In this article, we’ll unpack all you need to know about the 3 types of bodies according to Ayurveda, including definitions, how they interact with each other and more.
The 3 Bodies
According to Ayurveda, human beings have 3 bodies; the physical body, the astral body and the spiritual body. They are all interconnected via the vital life force energy known as prana.
The Physical body (known as the Sthula Sharira) is the tangible, gross anatomy that we can touch and see. This includes muscles, bones, organs and everything else that gives us our human shape and form.
The Astral body (known as the Sukshma Sharira) encompasses the mind, intellect and ego. Within this body lie the energy centers (chakras) and the energy channels (nadis). It acts as a bridge between our physical form and our innermost essence.
The Causal body (known as the Karana Sharira) represents the soul or the individual’s pure consciousness. Within this body reside the seeds of karma and the actions of our past, present and future.
How Do The 3 Bodies Interact With One Another?
The physical body acts as the vessel for the astral and causal bodies. The astral body, with its mind and emotions, influences physical health. The causal body, with its karmic patterns, influences both the astral and physical layers. All three are deeply interconnected in a dance of cause and effect.
How They Impact The Doshas
The doshas predominantly influence the physical body but also have subtle effects on the astral body, particularly on the mind. By balancing the doshas, we can create harmony in the physical and astral bodies.
The 3 Bodies & Reincarnation
The causal body holds our karmic imprints. Karma, the universal law of cause and effect, dictates that every action has a reaction. This reaction can manifest in this life and in future lives. The causal body, being the keeper of karma, carries these imprints through our lifetimes.
Summary (TL;DR)
According to Ayurveda, human beings have 3 bodies; the physical body, the astral body and the spiritual body.
The physical body is the realm of sight and touch. The astral body is the realm of mind and emotions. The causal body is the realm of soul and karma.
All 3 bodies are interconnected. The physical body serves as the vessel for the astral and causal bodies. The astral body influences physical health. The causal body influences both the astral and physical layers.
