The four so-called “lowest” or most material of the individual’s seven Principles. The precise division of these and their names have varied over the years. An early grouping by Helena P. Blavatsky (The Theosophist, August, 1882; CW IV:185; cf. SD II:593), using only Sanskrit, was:

Śthūla-Śarīra, the physical body.

Jīva, the Life Principle.

Linga-Śarīra, the Astral or Vital Body.

Kāma-Rūpa, the Desire or Passion Form.

The most commonly used terminology at the present time is:

Mental Body (Lower Mental)

Astral Body.

Etheric Body (or Double).

Physical Body.

See also HUMAN CONSTITUTION.

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