The Causal or Egoic Body
These two bodies are essentially the same thing called by two different terms. To confuse the issue further it is also called the Karana-Sarira. This latter phrase comes from the Sanskrit. “Karana” means “cause” and “Sarira” refers to “body or bodily frame”.
It is also called the Causal Body because it makes possible for the human entity to initiate causes.
Finally, it is also called the Egoic Body because it is the vehicle of expression for our ego. This is not the illusionary, selfish ego as indicated in some teachings, but the highest part of our individuality, which eternally survives. What is often called the ego here is a lower reflection of this.
Its body is the twelve-petalled lotus, the higher reflection of the Heart Center which is in the head and links the heart to the soul and the soul to the monad.
The causal body is an essential ingredient that causes us to identify with one body instead of many. In the higher realms we can share a oneness because there is no pain, but in the realm of matter where pain exists, we need to associate our identity to only one body. Just imagine how difficult life would be if you shared the pain of only six other people – now imagine billions. Thus the causal body limiting our consciousness to one separate body is essential if we want to function in the physical realm.
“The causal body is that sheath of mental substance which is formed at the moment of individualization.” Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Page 506
Just as the physical body is the vehicle to house and allow life expression, even so is the causal body a vehicle of consciousness itself. This vehicle was given birth to you by your Solar Angel when you reached individualized consciousness and as it unfolds consciousness grows until soul contact is established.
When contact and expression is fully created the causal body is no longer needed and we break free from the parent Solar Angel and become linked directly to our Monad, or our personal Father in Heaven. Our developing soul then takes the place of the assisting Solar Angel.
The causal body is composed of mental substance from the higher part of the mental plane and takes the form of a closed twelve petaled lotus which petals gradually unfold leading to the revelation of the “jewel in the lotus” which is a gateway to the consciousness of the Solar Angel. Here are some additional words from DK.
“At the early stages after individualization, the egoic body has the appearance of a bud. The electric fire at the center is not apparent, and all the nine petals are closed down upon the inner three; the orange color has a dead aspect and the three points of light at the base are just points and nothing more; the triangle which is later seen connecting the points is not demonstrated.” A Treatise on White Magic,” Page 763
“The egoic lotus is now composed of twelve petals, nine of these appear at this stage in bud form and three are completely hidden and mysterious.
“At the same time, the three permanent atoms are enclosed within the lotus, and are seen by the clairvoyant as three points of light in the lower part of the bud, beneath the central portion.” Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Page 709
“Petals described with colors As we know, the egoic lotus consists of three circles,—each circle being composed of three petals, and all shielding the inner bud where hides the jewel. It is with the evolution of these petals that we are concerned, with their formation, their vitalisation, their nurturing, and eventual unfoldment…
“These three circles of petals are called in the esoteric terminology:
“1. The “outer knowledge” triad, or the lords of active wisdom.
“2. The middle “love” triad, or the lords of active love.
“3. The inner “sacrificial” triad, or the lords of active will.
“The first is the summation of experience and developed consciousness; the second is the application of that knowledge in love and service, or the expression of the Self and the Not-Self in reciprocal vibration; and the third is the full expression of knowledge and love turned toward the conscious sacrifice of all to the furthering of the plans of the planetary Logos, and to the carrying out of His purposes in group work. Each of these three groups of petals come under the definite guidance of three groups of Agnishvattas, who form them out of their own substance and who in essence are the threefold Ego during its manifestation.” Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Pages 820-821 (Read on to page 824 for expanded comments on the petals)
“The causal body, the vehicle of the Higher Self, and the average causal body is on the third subplane of the mental plane…We must not forget that the causal body contains the three permanent atoms or the three spheres which embody the principle of intelligence, of desire, and of physical objectivity.” Letters on Occult Meditation Pg 3-4
Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds a man down or polishes him up depends on the stuff he’s made of. – Josh Billings
Aug 2, 2009 (Edited May 2025)
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