Jñānamaya Kosha, The Five Hindrances (Part 4) and Rosa Parks
January 26, 2025
8 min read
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{Body}
The jñānamaya kosha
This is Part 4 of 5.
In yoga, koshas are the five layers (or sheaths) of your being, progressing from the physical to the intangible and increasingly subtle.
The jnānamaya kosha, or "wisdom sheath," is the fourth layer.
If the annamaya kosha is your hardware, the prānamaya kosha is the electricity that powers it, and the the manomaya kosha is your software, the jnānamaya kosha is the natural wisdom that knows how to use the system.
While the manomaya kosha deals with mind processes — thoughts, emotions, and sensory impressions — the jnānamaya kosha describes a deeper intelligence: the intuitive understanding guiding your sense of truth.
It is the discernment that separates fleeting desires from lasting fulfillment, the insight that transcends logical thought, and the silent knowing that aligns you with your purpose.
Unlike the surface-level chatter of the mind, this sheath operates beyond duality. It might be experienced as a gut feeling, a profound realization, or a quiet inner voice that knows the way forward even when your thoughts cloud your guidance.
In this layer, knowledge isn’t accumulated facts (as it is in the mind), but an intrinsic, indescribable understanding of your interconnectedness with all things. Because of this, it is known as the subtlest, most refined part of our manifested Universe.
That said, there is still one sheath left on our journey within — the sheath that transcends all matter, energy, thinking, and knowing — the anandamaya kosha. Stay tuned next week for that.
{Mind}
Hindrances during meditation
This is Part 4 of 5.
During his life, the Buddha outlined various obstacles, stages, and revelations encountered on the Path to enlightenment.
In one of his well-known teachings, he describes "the Five Hindrances" — mental obstructions that block the development of one’s meditation practice, a crucial vehicle for attaining enlightenment.
The fourth of these hindrances is known as Uddhacca, or restlessness.
Uddhacca is the all-too-familiar state wherein your mind constantly jumps from one thought to the next. It’s the (nearly) unbearable feeling of being pulled in multiple directions, unable to sit still, either mentally or physically. It’s when your thoughts race, when you’re fidgety, and your mind insists that it has to be somewhere else.
This hindrance often appears after being bombarded with dozens of different subjects while scrolling the news or social media, or when you’re overwhelmed with everything you “need” to do or worry about.
According to the Buddha, the only way out of uddhacca is by developing samādhi (concentration) and upekkhā (equanimity), a challenging task in today’s dopamine-driven world.
Here are some practical ways to handle it:
Count your breaths — inhale four, hold seven, exhale eight is a great anchor whenever your mind starts to scatter.
Use gentle movements — if restlessness manifests in the body, practice mindfulness while doing cat/cows.
Create a routine — a predictable meditation schedule helps train the mind to settle into stillness over time.
Practice mindfulness throughout the day — integrate moments of stillness into your daily activities, whether it's in walking, eating, or washing dishes.
Detox from your phone — go on an information diet by cutting out all media consumption for 3 days.
Lemon balm tea — there’s no better herb for relaxing your nerve receptors than lemon balm. Make sure you get tea without “natural flavors” in the ingredients list.
{Soul}
Fear is relentless — a master illusionist.
Its sole mission? To both exaggerate your endowments and minimize your potential; to simultaneously convince you to be larger than you really are, and smaller than you need to be.
Courage is what dismantles this illusion. It is what corrects the toxic misalignments of overcompensation and false humility. It is the bridge all spiritual seekers must eventually pass over.
Despite what fear whispers to you, courage is surprisingly simple to cultivate. In moments of doubt or arrogance, repeat to yourself: “I’m willing to see this differently. I’m willing to release my grievances. I’m willing to take the first step.”
Sincere willingness creates a subtle opening, nudging you through the doorway of courage. It primes your system to do what is right, either by surrendering your ego or going beyond it.
With each layer you surrender, fear begins to dissolve, like shadows retreating before the light. And it is in this light that courage is kindled, and the Path becomes clear.
January 19, 2025
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