The Subtle Energy Body: The Hidden Architecture of Spiritual Power

Why Real Transformation starts within.

The Body You’ve Always Had but Never Knew

One of the primary lessons of every yogic path is to learn to train the senses. We are told that the five senses pull the mind into the material world and they need to be trained. Many of the practices we see in yoga – asana (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), dhyana (meditation) and even mantra (repetition of sacred formulas) – are helping to create deep focus and manage the senses.

But have you ever thought carefully about why this is important?

When the senses are captured by the experiences of the material world then our attention is always flowing outwards into the world. The more you can train the senses then you become able to place your attention inwards, on your own being instead of the world.

Something amazing happens when you do this.

As you train your attention within yourself there is the opportunity to discover that there is a whole other dimension of experience within you: the experience of your subtle energy body.

The yogic view of our being is this – that we are consciousness beings with different layers of experience. These different layers of our being can all be stripped away leaving behind our true nature as consciousness.

The first layer or body is called sthula sharir – this is the physical, biological body that we are most familiar with. It is the outermost layer of our being.

The second layer or body is called sukshma sharir – this is the subtle energy body. It is the beginning of our spiritual awareness and power.

The third layer or body is call karana sharir – the causal body. It holds the cause or reasons for our existence. It is here that all our karmic seeds are stored (more about that at a later time).

For most of our lives we are so absorbed in the senses with our attention flowing into the world that we do not realize, we are not aware, of the deeper experience that is right there within us.

I remember clearly the first experiences I had where I felt my subtle energy body many years ago. It was so striking. It felt like stepping into a dimension I had always carried within me, yet had never known existed.
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Opening up to my energy body and wanting to explore that was the real beginning of my spiritual journey. 
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Why Modern Success Still Leaves You Drained and Dissatisfied

Deep within your being there is a desire, soul desire. It is the desire to know yourself, your power and to use it in alignment in the world.

Society as it is now teaches us that being in the world, achieving according to benchmarks in the world is all there is for us here, when in reality we came here to learn to know ourselves.

It is this fundamental mistake of the reason why we are here that leaves so many drained and dissatisfied with life. No matter how much you achieve you cannot be fulfilled if you have not learn about yourself and your spiritual power.

You can read more about this dissatisfaction in my previous article – Why Success Isn’t Enough: the call to Spiritual Awakening.

Continuously working in the world and giving energy only to material achievements slowly depletes not only the physical being (as in burnout) but it also drains your subtle energy body.

When you are unaware of the subtle energy body, how it functions and how to manage it consciously – you lose balance and become disconnect, often without realizing it. As you lose that inner balance (or perhaps you never experienced it before) you become more and more powerless and ineffective in the world. Over time this disconnection erodes your vitality and sense of purpose.

Of course this is a recipe for suffering. And because we do not realize, we do not know what is really happening within our being – we go about trying to solve the problem in a material sense. Then “fixing” the problem becomes another way that we bring ourselves out of balance – as we devote more time, energy and attention outside ourselves.

But the moment you become more aware of this dimension of your being – the subtle energy body – and begin working with it, something amazing happens. As you start taking care of this deeper part of yourself you reconnect with your power allowing life to become rich and navigable again.

This is what I experience daily. The more I open up my awareness to the subtle energy body and practice working with my energy, the more I feel competent to face all of life’s challenges and enriched by my inner connection.

I see that this is also what my students and clients experience. Many have come to me solely for the reason of feeling dissatisfied even though materially they are accomplished. As they begin exploring their spiritual power through the subtle energy body they find their passion for life rekindled. They rediscover the joy for life that they thought was lost.
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Learning about our subtle energy body, exploring and experiencing it is one of the primary reasons we have come into this world. So when we begin that journey we feel a deep satisfaction within our soul urging us to continue the self-discovery.  
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The Yogic Map of Our Being

​The Sanskrit word used to describe the energy body is “sukshma,” meaning subtle. Contemplating the meaning of this word opens the door to perceiving the subtle energy body.
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Subtle means difficult to understand, so delicate that it is hard to detect or describe, and even a very fine distinction. Essentially what is subtle is easily missed by someone who is not paying attention or who is caught up in more loud and apparent phenomena.

The energy body is of a different quality than the material body and senses, a subtle quality. It requires a very refined attention and awareness to observe.

It exists parallel to the physical body in the subtle dimension of existence, the energy dimension, yet has profound influence on the material.

This subtle energy body is a body of “prana.” Prana means life-force, energy, also in some ways – breath. That is why one of the main practices for opening up awareness of the subtle energy body is “pranayama,” the breathing exercises of yoga.

This body has two main features – “nadis” or energy channels and “chakras” or energy centers. 

The nadis allow for the flow of energy and opening up of consciousness. The chakras are like the organs of the energy body – they access and channel different vibrations and qualities of energy.
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The subtle energy body synchronizes perfectly with the physical biological body – stimulating it, driving it and controlling it. Really, we are operating through then energy body first, and that drives the physical – but we have lost awareness of this subtle inner operation. 
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Why Can’t We Feel the Subtle Energy Body?

