Significance of Subtle body
Synonyms: Energy body, Etheric body, Astral body, Light body, Spiritual body, Ethereal body, Non-physical body
In Dutch: Subtiel lichaam; In Finnish: Hienovarainen runko; In Spanish: Cuerpo sutil; In German: Subtiler K枚rper; In Swedish: Subtil kropp; In Malay: Badan halus; In French: Corps subtil; In Finnish: Hienovarainen keho
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Subtle body'
In Buddhism, the "Subtle body" is a non-physical form facilitating transcendence beyond physical barriers, allowing flexibility and spiritual mobility. It represents an ethereal existence tied to advanced meditation, energetic practices, and consciousness.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A spiritual form that is not coarse, allowing for flexibility and immateriality; indicative of the devaputra's heavenly existence.[1] (2) This term denotes the supposed non-material aspect of beings that some philosophies attribute to the self or consciousness.[2] (3) A non-physical form that allows flexibility; mentioned in reference to Hastaka's initial form.[3]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A concept related to advanced meditative practices that allow practitioners to understand and manipulate their spiritual form.[4]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A non-physical form that enables one to transcend physical barriers, allowing movement to unseen or blessed realms.[5]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The non-physical aspect of a being, often associated with spiritual or energetic systems.[6]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) A non-physical form that exists beyond the ordinary perception of physical reality; it represents a more ethereal state.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Subtle body'
In Hinduism, the subtle body represents the non-physical aspects of an individual, encompassing mind, consciousness, and emotional elements, which persist after physical death and influence spiritual journeys and experiences tied to karma and the soul.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is where the warmth resides, which is perceived by touch within a living organism, but this warmth is not detectable after the organism's passing.[8] (2) This refers to a specific component of the body that is being discussed, and the soul's passing through bondage and release depends on it.[9] (3) The subtle body remains unaffected by the destruction that impacts the gross body, such as processes like burning.[10] (4) The asamyagdarshin, who has to remain in the samshara, cannot do without the organs, since his jiva when passing out of the old body into a new one is invested with the subtle body.[11] (5) A reference to the non-physical aspect of an individual that connects with the mind and essence.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Refers to the highest Brahman's aspect that encompasses the abstract qualities and essence of the divine.[13] (2) A form of body that remains connected to the soul in a state of swoon, as opposed to being completely severed as in death.[14] (3) A non-physical aspect of a person that persists after the gross body and is associated with the soul's journey and experiences.[15] (4) Refers to the incredibly fine and intangible aspect of Brahman that allows it to manifest the universe.[16] (5) The subtle body is the non-physical aspect of the human being, described in the text as the capability that allows 鈥楿nevolved鈥� non-sentient matter to take certain forms.[17]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The body composed of seventeen elements, including sensory and motor organs, as well as mental faculties like Manas and Buddhi; it represents a finer level of existence.[18] (2) the 'air-like subtle body' that is a layer of existence overlaying the true self, similar to the gross body.[19] (3) This refers to the body suggested as being composed of elements before they subdivide and combine, indicative of a metaphysical essence.[20] (4) The layer of identity associated with the ego, which is also imagined and not representative of the true self.[21] (5) The subtle body is described as the aspect of oneself that can be discarded or ceased to identify with in the process of self-realization.[22]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The aspect of being associated with the sheaths of vital force, consciousness, and self-consciousness, distinct from the gross physical form.[23] (2) A non-physical aspect of the jiva that grows simultaneously with the physical body.[24] (3) The non-physical aspect of a being that must be differentiated from both the Self and the gross body.[25] (4) A structure composed of seventeen factors, serving as the individual's intangible form.[26] (5) The aspect of existence made up of the three sheaths that are subservient to the Self.[27]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The aspect of existence associated with finer elements like the mind which connects with the essence of the subtle form of Brahman.[28] (2) The aspect of a being that exists alongside the gross body and is nourished by finer food, reflecting a deeper layer of spiritual existence.[29] (3) The more refined aspect of existence that relates to the self, which is formed from the limiting adjuncts during the process of transmigration.[30] (4) The mystical aspect of existence composed of individual organs, distinct from the gross physical body yet interrelated.[31]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The aspect of the self that is conditioned by ignorance, desires, karma, and tendencies.[32] (2) The intermediate Atman that is seated between the gross body and the soul, as described in relation to the purusha.[33]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The non-physical aspect of an individual that accompanies the soul during the process of rebirth.[34] (2) The non-physical aspect of a being that contains qualities such as bodily heat, distinct from the gross body.[35]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Comprises the seventeen elements including organs of sense, organs of action, and internal organs, as part of a person's existence.[36] (2) The body that comprises the three sheaths or layers beyond the physical form.[37]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A non-physical form consisting of essential elements such as the five organs of action and perception, as well as the mind and intellect.[38]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The subtle body connected with the atman, existing within the heart.[39]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The non-physical aspect of the individual self, associated with intelligence and the functions of cognition and action.[40]
