Tattva Bhoda -6

Śarīratrayam (The three bodies)

What is Atma?

The principle of Neti Neti

The gross, subtle and the causal – other than these 3 bodies;
Beyond the five sheaths;
The Witness of the three states of consciousness;
Of the nature of Existence-Knowledge-Bliss.

What is Gross Body?

That which is made up of the 5 great elements that have undergone the process of Grossification; born as a result of good actions of the past for experiences such as joy, sorrow, etc. –the counter to experience these.

The six modifications that body undergoes.

Asti (Existence): This is confirmed by the ‘presence’ in the womb.
ii) Jayate (Birth): The child emerges into the outer world.
iii) Vardhate (Growth): With nourishment and Prana the body grows to maturity.
iv) Viparinamate (Maturity): It becomes an adult body.
v) Apakshiyate (Decay): The withdrawal phase begins (hair greys, sight weakens,etc)
vi) Vinashyati (Death): The elements return to where they came from