Analysis of the Reality of Imaginal Body and Its Role inexplaining the Relationship between Soul and Body in MullaSadra's Philosophy

In Mulla Sadra's viewpoint human being in addition to this natural body has another body which is usually called imaginal body. Although this body like natural body has an especial shape and is extended in three dimensions, it is not material and imprinted in the matter; rather, it is like a suspended or dangled shape which is created by human soul in its innermost existential level. This theory is deeply rooted in Mulla Sadra's philosophical system and some of its most fundamental principles such as believing in an intermediary world between sensible and intellectual world as well as non-corporeality of the faculty of imagination. Mulla Sadra applies this theory for the explanation of the relationship between human rational soul and natural body. In his viewpoint human rational soul is essentially and primarily related to this imaginal body and through it manages and moves natural corporeal body. Since imaginal body is essentially alive it is not separated from soul even after death and is immortal like the soul itself.