pg=PA193&dq=Sthula+sarira#v=onepage&q=Sthula%20sarira&f=false|isbn=9781402050145}}
* {{Citation | last =Siddhrameswar Maharaj | year =2009 | title =Master Key to Self-Realization. In: Master of Self-Realization. An Ultimate Understanding | publisher =Sadguru Publishing}}
* [[Paramahansa Yogananda|Yogananda, Paramahansa]], [https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Autobiography_of_a_Yogi/Chapter_43 ''Autobiography of a Yogi''], Los Angeles, CA: Self-Realization Fellowship, 1946, Chapter 43.
{{refend}}
===Web-references===
{{reflist|group=web}}
==External links==
* [http://yoga108.org/pages/show/94-kundalini-yoga-introduction-to-the-basic-concepts-of-kundalini-yoga Advaita Yoga Ashram, ''Kundalini Yoga'']
* [http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f37/an-overview-of-vedanta-part-1-a-10833.html Reaswaran, ''An Overview of Vedanta Part 1'', Yoga Forums]
{{Yoga}}
{{Indian Philosophy}}
{{Portalbar|Yoga}}
[[Category:Hindu philosophy]]
[[Category:Vedanta]]
[[Category:Indian philosophy]]
[[Category:Nondualism]]
[[Category:Advaita Vedanta]]
{{hatlink|Or see [[Three body (disambiguation)|Three body]].}}
According to '''Sarira Traya''', the '''Doctrine of the Three bodies''' in [[Hinduism]], the human being is composed of three '''sariras''' or "bodies" emanating from Brahman by avidya, "ignorance" or "nescience". They are often equated with the five [[kosha]]s (sheaths), which cover the [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]]. The ''Three Bodies Doctrine'' is an essential doctrine in Indian philosophy and religion, especially [[Yoga]], [[Advaita Vedanta]] and [[Tantra]].
==The Three Bodies==
===Karana sarira - causal body===
{{Main|Causal body}}
''Karana sarira'' or the causal body is merely the cause{{sfn|Sharma|2006|p=193}} or seed of the subtle body and the gross body. It has no other function than being the seed of the subtle and the gross body.{{sfn|Bahder|Bahder|2013}} It is ''nirvikalpa [[Rūpa|rupam]]'', "undifferentiated form".{{sfn|Bahder|Bahder|2013}} It originates with ''avidya'', "ignorance" or "nescience" of the real identity of the atman, instead giving birth to the notion of ''[[jiva]]''.
[[Swami Sivananda]] characterizes the causal body as "The beginningless ignorance that is indescribable".<ref group=web name="BV" /> [[Siddharameshwar Maharaj]], the guru of [[Nisargadatta Maharaj]], also describes the causal body as characterized by "emptiness", "ignorance", and "darkness".{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}} In the search for the "I am", this is a state where there is nothing to hold on to anymore.{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|name="kenosis"|Compare [[kenosis]] and Juan de la Cross' ''[[Dark Night of the Soul]]''.}}
[[Ramanuja]] concludes that it is at this stage that consummation of the [[Atman (Hinduism)|atman]] with the [[Paramatman]] is reached and the search for the highest [[Purusa]], i.e., of [[Ishvara]], ends.{{sfn|Ranade|1926|p=155–168}}
According to other philosophical schools, the causal body is not the ''atman'', because it also has a beginning and an end and is subject to modification.<ref group=web>{{cite web|title=Tattva Bodha of Adi Shankara Part 2|author=Dr. S. Yegnasubramanian|url=http://svbf.org/journal/vol3no4/bodha.pdf}}</ref> [[Adi Shankara|Shankara]], not seeking a personal god, goes beyond ''Anandamaya Kosha'' in search of the transcendent [[Brahman]].{{sfn|Ranade|1926|p=155–168}}
The Indian tradition identifies it with the ''[[Anandamaya kosha]]'',<ref group=web name="BV">[http://sivanandaonline.org/public_html/?cmd=displaysection§ion_id=774 Divine life Society, ''Bases of Vedanta'']</ref> and the deep sleep state, where ''buddhi'' becomes dormant and all concepts of time fail, although there are differences between these three descriptions.
The causal body is considered as the most complex of the three bodies. It contains the impressions of experience, which results from past experience.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gregory P.|first1=Fields|title=Religious Therapeutics: Body and Health in Yoga, Āyurveda, and Tantra|date=2001|publisher=State University of New York Press|page=27|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rvQhuyGpB3wC&pg=PA27&dq=three+bodies+in+vedanta&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mY-OU8vmBJOMuASVp4LICA&ved=0CFkQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=three%20bodies%20in%20vedanta&f=false|accessdate=4 June 2014}}</ref>
===Suksma sarira - subtle body===
{{Main|Subtle body}}
''Suksma sarira'' or the subtle body is the body of the mind and the vital energies, which keep the physical body alive. Together with the causal body it is the transmigrating soul or [[jiva]], separating from the gross body upon death.
The subtle body is composed of the five subtle elements, the elements before they have undergone [[panchikarana]],<ref group=web name="SKA">[http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f37/an-overview-of-vedanta-part-1-a-10833.html Shri Kalam Ashram, ''An Overview of Vedanta'']</ref> and contains:
* ''sravanadipanchakam'' - the five organs of perception: eyes, ears, skin, tongue and nose<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|Shri Kalam Ashram: "[T]he organs of perception and action have been defined as residing in the Subtle body. These organs are not to be confused with the physical entities of the Ear, Eye etc which are part of the physical body. In Vedanta, it is the “Indriyas” –which are responsible for the function. The Indriyas are the “senses”. Thus while the physical organ “eye” is part of the Gross Body, when we talk about the “eye”, we are referring to the sense of sight which resides in the Subtle body.<ref group=web name="SKA" />}}
* ''vagadipanchakam'' - the five organs of action: speech, hands, legs, anus and genitals<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}
* ''[[prana]]panchakam'' - the five-fold vital breath: Prana (respiration), Apana (evacuation of waste from the body), Vyana (blood circulation), Udana (actions like sneezing, crying, vomiting etc.), Samana (digestion)<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}
* [[Manas (early Buddhism)|manas]]<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|See also [[Manas-vijnana]]}}
* [[Buddhi]], the Intellect, discriminating wisdom<ref group=web name="SKA" />{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|31-32}}{{refn|group=note|See also [[Prajna (Vedic)|prajna]]}}
Other Indian traditions see the subtle body as an eighth-fold aggregate, placing together the mind-aspects and adding avidhya, kamah and karma:
* ''buddhyadicatustayam'' (''[[buddhi]]'', ''[[Mind|manas]]'', ''ahamkrti'', ''[[citta]]''),
* ''[[Avidya (Hinduism)|avidya]]'' (''[[adhyasa]]'', super-imposition),
* ''[[kama]]h'' (desire),
* ''[[karma]]'' (action of the nature of ''[[dharma]]'' and ''[[adharma]]'').
In [[samkhya]], which does not acknowledge a causal body, it is also known as the ''linga-sarira''.{{sfn|Feuerstein|1978|p=200}} It puts one in the mind of the ''atman'', it reminds one of the ''atman'', the controller. It is the beginningless limitation of the ''atman'', it has no beginning like the ''Sthula sarira''.
The "dream state" is a distinct state of the subtle body, where the ''buddhi'' shines itself owing to memory of deeds done in the waking state. It is the indispensable operative cause of all the activities of the individual self.
===Sthula sarira - gross body===
{{See also|Rūpa}}
''Sthula sarira'' or the gross body is the material physical mortal body that eats, breathes and moves (acts). It is composed of many diverse components, produced by one’s ''karmas'' (actions) in past life out of the elements which have undergone ''[[panchikarana]]'' i.e. combining of the five primordial subtle elements.
It is the instrument of [[Jiva]]’s experience, which, attached to the body and dominated by ''[[Ahamkara]]'',{{refn|group=note|Ego, I-ness or the ''[[Antakarana]]'' in which the ''[[Citta]]'' or the ''[[Atman (Hinduism)|atman]]'' is reflected}} uses the body’s external and internal organs of sense and action. The Jiva, identifying itself with the body, in its waking state enjoys gross objects. On its body rests man’s contact with the external world.
The ''Sthula sarira''’s main features are ''Sambhava'' (birth), ''Jara'' (old age or ageing) and ''Maranam'' (death), and the "Waking State". The ''Sthula sarira'' is the [[Anatman (Hinduism)|anatman]].
