DIVINE ATTAINMENTS THROUGH GAYATRI
( G³yatrº Kº Pancha Ko̺ S³dhan³ Evam Uplabdhiy³n )
G³yatrº - the deity of time, knowledge, pure intellect, prudence foresight, creation, progress, welfare and ultimate evolution is described in the rhetoric representations of the Indian scriptures as having five faces and ten arms. Idols and pictures of G³yatrº also depict the same. This is not a mythological characterization, rather, the five faces of G³yatrº symbolize the Pancha kosha (five 'sheaths' of the consciousness force or the five 'realms' of its different manifestations and expansion). The ten arms of the Goddess indicate her powers which can completely destroy and eliminate the ten major causes of the vices, decline and consequent pains and agony of life.
The gross, subtle and astral bodies of individual self are said to be subtly covered by the Pancha kosha - annamaya kosha (body cell), pr³ñamaya kosha (life cell), manomaya kosha (mind cell), vigy³namaya kosha (knowledge cell) and ³nandamaya 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 word "kosha" in Sanskrit and Hindi languages also means treasure.
The pancha kosha 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 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 s³dhan³ (spiritual endeavors and disciplined practices) of penetration and activation of the Pancha koshas lies at the
deepest core of the science of yoga and spirituality. Acharya Shriram Sharma's "G³yatrº Manjarº" and "G³yatrº Mah³vigy³na" present the nectar of the Vedas, Upanishadas and other scriptures on G³yatrº Yoga- describing the s³dhan³s of activation, refinement and evolution of consciousness for opening of the Pancha koshas and attainment of supernormal potentials associated with them... The present volume is based on these books and compilation of his other articles on this topic.
The first in the hierarchical manifold (from gross to successively subtler) of the five 'shells' is the annamaya kosha. The state of this kosha determines the structure, strength and overall health of the gross (physical) body. The nutritional quality of what we eat affects the development of the gross body. But, the innermost characteristics, subtle properties and purity of the food-intake influences the evolution of the annamaya kosha. For example, food prepared with the help of resources earned by unfair means or prepared by hurting some living being in some way would have obnoxious subtle properties and therefore exert negative effects on this kosha and hence on the health of the body too. Disorderly, maligned or weak state of this kosha is considered to be the root cause of all diseases and deficiencies of the body.
Specific practices of vrata, upaw³sa (fasting), ³sanas (physical exercises of yoga), tatva shuddhi and tapa - titºksha (refinement by penance, self-restrain, endurance and ascetic disciplines) are prescribed for healthy maintenance and purity of this kosha. Higher level s³dhan³s of G³yatri meditation and yoga can be practised only in a vigorous state of the annamaya kosha. Detailed information and guidance of the day-to-day practices and s³dhan³s of refinement and opening (spiritual activation) of this kosha are provided in three chapters of the present volume.
Successive refinement of this kosha increases the vitality, resistance and charm of the body and brightens the glow of the aura around it.
Awakening of this kosha opens up the way to enter the next kosha - the pr³ñamaya kosha.
The pr³ñamaya kosha constitutes what is defined as the 'etheric double' by the Theosophists. It refers to the reservoir of vital energy - the source of liveliness, activity, eminence and inner strength. Disorder,
TRANSMUTATION OF THE FIVE SHEATHS OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND DIVINE ATTAINMENTS THROUGH GAYATRI
( G³yatrº Kº Pancha Ko̺ S³dhan³ Evam Uplabdhiy³n )
G³yatrº - the deity of time, knowledge, pure intellect, prudence foresight, creation, progress, welfare and ultimate evolution is described in the rhetoric representations of the Indian scriptures as having five faces and ten arms. Idols and pictures of G³yatrº also depict the same. This is not a mythological characterization, rather, the five faces of G³yatrº symbolize the Pancha kosha (five 'sheaths' of the consciousness force or the five 'realms' of its different manifestations and expansion). The ten arms of the Goddess indicate her powers which can completely destroy and eliminate the ten major causes of the vices, decline and consequent pains and agony of life.
The gross, subtle and astral bodies of individual self are said to be subtly covered by the Pancha kosha - annamaya kosha (body cell), pr³ñamaya kosha (life cell), manomaya kosha (mind cell), vigy³namaya kosha (knowledge cell) and ³nandamaya 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 word "kosha" in Sanskrit and Hindi languages also means treasure.
