#Pranamaya Kosha

[compassionmattersmost]

Penetrating the Five Sheaths: A Path to Self-Inquiry and Realization

Introduction: The practice of self-inquiry, a central tenet of Advaita Vedanta, guides us on a profound journey to uncover the true nature of the Self, or Atman. This process involves penetrating through the five sheaths, or koshas, that veil our true essence. Pravrajika Devyanandaprana, in her presentation on self-inquiry, emphasizes this technique as a method to transcend our physical, mental,…

[raffaellopalandri]

Book of the Day - Yoga of the Subtle Body

Today’s Book of the Day is Yoga of the Subtle Body, written by Tias Little in 2016 and published by Shambhala. Tias Little is a renowned Yoga teacher and writer, committed to raising awareness about the contemplative path of the practice, leading to greater awareness and deeper understanding. He brings together his experience in Yoga, Sanskrit, Buddhist studies, somatic practices, anatomy,…

[michelleberrybliss]

Understanding Prana: The Universal Energy That Pervades All Beings

Prana, the vital life force, has been studied across spiritual traditions for centuries. It is believed to be the energy that permeates the universe and all life forms.

Have you ever heard of the term prana? Prana, also known as the vital life force, is a concept that has been studied and discussed in various spiritual traditions for centuries. It is said to be the energy that permeates the entire universe and all forms of life. Prana is believed to be the energy that manifests as both the physical and non-physical aspects of life. In other words, it is the…

[talonabraxas]

Trishul Sadhguru: Shiva’s trishul represents the three fundamental aspects of life. These are the three fundamental dimensions of life that are symbolized in many ways. They can also be called Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. These are the three basic nadis – the left, the right and the central – in the pranamaya kosha, or the energy body of the human system. Nadis are pathways or channels of prana in the system. There are 72,000 nadis that spring from the three fundamental ones.

The Pingala and Ida represent the basic duality in the existence. It is this duality which we traditionally personify as Shiva and Shakti. You can simply call it masculine and feminine. When I say masculine and feminine, I am not talking in terms of sex – about being male or female – but in terms of certain qualities in nature. You could say the logical and the intuitive aspect of you.

Bringing a balance between the Ida and Pingala will make you effective in the world; this will allow you to handle life aspects well. Most people live and die in Ida and Pingala. Sushumna, the central space, remains dormant. But Sushumna is the most significant aspect of human physiology. Life really begins only when energies enter into Sushumna. You attain to a new kind of balance, an inner balance where whatever happens outside, there is a certain space within you that never gets disturbed and cannot be touched by outside situations.

[wereinyoga]

The 5 Koshas

When introduced to yoga, we are introduced to a variety of concepts and philosophical beliefs related to yoga with the star of the show being the Chakras but another concept just as important is the Koshas. According to the Yogic path, we are multilayered individuals, resembling an onion with each layer representing something different and capable of being purified through different activities. Here are the 5 Koshas:

Annamaya

The Annamaya Kosha is the most physical part of our body, it is purified by the food that we introduce to our bodies and the practice of Asana yoga.

Pranamaya

Pranamaya, prana is the life force energy that flows through everything. It flows through us also, it is not our soul but it is the energizing force that moves us. It deals with every moving part of the body and can be purified through the practice of pranamaya and Asana yoga practice.

Manomaya

Manomaya refers to the mind from the ego perspective, what do we think of ourselves,. It is purified by Bhakti or Karma yoga, it deals with our emotions and pieces of our ego.

Vijnanamaya

Vijnanamaya deals with the intellect. Our approach to studying, our dedication, discipline, and how we go about taking in knowledge. This is purified through the practice of Svadhaya, studying, satsang, and meditation.

Anandamaya

Anandamaya, the bliss that we experience when coming out of a meditation or yoga session is a reflection of Anandamaya, purified by Bakhti and a connection to the source.

[turiyatitta]

Echoes of the Soul

A Journey Through Subtle Realms

In the land of ancient wisdom, where the Eastern sun doth rise,

A profound truth is whispered, a secret veiled in skies.

