Many spiritual traditions describe the human being as more than a physical body. Some describe layers or “bodies” of energy and consciousness, each subtler than the last. One such map, found in some Indian spiritual teachings, describes seven bodies.

You don’t need to accept this map as literal fact to find it interesting. Like many spiritual frameworks, it can be a way of reflecting on the different dimensions of being human.

The seven bodies

1. The physical body. The body you can see and touch. It breathes, eats, moves and rests. Caring for it is the foundation of everything else.

2. The etheric body. Often described as the body of feeling and emotion, closely linked to our moods and sensitivity.

3. The astral body. Associated with thought, reasoning and the development of our own views and ideas.

4. The mental body. Linked with deeper understanding, imagination and the capacity for insight.

5. The spiritual body. Associated with a sense of the soul, inner peace and connection with something beyond the personal self.

6. The cosmic body. Described as a sense of unity with all of existence.

7. The nirvanic body. Often described as the dissolving of separation altogether, sometimes spoken of as “bodiless”.

A map, not a ranking

Some versions of this map describe the bodies as stages that people develop over time. It’s worth holding this lightly. Every human being is whole and worthy, wherever they are on their journey. The value of a map like this is in what it invites you to notice, not in sorting people into higher and lower.

Your body is a good place to start

Whatever you believe about subtler bodies, your physical body is right here, offering you a doorway into presence. Feeling your breath, your feet on the floor or the warmth of the sun is a simple way to begin exploring all the dimensions of who you are. How to listen to the wisdom of your body has gentle ways in.

A simple reflection

Sit quietly and notice:

  • your physical body: its weight and breath;
  • your feelings: what emotions are present;
  • your thoughts: what’s passing through your mind;
  • the awareness that notices all of these.

How little is enough

Spend a few minutes with this reflection once this week. Notice the different layers of your experience, without needing to label them perfectly.

For more on these ideas, explore Metaphysics.

When you’re ready to go a little deeper, the Guides page has a guided journal for walking through change at your own pace.