Vijnyanamayakosha

What is it?

The Vijnyanamayakosha is the layer of being of knowledge of wisdom that is recognized as 'Witness Consciousness'. This serves as the witness for thoughts, emotions, body sensations, etc. and is the guide for spiritual awakening.

Yoga practices that work with this Kosha

Dharana and Dhyana address this Kosha. These are practices of trainging and directing the mind with single-minded concentration. These practices help to calm the mind and connect with the subtle and deep underlying level of openess and peace.

One can see the benefits of working with the wisdom body through their reactions to their thoughts and beliefs. Individuals who are identified with ego tend to be caught in their daily stories and dramas. At the level of Vijnyanamayakosha, the individual is able to step away from these stories and look beyond their personal self and connect with the greater meaning and context of who/what we are. At this level, we de-condition ourselves from our core sets of beliefs.

References

• Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training Manual, Nosara Yoga Institute
• Professional Yoga Therapist Manual, created by Integrative Yoga Therapy, 2006, Joseph LePage
• Yoga and Ayurveda by David Frawley