If the subtle energy body is closer to our true identity, it’s a natural part of us, how is that we are so unaware of it, we can’t feel it and have to relearn our experience in it?

There are a few reasons for this.

The first is that when we choose to come here into our Earth experience, to enter the biological body at birth – a body that is still forming and incomplete. Our energy body has to enter into an immature body and go through that growing process with the body till it is fully mature.

In doing this we lose most of our awareness as spiritual beings and have to reawaken to it in these bodies later on in our life cycle.

The second reason is that just by coming into this world we place ourselves under the spiritual laws and universal principles that govern this world. According to yogic tradition this entire creation has a particular power, one of forgetfulness. That is called “maya,” a cosmic power of illusion that veils our Divine limitless nature.  Once we incarnate this power falls over us causing us to forget our fullness and perfection, and therefore lose awareness of our spiritual nature and the subtle energy body.

The final reason is that, even in the energy body there is maturation that has to happen. One of the reasons we choose to have a human experience is for the opportunity to use the physical body to work on our subtle energy body. So we might not be fully developed yet in the energy body and need to work on it more.

But even with all these reasons, our purpose remains unchanged: to awaken to our spiritual powers through the subtle energy body. By doing so you are fulfilling a major part of the purpose of your existence here on Earth.
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Awakening the Subtle Energy Body Begins here

So how to begin? All yogic practices hold spiritual awakening, expansion of consciousness so that we can experience our subtle energy body and tap into its powers, as the goal – either overtly or covertly. But what most do not know is that the practices of asana, pranayama, mantra and dhyana are all preparation.

The primary way to awaken the subtle energy body, as is taught in my yogic tradition of Kundalini Mahayoga by my master Sri Vasudeva, is by association with someone who already has awareness of the subtle energy body, who has awakened their inner power of Kundalini.

Without this association with someone who is already awakened, all yogic practices take a long time to bear fruit. But with this association and the guidance that comes with it – awakening to your energy body becomes direct and immediately possible – often even within your first few sessions of deep practice.

Of course the more receptive you are and the more personal spiritual work you have done in preparation – the easier it becomes and more can be discovered quickly.

The awakened master becomes a living mirror. Their energy radiates like a magnetic field — attuning and activating those who come into contact with it. Because their energy body is alive and vibrant, it generates an energy field (similar to a magnetic field). And when we are in that field through association our own energy bodies become more vibrant, aligned and awake.

This is the secret. You do not have to do it alone. We came onto this Earth to have the opportunity of working with and interaction with so many other souls. Why not interact with those who will uplift us, guide us and help us to awaken ourselves. ​

How to Sense the Subtle: Becoming Receptive, Not Forceful

​The Yoga Sutras, written by the great sage of yoga Patanjali – and perhaps the most well known ancient text for modern yoga practice, says:

This is his definition of yoga which translates to say “yoga is the suspensions of the whirlpools of the mind.”
All of the guidance he gives in the Yoga Sutras is aimed towards this goal – the stillness and clarity of the mind.

What most modern practitioners do not realize is that this stillness of the mind is the preparation for becoming aware of the subtle energy body. The sage gives this instruction and definition of Yoga knowing that if you are able to achieve this inner stillness of mind, then naturally the subtle energy body will be revealed in your experience.

Perhaps you have even had glimpses of this from your own practice of yoga, or even simply in moments of clarity and stillness that naturally comes in life.

When the mind becomes calm, and all agitation of thinking subsides, then like disturbed water settling, it becomes clear and we are able to perceive a different dimension of being – the subtle energy dimension.

A calm mind, that is not judging, expecting, projecting, remembering or asserting its own identity – has become a receptive mind. This receptivity is the key to sensing the subtle energy body, experiencing the flow of energy through the nadis (energy channels), and opening up the gateways to different levels of consciousness and energy through the chakras.  

From experience you will know there is no way to force yourself into a calm, peaceful state. You cannot beat your busy and restless mind into submission. The many practices of yoga give us a strategy to work with the mind to slowly cultivate inner peacefulness and openness.

This same idea is highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita – an ancient text in which the divine being Krishna counsels his friend and disciple, Arjuna, in the deep philosophy and practice of yoga amidst a raging war.

Krishna tells Arjuna that he must learn to tame the mind and bring it to peacefulness and stillness – and ever the realist Arjuna asks him incredulously – how can you say to do this… I feel the mind is like the raging wind – untamable.

Krishna shares with him that the restless mind, though wild like the wind, can be stilled — through abhyasa (disciplined practice) and vairagya (non-attachment).

These are the open secrets right there in these very well-known ancient texts of yoga. They are guiding us to open up awareness of the subtle energy body. They are giving these methods to awaken to your deep spiritual nature, but only to those who are able to recognize the instruction and understand what the outcome will be. 
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The Chakras: Gateways of Consciousness and Energy

​When your attention and awareness becomes much more subtle then you begin observing your mind, senses, and your entire being in a new way. As you cultivate a peaceful, receptive mind – the likelihood of observing the subtle energy body becomes much higher.

