Uncovering the Sacred Layers: Ānanadamaya Kośa
Deep within the realm of our being exists a state of pure bliss and joy—an innermost layer known as the Ānanadamaya Kośa. It is within this ethereal layer that we tap into the essence of our true nature and experience the boundless joy that resides within.
The Ānanadamaya Kośa is considered the deepest and most subtle of the five kośa, or layers, that constitute our being. As we journey through the various kośa, from the outermost physical body to the innermost core, we gradually peel away the layers of conditioning and limitations, uncovering a state of profound happiness and tranquility.
In daily life, we often get entangled in the busyness of the external world, becoming disconnected from our innermost self. The Ānanadamaya Kośa reminds us that there is more to our existence than what meets the eye. It invites us to venture beyond the superficial and embrace the vastness and beauty that dwell within.
To awaken and nourish the Ānanadamaya Kośa, we must traverse the path of self-discovery and self-realization. Our yoga practices like āsana, meditation, breathwork, and chanting, serve as gateways to accessing this state of bliss. In fact, the aim of all yoga practice is to travel through the layers of being, to reach this core. In the third verse of Patañjali’s yoga sūtra he says that when we reside in the space where the mind is still, we reside in our true nature, bliss. By quieting the fluctuations of the mind and surrendering to the present moment, we create space for the Ānanadamaya Kośa to emerge and envelop us.
When the Ānanadamaya Kośa is activated, we experience a profound sense of interconnectedness with all beings and the universe itself. Our fears and anxieties dissipate, replaced by a deep knowing that we are an integral part of a greater whole. From this vantage point, life takes on new meaning, and our actions become infused with love, compassion, and mindfulness.
Through the exploration of the Ānanadamaya Kośa, we begin to realize that bliss is not an external pursuit or a result of material possessions or accomplishments. Instead, it is an inherent aspect of our being, waiting to be recognized and awakened. By embracing this understanding, we unlock our potential for living a life steeped in fulfillment, contentment, and joy.
Catch up with this series by reading the first 4 parts here: