Creation begins with a divine spark of spirit, which then moves into more manifest levels until it reaches us as embodied souls. The yogic and vedantic paths provide us with an understanding of how creation manifests from its purest state into something that exists in physical form – like each one of us! By embarking inwardly through these levels, it is believed that we can uncover the essence within ourselves which lies beyond birth and death; connecting to Great Nature at its very heart.
The journey of life is a cycle, as we move from our Source and back again through death and rebirth. While there are many wonderful gifts that living brings us, break the wheel — or swim upstream to find something more powerful: Self-Realization. Seekers know it’s not an easy course; delusion accompanies attachment with suffering at its heels… but those seeking True freedom understand this is the only way out of samsara in order to gain eternal liberation.
Kundalini Shakti is a powerful primordial force that resides in the subtle depths of our inner planes. It’s said to be responsible for creation – from emanating all forms and shapes, both tangible or beyond reach. Yet within each individual it remains hidden beneath five sheaths known as pancha koshas. Unveiling this wisdom can lead us closer on a path of realization towards discovering ultimate truth.
Our body is comprised of the five gross elements found in food, which make up our Annamaya Kosha – our physical food body – forming an outermost protective layer around us that enables us to engage with and explore this world. To maintain a healthy and balanced kosha we should pay attention to how we nourish ourselves through diet, rest & sleep as well as incorporate movement into our lifestyle such as yoga asana or other forms of exercise for better body awareness.
The Pranamaya Kosha is an incredible source of life energy that animates our physical body. This wondrous force forms a network of subtle currents (Nadis) and powerful spinning wheels (Chakras), each having its own unique values which provide the vital strength to sustain organ function. The aura surrounding humans amplifies this Life Force, enabling it to extend beyond one’s being with a greater reach than ever before through something called Pranavayus. It has been said to be the secret power that binds even heaven and earth together!
Our mental sheath, or manomaya kosha, is a complex blend of thoughts and emotions that pieced together create our identity. It consists of Chitta (subconscious), Manas (conscious mind) and Ahamkara (ego). Our samskaras- such as habits, thought patterns & automatic routines – all exist here in this plane along with the guna influences – rajas , tamas & sattva. Together they form an intricate web which gives us insight into our individual make up.
Our inner wisdom is found in the fourth layer of our being, Vijnanamaya kosha. When cleansed from psychological traits such as attachment, aversion and delusion – it can become a conduit for Atman’s divine light to flow through us. This higher function of the mind, Buddhi, yields wondrous qualities like awareness, intuition, discernment, will power and insight. This gives rise to a Wisdom Body that allows for witnessing life with greater clarity through increased presence & self-awareness!
The Anandamaya kosha, often referred to as the Bliss Sheath, is a divine gateway that opens our eyes to Pure Consciousness and awakens us to an ever-present celestial peace. This sacred vessel holds within it Kundalini Shakti ––the spiritual power of dualistic samadhi–– deepened knowing, heightened integration and unbridled love for all things. Seated at its heart lies the Causal Body where truth resides in perfect harmony with wholeness offering you true inner freedom from earthly suffering.
Our spiritual journey is ultimately a quest to rediscover the One true Source, and Kundalini Shakti acts as our faithful guide along this path of enlightenment. As we traverse through each layer or sheath that veils Atman – from Vijnanamaya kosha to Anandamaya Kosha – our lower mind will eventually bow in recognition of its own relativity when confronted with Self-Illumination beyond all layers. Ultimately, it is only by surrendering ourselves fully into divine guidance can we finally return home.
Many Blessings,
Michelle
Michelle Berry 