The seven layers of the aura, often referred to as subtle bodies or energy sheaths, are deeply connected to the chakras and spiritual traditions, particularly in Hindu philosophy. Each layer corresponds to a specific aspect of human consciousness and energy, with distinct colors, functions, and Sanskrit names.
1. Etheric Body (Pranamaya Kosha)
Sanskrit Name: Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Sheath)
Distance: 1/4 to 2 inches from the skin
Color: Bluish-gray, white, or light blue
Function: Vital life force (prana), physical health, energy template for the body
Chakra: Root (Muladhara)
2. Emotional Body (Manomaya Kosha)
Sanskrit Name: Manomaya Kosha (Mental Sheath)
Distance: 1 to 3 inches
Color: All colors, fluid and shifting
Function: Emotions, feelings, mood
Chakra: Sacral (Svadhisthana)
3. Mental Body (Vijnanamaya Kosha)
Sanskrit Name: Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Sheath)
Distance: 3 to 8 inches
Color: Yellow, bright when thinking clearly
Function: Thoughts, beliefs, mental clarity
Chakra: Solar Plexus (Manipura)
4. Astral Body (Karmic Body)
Sanskrit Name: Karmic Body (often linked to Vijnanamaya Kosha in deeper layers)
Distance: 6 to 12 inches
Color: Rose, pink, or rainbow
Function: Love, relationships, emotional connection
Chakra: Heart (Anahata)
5. Causal Body (Buddhic Body)
Sanskrit Name: Buddhic Body or Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath)
Distance: 1.5 to 2 feet
Color: Cobalt blue, dark blue
Function: Higher purpose, divine will, karmic patterns
Chakra: Throat (Vishuddha)
6. Celestial Body (Buddhic Body)
Sanskrit Name: Buddhic Body (also called Jnana Kosha)
Distance: 2 to 2.75 feet
Color: Opalescent, pearlescent, pastel
Function: Spiritual awareness, intuition, inner knowing
Chakra: Third Eye (Ajna)
7. Ketheric Body (Atmic Body)
Sanskrit Name: Atmic Body or Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath)
Distance: 2.5 to 3.5 feet
Color: Gold, white, or brilliant light
Function: Divine connection, spiritual mastery, enlightenment
Chakra: Crown (Sahasrara)
These layers reflect a progression from the physical to the spiritual, with the Sanskrit term Koshas—meaning “sheaths” or “layers”—used to describe the five primary layers in Hindu philosophy (Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya, Anandamaya). The seven-layer model expands on this, integrating chakra systems and metaphysical traditions like Theosophy and Reiki.
The Vedic tradition primarily recognizes four main yogas, not seven, each tailored to different human temperaments. However, additional paths are sometimes included in expanded systems, leading to references of six or seven yogas. Below is a synthesis of the core and extended paths with their Sanskrit names and meanings.
1. Jnana Yoga (ज्ञान योग) – Path of Knowledge
For the intellectually inclined
Focuses on self-inquiry (Atma-Vichara), study of scriptures (Upanishads, Vedanta), and discernment (viveka) between real and unreal
Goal: Realization of Atman (Self) as identical with Brahman (Ultimate Reality)
2. Bhakti Yoga (भक्ति योग) – Path of Devotion
For the emotionally inclined
Involves love, surrender, and devotion to a personal deity (e.g., Krishna, Rama)
Practices: kirtan (chanting), puja (worship), japa (mantra repetition)
Emphasizes bhava (emotional intensity) and prapatti (surrender)
3. Karma Yoga (कर्म योग) – Path of Selfless Action
For the active-minded
Performing duty without attachment to results (nishkama karma)
Rooted in the Bhagavad Gita: „You have the right to action, not to the fruits”
Purifies the heart by dissolving ego (ahamkara)
4. Raja Yoga (राज योग) – Royal Path of Meditation
For the contemplative
Systematized by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras as Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs)
Includes yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi
Focuses on mastery of mind and attainment of samadhi
5. Hatha Yoga (हठ योग) – Path of Physical Discipline
Prepares the body for higher meditation
Balances ha (sun) and tha (moon) energies via asanas and pranayama
Often considered a subset of Raja Yoga
6. Mantra Yoga (मन्त्र योग) – Path of Sacred Sound
Uses vibration of mantras (e.g., Om) to focus the mind
Closely linked with Bhakti and Kundalini Yoga
Aids in transcending mental chatter
7. Laya Yoga (लय योग) – Path of Dissolution
Involves merging the individual consciousness into the universal
Often synonymous with Kundalini Yoga, focusing on awakening kundalini energy through chakras
Uses nada (inner sound) and meditation
While the four primary yogas (Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, Raja) are foundational in Vedanta, the sevenfold system integrates complementary practices from Tantric and later yogic traditions. All paths converge on the same goal: moksha (liberation) or union with the Divine.