Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Based on
Panchakhosha Viveka Prakaranam
of
Panchadashi
by
Vidyaranya Swamigal
dedicated to
Swami Paramarthananda
written by
Raja Subramaniyan
(joyfulliving@gmail.com)
Version 1.1
December 2010
Module C
Understanding FIVE
Sheaths
Contents:
Unit 01 Introduction
Unit 02 Analysis of the FIVE Sheaths
Unit 03 Role of the FIVE Sheaths in evolution
Unit 04 Functions of the FIVE Sheaths
Unit 05 Beyond the Five Sheaths
Unit 06 Our real nature
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UNITS LESSONS STATEMENTS Session No
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UNITS LESSONS STATEMENTS Session No
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UNITS LESSONS STATEMENTS Session No
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Unit 01 Introduction Number of Sessions: 2
(01 – 02)
Number of Lessons: 1
(01)
This module is taken only after completion of Module A. The students are
expected to be clear about the basic concepts. Therefore, initiate discussion
among the students to strengthen their views.
Examples to be quoted
In every visual perception the object changes BUT the sunlight through
which I perceive remains available all the time whether I am paying
attention to it or not.
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Lesson 1: Introducing ‘I’ Session: C01
We need to start our analysis with what we think is the meaning of the word „I‟.
Imagine that you are hosting a visitor from Alaska and explaining to him
about your culture and food habits. When you mention „coconut‟, he wants
to know what it is. Then you show him a coconut on a tree. The visitor
from Alaska goes back with the memory of the coconut on the tree. The
coconut, which is used in cooking, is one small part of the coconut that
grows on the tree. If someone gives him a piece of coconut to eat, he will
ask, “Is this coconut? The coconut I saw in India was very big and
unbreakable!”
Does he know the meaning of the word „coconut‟? Yes and No. He thinks
that the whole fruit is coconut (which is also correct) not realizing that the
edible part is the much smaller core. Although he has eaten the coconut
many times, he does not have proper knowledge of it.
Similarly, we think this body/mind complex is „I‟ (which is also correct) not
realizing that the core of our self is different and eternal. We are with it all
the time, yet we do not know our true nature.
In the coconut, one need to remove various covers (sheaths) like the
husk, shell etc to reach the center core. Similarly, „I‟ is „located‟ at the
center with five distinct sheaths covering it.
Similarly when we make enquires on the each of the five sheaths, they will
disappear and then the true meaning of the word „I‟ will be revealed.
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Unit 02 Analysis of the Five Sheaths Number of Sessions 7
(03 to 9)
Number of Lessons 6
(02 to 07)
(a) Describe the relationship with FIVE Sheaths and THREE bodies
(b) Describe each sheath in detail.
1. Write a short essay describing the relationship between the five sheaths.
2. List the four types of thoughts
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Lesson 2: Three bodies and five sheaths Session: C03
In medical science, we analyze the physical body in varied ways like Blood
Circulatory system, Digestive system etc. Similarly, in our analysis we divide the
body into five sheaths.
These five sheaths can also be classified as our three bodies as listed below
Subtle Body consists of 19 components that are not perceivable to our sense
organs. We know the existence of the Subtle Body through inference. (More
details on inference can be found in Module B)
Causal Body represents the seed form, which supports the existence of both the
Physical Body and Subtle Body. Its presence is known through our sleeping state
where we are not aware of both our physical body and subtle body. It is made up
of Matter dominant illusion. (For details on Matter dominance refer Module A)
While the sheaths cannot exist by themselves, the bodies can. The physical body
lasts for one lifetime, the subtle body lasts until the judgment day and the causal
body is beginning less and endless.
The order in which the five sheaths are enumerated signifies the following:
Statement 2: The outer sheath covers all the remaining inner sheaths
Statement 3: The outer sheath is grosser than the inner sheath
Statement 4: The inner sheath controls the outer sheath
Statement 5: The inner sheath is more real than the outer sheath
Statement 6: The inner sheath lasts longer than the outer sheath
Statement 7: The inner sheath is more pervasive than the outer sheath
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Lesson 3: Physical Sheath Session: C04
This consists of the entire body parts. In other words, whatever one finds in a
dead body constitutes the Physical Sheath.