"Your physical body is your soul's expression," the masters teach,

A sacred dance of energies, an interconnected reach.

Not only the gross body, but all subtle bodies too,

A tapestry of mystic realms, to be embraced and to construe.

For in this realm of existence, a truth transcends the known,

Our corporeal forms mere echoes, of the soul's eternal throne.

The prana that pervades us, the very life force we hold,

A river of cosmic energy, through subtle channels, uncontrolled.

The chakras, vibrant centers, aligned upon our spine,

A ladder to ascension, as the soul and body intertwine.

The sheaths of being, the Koshas, that compose our truest self,

Layers that unfold and guide us, to the soul's eternal wealth.

Annamaya, the physical, a temple of earth and air,

A vessel for our journey, a testament to life's affair.

Pranamaya, the energy, the vibrant breath that flows,

A dynamic dance of life force, through every high and low.

Manomaya, the mental, a realm of thoughts and dreams,

A labyrinth of emotions, where the light of consciousness gleams.

Vijnanamaya, the intellect, the wisdom that resides,

A compass for discernment, a beacon that forever guides.

Anandamaya, the blissful, the essence of the soul,

A boundless ocean of serenity, where we merge and become whole.

These subtle bodies entwined, a symphony of truth and grace,

A journey through the layers, to unveil the soul's embrace.

From the cosmic dance of atoms, to the galaxies far and wide,

Each particle and energy, a testament to the soul's resplendent tide.

In this ever-changing world, where illusions reign supreme,

Our bodies are but vessels, for the soul's eternal gleam.

Through every breath and heartbeat, in joy, sorrow, and strife,

Our souls find their expression, in the dance of human life.

So let us honour every form, these transient temples we inhabit,

And cherish the sublime wisdom, of the soul's eternal habit.

For in the heart of all beings, a spark of the divine resides,

A reminder of our unity, as life's eternal tides.

Morgan O. Smith

[shinymoonbird]

🕉️ 🔱  Om Namo Bhagavathe Sri ArunachalaRamanaya   🔱 🕉️ 

15. The Pervasiveness of Sleep (Sushupti Vyapaka Tiran)

957. Do not be disheartened and lose your mental vigour thinking that [the state of experiencing] sleep in dream has not yet been obtained. If the strength of [experiencing] sleep in the present waking state is obtained, then [the state of experiencing] sleep in dream will also be obtained.

Sadhu Om: The words ‘sleep in the present waking state’ [anavum nanavil sushupti] denote the state of wakeful sleep [jagrat-sushupti] or turiya, the state of experiencing no differences during waking. In order to attain this state, aspirants have to make efforts in the waking state. However, some aspirants used to ask Sri Bhagavan, “Do we also have to make such efforts in dream, so that we may attain the state of experiencing no differences even during dream?” This doubt is answered by Sri Bhagavan in this verse.

The feeling ‘I am this body’ [dehatma-buddhi] rises in the subtle body during dream only because of the habit of identifying the gross body as ‘I’ during waking. Hence, if one practices Self-enquiry in the waking state and thereby eradicates the dehatma-buddhi [the habit of thus identifying a body as ‘I’] in this state, that itself will be sufficient to eradicate the dehatma-buddhi in dream also. Therefore Sri Bhagavan advises in the next verse that, until the dehatma-buddhi is completely eradicated even in dream, one should not give up Self-enquiry in the waking state. Refer here to the fourth paragraph of the first chapter of Vichara Sangraham where Sri Bhagavan says, 

“All the three bodies [gross, subtle and causal] consisting of the five sheaths (*) are included in the feeling ‘I am the body’. If that one [i.e. the identification with the gross body] is removed, all [i.e. the identification with the other two bodies] will automatically be removed. Since [the identification with] the other bodies [the subtle and causal] survive only by depending upon this [the identification with the gross body], there is no need to remove them one by one.” 

The words ‘kanavil sushupti’ [sleep in dream]), which are used in the first and last lines of this verse, may also be taken to mean ‘sleep without dream’, in which case the following alternative meaning can be given: 

“Do not be disheartened and lose your mental vigour thinking that sleep without dream has not yet been obtained. If the strength of [experiencing] sleep in the present waking state is obtained, then sleep without dream will also be obtained.”

958. Until the state of sleep in waking [i.e. the state of wakeful sleep or jagrat-sushupti] is attained, Self-enquiry should not be given up. Moreover until sleep in dream is also attained, it is essential to persist in that enquiry [i.e. to continue trying to cling to the mere feeling ‘I’].

Michael James: The ideas in the above two verses were summarized by Sri Bhagavan in the following verse.

B 19. The state of sleep in waking [or jagrat-sushupti] will result by constant scrutinizing enquiry into oneself. Until sleep pervades and shines in waking and in dream, do that enquiry continuously.

~  Guru Vachaka Kovai  (The Garland of Guru's Sayings) - Part Three - The Experience Of The Truth

__________

(*) A kosha, usually rendered “sheath”, is a covering of the Atman, or Self according to Vedantic philosophy. There are five koshas, and they are often visualised as the layers of an onion.

From gross to fine they are:

Annamaya kosha, “body” sheath - Anna means food, which is what sustains this level

Pranamaya kosha, "energy” sheath (Prana)

Manomaya kosha, “mind” sheath (Manas)

Vijñānamaya kosha, “discernment” sheath (Vijnana)

Anandamaya kosha, “bliss” sheath (Ananda)

ॐ

Arunachala at Sunrise Art Print

by Susan Rankin - fineartamerica

[jacksandy28]

Saral yoga and their benefits

 Yoga is a science of calming down the mind (that brings harmony in mind, body and spirit). It is an ancient Indian science that has been used for therapeutic benefits in numerous health concerns in which mental stress was believed to play a role. (Considering the current health scenario of the population every country has prevalence of Non communicable diseases, which are psychosomatic in origin; as a major concern, thanks to adulterated foods, fast foods and stressful lifestyle).

The practice of developing one’s internal awareness and relaxation are said to be the main components of these practices that help one to reach higher states of health which can be called as “positive health”.

Saral yoga is a simple different yoga module which emphasizes on the different category of people( who have hectic lifestyle for those who travel frequently and work in stressful environment)such as vimanyatri( frequent air travelers) regular usage of two wheelers and four wheelers, system based jobs that involve long hours usage of electronic devices that are harmful for eye health, education and civil sectors that involve standing for long hours ,night shift professionals and sedentary lifestyle). These yoga modules help work at a subtler level and obtain deeper benefits of yoga by working at the level of mind which then has direct impact on the body.

Saral yoga are the modules designed as a quick fix for your discomforts in day to day activities .For example, A two wheeler rider and four wheeler driver experience pain in the arm, calf muscles and back muscles for which our Saral yoga will come handy. It focuses on quick relief from these discomforts by practicing daily for 15 mins. You can practice it either at home or any place available. All modules are based on IAYT (Integrated approach of yoga therapy).

IAYT

The basis for an integrated approach to yoga therapy is rooted in Upanishad’s. Panchakosha theory explained in Taittiriya Upanishad says that human beings have 5 major sheaths of existence.

Anandamaya Kosha

Vijnanamaya Kosha

Manomaya Kosha

Pranamaya Kosha

Annamaya Kosha

In Anandamaya kosha, a man is healthiest with perfect harmony and balance of all his faculties. At Vijnanamaya kosha there are movements, but are channelized in the right direction. As such, it is in the manomaya level that the imbalance starts. Likes and dislikes have come to play at this level.

They start governing our actions; often they are in the wrong directions. Thus going against what is right causes imbalances. These imbalances amplify themselves resulting in mental illness called Adhis. At this stage there are no symptoms at the physical level.

How saral yoga helps

Saral Yoga for sedentary lifestyleA long term sedentary lifestyle causes damage to the body, by weakening muscles and decreasing flexibility. It is important to incorporate physical activity and yoga in a perfect way. The practices in this 15 mins module will improve the flexibility of spine, strengthen back and abdominal muscles.

Saral Yoga for House wifeBeing multitaskers, it becomes difficult to look after everything happening at home. But there is a way! A way to a healthy life by doing yoga and inspiring the whole family. This module helps to overcome emotional combat, prevents joint pains and increases flexibility.

Saral Yoga for eye healthRepeated exposure to electronic gadgets, high levels of pollution affect our nervous system and this can lead to a state of fatigue when continuous. This module strengthens eye muscles, reduces dry eyes and reduces impact of stress on eyes.

Saral yoga for long standingPeople work as teachers, are in sales jobs or other jobs that require individuals to be on their feet all day. They will be benefited by this module. This 15mins module helps to stretch the calf muscle, increases ankle mobility, strengthens back and relieves back pain.

Saral yoga for Viman yatriSitting for hours together on a flight can make the body go numb, especially the back, neck and knees .This module helps to release muscle tension, increases blood circulation, decreases anxiety and relaxes the mind.

Saral yoga for 2 wheeler riders and 4 wheelersIn this fast paced life working in major cities, traveling to and fro from the workplace can be exhausting. The time spent in traffic jams could be better spent for health if we implement yoga. Perform this module if you are stuck in traffic or if you are driving long. This module helps to relieve strain and strengthens muscles, relieves pain and fatigue.

Saral yoga night shift professionalsWorking in the night shift creates a great amount of mental health imbalance. Inability to sync night work with the body’s requirements is a challenge. The daily routine of night shifts can lead to irregular sleep cycles thus creating pressure on biological clocks and therefore, on our health. This module helps to relieve stress, increase blood circulation and energizes the whole body.

If you adapt Saral Yoga you can reap good benefits. You can practice it twice daily for better results and remember that you don’t have to give reasons to yourself or others for not doing Yoga. Just do it!!

Article By : Dr. Shraddha Surathkal

For More Details visit : https://vivekanandahealth.com/articles/saral-yoga/

[sagetoday]

Unlocking the Five Koshas: A Journey to Your True Self!

The Five Koshas This article guides you through the Five Koshas, or sheaths, that cover our Atman, the true self. The Five Koshas include the Annamaya Kosha (physical body), Pranamaya Kosha (energy body), Manomaya Kosha (mental body), Vijnanamaya Kosha (wisdom body), and Anandamaya Kosha (bliss body). Each sheath has unique attributes that contribute to our overall being, influencing our physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences. Understanding these sheaths allows us to gain insights into our existence and identify the areas where we can grow and improve. By working with the Five Koshas, individuals can achieve a deeper connection to their true selves, promoting holistic health and well-being. To learn more about the Five Koshas and how to integrate them into your life, please visit the link below: https://www.sage.blue/five-koshas/ Explore the wisdom of the Five Koshas and enhance your journey toward self-realization and balance.

[adhiplayer]

Mantra for pancha kosha cleansing.

Kreem - Annanmaya kosha cleansing.

Hreem - Manomaya kosha cleansing.

Treem - Pranamaya kosha cleansing.

I'm - Vignyanamaya kosha strengthening.

Kleem - Controlling desires, kama raja bijam.

Sauh - used for binding relationships.

Kreem

Hreem

Treem

I'm

Kleem

Sauh

These seed syllables will help in overall strengthening of all aspects in a soul.

You can use any name you want to give or receive the energy of that name.

[vivekkumar66335]

pancha koshas

👇

Listen to the beautiful summary from 9th minute of the video

Five levels of identity, attachment & confusion

What are koshas?  Pouches holding something

The five koshas hold some knowledge

1. The Annamaya kosha  holds the knowledge of - your physical body

2. The pranamaya kosha holds knowledge of -  energy flow in your body

3  The Manomaya kosha holds knowledge of -   moods of your mind, happiness and sadness

4. The vigyanamaya kosha holds knowledge of your Intellect

5  The anandmaya kosha is un attached and relaxed of all attachments

We are to come beyond these five layers of false attachment - five levels of confusion, to understand over basic-true self

[satyawan9saitama]

Panchakosha Meditation: Exploring the Five Layers of Self

What is Panchakosha Meditation?