The pancha kosha 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 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 s³dhan³ (spiritual endeavors and disciplined practices) of penetration and activation of the Pancha koshas lies at the
deepest core of the science of yoga and spirituality. Acharya Shriram Sharma's "G³yatrº Manjarº" and "G³yatrº Mah³vigy³na" present the nectar of the Vedas, Upanishadas and other scriptures on G³yatrº Yoga- describing the s³dhan³s of activation, refinement and evolution of consciousness for opening of the Pancha koshas and attainment of supernormal potentials associated with them... The present volume is based on these books and compilation of his other articles on this topic.
The first in the hierarchical manifold (from gross to successively subtler) of the five 'shells' is the annamaya kosha. The state of this kosha determines the structure, strength and overall health of the gross (physical) body. The nutritional quality of what we eat affects the development of the gross body. But, the innermost characteristics, subtle properties and purity of the food-intake influences the evolution of the annamaya kosha. For example, food prepared with the help of resources earned by unfair means or prepared by hurting some living being in some way would have obnoxious subtle properties and therefore exert negative effects on this kosha and hence on the health of the body too. Disorderly, maligned or weak state of this kosha is considered to be the root cause of all diseases and deficiencies of the body.
Specific practices of vrata, upaw³sa (fasting), ³sanas (physical exercises of yoga), tatva shuddhi and tapa - titºksha (refinement by penance, self-restrain, endurance and ascetic disciplines) are prescribed for healthy maintenance and purity of this kosha. Higher level s³dhan³s of G³yatri meditation and yoga can be practised only in a vigorous state of the annamaya kosha. Detailed information and guidance of the day-to-day practices and s³dhan³s of refinement and opening (spiritual activation) of this kosha are provided in three chapters of the present volume.
Successive refinement of this kosha increases the vitality, resistance and charm of the body and brightens the glow of the aura around it.
Awakening of this kosha opens up the way to enter the next kosha - the pr³ñamaya kosha.
The pr³ñamaya kosha constitutes what is defined as the 'etheric double' by the Theosophists. It refers to the reservoir of vital energy - the source of liveliness, activity, eminence and inner strength. Disorder,
maligning or deficiencies at this source gives rise to psychosomatic diseases, mental weakness and complexities. This kosha is maintained in order by harmonizing the level of pr³ña (vital force) by the yoga exercises of pr³ñ³y³ma.
Several types of pr³ñ³y³mas including those aimed at activation of the s¿rya chakra and upthrust of pr³ña through the sushumñ³ n³dº are described in the volume no. 17 of the Vangmaya series. Details on the higher level G³yatrº s³dhan³ of arousal and spiritual transmutation of the vital force are present in the volume no. 16. One chapter of the present volume focuses on these in brief. Opening and refinement of this kosha gradually increases creativity, enthusiasm, youthfulness - longevity and sharpens mental talents and inner strength too. Its linkage with KuñÃalini opens up the ways of supernatural attainments.
The manomaya kosha enfolds the domain of subtle layers of mind. It governs the intelligence, intrinsic tendencies and continuous activities of the mind at conscious and unconscious levels. The first phase of the s³dhan³s of control and purification of this kosha deals with restraining the agility of mind and enhancing mental concentration by meditation.
The yoga practices of japa, dhy³na, tr³taka and tanm³tr³ siddhi prescribed for this purpose have been discussed in detail in one separate chapter of the present volume along with the higher level s³dhan³s like the gandha s³dhan³ and swara s³dhan³ which unlock the latent treasure of supernormal intellectual and mental potentials.
Purity and awakening of the manomaya kosha is essential for spiritual sublimation of the individual consciousness.
The fourth kosha in the successively subtle domains of human consciousness is the vigy³namaya kosha which is the source of ultimate knowledge and self-realization of the soul. The true existence of the self is experienced as different from the body, virtues, intellect and mind in the refined state of this kosha. Upon success of the associated s³dhan³s, the soul realizes its eternity and divine nature. These s³dhan³s include ajap³ japa, ³tm³nubh¿ti yoga and soaham s³dhan³ of G³yatrº.
Activation of the vigy³namaya kosha also helps activation of the supreme vital force (KuñÃalini ) and opening of the extrasensory knots (granthis) and hence liberates the self from the thraldoms of ignorance, pains, fears and attachments. One chapter of this volume is devoted to the detailed explanation of these s³dhan³s. Specific knowledge of the spiritual practices of ajap³ japa and soaham s³dhan³ is discussed in-depth in volume no. 19 of the vangmaya series.