Of course it happens very quickly in the high energy field of another awakened soul, or even the high energy field of a spiritually disciplined group.

The first experience most persons will have will be an experience of a chakra or subtle energy centre. There might be some sensation in the abdomen or sacral area, or many people will feel something in the centre of the chest – the heart space. A few might begin feeling the power of the mind – a slight sensation at the point between the eyebrows.

These are all signs of the awakening of the subtle energy body. It is important to know that these are early glimpses — the doorway, not the destination. If the person does not stay consistent with their spiritual practice and seek guidance on how to cross the threshold into full energy awareness, then the experience will fluctuate.

It can be very exciting when we first start experiencing the power of the chakras. Most may have trouble understanding the experience – as it can be very unsettling and unfamiliar. Quite a few people might interpret it as some kind of health issue, and then pursue getting it checked medically, only to be told there is no discernable problem.

But if you are with an experienced guide, who recognizes the signs and has gone through the process themselves, then they are able to support and advise on the process. This is an invaluable possibility – otherwise it may take years of experimentation, falling into spiritual traps, and even making many mistakes that cause our own suffering.

As the chakra begins awakening we are opening up to new dimensions of energy and consciousness.

This means that we become more aware of new dimensions of our life. We may suddenly feel inspired to work with our health in a new way, develop our will power and more positive habits, explore working with our emotions, cultivate our voice and communication and even realize the limitations of our mind and thinking.

These are all expansions of consciousness in this life – driven by the spiritual power of the chakras within us. 
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Healing, Empowerment and the Subtle Body

​Our life force, or prana, is being channeled from the subtle energy body into the physical. As you open up to more inner power, then more is available to you in the physical body for navigating and managing life.

As the three lower chakras (Root, Sacral and Navel) are developed we gain greater mastery over the physical body, health and vitality. These energy centers allow you to channel the light of the energy body in and through the physical.

It infuses the body with new vigor, allows you to recharge the nervous system and to connect powerfully through the five senses.

As the Heart chakra comes more into the light, we open up to the higher qualities of the heart. We are able to manage emotions with wisdom, we experience higher emotions like compassion and joy, and we are able to utilize the heart for healing.

As the Heart chakra opens and we channel more energy through it – a feeling of inner freedom grows within. The deeper beauty and richness of life is revealed, and we feel inspired to live in the world selflessly.

When the Throat and Brow chakras begin awakening – we begin accessing Divine intuition, knowledge, wisdom and higher intelligence. These are all powers that we hold within us, but remain mostly unexplored.  For many, these powers may have appeared only in fleeting glimpses.

But when you learn to work with energy and you become conscious of your energy body you can deliberately begin accessing these soul powers and use them meaningfully in navigating life.

This is how we are meant to live – in full awareness of our Divine power and able to use them for our journey here on Earth.
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Some of the deep unconscious dissatisfaction that we feel is because the soul knows it has these powers but cannot access them consciously. This creates deep inner struggle — a suffering that feels unnatural to the soul. That is why there is the deep longing to regain full consciousness of your Divine nature and utilize these powers that are rightfully yours. 

​Living with Subtle Awareness in a Loud World

To live in continuous awareness of your subtle energy — even amid daily life — is the true goal of spiritual practice. This is what it means to be spiritually conscious - that you are aware of this spiritual dimension of life even while navigating life physically with all its twists and turns.

This is not a theory for me — it is how I live, just as my Guru taught me. Daily I wake up with the awareness of my chakras and how they are tapping into the bigger energy fields of the world. At any moment I can sense the energy moving in and around me. I work with the chakras to boost my body, to strengthen my relationships, to become inspired and access my soul knowledge and to live in a more conscious way.

This is what I share with my students not just a few postures and breathing exercises. But a whole different way of living that is built on spiritual awareness.

For me this ancient knowledge is our spiritual inheritance. It has come through the sacred lineages of India, but it belongs to all of humanity. And I believe this is the way of the future… understanding subtle energy and how to work with it will become a guiding philosophy for the world.

If opening up to this dimension of life is calling to you there are a few ways you can explore it.

You can begin by reading my book, Start Meditating Today. In it, I share the foundations of subtle energy awareness and practices you can begin immediately.

• Start Meditating Today on Amazon
  
  

If you are ready to begin working with energy through meditation and want direct guidance – you can check out my Online Meditation Membership. It has many video lectures, guided meditations, and opportunities for interaction with myself and my community.

• Online Meditation Membership – OMM
  
  

Or if you feel that you want to really begin working one-on-one seriously to develop your spiritual awareness you contact me directly for mentorship and coaching on your spiritual path.

• Contact Ved

Above all, know this: subtle energy awareness is worth awakening. It gives you access to the source code of life. It is the most rewarding path I have walked, and I’ve watched it transform the lives of my students, time and time again.
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It’s time to reclaim your Divine Powers. Namaskar – my soul bows to you.