The Subtle Body: A Genealogy

The soul and the body have been a topic of debate for centuries, with many proposing the notion of the subtle body as a mixture of the two. This book traces the history of this idea from its origins in late antiquity through the Renaissance and into the Euro-American counterculture of the 1960s and 70s. It explores how philosophers, wizards, scholars, occultists, psychologists, and mystics have engaged with the concept over the past two thousand years and its significance in yogic, somatic, or energetic practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The relationship between the soul and the body has been a subject of profound exploration and debate throughout history, with numerous religious and intellectual movements offering their perspectives on this intricate subject. While some have proposed the notion of a subtle body, which is neither fully soul nor body, but a combination of the two, others have sought to understand the soul's connection to the body in more traditional terms. In this comprehensive study, Simon Cox traces the history of the subtle body concept from its origins in late antiquity to the present day, exploring how philosophers, wizards, scholars, occultists, psychologists, and mystics have engaged with this idea over the past two thousand years.

The concept of a subtle body has its roots in third-century Neoplatonism, and it was first introduced in English among the Cambridge Platonists. Over time, it gained traction in the Western world, particularly among those who were interested in Eastern philosophy and spirituality. The Orientalist fathers of Indology, who relied heavily on the Cambridge Platonist lexicon in their translations of Sanskrit philosophy, played a significant role in bringing Indian philosophy into a distinctly platonic discourse.

At this juncture, the story takes a reflective turn, examining the author's personal interest in the subtle body concept. The author explores Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society's contribution to the popularization and expression of this idea. Cox then focuses on Aleister Crowley, who played a pivotal idea in the subtle body in fin de siècle occultism. Finally, he turns to Carl Jung, his colleague Frederic Spiegelberg, and the popularization of the subtle body in the Euro-American counterculture.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in yogic, somatic, or energetic practices, as well as scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, religion, and psychology. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the subtle body concept, shedding light on its historical development, philosophical implications, and cultural impact. Through its rich narrative and extensive research, this book provides a deeper understanding of the soul's relationship to the body and its significance in various religious and spiritual traditions.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197581032