Panchakosha Meditation is based on the ancient yogic philosophy of the five layers or sheaths of the self, known as the Panchakoshas. These layers are the physical body (Annamaya Kosha), the vital energy body (Pranamaya Kosha), the mental and emotional body (Manomaya Kosha), the wisdom and intellect body (Vijnanamaya Kosha), and the blissful spiritual body (Anandamaya Kosha).

The Practice:

Find a quiet and peaceful place to meditate.

Begin by focusing your awareness on the outermost layer, the physical body. Feel the sensations in your body and relax.

Move your awareness inward, layer by layer, contemplating each sheath and its connection to your being.

Reflect on the interconnectedness of these layers and their role in your overall self.

Benefits:

Panchakosha Meditation can:

Foster a deep understanding of your holistic self.

Encourage self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Facilitate personal growth and self-realization.

Enhance mental and emotional well-being.

Promote a sense of harmony and unity within oneself.

[pooma-satsangam]

#ramanamaharshi

Sat Vidya forty

உள்ளவை நாற்பது

5. The body is made up of the five sheaths; [3] in the term body all the five are included. Without the body the world is not. Has one without the body ever seen the world?

உலகைம் புலங்க ளுருவேறன் றவ்வைம்

புலனைம் பொறிக்குப் புலனா – முலகைமன

மொன்றைம் பொறிவாயா லோர்ந்திடுத லான்மனத்தை

யன்றியுல குண்டோ வறைநேரே – நின்ற

Ulagaim pulan-gaḷ uru-vēṛan ḍṛav-vaim

Pula-naim poṛik-kup pula-nām – ulagai-manam

Onḍṛaim poṛi-vāyāl ōrindiḍu-da lānma-nattai

Anḍṛi ulaguṇḍō aṛai-nērē – ninḍṛa

Exegesis

The passage is another reflection attributed to Ramana Maharshi from the work "Sat Vidya forty." It explores the relationship between the body, the five sheaths, and the world, raising questions about the interdependence and perception of the world through the body.

The passage states that the body is composed of five sheaths. The five sheaths are a concept from Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical tradition that explores the non-dual nature of reality. These sheaths are layers or coverings that are said to veil the true Self or consciousness. The five sheaths typically referred to in Advaita Vedanta are the physical sheath (annamaya kosha), the vital sheath (pranamaya kosha), the mental/emotional sheath (manomaya kosha), the intellectual sheath (vijnanamaya kosha), and the bliss sheath (anandamaya kosha).

The passage suggests that when we use the term "body," it includes all five sheaths. It highlights the interconnectedness of these sheaths and their role in constituting the notion of the body.

Furthermore, the passage poses a question: without the body, can the world exist? It implies that the world is perceived through the body and asks whether anyone without a body has ever seen the world. This question prompts contemplation on the relationship between the body and the perception of the external world.

In the context of Advaita Vedanta, this reflection invites individuals to inquire into the nature of perception, the identification with the body, and the ultimate reality that transcends the limitations of the body-mind complex. It encourages seekers to question the notion of a separate individual entity and explore the true nature of oneself beyond the physical body.

விளக்கவுரை

"சத் வித்யா நாற்பது" என்ற படைப்பிலிருந்து ரமண மகரிஷிக்குக் கூறப்பட்ட மற்றொரு பிரதிபலிப்பு இந்த பத்தியாகும். இது உடல், ஐந்து உறைகள் மற்றும் உலகத்திற்கு இடையிலான உறவை ஆராய்கிறது, உடலின் மூலம் உலகின் ஒன்றுக்கொன்று சார்ந்திருத்தல் மற்றும் உணர்தல் பற்றிய கேள்விகளை எழுப்புகிறது.