From: Ishavasya Upanishad with Shankara Bhashya (Sitarama)
(1) A non-physical form that is thought to persist beyond physical death, associated with the individual's spiritual essence.[41]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The non-physical aspect of a living entity that contains desires and karmic influences and exists beyond death.[42] (2) The body that exists within the gross body of the conditioned soul, consisting of mind and intellect.[43] (3) The non-physical aspect of a living entity that includes the mind and is distinct from the gross body.[44] (4) The mental aspect that covers the eternal spirit soul before it is further encased in a gross physical body.[45]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A non-physical aspect of a person that persists beyond physical death, allowing for ethereal navigation and spiritual experiences.[46] (2) Linga refers to the subtle body that encompasses the finer designations such as mind, intelligence, and false ego.[47]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) An astral body that lies between the spiritual and physical realms, affecting the jiva's experiences.[48]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The non-physical aspect of an individual, including mind and consciousness, which is often associated with the identity and ego.[49]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The aspect of the soul that survives after death and requires spiritual rites for its elevation.[50]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The non-physical aspect of an individual, often associated with mind and intellect, which is distinct from the physical form.[51]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to a non-physical aspect of a being that holds memories and experiences, playing a crucial role in the transformations between different states of existence.[52] (2) The non-material body that the Jiva uses to experience the consequences of karmas without being destroyed.[53]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The aspect of an individual which includes mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies that encapsulate the Atman and carries the effects of Karma.[54] (2) Composed of the combination of eighteen elements, the Subtle Body is said to persist after the Gross Body's death, accounting for the experience of continuity in existence.[55]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The ethereal aspect of an individual that can manipulate the spiritual and material realms through spiritual science.[56]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The mental form that is suitable for the mind and facilitates quicker actions compared to the inert gross body.[57]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The spiritual form of an individual that exists in the dual realms of material perception and higher consciousness.[58]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A concept referring to a non-physical aspect of one's being that encompasses mental and spiritual dimensions beyond the material body.[59] (2) The form in which the pure Conscious Being resides after being divested of the aggregates associated with misdeeds.[60] (3) An entity composed of the 'Great Principle' (Mahat) and basic elements, which migrates through various states without directly experiencing them and is considered a basis for interaction with the gross material body.[61] (4) A concept referring to a non-physical form of existence that encompasses the spiritual essence of an individual.[62] (5) The essential form that migrates during transmigration, devoid of feeling but invested with tendencies formed from past acts.[63]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The finer, non-physical aspect of beings that is mentioned in relation to the unchangeable nature of the Atman.[64]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) An intangible or non-physical aspect of existence that is suggested to persist through cycles of death and rebirth, although its existence lacks empirical authority.[65]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The non-physical aspect of a being that continues to exist after the gross body has died, experiencing the states of Heaven or Hell based on past actions.[66]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The non-physical aspect of a being, interconnected with the divine and utilized to realize higher spiritual truths.[67]
The concept of Subtle body in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Subtle body" refers to the non-physical aspect of an individual after death, representing ongoing existence and spiritual evolution beyond the physical form, central to various spiritual philosophies.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The disciple suggested that Swamiji must have lectured in his subtle body, and sometimes it would be echoed by the gross body also, during the American experiences.[68] (2) Behind the subtle body lives Jiva or the individual soul of man, which is a concept discussed within the provided context.[69] (3) The disciple suggests that Swamiji might have lectured in his subtle body, which Swamiji acknowledges as a possibility.[70]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A term referring to the non-physical aspect of a person post-death, as per belief, indicating continuity of existence beyond the physical form.[71] (2) A form of existence in spiritual philosophy that may continue even without a physical body, allowing a soul to progress along spiritual paths.[72]