The ³nandamaya kosha contains the source of divine bliss - beatitudiousness experienced after unification of the soul with its eternal origin. The state of absolute trance (turºy³vasth³) achieved by Shabda Brahm s³dhan³, N³da yoga s³dhan³ and Bindu yoga etc leads to this ultimate spiritual realization and sublime transformation and divine expansion of the self as unified with the omnipresent impulses of the supreme consciousness. The science, philosophy and methods of practising the Shabda Brahm and N³da yoga s³dhan³s are described in detailed in volume no. 19 of this series. In the present volume, the reader will find decipheration of what is ³nandamaya kosha and how this can be awaken by the above s³dhan³s in day-to-day life.
Details on initiation of G³yatrº s³dhan³s and different modes of disciplined practices under adept guidance of a noble spiritual master are also presented here for ready reference. The secretes of the Pancha Koshº S³dhan³ of G³yatrº are eloquently deciphered by the author because of his life-long experiences and success with these spiritual endeavors of the highest kind... It is hoped that the light of his sagacious intellect and knowledge reflected in this volume would inspire readers to march ahead in the direction of spiritual refinement of life.... the readers to march ahead towards spiritual refinement of life.
•••••
Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Vangmaya Vol. 13, An Introduction
maligning or deficiencies at this source gives rise to psychosomatic diseases, mental weakness and complexities. This kosha is maintained in order by harmonizing the level of pr³ña (vital force) by the yoga exercises of pr³ñ³y³ma.
Several types of pr³ñ³y³mas including those aimed at activation of the s¿rya chakra and upthrust of pr³ña through the sushumñ³ n³dº are described in the volume no. 17 of the Vangmaya series. Details on the higher level G³yatrº s³dhan³ of arousal and spiritual transmutation of the vital force are present in the volume no. 16. One chapter of the present volume focuses on these in brief. Opening and refinement of this kosha gradually increases creativity, enthusiasm, youthfulness - longevity and sharpens mental talents and inner strength too. Its linkage with KuñÃalini opens up the ways of supernatural attainments.
The manomaya kosha enfolds the domain of subtle layers of mind. It governs the intelligence, intrinsic tendencies and continuous activities of the mind at conscious and unconscious levels. The first phase of the s³dhan³s of control and purification of this kosha deals with restraining the agility of mind and enhancing mental concentration by meditation.
The yoga practices of japa, dhy³na, tr³taka and tanm³tr³ siddhi prescribed for this purpose have been discussed in detail in one separate chapter of the present volume along with the higher level s³dhan³s like the gandha s³dhan³ and swara s³dhan³ which unlock the latent treasure of supernormal intellectual and mental potentials.
Purity and awakening of the manomaya kosha is essential for spiritual sublimation of the individual consciousness.
The fourth kosha in the successively subtle domains of human consciousness is the vigy³namaya kosha which is the source of ultimate knowledge and self-realization of the soul. The true existence of the self is experienced as different from the body, virtues, intellect and mind in the refined state of this kosha. Upon success of the associated s³dhan³s, the soul realizes its eternity and divine nature. These s³dhan³s include ajap³ japa, ³tm³nubh¿ti yoga and soaham s³dhan³ of G³yatrº.
Activation of the vigy³namaya kosha also helps activation of the supreme vital force (KuñÃalini ) and opening of the extrasensory knots (granthis) and hence liberates the self from the thraldoms of ignorance, pains, fears and attachments. One chapter of this volume is devoted to the detailed explanation of these s³dhan³s. Specific knowledge of the spiritual practices of ajap³ japa and soaham s³dhan³ is discussed in-depth in volume no. 19 of the vangmaya series.
The ³nandamaya kosha contains the source of divine bliss - beatitudiousness experienced after unification of the soul with its eternal origin. The state of absolute trance (turºy³vasth³) achieved by Shabda Brahm s³dhan³, N³da yoga s³dhan³ and Bindu yoga etc leads to this ultimate spiritual realization and sublime transformation and divine expansion of the self as unified with the omnipresent impulses of the supreme consciousness. The science, philosophy and methods of practising the Shabda Brahm and N³da yoga s³dhan³s are described in detailed in volume no. 19 of this series. In the present volume, the reader will find decipheration of what is ³nandamaya kosha and how this can be awaken by the above s³dhan³s in day-to-day life.
Details on initiation of G³yatrº s³dhan³s and different modes of disciplined practices under adept guidance of a noble spiritual master are also presented here for ready reference. The secretes of the Pancha Koshº S³dhan³ of G³yatrº are eloquently deciphered by the author because of his life-long experiences and success with these spiritual endeavors of the highest kind... It is hoped that the light of his sagacious intellect and knowledge reflected in this volume would inspire readers to march ahead in the direction of spiritual refinement of life.... the readers to march ahead towards spiritual refinement of life.
•••••
Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Vangmaya Vol. 13, An Introduction