SATHYA SAI BABA ON THE STHULA (GROSS), SUKSHMA (SUBTLE)
AND KARANA (CAUSAL) WORLDS
by Ms. Christan Mackenzie, Gold Coast, Australia
RADIOSAI Posted on: May 02, 2016
pART 1, 2, 3, 4
PART 1
Om, the Primeval Sound Through All of This,
The Story of Creation,
About the Three Bodies
selected texts only - for complete text follow link at bottom of each part
Much of our knowledge of the sentient universe is derived from scientific and rational exploration. But such tools, we must admit, are inadequate to understand the subtle unseen world, which often forms the basis of creation. What is the relationship between the Creator and the created? What is our true nature? Are we the perishable body, or are we the one garbed in the body and mind? When an Avatar comes in our midst, apart from benefiting from the proximity of such a pure being, we also get to listen from Him some secrets about creation which are beyond the ken of reasoning.
Sadly some of the words of the Avatar and certain spiritual concepts are being misused by people with vested interests to give spiritual authenticity to their otherwise unacceptable, unfortunate actions. One such concept is that of the ‘Subtle Body’. Instead of blaming people for misusing these concepts, going to the very ‘Source’ and learning these concepts would be a rather fruitful effort. The article we wish to share with you today, is the brilliant compilation by Ms. Christan Mackenzie, where in, she gives us a complete idea of what Swami speaks about the nature of creation, the seen and the unseen world and its relation to the Supreme. Going through this article only makes us feel gratitude towards Bhagawan for having shared with us such esoteric wisdom. And of course, our sincere thanks to Ms. Mackenzie for bringing His words to us from various sources (Discourses over the years, interactions with devotees and Swami’s writings). For us Sai devotees there can be nothing more authentic on this theme, or any for that matter, than His words.
Sadly some of the words of the Avatar and certain spiritual concepts are being misused by people with vested interests to give spiritual authenticity to their otherwise unacceptable, unfortunate actions. One such concept is that of the ‘Subtle Body’. Instead of blaming people for misusing these concepts, going to the very ‘Source’ and learning these concepts would be a rather fruitful effort. The article we wish to share with you today, is the brilliant compilation by Ms. Christan Mackenzie, where in, she gives us a complete idea of what Swami speaks about the nature of creation, the seen and the unseen world and its relation to the Supreme. Going through this article only makes us feel gratitude towards Bhagawan for having shared with us such esoteric wisdom. And of course, our sincere thanks to Ms. Mackenzie for bringing His words to us from various sources (Discourses over the years, interactions with devotees and Swami’s writings). For us Sai devotees there can be nothing more authentic on this theme, or any for that matter, than His words.
In man, the three ‘bodies’ have between them five kosas or shields that encase the Atma, and which give a sense of individuality and separation from the whole to the jivi (individual soul). These sheaths are:
Food sheath (Annamaya-kosa) - associated with the sthula (gross) body
Vital sheath (Pranamaya-kosa) - part of the sukshma (subtle) body
Mental sheath (Manomaya-kosa) - part of the sukshma (subtle) body
Intellectual sheath (Vijnanamaya-kosa) - part of the sukshma (subtle) body
Bliss sheath (Anandamaya-kosa) - associated with the karana (causal) body.
All these bodies refer to conscious states - vibration, radiation and functioning of the Atmic power embodied in man.
- Summer Showers in Brindavan, 1993 pp 2-3
Food sheath (Annamaya-kosa) - associated with the sthula (gross) body
Vital sheath (Pranamaya-kosa) - part of the sukshma (subtle) body
Mental sheath (Manomaya-kosa) - part of the sukshma (subtle) body
Intellectual sheath (Vijnanamaya-kosa) - part of the sukshma (subtle) body
Bliss sheath (Anandamaya-kosa) - associated with the karana (causal) body.
All these bodies refer to conscious states - vibration, radiation and functioning of the Atmic power embodied in man.
- Summer Showers in Brindavan, 1993 pp 2-3
about the three bodies
Man awake in sthula is called Viswa, because he is fully invoked in the objective physical world. When dreaming he is sukshma and also referred to as taijas, meaning he is lit by the inner light - a subjective, experiential non-physical world. In deep sleep he is in karana consciousness and this state is also called sushupti, where all is latent in cause but unmanifest and beyond all sense of duality. In mahakarana, man is subsumed in Universal Consciousness, bliss way beyond body and mind.
PART 2
These bodies are examined individually below in a little more detail.
