Prabodhasudhakara

Chapter 9- Definition of subtle body, etc.

   Within the gross body there is the subtle body. Within the latter is the causal body. Within that is the super-causal body. (In other works of Sri Sankara only one causal body is mentioned, but here two are mentioned. The difference between the two is explained subsequently). The gross body (or physical body) has already been explained in chapter 1. The subtle body is the aggregate of the five subtle elements, the five vital airs, the five organs of sense and the internal organ (mind). It is what is referred to in the sruti by the statement, “The purusha is of the size of the thumb” (Kathopanishad).

    The above definition of the subtle body differs from that found in other works of Sri Sankara. In other works the subtle body is described as the aggregate of (1) the five praanas, (2) the fives subtle organs of perception, (3) the five organs of action, (4) the mind, and (5) the intellect.

   The causal body is made up of the mental impressions (vaasanaas) left by past actions.

    The super-causal body is avidya, which is the cause of the manifestation of the causal body.

     Though there are some differences between the definitions of the subtle body and causal body in the present work and those found in other works, the differences are not very material.   

    The reflection of pure consciousness in the intellect which is the essence of the subtle body is known as the jiva. This jiva causes the manifestation of the sense of ‘I-ness’ in the physical body.

     The reflection of the sun in the ocean moves because of the movement of the waves. Similarly the reflection of pure consciousness moves in accordance with the changes in the mind. But just as the sun is not affected by the movement of its reflection, pure consciousness is not at all affected by the movements of its reflection in the mind. 

     The light of the sun, when reflected from objects such as a bell-metal vessel, illumines the other objects in the same room. Similarly, the reflection of pure consciousness in the subtle body illumines the objects outside through the sense-organs i.e. the senses experience objects outside because of the consciousness reflected in the subtle body.   

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