உடல் ஐந்து உறைகளால் ஆனது என்று பத்தி கூறுகிறது. ஐந்து உறைகள் என்பது அத்வைத வேதாந்தத்தின் ஒரு கருத்தாகும், இது யதார்த்தத்தின் இரட்டை அல்லாத தன்மையை ஆராய்கிறது. இந்த உறைகள் உண்மையான சுயம் அல்லது நனவை மறைப்பதாகக் கூறப்படும் அடுக்குகள் அல்லது உறைகள். அத்வைத வேதாந்தத்தில் பொதுவாகக் குறிப்பிடப்படும் ஐந்து உறைகள் உடல் உறை (அன்னமய கோஷா), முக்கிய உறை (பிராணமய கோஷா), மன/உணர்ச்சி உறை (மனோமய கோஷா), அறிவுசார் உறை (விஜ்ஞானமய கோஷா) மற்றும் பேரின்ப உறை (ஆனந்தமயம்) ஆகும். கோஷா).

"உடல்" என்ற வார்த்தையை நாம் பயன்படுத்தும்போது, ​​​​அது அனைத்து ஐந்து உறைகளையும் உள்ளடக்கியது என்று பத்தியில் கூறுகிறது. இது இந்த உறைகளின் ஒன்றோடொன்று இணைந்திருப்பதையும் உடலின் கருத்தை அமைப்பதில் அவற்றின் பங்கையும் எடுத்துக்காட்டுகிறது.

மேலும், இப்பகுதி ஒரு கேள்வியை எழுப்புகிறது: உடல் இல்லாமல், உலகம் இருக்க முடியுமா? உடல் மூலம் உலகம் உணரப்படுகிறது என்பதை இது குறிக்கிறது மற்றும் உடல் இல்லாத யாரும் உலகைப் பார்த்தது இல்லையா என்று கேட்கிறது. இந்த கேள்வி உடலுக்கும் வெளி உலகத்தைப் பற்றிய கருத்துக்கும் இடையிலான உறவைப் பற்றி சிந்திக்கத் தூண்டுகிறது.

அத்வைத வேதாந்தத்தின் பின்னணியில், இந்த பிரதிபலிப்பு தனிப்பட்ட நபர்களை உணர்வின் தன்மை, உடலுடன் அடையாளம் காணுதல் மற்றும் உடல்-மன சிக்கலான வரம்புகளை மீறும் இறுதி யதார்த்தம் ஆகியவற்றை விசாரிக்க அழைக்கிறது. இது தேடுபவர்களை ஒரு தனி தனிமனிதன் என்ற கருத்தை கேள்விக்குட்படுத்தவும், உடல் உடலுக்கு அப்பால் ஒருவரின் உண்மையான தன்மையை ஆராயவும் ஊக்குவிக்கிறது.

[princetontv]

The Quantum Healer - Yoga Part 1 from CNJN on Vimeo.

Yoga is an ancient practice that can be traced back thousands of years with many moving parts that create overall well-being for all of the layers of the human person.

The Yoga practice will be in the spotlight for three episodes as a panel of yoga teachers discuss the many healing benefits that they personally have observed, as well as witnessed through their students.

In Part 1, Dr. Tracey talks with Reshma Patel, a Physical Therapist, about the benefits to the food/body sheath or Annamaya-Kosha, as well as Sarah Gagnon Stevenson, founder of Mindful Educational Services, about the benefits to the energy sheath or Pranamaya-Kosha.

Many qualified yoga teachers can be found through the National Yoga Alliance: yogaalliance.org

[gardenofhera]

Planes of Existence

Charlotte Leonie | White Dakini | 22 January 2022

Taittirya Upanishad, a Hindu book of Ancient India indicates that there are five levels of the self (known in Sanskrit as Koshas). Here, we explore the Planes of Existence as conceptualised in Hindu culture.