At the micro level, if we analyze the constitution of the physical sheath, we will
find out that it is just a modification of food. The origin of the body is sperm and
ovum drawn from the bodies of the parents, which are also modification of food.
Therefore, the physical sheath originates from food, grows on food and is
sustained by food. Moreover, after death it will become food for other living
beings.
At the macro level, if we analyze the food chain on the earth we will see that all
living beings are a modification of food. One form of living being depends on
another form of living being for food.
Thus, the physical sheath of all the living beings is nothing but food. It cannot be
the meaning of the word I. I have a physical sheath and I am not the physical
sheath. It is just like the dress I am wearing on my body. Although it comes with
me wherever I go, it is not me.
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Lesson 4: Physiological sheath Session: C05
This sheath is not visible to the eye because it is made up of subtle matter. It can
only be inferred based on the functions of this sheath. It is made up of five
distinct Life Forces.
It includes all the vital activities in cells, tissues, and organs—of processes such
This sheath is responsible for giving the semblance of life to the inert physical
sheath. It converts the external food into energy and sustains the physical body.
All the sheaths depend on this sheath for survival.
Physiological sheath links the Physical Sheath with the Psychological sheath.
Thus if we control the way we breathe it affects both our physical body and the
mind, This sheath is responsible for separating the subtle body from the physical
body at the time of death.
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Lesson 5: Psychological Sheath Session: C06
This consists of all types of thoughts that are generated by our mind. There are
four types of thoughts, namely,
(a) Debating Thoughts (Thoughts that oscillate between „this‟ and „that‟)
(b) Deciding Thoughts (Thoughts that make a decision/ Knowledge)
(c) Ego Thoughts (I and Mine related thoughts)
(d) Memory Thoughts (Thoughts that are recorded in the past)
Thoughts are energy forms generated by the Intelligence Sheath and they drive
all our actions with the external world.
It uses five sense organs (Ear, skin, eyes, tongue and nose) and collect data
from the external world. These inputs are converted as thoughts and the dynamic
picture of the world is stored in our mind.
Statement 16: Psychological Sheath is also responsible for executing all actions
in the world.
It uses the three organs of actions (subtle legs, hands and tongue) to do all
actions.
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Statement 17: Ego thoughts are used to perceive the Intelligence Sheath.
Hand held Torch Light is normally used for seeing the external objects in
dark. Nevertheless, occasionally we use the torch to illuminate our own
face. Similarly, most of our thoughts deal with the external world. There
are some thoughts, which are about our body/intelligence. These are
called Ego Thoughts.
Statement 19: If will power is low, Psychological Sheath will disobey Intelligence
Sheath.
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Lesson 6: Intelligence sheath Session: C07
Waves arise where the ocean meets the ground. Similarly, thoughts arise in the
mind when there is an interaction with the external world. Quality and quantity of
waves depend on the depth of the ocean. Similarly, the more mature and
knowledgeable the mind will have less of wavering thoughts.
Statement 22: Intelligence Sheath cognizes the information from the external
world through the Psychological Sheath.
This sheath is the storehouse for all thoughts and converts information into
knowledge.
Statement 23: Knowledge determines the power and focus of the Intelligence
Sheath
Will power is part of the Intelligence Sheath and it is used for controlling the
Psychological Sheath.
Intelligence Sheath cannot be the meaning of the word I. There was a time (my
childhood) that I did not have intelligence and now I have intelligence. Therefore,
I am not the intelligence sheath.
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Lesson 7: Happiness sheath Session: C08
This is the final sheath to be uncovered before reaching the core. We experience
this sheath while in deep sleep. In deep sleep, we are totally unaware of our
physical sheath, psychological sheath and the intelligence sheath. (Physiological
sheath is functioning in the deep sleep but we are never conscious of its
functioning. Even while we are awake, we do not do anything to digest the food
or extract energy from it. It functions totally independently and hence is ignored)
We know on waking up that we had a very good peaceful sleep. That was our
Happiness Sheath.
When we are really happy the status is similar to deep sleep. Just as we can
never make the statement “I am sleeping now”, we can never make the
statement “I am happy now”.
We can only recall that we were very happy after the event.
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Unit 03 Role of Five Sheaths in evolution Number of Sessions 3
(10 to 12)
Number of Lessons 1
(8)
Compare the evolution as given in the lesson with Darwin‟s theory. Explain that
the only difference lies in the concept of Involution, which precedes evolution.