SELECTED TEXTS ONLY - FOR COMPLETE TEXT FOLLOW LINK AT BOTTOM of each part
THE SUKSHMA-SARIRA
• Is a combination of three kosas or shields. It is made up of the Pranamaya, Manomaya and Vignanamaya kosas (the vital air sheath, the mental sheath and the sheath of intellect or discrimination).
• Is the term for the dream or ‘light body’ unique to man because it contains the Vignanamaya kosa, the discrimination/higher wisdom shield which other embodied beings do not have.
• Has all the constituents of the sthula (gross body), except it doesn’t have the organs of bodily action.
• Undergoes the consequences of karma - good deeds and bad which we can understand because it is in the realm of mind, feeling and wisdom.
• Functions in the dream state.
It (the sukshma-sarira) functions in the dream state. In this state, the individual is oriented inwards. In it, man creates for himself a new world. The dream is itself the proof of its reality. It (the sukshma-sarira) is self-constituted with no external relations. In the dream state, everything is created by the mind - forms, sounds and taste, which are experienced without any physical basis for them. This entire experience is limited to the individual concerned. If, for instance, ten persons are sleeping in one room, each person's dream is unique to himself. Each one's actions in the dream are unique to himself. There is no relationship between the dream and the waking state.
- Divine Discourse, 07 Jul 1990, Prasanthi Nilayam
• Is the term for the dream or ‘light body’ unique to man because it contains the Vignanamaya kosa, the discrimination/higher wisdom shield which other embodied beings do not have.
• Has all the constituents of the sthula (gross body), except it doesn’t have the organs of bodily action.
• Undergoes the consequences of karma - good deeds and bad which we can understand because it is in the realm of mind, feeling and wisdom.
• Functions in the dream state.
It (the sukshma-sarira) functions in the dream state. In this state, the individual is oriented inwards. In it, man creates for himself a new world. The dream is itself the proof of its reality. It (the sukshma-sarira) is self-constituted with no external relations. In the dream state, everything is created by the mind - forms, sounds and taste, which are experienced without any physical basis for them. This entire experience is limited to the individual concerned. If, for instance, ten persons are sleeping in one room, each person's dream is unique to himself. Each one's actions in the dream are unique to himself. There is no relationship between the dream and the waking state.
- Divine Discourse, 07 Jul 1990, Prasanthi Nilayam
Bhagawan gives examples of this in various discourses. What happens in the dream state is not real in the waking state, and what happens in the waking state is not real in the dream state. For this reason, Bhagawan says the waking and the dream state have no relationship.
part 3
Distinguishing External Appearances,
Does the Sukshma-Sarira Manifest in the Waking State?
Does the Sukshma-Sarira Survive Death?
Karana (Causal),
Mahakarana (Super Causal)
SELECTED TEXTS ONLY - FOR COMPLETE TEXT FOLLOW LINK AT BOTTOM OF EACH PART
Baba teaches that the sukshma-sarira, the dream or ‘light body’ lit by the Atma, is unique to the individual concerned, is private to them and it functions in the dream state.
There is no suggestion that the appearances of God to Radha and Druva were the sukshma-sarira of the Lord, and one needs to be careful about making such deductions about very specific terms such as this. It is not suggested in Baba’s discourses that Radha and Druva were dreaming! Simply, the term sukshma-sarira is not the correct application for apparitions of God in the physical world.
There is no suggestion that the appearances of God to Radha and Druva were the sukshma-sarira of the Lord, and one needs to be careful about making such deductions about very specific terms such as this. It is not suggested in Baba’s discourses that Radha and Druva were dreaming! Simply, the term sukshma-sarira is not the correct application for apparitions of God in the physical world.
Does the Sukshma-Sarira Survive Death?
In conversations with John Hislop, Sai Baba answered this question directly (He also points out that the subtle body doesn’t have body-senses).
Hislop: When I am absent from Baba's physical person and far away in America, I know of His actual Presence by the jasmine perfume. Someone said it was smelled by the smell-sense of the subtle body, is this correct?
Sai: No. Senses are in the physical body. Subtle body does not have senses. The perfume is known by the physical senses.
Hislop: Does man have three bodies?
Sai: Yes. Body, Mind and Soul. Physical body, subtle body and causal body. On death, the physical and subtle bodies disintegrate, but the causal body remains.
