Exploring the Hindu Concept of the Human Person

The Hindu concept of the human person comprises three main components: the physical body (sthula sharira), the subtle body (sukshma sharira), and the Atman or Self. The physical body is the gross, tangible aspect, the subtle body consists of thoughts and emotions, and the Atman is pure consciousness. This concept emphasizes that the mind and body are not the essence of the person, but rather vessels that the true self transcends. Additionally, the human personality can be further broken down into five layers: physical, vital, mental, intellectual, and causal bodies, with the Atman being the core essence beyond these layers.