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Lesson 8: The process of evolution Session: C10 – C11
The five sheaths in the human being could be easily comprehended by seeing
their role in the evolution.
Statement 28: Physical Sheath is degradable and present in all objects in the
universe.
This combination is better and more evolved than an inert object. It is alive.
When the Physiological Sheath leaves the Physical Sheath, the latter becomes
an inert matter called dead body.
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Stage 3: Living beings (Examples: Animals, birds etc)
Thus, when these three sheaths are together life is more evolved
Intelligence Sheath makes the living beings control their destiny. The will power,
ego, self-awareness and the ability to put the knowledge into use resulting in
wisdom are the hallmark of this sheath. This sheath differentiates a Human Being
from other forms of life. This sheath is in a dormant state in other living beings.
Statement 31: Happiness Sheath when fully developed removes Ego in the
human beings
The final sheath namely the Happiness Sheath enables the living being to raise
himself up to the highest level. At this level, all the superiority/ inferiority
complexes, which are the symptoms of the Intelligence Sheath, will vanish. This
is in a dormant stage in the human being.
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Unit 04 Function of Five Sheaths Number of Sessions: 3
(13 – 15)
Number of Lessons: 1
(9)
Notes to the teacher: (Ref 3.26 and 3.27 of the original text)
Discuss the Happiness Sheath in detail because this might be the grey area from
the perspective of the student who may not have exposure to corporate structure
and functions
If appropriate, inform all the shareholders in all the companies in the world are
benami of ONE.
1. What are the functions of the Five Sheaths? Explain them by giving your
own examples.
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Lesson 9: Practical – Functions of the Sheaths Session: C13 – C14
In order to explain the functions of the five sheaths, they are compared to a
corporate environment:
The role and functions of the five sheaths are very similar to the above
comparison.
Physical Sheath: The entire interaction in the external world is done from this
sheath. The world sees only the corporate entity – not the infrastructure/ workers/
MD / Owner – for all practical purposes. This entity is just an artificial personality
that exists only in the eyes of law.
Psychological Sheath: Just like the work force in a corporate entity, which
executes all the functions in the organization, this sheath is responsible for
carrying out all the actions of the body. Only the workforce interacts with the
external world.
Intelligence Sheath: Like the MD of the corporate entity, the intelligence sheath
holds the position of doer. All actions of the corporate entity originate from the
MD. Suppose the company is involved in an illegal activity, the police will arrest
the MD. Similarly, for all our actions (and non-actions) the Intelligence Sheath is
responsible. Like MD, Intelligence Sheath deals with the next level internally.
Psychological Sheath deals with the external world through Physical Sheath.
Happiness Sheath: The owner of the corporate entity is not involved in the
working. Nevertheless, the operating results of the organization (profit or loss)
belong to the owner. Similarly, the Happiness Sheath is the enjoyer of all the
fruits of the action. In order to keep the owners happy, the MD gets involved in
action. If the intelligence does not have the correct picture of the environment it
will drive the body in the wrong direction in the search of happiness.
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Unit 05 Beyond the Five Sheaths Number of Sessions: 3
(16 – 18)
Number of Lessons: 1
(10)
Notes to the teacher: (Ref 3.10 and 3.21 of the original text)
This Unit is the most difficult in the sense the self-realization in the student
should happen when logically one moves beyond the five sheaths.
1. Write your perceptions on what remains after removing all the five
sheaths.
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Lesson 10: Practical – After Uncovering Session: C16 – C17
It is expected that we will find the meaning of the word I, after removing the five
sheaths. It is also said that the mere process of enquiry will remove the five
sheaths. We have enquired thoroughly the nature and functions of all the five
sheaths. Moreover, we have found out that the five sheaths are like a dress that
covers our body.
Yes, we are on the right path in our understanding of the meaning of the word I.
The one who removes all the five sheaths and find nothing inside has found the
meaning of the word „I‟.
The relationship of „I‟ with the FIVE SHEATHS is explained with an example:
Michael Jackson‟s personal secretary (who is an authorized signatory of
the bank account) visits the bank in chauffer driven limousine every day.
One day when the car enters the bank premises, the manager says
“There! He has come”. Someone who is new in the bank asks „who‟ and
gets an answer „Michael Jackson‟. Therefore, he eagerly looks out and
sees the car.