==Correlations with other models==
{{See also|Nondualism#Advaya - Non-duality of absolute and relative|l1=Two truths doctrine}}
===Three bodies and five sheaths===
{{Main|Kosha}}
The [[Taittiriya Upanishad]] describes five [[kosha]]s, which are also often equated with the three bodies. The three bodies are often equated with the five koshas (sheaths), which cover the [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]]:
# ''Sthula sarira'', the Gross body, also called the ''Annamaya Kosha''<ref name="FD" />
# ''Suksma sarir''', the [[Subtle body]], composed of:
## ''[[Prana]]maya Kosha'' (Vital breath or [[Energy]]),
## ''[[Manas (early Buddhism)|Manomaya]] Kosha'' ([[Mind]]),
## ''[[Vijñāna|Vijnanamaya]] Kosha'' ([[Intellect]])<ref name="FD" />
# ''Karana sarira'', the [[Causal body]], the ''[[Anandamaya kosha|Anandamaya Kosha]]'' ([[Happiness|Bliss]])<ref name="FD">{{cite book|title=The Fourth Dimension|author=J.Jagadeesan|publisher=Sai Towers Publishing|page=13|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G3uGtLLz2A4C&pg=PA13&dq=Sthula+sarira#v=onepage&q=Sthula%20sarira&f=false|isbn=9788178990927}}</ref>
===Four states of consciousness and turiya===
The [[Mandukya Upanishad]] describes four states of consciousness, namely waking consciousness, dream, and deep sleep, and [[turiya]], the base-consciousness. Waking consciousness, dream, and deep sleep are equated with the three bodies, while turiya is a fourth state, which is equated with atman and purusha.
====Turiya====
{{Main|Turiya}}
{{See also|Purusha|Tathagatagarbha|Sunyata}}
[[Turiya]], pure consciousness, is the fourth state. It is the background that underlies and transcends the three common states of consciousness.<ref name=rm>[http://bhagavan-ramana.org/ramana_maharshi/books/tw/tw617.html {{cite book|author=Ramana Maharshi|title=States of Consciousness}}]</ref>
<ref name=sc1>[http://www.yogaofsrichinmoy.com/yoga/summits_of_god-life {{cite book|author=Sri Chinmoy|title=Summits of God-Life}}]</ref> In this consciousness both absolute and relative, [[Saguna Brahman]] and [[Nirguna Brahman]], are transcended.{{sfn|Sarma|1996|p=137}} It is the true state of experience of the infinite (''ananta'') and non-different (''advaita/abheda''), free from the dualistic experience which results from the attempts to conceptualise ( ''vipalka'') reality.{{sfn|King|1995|p=300 note 140}} It is the state in which [[ajativada]], non-origination, is apprehended.{{sfn|King|1995|p=300 note 140}}
====Four bodies====
[[Siddharameshwar Maharaj]], the guru of [[Nisargadatta Maharaj]], discerns four bodies, by including turiya or the "Great-Causal Body"{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|p=32}} as a fourth body. Here resides the knowledge of "I am" that cannot be described,{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|p=33}} the state before Ignorance and Knowledge, or [[Turiya]] state{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|p=32}}
====Integral Theory====
The three bodies are a critical component of [[Ken Wilber]]'s Integral Theory.
===Ten bodies of Kundalini Yoga===
Kundalini Yoga as taught by [[Yogi Bhajan]] describes ten spiritual bodies: the physical body, three mental bodies and six energy bodies. There is an 11th embodiment of Parallel Unisonness, which represents the divine sound current and is characterized by a pure state of non-dual consciousness.{{sfn|Bhajan|2003|p=201-203}}
#First Body (Soul Body) - the spark of the infinite at the core
#Second Body (Negative Mind) - the protective and defensive aspect of mind
#Third Body (Positive Mind) - energetic and hopeful projection of mind
#Fourth Body (Neutral Mind) - intuitive, integrates information from the negative and positive minds
#Fifth Body (Physical Body) - the human vehicle on Earth
#Sixth Body (Arcline) - extends from ear to ear, across the hairline and brow. Commonly known as a halo. Woman have a second arcline across the chest. The arcline contains energy imprints of memories.
#Seventh Body (Aura) - an electromagnetic field that surrounds the body; the container of a person's life force.
#Eighth Body (Pranic Body) - connected with the breath, brings the life force and energy in and out of your system.
#Ninth Body (Subtle Body) - gives the subtle perceptual ability to sense the infinite within the physical and material plane.
#Tenth Body (Radiant Body) - gives spiritual royalty and radiance.
