Difference between revisions of "Subtle body"
(Created page with 'File:lighterstill.jpgright|frame A '''subtle body''' is one of a series of psycho-spiritual constituents of living beings, according to various ...') |
m (Text replacement - "http://" to "https://") |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Subtle_body.jpg|right|frame]] | [[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Subtle_body.jpg|right|frame]] | ||
| − | A '''subtle body''' is one of a series of psycho-spiritual constituents of living [[beings]], according to various [[esoteric]], [[occult]], and [[mystical]] teachings. Each subtle body [[corresponds]] to a subtle plane of existence, in a [[hierarchy]] or great [ | + | A '''subtle body''' is one of a series of psycho-spiritual constituents of living [[beings]], according to various [[esoteric]], [[occult]], and [[mystical]] teachings. Each subtle body [[corresponds]] to a subtle plane of existence, in a [[hierarchy]] or great [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_chain_of_being chain of being] that [[culminates]] in the [[physical]] form. |
| − | It is known in [[different]] spiritual [[traditions]]; "the most sacred body" (''wujud al-aqdas'') and "supracelestial body" (''jism asli haqiqi'') in [ | + | It is known in [[different]] spiritual [[traditions]]; "the most sacred body" (''wujud al-aqdas'') and "supracelestial body" (''jism asli haqiqi'') in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism Sufism], "the diamond body" in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism Taoism] and Vajrayana, "the light body" or "rainbow body" in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism], "the body of bliss" in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriya_Yoga Kriya Yoga], and "the immortal body" (''soma athanaton'') in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism Hermeticism]. The various attributes of the subtle body are frequently [[described]] in terms of often obscure [[symbolism]]: Tantra features references to the [[sun]] and [[moon]] as well as various Indian rivers and [[deities]], while Taoist [[alchemy]] speaks of cauldrons and cinnabar fields. |
| − | [[Clairvoyants]] sometimes say that they can see the subtle bodies as an [[aura]]. The [[practice]] of [ | + | [[Clairvoyants]] sometimes say that they can see the subtle bodies as an [[aura]]. The [[practice]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astral_projection astral projection], as described in various [[literature]], is supposed to involve the [[separation]] of the subtle body from the [[physical]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy theosophical] movement was important in spreading such [[ideas]] throughout [[the West]] in the late 19th century. The [[existence]] of subtle bodies is unconfirmed by the [[mainstream]] [[scientific]] [[community]]. |
| − | The Yogic, [ | + | The Yogic, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra Tantric] and other systems of India, the Buddhist psychology of Tibet, as well as Chinese ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoist_alchemy Taoist alchemy]) and Japanese ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shingon_Buddhism Shingon]) esoterism are examples of [[doctrines]] that describe a subtle [[physiology]] having a number of [[focal point]]s ([[chakras]], acupuncture points) connected by a series of channels ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadi_(yoga) nadis], Acupuncture [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian_(Chinese_medicine) meridians]) that convey life-force ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prana prana], vayu, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qi ch'i, ki], lung). |
| − | These [[invisible]] [[channels]] and points are understood to determine the characteristics of the visible [[physical]] form. By [[understanding]] and mastering the subtlest levels of [[reality]] one gains mastery over the physical realm. Through [[practice]] of various [[breathing]] and [[visualisation]] exercises one is able to [[manipulate]] and direct the [[flow]] of vital force, to achieve [[superhuman]] (e.g. in martial arts) or [[miraculous]] powers ("[ | + | These [[invisible]] [[channels]] and points are understood to determine the characteristics of the visible [[physical]] form. By [[understanding]] and mastering the subtlest levels of [[reality]] one gains mastery over the physical realm. Through [[practice]] of various [[breathing]] and [[visualisation]] exercises one is able to [[manipulate]] and direct the [[flow]] of vital force, to achieve [[superhuman]] (e.g. in martial arts) or [[miraculous]] powers ("[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddhi siddhis]") and attain higher states of [[consciousness]], [[immortality]], or liberation.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtle_body] |
[[Category: Religion]] | [[Category: Religion]] | ||
[[Category: Health]] | [[Category: Health]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:34, 13 December 2020
A subtle body is one of a series of psycho-spiritual constituents of living beings, according to various esoteric, occult, and mystical teachings. Each subtle body corresponds to a subtle plane of existence, in a hierarchy or great chain of being that culminates in the physical form.
It is known in different spiritual traditions; "the most sacred body" (wujud al-aqdas) and "supracelestial body" (jism asli haqiqi) in Sufism, "the diamond body" in Taoism and Vajrayana, "the light body" or "rainbow body" in Tibetan Buddhism, "the body of bliss" in Kriya Yoga, and "the immortal body" (soma athanaton) in Hermeticism. The various attributes of the subtle body are frequently described in terms of often obscure symbolism: Tantra features references to the sun and moon as well as various Indian rivers and deities, while Taoist alchemy speaks of cauldrons and cinnabar fields.
Clairvoyants sometimes say that they can see the subtle bodies as an aura. The practice of astral projection, as described in various literature, is supposed to involve the separation of the subtle body from the physical. The theosophical movement was important in spreading such ideas throughout the West in the late 19th century. The existence of subtle bodies is unconfirmed by the mainstream scientific community.
The Yogic, Tantric and other systems of India, the Buddhist psychology of Tibet, as well as Chinese (Taoist alchemy) and Japanese (Shingon) esoterism are examples of doctrines that describe a subtle physiology having a number of focal points (chakras, acupuncture points) connected by a series of channels (nadis, Acupuncture meridians) that convey life-force (prana, vayu, ch'i, ki, lung).
These invisible channels and points are understood to determine the characteristics of the visible physical form. By understanding and mastering the subtlest levels of reality one gains mastery over the physical realm. Through practice of various breathing and visualisation exercises one is able to manipulate and direct the flow of vital force, to achieve superhuman (e.g. in martial arts) or miraculous powers ("siddhis") and attain higher states of consciousness, immortality, or liberation.[1]