Michael Jackson is not the car. (The car represents our physical body.)
He is not the automotive power that drives the car. (Physiological sheath)
The onlooker knows all these things but he is hoping that the person who
gets down from the limousine is Michael Jackson. However, unfortunately
only the Personal Secretary (Happiness Sheath) is getting down.
As far as the bank is concerned Michael Jackson has visited the bank.
Similarly, we have five sheaths, which interact with the external world. I am
represented by
Happiness Sheath as The enjoyer
Intelligence Sheath as The doer
Psychological Sheath as The executor
Physiological Sheath as The motive power
Physical Sheath as The instrument
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Question: Still I do not experience myself as I experience my five sheaths?
Any object in the universe, which does not fulfill any one of the above conditions,
can be stated to be non-existent.
For example if someone says there is cat here on the table but you cannot
experience it, then the statement is a lie. Therefore, it is not possible to say an
object exists but cannot be experienced. If something is not experienced / cannot
be experienced then it does not exist.
Example: We cannot see our own eye. (What we see in the mirror is the
reflection of our eye). However, since we see the reflection we know that
we have eyes although we do not perceive them directly.
Similarly, the knower who is the subject, who experiences all objects,
cannot experience himself. If the status of the subject is changed as an
object, then there will be a question mark on who is the subject of that
object.
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Because I am the subject who is experiencing the entire creation, I cannot be
experienced by definition. There is no one else other than me to experience me!
A candle light does not need a sun light to reveal itself since it is self-
revealing.
All the objects in the world are known only through me. Since nothing other than
me exists it is not possible to know myself. If there is some other knower to know
me then the question „who will know that knower!‟ arises. It will be like a blind
person searching for a black cat in a dark room that is not there. One will never
find it. Thus, the knower cannot be known.
Similarly, the knower is the one who identifies all the five sheaths and cannot find
anyone else except self. Self exists, but cannot be counted as an object.
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Example: The source of sweetness in coffee is from Sugar. Coffee is bitter
by nature. It borrows sweetness from sugar. Where does sugar get its
sweetness? It does not get it from anywhere nor can any other object lend
sweetness to it. Sweetness is naturally available in sugar.
If one wants to know the origin of sweetness in sugar, his search will be
endless. Sugar‟s inherent nature is sweetness and it does not need to
borrow sweetness from elsewhere as the other items do. Moreover, no
other item is capable of giving sweetness to sugar.
Thus the meaning of the word I is SELF (or ONE) which is not knowable as an
object because I am the subject.
SELF exists as something else other than objects that are known /unknown.
We can only pity such a person and hope he matures to become more intelligent
and then start this enquiry. His mind is not sufficiently prepared to receive this
knowledge.
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Unit 06 Our Real Nature Number of Sessions: 5
(19 – 23)
Number of Lessons 4
(11 – 14)
(a) Prove that our real nature is Immortal, Infinite and Happiness
Notes to the teacher: (Ref 3.28 and 3.43 of the original text)
The learning must center on the student‟s ability to logically derive that we are
Immortal, Infinite and Happiness.
166
Lesson 11: Immortality Session: C19
If we identify ourselves with the physical sheath we are mortals and finite.
However, the moment we know the truth that, we are not the sheaths but the
subject, which experiences everything, and then we know we are immortal and
infinite.
Example: As long as our friend from Alaska thinks about the coconut on
the tree, it is big and unbreakable for him. However, the moment he thinks
about the inner core it is tender and edible.
Similarly, since I cannot recall when I started existing, I should have been
existing all the time. That means I am immortal.
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In all these statements, we see the sheaths are undergoing changes. The „I‟,
which is changeless, is the one who can observe the changes. If I was also
changing then there is no way the changes of the sheaths can be observed.
For example if a pot is made out of clay, someone has observed its birth.
If it is broken and destroyed, someone who is aware of its existence
acknowledges its destruction.
However, in case of the SELF there is nothing other than SELF it has to
be immortal.
That which is negated by someone is false and mortal. Ultimately, the one
who negates everything else cannot be negated. Since we have negated
everything in the universe, we are immortal.
Thus, I am immortal.
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Lesson 12: Infinity Session: C20
Infinite is a boundless entity, which is not limited by time, space and object.
