Aura in Hinduism?
Definition: The aura is the emanation of prāṇa (life force), manifesting as
a luminous, subtle energy field that envelops the body. It's often
invisible to the physical eye, but can be perceived by those with
heightened spiritual awareness. In Sanskrit, though there is no single word
exactly equal to “aura,” related terms include:
Tejas – Radiance or brilliance
Prāṇa-maya kośa – The vital energy sheath (one of the five "sheaths" or
koshas)
Chāyā – Shadow or subtle reflection of the self
Ojas – Spiritual energy derived from disciplined living
Jyoti – Inner light
Origins in Hindu Texts and Traditions
1. The Upaniṣads and Yogic Philosophy: The Taittirīya Upaniṣad describes
the five sheaths (pañca-kośas) of the human being:
Annamaya kośa – Physical body
Prāṇamaya kośa – Energy or vital body
Manomaya kośa – Mind sheath
Vijñānamaya kośa – Wisdom sheath
Ānandamaya kośa – Bliss sheath
The aura is associated mainly with the prāṇamaya kośa, which extends
beyond the physical body and is sustained by the flow of prāṇa (life
energy).
2. Chakras and Nadis:
According to Tantra and Kundalini Yoga, the body contains 72,000 nadis
(energy channels), and seven major chakras (energy centers). When these
centers are open, balanced, and aligned, the aura becomes luminous,
vibrant, and clear. Blockages in chakras or imbalanced energy flow can
cloud or darken the aura.
3. Scriptural Examples of Radiant Auras: Many divine beings, avatars, and
rishis are said to possess divine radiance or spiritual light:
Krishna’s vibhūti (divine splendor) in the Bhagavad Gītā.
Arjuna's vision of Krishna’s cosmic form (Viśvarūpa), radiating with
infinite light.
Rama’s tejas is mentioned as a sign of his divinity.
Sages in meditation are described as glowing with inner fire (tapas).
*Functions and Meanings of the Aura*
Aspect Description
Spiritual Reflects the level of spiritual purity and realization. A
yogi or saint is said to have a bright, golden or white aura.
Emotional Emotions (anger, fear, love, compassion) influence the color
and vibration of the aura.
Health Illness or imbalance in the body-mind system can manifest as
distortions or dark patches in the aura.
Protective The aura acts as an energetic shield, protecting against
negative influences or energies.
Diagnostic Tool Some healers and yogis use perception of the aura to
diagnose ailments or emotional blockages.
Aura in Modern Hindu-Inspired Practices In contemporary Hinduism,
especially in practices influenced by Yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda, the aura
is:
Cleansed through prāṇāyāma (breath control), mantra chanting, and
meditation.
Strengthened through ethical living, purity (śauca), and devotion (bhakti).
Visualized during advanced dhyāna (meditative states) as a halo or luminous
field.
Some modern Hindu spiritual teachers (e.g. Sri Aurobindo, Swami Sivananda,
Paramahansa Yogananda) have spoken about auras in ways that bridge
traditional ideas with modern metaphysics.
Common Aura Colors and Their Meanings (Modern Yogic/Hindu View)
Color Indicative of
White/Gold Spiritual realization, purity, divine
presence
Blue Calm, truth,
devotion
Green Healing, compassion,
balance
Red Passion, strength,
vitality
Yellow Intellect, clarity,
wisdom
Black/Grey Blockages, depression, negativity (temporary or karmic)
In Hinduism, the aura is understood as a real, energetic expression of
the inner self—a reflection of the soul's current condition, the flow of
prāṇa, and the alignment with cosmic truth (Dharma). While ancient texts
don't always use the word "aura," the concept is clearly present in
descriptions of subtle bodies, prāṇic energy, tejas, and spiritual
radiance. It’s both a symbol of spiritual maturity and a practical tool
for self-awareness.
HOW WEST BELIEVED AURA
1. What exactly are auras?
“As human beings, we radiate a very low level of electricity that’s
otherwise known as an electromagnetic field,” says Christina Lonsdale, a
Portland-based artist behind a popular aura photography practice called
Radiant Human.Ancient systems of medicine, such as Hindu scriptures like
the Vedas, believe that this energy is expressed in seven layers. Each
layer is said to correlate to a different element of your physical, mental,
spiritual, and emotional health. It’s thought that these layers can
interact with one another to influence your overall health. Your aura is
thought to be a luminous body that surrounds your physical one. Each layer
— and any problems in them — surrounds your body in a net of energy.
