According to yogic and Hindu philosophy, there are 3 bodies which constitute a human existence.
- Physical body
- Causal body
- Subtle body
For Reiki healing, we need to understand Subtle body and Chakras. Subtle body is also known by the Sanskrit name, sukshma sharira and is sometimes called the astral body.
In the Bhagavad Gita, the subtle body is described as a combination of the mind, the intellect and the ego, and it is the subtle body that controls the physical. Through the subtle body, the yogi experiences pleasure and pain.
Each of the three bodies plays a role in transporting the self along the path of liberation from the cycle of birth and death also called reincarnation. Through yoga, one can control the energies of these bodies, beginning with the physical and subtle before connecting with the higher Self through the causal body.
The physical body consists of energy that vibrates very slowly, which is why it appears to our physical eyes to be solid. This has led us to focus mainly on the physical aspect of ourselves without recognizing that it is actually created from and sustained by the energetic layers that are outside of our normal perception. Subtle body consists of various layers of vibrating energy that make up a human being beyond the obvious physical layer. It cannot be seen by the physical eyes, but can be seen psychically through the third eye or with the aid of Kirlian photography.
Like our physical body has important organs such as brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, etc similarly subtle body has important organs called Chakras, which are energy points or centres, each with their own specific purpose and function. More details about Chakras can be found in next page.