(Conversations with Sai, Part 18)
The karana-sarira is the only body of man that categorically survives death of the sthula-sarira and the disintegration of the sukshma-sarira. The anandamaya kosa (bliss sheath) and the vignanamaya (the discriminatory power, the intelligence sheath) remain – but the other three kosas that form the body and mind (Annamaya, pranamaya and manomaya) do not.
Hislop: When I am absent from Baba's physical person and far away in America, I know of His actual Presence by the jasmine perfume. Someone said it was smelled by the smell-sense of the subtle body, is this correct?
Sai: No. Senses are in the physical body. Subtle body does not have senses. The perfume is known by the physical senses.
Hislop: Does man have three bodies?
Sai: Yes. Body, Mind and Soul. Physical body, subtle body and causal body. On death, the physical and subtle bodies disintegrate, but the causal body remains.
(Conversations with Sai, Part 18)
The karana-sarira is the only body of man that categorically survives death of the sthula-sarira and the disintegration of the sukshma-sarira. The anandamaya kosa (bliss sheath) and the vignanamaya (the discriminatory power, the intelligence sheath) remain – but the other three kosas that form the body and mind (Annamaya, pranamaya and manomaya) do not.
PART 4
On the Avatar,
Owning God Within Ourselves,
Understanding Our Own Experience,
Clarifying Our Motives
SELECTED TEXTS ONLY - FOR COMPLETE TEXT FOLLOW LINK AT BOTTOM OF EACH PART
Understanding Our Own Experience
Bhagawan teaches that all life is a dream, all this is an illusion, a projection of Brahman. Nothing except the underlying Atma is real. None of the so-called bodies are real. Life is in constant flux and change. Yet Truth is eternally Truth, but actions of the bodies are all based in Maya! He calls the sthula, sukshma and karana the bodies of deception - in fact, He says that they are demons to be transcended!
(Bhagawan refers to the Tripura-asuras, as the demons of the three bodies, Sthula, Sukshma and Karana - Divine Discourse, 11 Feb 1964, Prasanthi Nilayam)
However, when we are feeling flat, bored, doubting or even feeling rejected we may put our magnetic energy into something new and appealing, something or someone outside of ourselves. This can be likened to a kind of spiritual tourism that brings a sense of excitement, the thrill of adventure and discovery. Sai Baba says:
Human life is given to man to know himself and to realise God. People worship God and pray to Him. When their desires are fulfilled, they are very happy. If their desires are not fulfilled, they change even the photo of the deity in their altar. If we worship God only to fulfil our desires, then it is not true worship. Our love and devotion for God should be changeless. It should not change under any circumstances. Love is the very form of God. Love is God. Live in love.
(Divine Discourse, 14/04/2006, Kodaikanal)
Bhagawan strongly advises to watch out for shysters, tricksters and frauds and imitators. He is so strong on this topic and the dangers of following ‘gurus’ who have a trace of ego. He also distinguishes between the powers of His Body (that of the Purna Avatar Sathya Sai Baba) and lower level ‘magic’ practised by magicians.
Of course, there is magic in the world both white and black; but, the manifestation of Divine Power must not be interpreted as magic. Can the crow's egg and the cuckoo's egg be identified as belonging to one class? Magicians play their tricks for earning a livelihood. They use it for worldly fame and wealth. They are based on falsehood and they thrive on deceit and ignorance. This Body can never stoop to that level. No; never. This Body has come through Divine Sankalpa (Resolve), to come. That resolve is intended to uphold Sathya. Bhagavath-sankalpa (God's resolve) is always Sathya-sankalpa (resolve that comes true). Everyone knows the strict discipline of Prasanthi Nilayam; the order is "Not even a flower is to be brought!"
(Divine Discourse, 17 Dec 1964, Vyasashram, Yerpedu)
One might think He had said all these, knowing the very real dangers and challenges that would be present for His devotees when He passed. These days there are tricksters and ‘black magicians’ about cashing in on and abusing Baba’s name in the game for money and power. People who would be devotees of Sathya Sai Baba - beware of these sticky traps!
(Bhagawan refers to the Tripura-asuras, as the demons of the three bodies, Sthula, Sukshma and Karana - Divine Discourse, 11 Feb 1964, Prasanthi Nilayam)
However, when we are feeling flat, bored, doubting or even feeling rejected we may put our magnetic energy into something new and appealing, something or someone outside of ourselves. This can be likened to a kind of spiritual tourism that brings a sense of excitement, the thrill of adventure and discovery. Sai Baba says:
Human life is given to man to know himself and to realise God. People worship God and pray to Him. When their desires are fulfilled, they are very happy. If their desires are not fulfilled, they change even the photo of the deity in their altar. If we worship God only to fulfil our desires, then it is not true worship. Our love and devotion for God should be changeless. It should not change under any circumstances. Love is the very form of God. Love is God. Live in love.
