Doctrine in Vedanta: the gross body, the subtle body, and the causal body
This article is about the Hindu doctrine. For the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine, see Trikaya.
According to three bodies doctrine in Hinduism, the human being is composed of three shariras or "bodies" emanating from Brahman by avidya, "ignorance" or "nescience". They are often equated with the five koshas (sheaths), which cover the atman. This doctrine is an essential doctrine in Indian philosophy and religion, especially Yoga, Advaita Vedanta, Tantra and Shaivism.