We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
Yogis learn that their “beingness” comprises three bodies — gross, subtle, and causal. Within these bodies are further contained five koshas:
1) GROSS body — Annamaya Kosha (physical being)
2) SUBTLE body — Pranamaya (energy), Manomaya (mental & emotional), and Vijnanamaya (intuitive/wisdom) Koshas
3) CAUSAL body — Anandamaya Kosha (bliss; beyond gross & subtle)
The Gross body of muscle and tissue encases the Subtle body, which encases the Causal body. The practice of yoga cultivates and purifies the Subtle body from limitations and bondage. The yogi’s concentrated imagination creates the ‘yoga-body’ that then accumulates great powers and becomes immortal. In essence, by purifying the subtle body and training the imagination through meditation, the whole being acquires divine powers — Sat-chit-ananda (ever there, ever aware, ever joyful).
I’ve tried to capture this journey to wholeness below in my poem, Divine Genius. If you wish to hear me reading it aloud, click on the audio link.
Divine Genius
On the horizon awaits the wholeness
of a new skin tingling with contented joy.
For when chaos and confusion collide,
the convergence is genius.
It’s a familiar cycle witnessed many times,
tho’ doubt and distraction still volley to and fro.
To stay in our genius, while shifting sands
shatter balance, is to wave away the ditch of doubt.
To awaken stillness, so wisdom winds its way
home, is to know the ditch of discovery.
In divine genius, life is encoded uncut.
Each element holds the imprint to unite.
Shutting away worldly ties that hobble
opens wide inner caverns of the heart.
Love every living thing, touch tenderly, and
witness the rapid approach of divine destiny.
SOURCES:
1. White, David Gordon. 2000, “Tantra in Practice: Mapping a Tradition,” in Tantra in Practice, 14.
