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body and energy can work in unison, and that tears the veil to vijnanamaya kosha. When the psychic sheath is accessed, concentration becomes refined and the deeper mind comes to the surface. The psychic experiences and extrasensory perceptions manifest and deep-rooted samskaras are purged. As vijnanamaya kosha is cleared, creativity becomes inspired and clarity comes intuitively and effortlessly. At this stage the mind is actually and truly being emptied and prepared to experience anandamaya kosha.
The process of gradual ascent through the koshas may be reversed for the rare yogi who is endowed with grace. In this case the experience of anandamaya kosha brings about purification at all the other levels.
Kosha consciousness The yogic practices that one selects should be based on the major kosha in which the consciousness rests. The different levels of consciousness represented by the koshas relate to: i) body, ii) life, iii) mind, iv) psyche and v) Self. Each practitioner belongs to one realm predominantly among these five levels of consciousness based on his state of evolution. If the consciousness is mainly in annamaya kosha, one will identify strongly with the body, as many epicureans and hedonists do. If the consciousness is in pranamaya kosha, one will identify with power and vitality, as athletes do. If the consciousness is in manomaya kosha, one will identify with the analytical mind.
When the consciousness has evolved to the level of vijnanamaya kosha, where the tamasic and rajasic tendencies are reduced, there is clarity of cognition based on intuitive intelligence. Here all experiences are seen in the light of the psyche and assume a deeper significance than is apparent. In this dimension one begins to experience the subtle, expressive nature of a higher consciousness. One who identifies with anandamaya kosha is a yogi. He has evolved to the spiritual realm, where all experiences are spiritual experiences.
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