3. Are auras real?
Though no scientific studies exist to prove the existence of auras, many
practices and philosophies do believe that they are real. However, the
interpretation of what an aura actually is may vary among practices and
philosophies. All things have energy. It’s the way you send out vibes or
awareness. But it’s unclear whether that energy can truly be thought of as
a manifestation of the spiritual and physical body. In other words, not
everyone believes that auras are a reflection of your state of being. One
way to think of auras is as the energy that someone around you emits. Some
people make you nervous; others relax you. This, in some ways, could be
seen as a reaction to the energy they radiate.
5. Does everyone have an aura?
Yes, every living human has an energy field around them. Other living
things, such as trees, flowers, or animals, can also have an energy field.
A 2018 paper published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical
Sciences describes the human body as containing both visible and invisible
parts. The author goes on to say that measuring a human energy system would
require tools beyond what scientists have access to today. While no
scientific studies prove that everyone has an aura, it’s generally accepted
that every living human has an energy field around them. Some believe that
the human energy field may be more complex than that of other organisms
because we’re more evolved. “We’re all broadcasting like radio stations
without even knowing it,” Lonsdale says.
6. What does an aura look like?
Some feel that how an aura looks depends on how you capture it. In her
Radiant Human project, Lonsdale uses a specialized camera to capture the
subject’s energy. “The camera uses hand sensors that pick up this energy
field and a proprietary algorithm matches this energy to a color,” she
says. Another type of aural photography, called Kirlian photography, is
believed to capture the aura as an egg-shaped circle around the physical
body. “Artists have depicted it like a halo or a bubble of light
surround[ing] the physical body,” Pat Longo, spiritual healer and author of
“The Gifts Beneath Your Anxiety: Simple Spiritual Tools to Find Peace,
Awaken the Power Within and Heal Your Life,” tells Healthline.
7. How do you see your aura?
Cameras like the one Lonsdale uses are said to be one way to see your aura.
But if you don’t have access to this special equipment, there are other
ways you may be able to sense the energy fields around your body. “Some
people are able to see their aura by softening and slightly squinting their
eyes and looking in a mirror,” Longo says. “However, this takes some
practice.” Your aura may best be picked up by your peripheral vision. That
is, if you focus on it, you won’t see it. But if you look away, you may
begin to see colors or light arise. “I have been seeing auras for many
years. Initially, I saw it as a fuzzy white light about an inch or two in
thickness,” Longo says. “Over time, it accelerated to vibrant colors.”
Longo points to a refrain that many spiritual advisors say about auras: It
can take time and attention to sense it.
9. Why are there often several different colors in one aura?
Each layer of your aura is said to be represented by a different color.
Some believe that the way these colors vary and interact illustrates how
emotionally, spiritually, and physically complex you are. For example, it’s
said that some layers may be brighter if you’re more vibrant or have
greater energy. Some layers may be dull if you’re under a great deal of
stress, depressed, or physically ill. Something else to consider: A lack of
color generally isn’t thought to be a cause for concern. Your aura is said
to change over time, so colors may come and go. As shown in the infographic
earlier, each color has its own interpretation:
Red: well-grounded, energetic, strong-willed
Orange: adventurous, thoughtful, considerate
Yellow: creative, relaxed, friendly
Green: social, communicator, nurturing
Blue: intuitive, spiritual, freethinker
Indigo: curious, spiritually connected, gentle
Violet: wise, intellectual, independent
“Everyone’s energy changes,” Lonsdale says. “It changes differently for
everyone. There is no set formula.” *Your emotions and experiences are*
said to have a real-time impact on your aura. This means that if your aura
is dim now, it likely won’t stay that way forever.
The bottom line
Many spiritual advisers, energy practitioners, and others who work with
aural health believe that the physical body is closely connected to the
emotional and spiritual bodies. The aura is seen as just one representation
of this connection. Understanding and being aware of your own aura can take
time. But the practice of focusing on your own spiritual and emotional
health may go a long way to helping your overall health, no matter the
outcome of any attempt to overhaul or revitalize your aural health.
K Rajaram IRS 121025
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