A snake sheds it covering just as a human being, over a period of time.
We humans are basically an eternal soul wrapped in 5 bodies
namely, the physical, the etheric double, the emotional (astral), the mental
and ultimately the causal (spiritual). Out of these, it is only the spiritual
body which remains to the end when the soul merges with the Divine light.
These bodies interpenetrate each other and form an aura around
the physical body.
Each of these bodies has a different composition and an
important significance.
To begin with, the Physical body or the Annamayakosha is
gross in nature and consists of cellular tissues and organs. Adjacent to the
physical body is the Etheric double or the Pranamayakosha which supplies energy
to the entire body and organs. Various nadis or energy channels run through it. Beyond the Etheric double is
the Astral/Emotional body or the Manomayakosha consisting of the conscious mind
and memory and is involved in the emotional aspects of life and desires.
Following the Emotional body is the Mental/Intellectual body or the
Vijnamayakosha, the higher intellect or the super conscious mind. It reflects
our thought processes, understanding, knowledge and beliefs. And finally comes
the Causal body or the Anandmayakosha, the body of cosmic consciousness. Feelings
of divine love and bliss are centered here. It is the source of life
consciousness for the current personality i.e. the knowledge of our true
existence. The Akashic records are stored here, i.e. , our past life
experiences and knowledge.
A balance between these bodies is a must, as any mal-alignment
of these bodies with one another will
lead to various physical, emotional and mental disorders.
