This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

The five sheaths of consciousness and attainments of Self

Rekha Pareek — University of Delhi, Delhi

Progressive enlargement of the self has been the central construct, which is the outcome of a continuous process of realisation of self and its deeper parts. The gross, subtle and astral bodies of the individual self are said to be subtly covered by the panchkosha- annamaya kosha (body cell), pranamaya kosha  (life cell), manomaya kosha (mind cell), vigyanamaya kosha (knowledge cell) and anadamaya kosha (beatitudious bliss cell). These are also described as five doors, successive opening of which leads the soul towards absolute liberation from all bonds and ultimate unification with its eternal divine origin. The Panchkosha contain five secret treasures of enormous potentials endowed on the human self, attainment of which removes all deficiencies, complexities, stresses, worries, sufferings and agonies and successively transmutes human life into a divine one. The Bhragu Valli section of Tattiryopanishad and Shatpatha Brahmana (15|17|31) and Vrhadaranyaka Upanishda mention these aspects in detail. The knowledge of the sadhana (spiritual endeavours and disciplined practices) of penetration and activation of the panchkosha lies at the deepest core of the science of yoga and spirituality. According to yoga these are the five dimensions of existence into which all the other experiences fall, which may be physical or emotional, which may be in the realm of energy or the mind. Indian psychology provides a practical view of it and describes some concrete ways of transmutation of these five sheaths. This article provides an outline of those techniques, managing different dimensions of human experience and existence, which expands the consciousness and leads a person towards gaining deeper attainments in life.

Email the author, Ms. Rekha Pareek, at pareekrekha@gmail.com