In the yogic domain, the physical body is the fundamental body created by visible and perceivable substances. This physical body is composed of five basic elements: pancha mahabhut (पञ्चमहाभूत) known as Prithivi-the earth/soil, Jal-water, Tej, Wayu-air and Akash (पृथ्वी, जल, तेज, वायु, आकाश). These five elements compose and govern the physical body. The Physical body is also known as Sthool Sharir (Gross Body) (स्थूल शरीर) in yogic terms. The body is the physical and biological structure that houses and sustains an individual’s existence. It serves as the vehicle through which humans and other living organisms interact with the external world. Other two forms of the bodies are Sukshma Body (सूक्ष्म शरीर) and Karan body (कारण शरीर). We will gradually discuss latter two forms of bodies in the Yoga process later.

Here are some key aspects of the physical body:

Physical Structure:  The body is composed of various systems organs, tissues, and cells, each with specific functions. These physical structure constitute the skeletal system, muscular system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, and more.

Organ Systems: The body’s systems work together to maintain homeostasis, which is the body’s ability to regulate and balance its internal environment. For example, the circulatory system transports blood and nutrients, the respiratory system provides oxygen, and the digestive system processes food and extracts nutrients.

Growth and Development: The body undergoes a lifecycle that includes growth, development, and aging. It starts as a single cell (zygote) and gradually develops into a complex organism through various stages, such as infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.

Sensory Perception: The body’s sensory organs, such as the eyes, ears, skin, nose, and tongue, enable individuals to perceive and interpret information from the external environment. These senses play a crucial role in how we experience the world around us.

Movement and Mobility: Muscles and the skeletal system allow for bodily movement and mobility. The body’s ability to move and interact with its surroundings is essential for survival and daily activities.

Protection and Defense: The body has built-in mechanisms to protect itself from harm, including the immune system, which defends against pathogens, and the integumentary system (skin), which acts as a barrier against physical and microbial threats.

Energy and Metabolism: The body requires energy to perform its functions. The process of metabolism involves the conversion of food into energy and the regulation of energy expenditure to maintain bodily functions.

Reproduction: For many species, reproduction is a fundamental function of the body. It involves the creation of offspring through sexual or asexual reproduction, depending on the species.

Homeostasis: The body maintains a stable internal environment by regulating factors like temperature, blood pressure, and pH levels. This ensures that essential bodily functions operate optimally.

Individual Variation: While there are general anatomical and physiological characteristics common to all members of a species, there is also individual variation in terms of genetics, physical appearance, and health.

Understanding the body is a central focus of fields such as anatomy, physiology, medicine, and biology. It plays a crucial role in human identity and experience, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world. Additionally, the body’s health and well-being are significant factors in overall quality of life. All of the attributes physical structure, organ systems, growth and development, bodily sensory perception, movement and mobility, protection and defense, bodily energy and metabolism, reproduction, homeostasis, and individual variation among others are linked to Sthool Sharir, a physical body.