The Sheaths the Self wears

http://Meenakshi.gaia.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:32:57 GMT

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.

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

[slightly modified]

Gaia: Living Metaphysics - Vedanta/ Upanishads - The Sheaths the Self wears

The Sheaths the Self wears