Fixed at the center of the universe, which lives and moves from her, she changeth not, through all the centuries. She visiteth the shores of many worlds, and sporteth mid the waves of life. She knoweth all the lives that rise in beauteous order out of Time. The seashell's tints, the wild joy of the sea bird, the savage beasts that leap and prowl, the eagle's soaring joy all these the great soul knoweth, for she lives them all. O'Day Man is a composite being, a blending of spirit, soul, and matter, consisting of inner, ethereal bodies and an outer body of physical matter.
Theosophical literature defines man most often in terms of seven principles or elements.
These principles are a mirror of the seven principles upon which the entire cosmos is built. The elements are interpenetrating, each element evolving from the one above it, and giving source to the one below it. The seven principles are described below, giving the most spiritual, element first, and the most material element last. The lower four evolve out of ourselves, so are only temporary vehicles, and are thus mortal. Atman Pure consciousness.