There can be only one infinite. If there is more than one infinite, then one limits
the other and therefore both are not infinite.
If we focus our attention on the form, we will see the chain, ring and
necklace as different entities but if we focus on the substance, then all of
them is one substance, gold.
Thus if we focus ourselves with the substratum of the entire universe, then we
are limitless, infinite.
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Question: How can I have two contradicting natures being immortal/infinite
and being a mortal limited by time, space and human body?
This is possible because these opposing attributes do not belong to the same
order of reality.
Example: Two 5 year olds fight for a balloon. The fight is real. However,
suppose one of them is 50 years old and the other is 5 year old, the
situation is different. When both of them are fighting for the same balloon,
for the 5 year old it is absolute reality. If he does not get the balloon from
the 50-year-old, he will be terribly upset. However, for the 50 year old it is
a relative reality. Of course he fights for the balloon. Nevertheless, gaining
the balloon or losing it does not make any difference to him.
The problems of the world belong to a lower order of reality, which can coexist
with our real status. It is like drowning in a swimming pool in a dream. Nothing
happens to the person sleeping in the bed whether the dreamer drowns or is
saved. Similarly, nothing happens to us whether we succeed or fail.
Situations in the life on earth as a human being are given a higher status of
reality due to our ignorance. It is as if the 50-year-old man really gets affected if
he loses the balloon to the 5 year old! It is quite possible for him to get hurt, not
because he lost the balloon but because he has given undue reality to it.
The objects, persons and events in the life on the earth do not pose themselves
to be real. They are part of the illusion and never claim to be the absolute reality.
Due to our ignorance we think they are for real and get caught in the misery (or
otherwise) of life.
The moment we understand that, we are different from the five sheaths then we
are liberated.
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Lesson 13: Limitless Session: C21
The mere fact that we are infinite makes us limitless. There is nothing in the
universe other than me. This means there is nothing to gain.
If I know, my real nature is immortal and infinite then my life on earth will get
transformed. I will live the life joyfully since I will not be giving reality to the
illusion of objects, persons and events that happen around me. In fact mere living
is entertainment since I know that all the objects and persons around me are also
rooted in the same reality. It is like acting in a drama in which none of the other
actors knows that they are as if acting. Although I will also be acting my role that
will suit the given situation, I can enjoy the performance of others since they are
under the assumption that the drama is real life.
The events and results of the transactions in the drama will not affect my mental
balance. I will not have any cause to feel anger, irritation and frustration in life.
Those who are ignorant that they are acting will be following the scripts (codes of
conduct imposed by society, government, Vedas and the environment) either
willingly or unwillingly. However, I do my part willingly all the time.
(Since we are functioning in the world using the five sheaths how can we function
with the sense of immortality. If someone is shooting at me should I not try to
escape?)
This is easy to solve since we are already doing this in our day-to-day life.
Similarly, when I am dealing with the world I am a fellow human being who is
mortal and limited. Nevertheless, in reality I am immortal and infinite just like
everyone/ everything else. While playing the role of the human being as father,
employee or whatever I will do the role appropriately but I will be conscious of my
real status as an immortal being. If someone is shooting at me I will not claim I
am immortal and stand straight in front of the bullet.
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Lesson 14: Summary of FIVE Sheaths Session: C22
Normally we are living with the wrong understanding of the meaning of the word
„I‟. In order to gain the correct meaning one has to enquire about the five sheaths
and mentally discard each one of them as not being part of who I am.
Psychological sheath is not me because the thoughts keep changing all the time
and I am aware of all the thought modifications
I am an immortal and infinite entity who is temporarily occupying the five sheaths
functioning in this world.
As and when I understand this true nature of myself, I am free from the miseries
of the world.
All the experiences in the world are a combination of two factors. One is the
observing subject and another is the object that undergoes the experience. If I
am aware that the observing subject is I, I am liberated and live a joyful life.
Instead, if I identify myself only with the object that undergoes the experience
then life will oscillate between pleasure and pain.
Example: When we see any object, we really see two things, the object
and the light. Generally, we are ignorant of the existence of light, even
though we perceive it all the time. (If we do not perceive it, we cannot see
the object in the first place)
Similarly, I am the subject that perceives all the objects but I get lost in what is
observed. Understanding this truth will enable me to live joyfully.
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