2.4 🟣 The Sheath of Bliss or Causal Body

Peace mantra by Atman Nityananda

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The Sheath of Bliss or Causal Body (Ānandamaya Kosha)
by Atman Nityananda

1. ⭐ Public Section
   1. Introduction
   2. Quick Reference
2. ⭐ Members Zone
   1. Definition and Nature
   2. The Three Expressions
   3. Expression and Experience
   4. Limitations and Nature
   5. Relationship with the True Self
   6. Ignorance and Identification
   7. Path to Liberation
   8. Summary
3. ⭐ Course Navigation

Introduction

In Indian philosophy, human existence consists of three bodies and five sheaths (Koshas):

Three bodies: • Physical body (Sthūla Śarīra – Sthula Sharira) • Subtle body (Sūkṣma Śarīra – Sukshma Sharira) • Causal body (Kāraṇa Śarīra – Karana Sharira)

Five sheaths: • Food sheath (Annamaya Kosha – Annamaya Kosha) • Vital energy sheath (Prāṇamaya Kosha – Pranamaya Kosha) • Mental sheath (Manomaya Kosha – Manomaya Kosha) • Intellectual sheath (Vijñānamaya Kosha – Vijnanamaya Kosha) • Sheath of bliss (Ānandamaya Kosha – Anandamaya Kosha)

The Ānandamaya Kosha (Sheath of Bliss) is the fifth and subtlest sheath, identical with the causal body, and is the closest layer to the true Self (Ātman).

It is not the Self itself — it is a vehicle, a temporary sheath of Consciousness. In its pure form, it functions as an instrument of divine bliss, reflecting the light of Ātman. In its impure state, tainted by Rajas and Tamas, it becomes a veil of ignorance covering the true Self and preventing the experience of our eternal nature: Sat–Chit–Ānanda (Sat–Chit–Ānanda).

Quick Reference

• Name: Sheath of Bliss (Ānandamaya Kosha) or Causal Body (Karana Sharira)
• Position: The subtlest of the five sheaths, closest to Ātman (Ātman)
• Nature: Originally Sattvic (Sāttvika), tainted by Rajas (Rajas) and Tamas (Tamas)
• Contents: Primordial ignorance (Avidyā), seeds of all tendencies and desires
• Three expressions of joy:

• Priya (Priya): joy from seeing or thinking about the desired object
• Moda (Moda): joy from approaching or possessing the desired object
• Pramoda (Pramoda): joy from the full enjoyment of the desired object

• When expressed: Partially in waking and dreaming states, fully in deep sleep
• Limitations: Temporary happiness, dependent on objects and desires
• Purification: Liberation from Rajas (Rajas) and Tamas (Tamas) and egoic tendencies (Vāsanā)
• Path to liberation: Discrimination (Viveka), investigation, meditation (Dhyāna), elimination of identifications and ego (Ahaṃkāra) with all its flaws and desires.

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