(Divine Discourse, 14/04/2006, Kodaikanal)
Bhagawan strongly advises to watch out for shysters, tricksters and frauds and imitators. He is so strong on this topic and the dangers of following ‘gurus’ who have a trace of ego. He also distinguishes between the powers of His Body (that of the Purna Avatar Sathya Sai Baba) and lower level ‘magic’ practised by magicians.
Of course, there is magic in the world both white and black; but, the manifestation of Divine Power must not be interpreted as magic. Can the crow's egg and the cuckoo's egg be identified as belonging to one class? Magicians play their tricks for earning a livelihood. They use it for worldly fame and wealth. They are based on falsehood and they thrive on deceit and ignorance. This Body can never stoop to that level. No; never. This Body has come through Divine Sankalpa (Resolve), to come. That resolve is intended to uphold Sathya. Bhagavath-sankalpa (God's resolve) is always Sathya-sankalpa (resolve that comes true). Everyone knows the strict discipline of Prasanthi Nilayam; the order is "Not even a flower is to be brought!"
(Divine Discourse, 17 Dec 1964, Vyasashram, Yerpedu)
One might think He had said all these, knowing the very real dangers and challenges that would be present for His devotees when He passed. These days there are tricksters and ‘black magicians’ about cashing in on and abusing Baba’s name in the game for money and power. People who would be devotees of Sathya Sai Baba - beware of these sticky traps!
CLARIFYING OUR MOTIVES
We must always question our own motives, be aware of our personal projections and wishes, know we are powerful and creative, that we generate magnetic energy with our thoughts and our devotion, and ask with all our hearts for Truth and only Truth, laying aside personal wishes and desires for excitement and fun and desire for the latest gimmicks and gurus. Let us all pray that our paths stay true and clear of such distractions that lead us to waste our energy and time.
Sai Baba says to take God as the Inner Guru.
Do not seek human Gurus, however great their reputation.
They are not gu (gunatheetha - beyond the gunas).
They are bound by the qualities they have developed.
They are not ru (rupa varjita - beyond form);
They are still in need of form, so that they may conceive of Reality.
As they themselves are limited, how can they communicate to you the Unlimited?
Pray to the God within you,
The Maheshwara, the Vishnu, the Brahma, or Parabrahman Principle to reveal Itself.
Accept That as the Guru and you will be illumined.
When the Guru is himself struggling in the dark, how can he lead others on?
When he is himself a beggar, in search of moneyed men,
How can he be free and strict as a teacher?
When moha (infatuation) predominates, moksha is a will-o'-the-wisp.
You may eat a tiny grain of sugar like an ant and be contented with the grain.
But you must grow into an elephant that will eat with relish a whole bundle of sugarcane!
The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer for the progressive upsurge of intelligence,
So that Truth may be grasped by the seeker.
Subordinate the mind to the pure intelligence that is but a reflection of the God within.
Then, you have the Guru of gurus, as Guide.
(Divine Discourse, 18 Jul 1970, Prasanthi Nilayam)
Do not seek human Gurus, however great their reputation.
They are not gu (gunatheetha - beyond the gunas).
They are bound by the qualities they have developed.
They are not ru (rupa varjita - beyond form);
They are still in need of form, so that they may conceive of Reality.
As they themselves are limited, how can they communicate to you the Unlimited?
Pray to the God within you,
The Maheshwara, the Vishnu, the Brahma, or Parabrahman Principle to reveal Itself.
Accept That as the Guru and you will be illumined.
When the Guru is himself struggling in the dark, how can he lead others on?
When he is himself a beggar, in search of moneyed men,
How can he be free and strict as a teacher?
When moha (infatuation) predominates, moksha is a will-o'-the-wisp.
You may eat a tiny grain of sugar like an ant and be contented with the grain.
But you must grow into an elephant that will eat with relish a whole bundle of sugarcane!
The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer for the progressive upsurge of intelligence,
So that Truth may be grasped by the seeker.
Subordinate the mind to the pure intelligence that is but a reflection of the God within.
Then, you have the Guru of gurus, as Guide.
(Divine Discourse, 18 Jul 1970, Prasanthi Nilayam)
www.theTrueSai.weebly.com © 2020
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.