As we delve into the topic of planes of existence we can begin to unpack the concept that there is more to us and all of existence than meets the eye. There have been systems of philosophy developed over the millennia that discuss the concept of multiple planes of existence. Some of these include Hinduism, Buddhism, Tantrism, Platonism, Neoplatonism and Theosophy.

The Hindu Taittirya Upanishad, a book of Ancient India indicates that there are five levels of the Self known in Sanskrit as Koshas. Kosha translates as sheath or covering. These are the: 

Annamaya Kosha - Physical/Food Sheath

Pranamaya Kosha - Breath/Life Force Sheath 

Manomaya Kosha - Mental & Emotional Sheath

Vijnanamaya Kosha - Astral/Psychic Sheath

Anandamaya Kosha - Bliss/Seed Sheath

These sheaths can be visualised as subsequent layers surrounding the seed of the soul making up the united individual. Understanding the concept of these sheaths enables a deep dive into the exploration of our soul and potential within spiritual practice.

Leading spiritual philosopher of Theosophy, Blavatsky, continued to analyse and interpret this concept through her research and psychic investigation. She delineated these sheaths into planes of existence as well as distinguished sub-planes within these planes which brought the concept to the West in a way that could be more readily understood in Western culture.

Through spiritual practice we can gain first-hand experience and understanding of these planes. To give some idea of what to look for on that journey, I’ve written a brief description about each primary plane below.

THE PHYSICAL PLANE

This plane is the visible reality of space, time, energy and matter. This is the level at  which we are born into, our daily lives play out and our physical bodies exist. We are able to experience spiritual and elevated emotional states on this level through our bodily functions such as through the nervous and cardiovascular systems. The physical plane is the first and lowest in existence. Many try to bypass it on their quests for emotional and spiritual transcendence due to the pain and suffering it can hold and bring. Developing bodily awareness through conscious practices such as yoga and meditation is the gateway to accessing deeper planes of existence wherein the energy is more subtle than solid. It is also common that many hold the belief that the physical body is all that we are, rather than seeing the body as a temple for the soul. Regardless of how the physical body is viewed, it needs to be respected and well cared for with balanced eating, periods of fasting, proper rest and healthy movement practices to have us survive and thrive in life with longevity.

THE EHTERIC PLANE

The plane of life force energy, the Etheric Plane, also known as the aura, is commonly witnessed by clairvoyants with a wide array of colours. It’s also called the Pranic plane due to Prana, the multi-faceted Sanskrit term for life force, breath, air and ether. This is a plane of subtle energy which can be felt by allowing oneself to be truly still and at peace in one’s environment and within oneself. Being alone in quiet places in nature can be one way to access its vibrations. Seated meditation with breath work is another way. A dedicated yoga practice will also have your awareness of the etheric plane emerge. This level is where the Chakras reside. They enable energy from the earth to flow through us from our base (pelvic floor and feet) and divine energy to flow into the crown (top of the head). Blockages on this plane create issues that follow through into the physical and emotional/mental levels which is why it’s crucial to cultivate and maintain healthy subtle energy flow through open chakras (energy centres) and nadis (energy pathways). This level links the physical level with the emotional, mental level.

THE MENTAL & EMOTIONAL PLANE

Also the Psychological Plane, holds the unique immortal blueprint of each individual and is typically what most people become consumed and unresolved with and limited by. It consists of our thoughts, desires, mental constructs and belief systems which develop throughout time and continually influence the motivations of our actions. Our desires, emotions and thought forms are influenced by the chakras we have most active and strong. Base chakras bring focus upon and desire for territory, money, sensual intimacy, pleasure and power. Upper chakras bring focus upon and desire for reason, love, generosity, peace, intellectual creativity, knowledge, order and genius. Having access to the various aspects of our psyche enables us to reach resolved emotional and mental states, understand the motivations behind our desires and potentially master the psyche which promotes health and balance of the lower planes and grants access to the higher planes. Through this plane, we can also develop relationships with not only people, but with everything we commune with such as animals, places and spirits. This plane also translates our experiences via the information received at sensory levels so that we can make sense of ourselves in relation to our contexts and those we interact with. In addition to healthy movement practices, fasting, meditation, pranayama and time spent in solitude and silence, this plane can also be accessed and harmonised through song, chanting, altruism and positive affirmation.

