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Living Metaphysics

Welcome to an exploration of applying metaphysics to the circumstances of everyday life.  We are primarily a study group that encourages discussion.  In the course of our study, we share with you, those teachings that we have found useful for riding upon the changing seas of life with awareness; and how to navigate your course, to shift your personal...(more)
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Studying the Vedanta helps us to find the universal, the infinite, of which we are aspects. It helps us to experience answers to one of the most fundamental questions that arise in the seeker: Who am I? Themes: oneness of...(more)
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Ken : Seeker
Ken posted a reply to the conversation "What is the Self? What it is not." ()
Meenakshi : Connection
Meenakshi posted a reply to the conversation "What is the Self? What it is not." ()
Ken : Seeker
Ken posted a reply to the conversation "What is the Self? What it is not." ()
Meenakshi : Connection
Meenakshi started a new conversation - Metaphysics of the Vedanta ()
Meenakshi : Connection
Meenakshi started a new conversation - Three stages towards liberation ()
Meenakshi : Connection
Meenakshi posted a reply to the conversation "Infinite consciousness and creation" ()
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FastDart : Peaceful Arrow
FastDart These google searches are getting cosmic. ie: lord of death tao = http://books.google.com/books?id=n2B9sT9UfIkC&pg=PT369&lpg=PT369&dq=lord+of+death+Tao&source=bl&ots=AAJ1gc1isa&sig=PV6OabxoyXNMlHkgX6KX_U092Vk&hl=en&ei=kqYlS--jF4i4M_bi-OgJ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAzge#v=onepage&q=lord%20of%20death%20Tao&f=false (13 days ago)
debyemm : Tree Hugging Dirt Worshiper
debyemm Wireless is back up. Divine assistance I suppose or intelligence guiding me to take the "right" step. Anyway, however it happened, I am grateful. (2 months ago)
debyemm : Tree Hugging Dirt Worshiper
debyemm Our wireless router is down and I may be very limited re: online time for the next few days. (2 months ago)
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  Meenakshi : Connection

The Sheaths the Self wears

Meenakshi said Oct 9, 2008, 5:32 PM:
 

The Self wears several sheaths [kosas] :

  • the food sheath
  • the vital air sheath
  • the mental sheath
  • the intellect sheath
  • the bliss sheath 
These five sheaths are “mine” but they are not “me.”

The logic behind the fact that I am not the 5 sheaths is simple. But the most simple facts are the most difficult to grasp and accept. The mind is so complicated and habits of the past so strong that one does not see the truth.

Even if the truth is appreciated, it is not accepted. Even if it is accepted, it is not owned up to. This mistake takes place, despite logic too because
  • the Self is unpredictable and inconceivable and therefore we have no notion of it
  • the five sheaths are always in promixity of the Self and this makes identification with them easier.
Through continuous discrimination and firm resolve, one must uncover the Self and get liberated from the shackles of the five sheaths.

_______________
~  Swami Tejomayananda commenting on the Tattva Bodha (The Awakening to Reality) By Adi Sankaracharya

 [slightly modified]