YOUR BODY
The pranas constitute the second kosa sheath (appearance or maya) of a human being (who is essentially the Jiva-Atma or the Self). The kosas which cover the Jiva are listed below.Annamaya Kosa - Anna means food the outermost of the koshas is called the sheath of food, or food body. As all physical aspects of life are consumed by another aspect of external reality so food is consumed and transformed to a physical body.
Pranamaya Kosa- Vital Air Sheath The next layer of the koshas. It is the vital force that produces the subtle vibrations related to breath which is the driving force behind the operation of the physical body. It allows the Jiva-Atma to be able to animate in the external world.
Manomaya Kosa - Mental Sheath, Mana means mind. The 3rd of the koshas processes thoughts and emotions. Through the prana it is in direct control of the operation of the physical body and senses.
Vigyanamaya Kosa - Intellectual or pure wisdom Sheath, Vijnana means knowing. It is the sheath of wisdom that is it knows unlike the thinking and processing aspect of mind. It is still at the level of ego consciousness (I-am-ness). This I-am-ness itself is a positive influence, but when it gets co-mingled with the memories, and is clouded over by the mana (mind) it loses its positive strength.
Anandmaya Kosa - Bliss Sheath Ananda means bliss. It is the most subtle and most interior of the five koshas closest to and surrounding the Atman. It is not a mere emotion experienced at the level of the mind. It is the peace, joy, and love that is beyond the mind, independent of any reason or stimulus to cause a happy mental reaction. It is simply being, resting in bliss.
by Nykol West 2004 Copywright 2006 all rights reserved
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