These are the Jain concepts of the fivefold “sarira” (bodies) that surround a jiva (soul). Here is simple, traditional meaning:

• Vaikriya-sarira (gross body): The physical, visible body made of pudgala (material matter). It is the body we can touch and see.

• Audarika-sarira (subtle or life-prana body): The body of life-prana and senses that supports vital functions. It is subtler than the gross body but still linked to the physical organism.

• Aharaka-sarira (presiding or luminous body): The body associated with the subtle radiance or aura surrounding the soul, often described as the body of luminance that perceives and is perceived by others.

• Taijasa-sarira (luminous or mental body): The body related to consciousness, thoughts, and inner luminosity. It is the finer layer through which mentation and perception occur.

• Karmana-sarira (karmic body): The body of karma, i.e., the subtle matter that clusters around the soul due to actions. This is what determines a being’s nature and experiences in future lives.

Notes:

• These five are described as overlapping, interpenetrating layers that accompany every jiva. The karmana-sarira is what binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death, while the other four relate to perception, vitality, and mental/aesthetic aspects of experience.

• There can be slight variations in terminology and emphasis between Digambara and Śvetāmbara sources, but the general framework of five sarīras remains consistent in Jain doctrine.