Kosha

"Mistakes are our teacher, but when they become a habit they become our master."

--Anand

Anand's lecture on Koshas

July 24, 2009

There are 5 Kosha's (coverings of self) of the body. We usually live within the first 3 stages: Physical (Annamaya Kosha, "sheath of food"), Energy (Pranamaya Kosha, "energy or vital* force behind the senses and physical body"), and Mental (Manamaya Kosha, "level of processing thoughts and emotions".

For true wisdom body, we should work in the Vijnanamaya Kosha. Vijnana is knowing or discriminating between what's useful or not. It creates awareness of self (or "I-am-ness") but loses strength when we see our self through our story, past experiences or dramas. Often when we are in our wisdom body we often begin to defend (become defensive) our stories, showing our insecurities. But if you can die to attachment to yourself, you can begin to transform. Transformation is not easy, it takes courage! Recognizing the need for that detachment is good but to sustain it, it will take practice. Cultivate willingness.

The 5th layer is the bliss body or Anandamaya Kosha. "It is beyond bliss, it is peace, joy and love underneath the mind, free from any stimulus that causes happiness. It is simply being; resting in bliss." It is where effort becomes effortless.

The more you have, the less you are free. What do you want freedom from?

Mel

*pronunciation of "vital" varies : )