Meet the fourth layer of your being: The Vijnanamayakosha (The Wisdom Body)
Guys, we are almost at the very centre of our being. But for now, Say hello 👋🏽 to your 4th sheath - The Vijnanamayakosha (the wisdom body).
This is where your ability to discern what you need, how to use your intellect, your determination/will and your sensory organs reside. Even though this kosha is associated with wisdom and consciousness, it is not the same as our true self. This is largely because it is transient, changing, limited and not always present.
It is responsible for all inner growth and personal development; this includes the presence and evolution of morals and ethics. This kosha seeks to draw awareness from what is happening in front of the senses to a much deeper mental state, therefore it should come as no surprise that the central goal here is higher wisdom.
Intuition and Willpower are connected to both our third eye and solar plexus, and like the other koshas it is interactive and dependant upon the other layers of the body. Practicing Asana (poses), Dharana (concentration), and Dhyana (meditation) can help you connect to that deeper intuition, wisdom, and knowledge.
On Saturday we worked through a series of Balancing Postures, Twists, Core Work and Single-Pointed Concentration to help activate and align this sheath, and finished our practice with Chitta Mudra ( the gesture of consciousness ). I’ll include some detailed instruction about how to practice this mudra meditation below as well as some other practices that can help awaken this sheath.
CITTA MUDRA: Citta mudra is a simple yoga technique or gesture, designed to promote the awakening of consciousness. As a Samyukta Hasta ("double hand") Mudra, it is
Performed by placing the hands in prayer position, known as Anjali Mudra. The forefingers are folded until the tips touch the tops of the thumbs, while the other fingers remain extended.
Citta Mudra may be practiced while seated, prone, standing or in movement, as long as the body remains relaxed and symmetrical. It may also be practiced during Pranayama and meditation.
Trataka, or concentrated gazing, is one of the shatkarmas (cleansing processes) of yoga, and forms a bridge between the physically-centered and mentally-centered yoga practices.
To practice trataka, sit in a comfortable meditation posture in front of a low table. Place a candle on the table so it’s at eye level and an arm’s length away. Close your eyes and relax your body for a few moments. Open your eyes and gaze steadily at the candle’s flame, without blinking or moving your eyes. Keep your awareness on the flame. Do this for a minute or two; then close your eyes and continue to focus on the internal image of the flame. When you can no longer see the flame, open your eyes and repeat. You can practice this a couple more times; then rub your hands together and gently cup your palms over your eyes.
