Sthula

      Sthula:

Sthula is the first aspect of anatma. Things and objects which are perceivable by the senses are called Sthula. Sthula can be perceived by our senses as well as by others. The great five elements, i.e. Solid earth, liquid water, gaseous air, fire (various forms of energy), and space are called Pancabhutas.  Sthula is formed with the combination of pancabhutas.  Sthula is being formed by the typical process of Panchikararana. The entire physical universe is considered as sthula.  

In connection with humans, sthula means external physical body. This sthula sarira is formed by the process of Panchicarana. The pancatanmatras undergo the process of pancikarana to create the panca maha butas.  The gross body as well as the gross world is fashioned by these panca maha butas.

Based on the previou janmas mixexd actions the human body is offered to human beings. 

This sthula body is supposed to enjoy joys and sorrows. 

This body is subject to the six changes namely, to potentially exist (sthithi), to be born (jayate), to grow(vardhate), to modify(parinnatte) , to decay(viparyate),  and to die(nasyate).

Sthula sarira isproduced from the food that is consumed by the mother and the father.  Finally this sthula sarira perishes and becomes food for other beings.  It is born from anna or food, sustained by anna and after destruction, becomes anna to other beings so it is also called as annamayakosa. 

Dr A. Tara Lakshmi,
Srikalakasti