==Application in Indian philosophy==
===Yoga physiology===
The three bodies are an essential part of the Yoga physiology. Yoga aims at controlling the vital energies of the bodies, thereby attaining [[siddhi]]s (magical powers) and [[moksha]].
===Atma vijnana===
According to the Advaita Vedanta tradition, knowledge of the "self" or [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]] can be gained by [[self-inquiry]], investigating the three bodies, and disidentifying from them. It is a method which is well-known from [[Ramana Maharshi]], but also from [[Nisargadatta Maharaj]] and his teacher [[Siddharameshwar Maharaj]].
By subsequently identifying with the three lower bodies, investigating them, and discarding identification with them when it has become clear that they are not the "I", the sense of "I am" beyond knowledge and Ignorance becomes clearly established.{{sfn|Siddharameshwar Maharaj|2009|34-58}}
In this investigation the three bodies are recognized as not being [[Anatman (Hinduism)|anatman]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Sri Samkara’s Vivekacudamani|author=Sri Candrashekhara Bharati of Srngeri|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan|place=Mumbai|page=xxi|url= http://www.bhavans.info/store/bookdetail.asp?bid=364&bauth=Sri+Sankara+Bhagavatpadacarya }}</ref>
===Theosophy===
The later Theosophists speak of seven bodies or levels of existence that include ''Sthula sarira'' and ''[[Linga sarira]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics|author=Ed Hudson|publisher=Harvest House Publishers|page=471|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yipXIHcteRsC&pg=PA471&dq=Sthula+sarira#v=onepage&q=Sthula%20sarira&f=false|isbn=9780736936354|date=2008-05-01}}</ref>
==See also==
{{div col|cols=2}}
;Hinduism
* [[Mandukya Upanishad]]
* [[Kosha]]
* [[Chakra]]
* [[Kundalini]]
* [[Yoga]]
* [[Advaita Vedanta]]
;Buddhism
* [[Namarupa]]
* [[Skandha]]
* [[Trikaya]]
{{div col end}}
==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==Sources==
===Published sources===
{{refbegin}}
* {{Citation | last1 =Bahder | first1 =Paul | last2 =Bahder | first2 =Carol | year =2013 | title =Be Free From "Me": Vedanta Notes | publisher =Vision of Vedanta}}
* {{Citation | last =Bhajan | first =Yogi | year =2003 | title =The Aquarian Teacher | publisher =KRI International}}
* {{Citation | last =Feuerstein | first =George | year =1978 | title =Handboek voor Yoga (Textbook of Yoga) | publisher =Ankh-Hermes}}
* {{Citation | last =King | first =Richard | year =1995 | title =Early Advaita Vedānta and Buddhism: The Mahāyāna Context of the Gauḍapādīya-kārikā | publisher =SUNY Press}}
* {{Citation | last =Ranade | first =Ramachandra Dattatrya | year =1926 | title =A constructive survey of Upanishadic philosophy | publisher =Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan | place =Mumbai | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7BQYAAAAIAAJ}}
* {{Citation | last =Sarma | first =Chandradhar | year =1996 | title =The Advaita Tradition in Indian Philosophy | place =Delhi | publisher =Motilal Banarsidass}}
* {{Citation | last =Sharma | first =Arvind | year =2006 | title =A Primal Perspective on the philosophy of Religion | publisher =Springer | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=PiO8lKUs9-YC&pg=PA193&dq=Sthula+sarira#v=onepage&q=Sthula%20sarira&f=false|isbn=9781402050145}}
* {{Citation | last =Siddhrameswar Maharaj | year =2009 | title =Master Key to Self-Realization. In: Master of Self-Realization. An Ultimate Understanding | publisher =Sadguru Publishing}}
* [[Paramahansa Yogananda|Yogananda, Paramahansa]], [https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Autobiography_of_a_Yogi/Chapter_43 ''Autobiography of a Yogi''], Los Angeles, CA: Self-Realization Fellowship, 1946, Chapter 43.
{{refend}}
===Web-references===
{{reflist|group=web}}
==External links==
* [http://yoga108.org/pages/show/94-kundalini-yoga-introduction-to-the-basic-concepts-of-kundalini-yoga Advaita Yoga Ashram, ''Kundalini Yoga'']
* [http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f37/an-overview-of-vedanta-part-1-a-10833.html Reaswaran, ''An Overview of Vedanta Part 1'', Yoga Forums]
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