THE ASTRAL PLANE

From the Astral Plane we can access realms wherein we can traverse through worlds of our own spiritual crafting as well as those of others’, often even without their permission if they don’t have psychic protection. The astral realms are believed to be populated by immortal souls, demons, angels and other spiritual beings. This plane also deals with dreams, prophetic visions and psychic phenomena. It is believed some souls land in the astral plane after they die and stay until they are ready to reincarnate into a different life form. Once we consciously learn how to exist in the astral, we have begun to develop extraordinary psychic powers and depth of wisdom. The astral plane is often accessed through lucid dreaming and astral projection, both of which can be practiced and near-death and out-of-body experiences, which should not be practiced.

THE CAUSAL PLANE

As the highest plane of existence, the Causal plane is where matter is subordinate to consciousness and we see with ultimate clarity the entirety of All That Is. From this plane, Nirvana, Samadhi or Enlightenment are achieved. This is a blissful state arising from being in union with the Divine. Abstract lessons about the structure and origins of the universe are learned on this plane and deep self realisation is achieved. Once access to this plane has been granted, it is believed that we are able to craft universes alongside the Creator or True Self. Important to note, however, that ego does not exist on this plane and the only way to access it is through dissolving the ego entirely and transcending all previous planes. With deep, devoted spiritual development, consciousness elevated to the Causal plane becomes more readily available, however, unless one maintains an enlightened state of being such as through extended meditation (days), we only ever achieve temporary immersions into this plane. There is complete awareness of one’s union with the Source on this plane and the physical plane may no longer be required. Though, desires within and attachment to one’s physical life form will keep one confined to it and continually in the process of reincarnation.

By exploring alternate planes of existence, we are able to powerfully self-reflect and reach states of differing vibrational awakening, divine power and self emergence. Transcending through all levels via devoted spiritual practice is said to bring Nirvana and pure bliss, the uniting of the “I,” Individual Consciousness with the “All,” Universal Consciousness.

[saibhaktabrasill]

#Dutch 15.mar.23 Gedachte van 15 maart 2023 Jullie weten dat de droomwereld een bizarre wereld van nonsens is, waar vijftig jaren in vijf minuten worden samengeperst en waar vreemde voorvallen en zaken aanwezig lijken en ervaren worden. Maar ik zeg jullie dat vanuit het niveau van echt bewustzijn de waaktoestand evenmin op waarheid berust. Ontwikkel daarom een gevoel van waarden, beter nog een schaal van waarden; ken alles en iedereen de juiste waarde toe, geen greintje meer. Vijf omhulsels omsluiten het Atma (ware Zelf) en verhinderen de openbaring van zijn glorie. Maak ze alle stralend zuiver. Het fysieke omhulsel (annamaya kosha) moet gezuiverd worden door goed, schoon en zuiver voedsel; het vitale omhulsel (pranamaya kosha) door een kalme, regelmatige ademhaling en een gelijkmoedig humeur; het mentale omhulsel (manomaya kosha) door heilige gedachten en gevoelens, niet aangetast door gehechtheid aan de zintuigen en niet beïnvloed door vreugde of verdriet; het intellectuele omhulsel (vijnanamaya kosha) dient gezuiverd te worden door overpeinzing van de werkelijkheid en het gelukzaligheidsomhulsel (anandamaya kosha) door je onder te dompelen in de verrukking van godsbewustzijn. - Sathya Sai Baba, 26 februari 1961 © Vertaling Sathya Sai International Organisation – Nederland Het leven is een droom, realiseer je dat! - Baba #sathyasai #saibhakta #sathyasaibaba #saibaba https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp0zELLuPYo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=