What is the first layer of the subtle body referred to as?

The first layer of the subtle body is referred to as the pranic sheath. This layer is associated with the vital energy or life force known as prana, which is essential for all bodily functions and vitality. The pranic sheath is primarily focused on the flow of energy throughout the body, connecting physical existence with the inner life force.

This layer plays a critical role in yogic philosophy and practice, as it emphasizes the importance of breath and energy management in yoga. Practitioners often engage in breathing techniques (pranayama) to enhance their pranic energy, facilitating deeper states of meditation and physical wellness. Understanding this layer provides a foundational perspective on how energy affects both the physical and spiritual aspects of being.

While the other options represent different sheaths of the subtle body, they occur at deeper layers or levels of consciousness. The intellectual sheath relates to the mind's functioning and higher cognitive processes, the bliss sheath pertains to a state of ultimate happiness and contentment beyond the physical and emotional experiences, and the mental sheath encompasses thoughts and emotions. Each of these layers builds upon the foundational layer of the pranic sheath, highlighting the integral role of vital energy in the overall structure of the subtle body.