Sharira is a Sanskrit word translated as “body” and relates to the three layers of our awareness. The three shariras are similar to the koshas but are a more simplified system that may be easier to understand. The three bodies are made up of the five koshas, with the second sharira grouping three of the koshas together. The three layers or bodies are:

1. Sthula Sharira. The outer layer is the physical body that eats, breathes and moves by the will of our ego or ahamkara. The physical body includes our external and internal organs of sense and action which connect our Jiva or soul to the external world.
2. Sukshma The second layer is the subtle body that contains the four functions of the mind and prana, the life force energy that flows throughout the body. It includes the five organs of sense, the organs of action (genitals, anus, hands, legs and speech), the five vital breaths, as well as wisdom and intellect.
3. Karana The innermost layer is the causal body. It is the seed of the subtle body and the gross body. This body is described as a state of deep sleep, where the buddhi aspect of the mind is dormant. It is also the seat of karma, the accumulated actions from past lives that determine our current state of existence. Past karmas become stored in samskaras, which are unconscious habit patterns. This body holds the keys for us to grow into our highest spiritual awareness.